Molly Jong-Fast
New York Times Bestselling Author, Award-Winning Host of the Podcast Fast Politics, Political Commentator & Cultural Critic
Molly Jong-Fast
New York Times Bestselling Author, Award-Winning Host of the Podcast Fast Politics, Political Commentator & Cultural Critic
Biography
Molly Jong-Fast is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning host of the podcast Fast Politics, political commentator, and cultural critic known for her sharp wit, fearless honesty, and unwavering commitment to truth. A contributing writer to Vanity Fair and host of the podcast Fast Politics, Molly brings a unique blend of humor, vulnerability, and insight to today’s most pressing conversations—from politics and media to identity, family, and the evolving American experience.
She is the author of several books, including her latest memoir, How to Lose Your Mother, which has resonated with readers across generations for its candid portrayal of caregiving, legacy, and the complicated ties that bind us. With unflinching courage, she explores what it means to hold everything together—at work, at home, and in public—while navigating grief, ambition, aging parents, and the expectations we carry, especially as women and caregivers.
Molly’s path into political commentary began with a deep desire to respond to the growing threats facing American democracy. What started as personal observations during the Trump era became a powerful platform for cultural critique and civic engagement. Today, she reaches a wide audience through her award-winning podcast Fast Politics, where she interviews influential voices in media and government with a mix of wit, urgency, and clarity. Her journalistic work has appeared in The Forward, The Bulwark, Playboy, Glamour, and Vogue, and she is a regular contributor to MSNBC, where she offers sharp, on-the-ground analysis of the political landscape.
Whether she’s unpacking generational responsibility, political fatigue, or the role of storytelling in shaping culture, Molly’s keynote talks leave audiences feeling seen, understood, and energized. A frequent speaker for universities, libraries, conferences, and cultural events, she brings humor, truth, and depth to every stage—reminding us that even in life’s messiest moments, we are never truly alone.
Speaker Videos
Molly Jong-Fast talks new memoir, 'How to Lose Your Mother'
Molly Jong-Fast talks about her new book, mother-daughter relationships
How to survive a narcissistic mother with Molly Jong-Fast | On with Kara Swisher
Erica Jong and daughter Molly Jong-Fast reflect on 'Fear of Flying'
Speech Topics
More Power Than You Think: Women, Representation & the Courage to Build What Comes Next
The power and agency women hold today did not appear overnight—it is the result of generations of women who dared to live openly, speak honestly, and imagine more for themselves and others. Molly Jong-Fast grew up witnessing that evolution firsthand, raised by her mother, Erica Jong, one of the most influential feminists and writers of the modern era, whose groundbreaking work Fear of Flying helped expand how women saw themselves and their possibilities. Being surrounded by that example shaped Molly’s understanding of what it looks like to claim your voice, take risks, and refuse to shrink. In this inspiring talk, she reflects on how representation matters—not as theory, but as lived proof that seeing women lead, create, and challenge norms opens doors for what feels possible. Molly reminds audiences that when women believe in their agency and come together around shared values, they don’t just change their own lives—they help move the world forward.
Audiences will learn:
- Seeing women live boldly expands what feels possible for others.
- Personal courage grows when values and voice align.
- Collective belief and action create lasting change.
Democracy First: Journalism Beyond Left & Right
As a journalist and political analyst who has worked both inside and outside the political arena, Molly Jong-Fast brings a principled, clear-eyed perspective to the role of journalism in a healthy democracy. Drawing on decades of reporting and media analysis, she explores how journalism was never meant to be partisan, even as punditry became so. In this timely and clarifying talk, Molly examines how fear, political pressure, and false equivalency have distorted the media landscape and weakened public trust. She makes a compelling case for returning journalism to its core purpose: reporting facts fully, holding power accountable, and serving the public regardless of political party. At its heart, this keynote is a passionate defense of democracy and the essential role a free, fair, and fearless press plays in protecting it.
Audiences will learn:
- Journalism’s responsibility is to facts and accountability, not political parties.
- A healthy democracy depends on a strong, independent press.
- Understanding what is happening beneath the headlines empowers citizens to engage more thoughtfully.
Navigating the Weight of It All: Career, Caregiving & the Complexity of Modern Life
In this heartfelt and often humorous keynote, New York Times bestselling author Molly Jong-Fast reflects on the emotional balancing act so many people face today as they juggle careers, caregiving, family responsibilities, and personal identity. Drawing from her deeply personal book How to Lose Your Mother, she sheds light on the quiet, often invisible labor involved in caring for aging parents while still showing up for work, children, and oneself. Molly shares her experience with honesty and compassion, giving voice to challenges that are rarely spoken about openly. While her story resonates strongly with women—especially those in the sandwich generation—it also connects with men, younger adults, and anyone navigating multigenerational responsibility. This keynote offers reassurance, resilience, and the reminder that carrying a heavy load does not mean carrying it alone.
Audiences will learn:
- Caregiving and emotional labor are real work and deserve recognition.
- It is possible to honor responsibility without losing your sense of self.
- You are not alone in navigating the weight of modern life.
Grief in Slow Motion: Loving & Losing Through Alzheimer’s
In this poignant and deeply personal keynote, Molly Jong-Fast draws from her book How to Lose Your Mother to explore the emotional reality of losing a parent to Alzheimer’s and dementia. She reflects on the unique grief that unfolds gradually, as memory, identity, and roles within a family begin to change long before a final goodbye. With honesty, vulnerability, and moments of humor, Molly gives voice to the often unseen emotional toll this illness takes on caregivers and loved ones. She also examines how storytelling becomes a way to process loss, preserve connection, and find meaning amid uncertainty. This talk offers compassion, recognition, and a sense of shared humanity for anyone navigating grief, caregiving, or profound change.
Audiences will learn:
- Grief can begin long before loss is final.
- Caregivers carry emotional weight that deserves understanding and support.
- Sharing stories helps us process loss and feel less alone.