Join us as we unravel the extraordinary life of Jessica Mitford, starting from her birth in 1917 Oxfordshire, England, amidst a family infamous for their fascist leanings and Nazi sympathies. Listen in as we recount the unsettling history of the Mitford family, including her father's fascist tendencies, her sister Diana's marriage to British Union of Fascists leader Oswald Mosley, and the disturbing ambition of another sister, Unity, who sought to marry Hitler. Through a mix of humor and horror, we navigate Jessica's defiance against her family's ideologies, painting a vivid picture of her early years.
In this episode, we also explore Jessica Mitford's adventurous and rebellious spirit, which led her to flee to Spain with Winston Churchill's nephew, Esmond Romilly, to fight fascism. Their marriage, move to the U.S., and the birth of their daughter Constancia, nicknamed Dinky, set the stage for a life filled with resilience and activism. We delve into her significant contributions to civil rights, her staunch stance before the House Committee of Un-American Activities, and her eventual disillusionment with the Communist Party, all of which highlight her relentless pursuit of justice.
Finally, we turn our attention to Jessica's groundbreaking exposé on the funeral industry with her book "The American Way of Death." We discuss her and her husband Robert's uncovering of manipulative practices within the industry, the resulting public outrage, and the impact of federal regulations in 1975. The episode wraps up with practical advice on funeral planning and reflections on the ongoing issues in the funeral business, emphasizing Jessica Mitford's legacy as a fearless critic of capitalist exploitation. Tune in for an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of Jessica Mitford's life and work.
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Topics:
Jessica Mitford, Fascist Family, Nazi Sympathizers, Civil Rights Activism, Funeral Industry, Funeral Planning, Capitalist Greed, Federal Regulations, Cremations, Green Alternatives, American Way of Death, Winston Churchill, Esmond Romilly, House Committee of Un-American Activities, Cold War, National Funeral Directors Association, Catholic Views, Monopolies, MI5, Ethan Hunt, Sleep Paralysis Demon