The Memory Hole Podcast

Jenna Martin, the creator and host of The Memory Hole podcast, dives deep into the controversial recovered memory movement. She unpacks the timeline of its rise and how it became embedded in therapy and culture, discussing key texts like *The Courage to Heal*. Jenna emphasizes the distinction between real trauma and unverified recovered memories, cautioning against the pseudoscience still present among professionals. The conversation also explores the cultural narratives in literature and film that perpetuate these ideas, setting the stage for her upcoming season.

Nicholas Dames, a Columbia University humanities professor and author of *Amnestic Selves*, joins Dan Chaon, renowned for his novel *Ill Will*, to delve into the intricate dance of memory in fiction. They discuss how nostalgia has evolved from a clinical condition to a tool for personal growth, highlighting literary portrayals, especially by Jane Austen. The duo explores memory's fallibility, particularly in the face of trauma and identity, and emphasizes how storytelling shapes our emotional narratives and perceptions of the past.

Katie Roiphe, an esteemed author and journalist, delves into the intricate connections between trauma and storytelling. She discusses the haunting narratives of childhood sexual abuse in fiction, particularly through 'Twin Peaks' and 'The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer.' Roiphe critiques how societal clichés around victimhood can overshadow genuine psychological insights. Additionally, she explores how the zeitgeist influences storytelling, shaping our cultural memory and identity in profound ways. This thought-provoking conversation challenges listeners to rethink the complexities of trauma narratives.

In this engaging discussion, Kate St. Vincent Vogl, a memoirist and writing instructor, teams up with Patrick Bray, a French literature professor at University College London. They tackle the intricate art of memoir writing, exploring how personal memories shape narratives and the challenges of portraying trauma. The conversation dives into Proust's insights on involuntary memory and the powerful connection between sensory experiences and identity. Their insights reveal the emotional depths tied to memory, offering a fresh perspective on personal storytelling.

Andromeda Romano-Lax, an author and educator known for her suspense novels and insights on writing, dives into the intriguing connections between memory and mystery. She discusses how the genre reflects psychological theories, highlighting early works like Wilkie Collins' 'The Moonstone.' The conversation also explores unreliable narrators in modern thrillers and their role in shaping reader perceptions. Additionally, Andromeda examines the cultural impact of media on memory and how literary representations influence our understanding of trauma and dementia.

Reflecting on how fiction often conveys deeper empathy than self-help books, the discussion uncovers memory's complex role in narratives. It critiques the inaccuracies of amnesia in psychological thrillers and explores iconic films like The Bourne Identity and Memento, showcasing how memory loss enriches stories. The podcast challenges perceptions of repression, pondering its cultural significance and the influence of Freud's theories. Join a fascinating journey into the narrative power of memory and our understanding of storytelling.

In this intriguing trailer, authors Andromeda Romano-Lax and Kat Rosenfield dive into the fascinating interplay of memory and storytelling. They explore the emotional depths of forgotten moments, using the metaphor of missing hours to illustrate how narratives are shaped and manipulated. Prepare for a season filled with thought-provoking insights on the nature of memory within fiction.

Show notes for Episode 6:Carrie Poppyhttps://maximumfun.org/about/team/carrie-poppy/Historian Edward ShorterFrom Paralysis to Fatigue; a history of psychosomatic illness in the modern eraIdioms of distresshttps://www.brightfutures.org/concerns/culture/cultural-concepts.htmlArticle in The Cut:The Memory War; Jennifer Freyd accused her father of sexual abuse. Her parents’ attempt to discredit her created a defense for countless sex offenders.Carrie’s response: The Letters New York Magazine Hasn’t Printed. Meredith MaranInterview 5/23/2023My Lie; A True Story of False MemoryForward to the second edition Diana Russell’s book, The Secret Trauma, published in 1999. https://www.dianarussell.com/the_great_incest_war.htmlCover art collage by Jena Martin, using Solitude by Frederick Leighton 1890 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jenamartin.substack.com

Opening: The Confessions of St. Augustine, AD 401https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3296/3296-h/3296-h.htmInterviews:Dr. Henry OtgaarPersonal WebsiteMaastricht University Interview 9/21/2023Dr. Sophie ScottThe Brain: 10 things you should knowX/TwitterInterview 9/22/2023Mentions:Bart Simpson: Oh boy, time to repress another memory⁠Season 14, Episode 17⁠Dr. Scott mentions the 'Lost in the Mall' studyContext: https://wellcomecollection.org/articles/XQze2hIAAGYP8cklBeyond Lost in the Mall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOpMhYGPajUExplaining memories in the movie Inside Out - where they went wrong: https://theconversation.com/does-pixars-inside-out-show-how-memory-actually-works-43311 Cover art collage featuring Mnemosyne, also titled Lamp of Memory and Ricordanza.Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 1881. “We look at the world once, in childhood. The restis memory.”Louise GluckAny and all background music from the free YouTube Audio LibraryThe Memory Hole Podcast theme is: A Great Darkness Approaches, Can You Feel It? by  ELPHNT  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jenamartin.substack.com

This is a bonus episode, to bring you more from my interview conducted on June 28 2023 with Dr. Frederick Crews, Professor Emeritus of English at the University of California at Berkeley. If you listened to Episode 4 you heard a lot from him aboutFreud. But he had lots more to say during our interview and I don’t want to condemn those words to a file on my computer. Plus he doesn’t have a lot of accessible interviews on the internet. I believe his voice needs to be heard. About the guest:Frederick Crews is a professor emeritus of English at the University of California at Berkeley. His many books include The Critics Bear It Away: American Fiction and the Academy, The Random House Handbook (currently in its sixth edition), and Postmodern Pooh.Interview, 6/28/2023Freud: The Making of an Illision Episode cover art featuring Amalia Freud, Sigmund's mother. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jenamartin.substack.com