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Recorded live on Friday, May 29, 2026, before a packed audience at the Los Angeles Public Library, this special episode of the All Things Marilyn Podcast is part of Marilyn Monroe’s centennial celebration.

Hosted by Scott Fortner and Elisa Jordan, the conversation explores one of the most significant Marilyn Monroe projects to emerge in decades: Marilyn: The Lost Photographs & The Last Interview. Joining the discussion are authors Chris Flannery and Jason Greene, along with Meredith Landis, daughter of journalist Richard Meryman, and Karin Grant, widow of LIFE magazine photographer Allan Grant.

Together, they share the remarkable story behind Marilyn’s final professional portrait sitting and final formal interview, conducted at her Brentwood home in the summer of 1962. Photographed by LIFE magazine’s Allan Grant, the session is widely recognized as Marilyn Monroe’s last professional magazine photo shoot. Although George Barris would later photograph Marilyn on the beach in Santa Monica, the Grant photographs represent her final professional portrait session and the last time she sat for a major magazine assignment. The discussion explores how Richard Meryman’s groundbreaking interview style allows Marilyn’s voice to take center stage, creating what many consider her most candid and revealing conversation.

Listeners hear actual excerpts from Marilyn Monroe’s final interview, allowing Marilyn to tell her own story in her own voice. The panel also reveals new details about the iconic photo session, including the colors of the clothing Marilyn was wearing in the famous black-and-white photographs captured by Allan Grant.

Meredith and Karin offer personal insights into the two men who preserved this historic material for more than six decades. They discuss the journalistic integrity, professionalism, and trust that led Richard Meryman and Allan Grant to protect Marilyn’s words and images rather than exploit them.

The episode also features a brief telephone appearance by legendary Marilyn Monroe superfan and historian James Haspiel, one of the few surviving people who knew Marilyn personally. Haspiel reflects on his memories of Marilyn and shares what he would say to her if she were here today.

Throughout the conversation, one theme emerges again and again: allowing Marilyn to speak for herself. Rather than focusing on myths, headlines, or speculation, this discussion centers on Marilyn’s own words, revealing an intelligent, thoughtful woman who remained hopeful about her future, proud of her newly purchased home, and determined to continue growing as an actress and artist.

For Marilyn fans, historians, and anyone interested in Hollywood history, this episode offers a rare look at the people who preserved Marilyn Monroe’s final words and photographs, and why those voices continue to resonate more than sixty years later.

ATM Podcast: @allthingsmarilynpodcast
Scott @marilynmonroecollection
Elisa @la_woman_tours

Credits
Artwork by @marilynmexico
Soundtrack by @silver_technicolor