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The Memory Hole Podcast

Jena with 1 n
Recovered Memory Movement
Childhood Sexual Abuse
Memory
Twin Peaks
Trauma Narratives
Suspense
Jane Smiley
Katie Roiphe
Incest
A Thousand Acres
Trauma
Mental Health
Literature
Storytelling
The Courage To Heal
In the Woods
The Bourne Identity
Sherlock Holmes
Sigmund Freud
Only Murders In the Building

A look back at the mental health crisis known as the Recovered Memory Movement of the late 1980's and early 90's, from the perspective of a bystander. Complete show notes can be found at www.memoryholepodcast.com jenamartin.substack.com

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes15Founded3 years ago
Categories
Society & CultureHistory

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Artwork for The Memory Hole Podcast

Latest Episodes

I’ve migrated my podcast to Substack, and am working out the kinks in that process. Which brings me to episode #975 of the Savage Lovecast, when Dan Savage and I discussed a caller’s question about repressed memories and sexual trauma. The photo prom... more

Nicholas Dames nicholasdames.org/contact-2/

Pride and Prejudice

Inside Out 2 - Nostalgia

Dan Chaon danchaon.com/

Olivia Gatwood www.oliviagatwood.com/

Kat Rosenfield katrosenfield.com

Elif Batuman The Elif Lif... more

Twin Peaks

The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer, by Jennifer Lynch

Katie Roiphe's Harper's article about incest-related fiction can be accessed here, on my website:

www.memoryholepodcast.com/about

A Thousand Acres, by Jane Smiley

This is a p... more

Featured in this episode:

Kate St. Vincent Vogl

Andromeda Romano-Lax

-Andromeda's novel, now in paperback

The Tell by Amy Griffen

Remembering Molly - Immediate and delayed false memory formation after acute MDMA exposure. Kloft, Otgaar, Blokland... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host

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Recent Guests

Professor Nicholas Dames
Theodore Cahan Professor of Humanities at Columbia University and co-editor in chief of Public Books
Columbia University
Episode: S2. EP.5 Fictional Memories: Past, Present, and Future
Dan Chaon
Author of the novel Ill Will, explores themes of memory and trauma
Not mentioned
Episode: S2. EP.5 Fictional Memories: Past, Present, and Future
Katie Roiphe
Author and journalist, director of the Cultural Reporting and Criticism Program at New York University
New York University
Episode: S2.EP4. The Mirage of the Zeitgeist

Host

Jenna Martin
Host and creator of discussions surrounding memory, trauma, and their cultural implications.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 121 ratings
  • Great show

    Now do trans.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mama Ain’t Playin’
    United States4 months ago
  • Grippingly reported and deeply necessary

    This is a must-listen for anyone interested in social contagion and the manipulation of memory. Our current climate shows that the memory wars of the 90s remain as relevant as ever!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    rfrumkin
    United States4 months ago
  • Fascinating and helpful!

    As others have said, this hits close to home, and this is still a current issue. My family is dealing with some recovered memory accusations, and we know two other friends who have also had recent recovered memory “diagnoses” after therapy that seem to have had devastating effects on their physical and mental health. I had my suspicions about the validity of the claims before, because I’m from the Satanic Panic era, but finding out that there’s no scientific basis behind the idea that you can ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Gryphon535
    United States9 months ago
  • Fascinating!

    Thoroughly researched and well produced. This is essential listening for anyone interested in the phenomenon of social contagion and has much resonance for the contemporary trend that is sweeping our daughters and sons

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mortsdock
    Australiaa year ago
  • Outstanding

    Terrific analysis of a topic that resonates & shares parallels with other phenomena happening today.

    As a teenager, I experienced a similar trajectory, being sent to a boys home and having psychological treatment by a Freudian therapist including an intensive hospitalization which unearthed all manner of memories of past trauma. A seed of skepticism remained and over the subsequent decades I have been able to extricate myself from these phantoms.

    Thanks for this show.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    David CeeBee
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the well-researched content that resonates with current social issues.
Reviews highlight the strong analytical presentation, engaging storytelling, and importance of critical thinking in discussing psychological concepts.
The exploration of memory and trauma is described as timely and necessary, shedding light on relevant historical contexts.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Listen now: my July 2025 conversation with Dan Savage
Q: What do you say to people who look at you and say, "Oh, it could be repressed memory?" What's the thing you would say to shut that person down in 10 seconds?
I applaud a caller for sort of listening to her own common sense and saying, 'I think this is just physiological.' It is common for women to cry when they get really angry and it sounds like she has a great relationship with someone to talk about it, so it's kind of normal.
Listen now: my July 2025 conversation with Dan Savage
Q: So Jenna, before we get to the caller's questions and the specifics, for listeners under 40, 45, or for listeners who've repressed all memory of it, what were the memory wars?
The memory wars were also known as the recovered memory movement and some as the repressed memory epidemic, where thousands of women claimed to have suddenly remembered childhood sexual abuse they had forgotten due to therapeutic influence or pop psychology.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Memory Hole Podcast

What is The Memory Hole Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The discussions focus on the Recovered Memory Movement of the late 1980s and early 1990s, providing a nuanced exploration of the psychological and societal implications of this controversial phenomenon. Themes of childhood trauma, memory reliability, and the intersection of psychology with culture are prevalent, as episodes often feature a variety of expert guests who share insights on the lasting impact of these beliefs on individuals and communities. This podcast offers an analytical look at how narratives around memory and trauma shape public discourse and personal realities, making it a relevant resource for listeners interested in psychology, sociology, and cultural critique.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Memory Hole Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Memory Hole Podcast:

1. The Ezra Klein Show
2. Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel
3. You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

How many episodes of The Memory Hole Podcast are there?

The Memory Hole Podcast launched 3 years ago and published 15 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Memory Hole Podcast?

Recent guests on The Memory Hole Podcast include:

1. Professor Nicholas Dames
2. Dan Chaon
3. Katie Roiphe

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