Ask Not: Ep. 1- Carolyn Bessette

Read along with me through a fascinating new book, Ask Not!
Let’s follow the ups and downs in chapter 1, as Maureen Callahan shows us how Carolyn Bessette and JFK Jr began their publicly-fairy-tale but privately-cruel-&-unhealthy relationship as it careens toward their death.
Kennedy “curse?”
Toxic relational patterns?
Was JFK Jr humble and relatable, or moody and unsure?
Was Carolyn Bessette an unsure victim of, or a willing participant in, his careless delusions?
Let’s consider these things and more - and discuss them together in the comments!
If you want to read along, get your copy of Maureen Callahan’s book, Ask Not: The KENNEDYS and the Women They Destroyed, here- amzn.to/3YcEv3W
Music by permission: ‘Legionnaire' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
Please LIKE, Share with friends, and SUBSCRIBE to continue reading along!
Thank you guys so much! ~
Jess

[@parkwood6334]

Seriously, I can't imagine wanting a long term relationship with a man who behaves like JFK Jr. Dating, maybe, but any man who drives recklessly and is careless with other people's safety isn't anyone I would want to be with.

[@Jess_Connell]

Agreed!!

[@EllieD.Violet]

Seconded, 100%.

[@dmc4426]

I remember feeling bad for Darryl Hannah when they broke up and he married someone. But now looking back I realize how lucky she was that they did break up. She found someone else. If they'd have stayed together she might have gone down in that plane. Sometimes a break up is an opportunity to reset your life. This is a great video

[@psmith2714]

Jackie absolutely refused to let John marry her.

[@kiskakuznetsova503]

Isn't it funny how Carolyn looked similar to Darryl?

[@Butterfly-sp4hr]

Why was his mom against John being with Hannah?​@psmith2714

[@dalehoward3704]

​​@@Butterfly-sp4hr she didn't want him with an actress because of the lifestyle. Jackie actually wanted John Jr to marry Christina Haag. She knew her and she and John Jr went to school together.

[@ZeynepÖzel-t3w]

I thought she dumped him, not the other way around.

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

Carolyn’s beauty was an illusion. Her hair was bleached to the point of burning her scalp, her eyebrows plucked to oblivion, her weight held in check by drugs....what a portfolio!

[@user-xe5cz3dw8m]

I remember first seeing the cover of People that they married. I thought she was a beautiful lady. I loved her fashion sense and how she could take something basic and make it standout with a simple handkerchief headscarf and sandles. As for her hair being "bleached to burning her scalp" is ridiculous. She had her hair done by exclusive salons in Manhattan, with top hairdressers in the industry. They are not in the business of burning people's scalps or damaging their hair.. They are paid fortunes to make people look their best. Her eyebrows she copied from many in the beauty industry before her; the actress Jean Harlow being the first who made the thinned eyebrows popular in the 1930's. The drugs(?) People who knew her said she never did drugs. She did smoke, and smoking will keep you from eating. It's funny how curious and intrigued people were about her, admiring her while she was living. Now that she is gone, everyone wants to tear her apart because that is what sells. Not the truth, but the destruction of someone, their reputation even if it is only of someone's memory. So sad, that is what American's feed off of.

[@missylee3022]

She was beautiful and her story is so sad.

[@reader4111]

@user-xe5cz3dw8m Oh puh-leeze. If a top hair colorist tells the demanding client that their over-bleached hair is burning their scalp, and the client demands that total bleachout shade, you better believe that client is getting the total bleach out. Michael Jackson demanded ever tinier noses. Surgeons said, bad idea; and did the surgery anyway. Harlow skinny eyebrows were NOT the style when CBK had HERS plucked into invisibility. As for the Cocaine Diet, most of CBK friends who modeled were ALL on that diet, and the vain girls who wanted to be skinny. Most of this stuff was verified by comments made by jfk Jr, near the end of their lives.

[@StrongopinionsRus]

I’m so glad KZbin served up this video-I’m dying to read this book. I’m from New England and I have STRONG VIEWS about the kennedys. We used to vacation on Martha’s Vineyard and we would routinely see teddy Kennedy stumbling out of liquor stores. I’ve been to Dyke bridge on chappaquiddick and there is NO WAY that scene went down the way teddy said. The kennedys had a choke hold on the people of Massachusetts. John was not wrong when he said he could commit murder and get away with it. He wouldn’t have been the first.

[@Jess_Connell]

I’m so glad you spoke up! And thanks for your firsthand POV. I completely believe the “we can get away with anything” narrative. It’s not even up for debate. They did.

[@misswinnie4.8]

Same.

[@BonnieBlair-zm4uu]

Tysm for sharing firsthand observations: witnessing Teddy's off camera 📸 behavior. God bless you and yours. . .✨🕊️🕯️✨

[@michelegraham9044]

My first time here too. Thank you KZbin. I’ve been waiting for my “book club” channels to start this one. Thank you for your very real first hand account. As an Aussie I’ve been concentrating on the damage that Markle and Harry have been doing to our Royal family and the Commonwealth AND getting away with all their lies , funding Marxist think tanks in the US , funnelling money etc so THIS will be a refreshing change on how the “elites” get away with everything they do that’s nefarious.

[@kiskakuznetsova503]

Thank you for this. Every topic I'm touching on here I can source, if anyone is interested. Mass. is the only state that has secret courts and that explains why families like the Kennedys maintain property in that state. It's why so many wealthy, powerful ppl like the Obamas, have vacation homes there. You read that right: secret courts. Even the Boston Globe has covered this (and when the Globe finally covers something, it already smells very bad; they covered up the Catholic Arch Diocese with help from Boston College for decades, "Spotlight" was a lie and cynical one at that). This is why the corruption is so off the charts in this state and why there is never any change or justice. The secret courts have allowed the Bulgers and their people, who are in Mass. government and have judicial appts, to remain in power and has allowed local and state police to abuse their spouses and have them get away auditing by the IRS during divorces, etc. with no record. There's a joke in Mass that you haven't been divorced until you've been audited and doxxed. Gee, wonder who does that? All this to say that families like the Kennedys have been able to exploit this. As a colony, Mass. of course had major investors from the old world and that turned into new interests. As the country developed, Mass. has brought in gigantic, multi national companies that get support from the secret courts. If you recall the Paradise Papers, it was discovered that Patriots owner Robert Kraft was funding child trafficking. Further, RFK Jr has admitted to being on the Epstein manifest. Ghislaine Maxwell married a man in Marblehead Mass. so she could establish residency and hide there (the home in New Hampshire had been intended as red herring). The husband works for a huge tech company and huge tech companies are in Mass. due to ... the secret courts. Another tidbit that may explain RFK Jr's rabid support of Israel is that Netanyahu personally is invested in several of the huge firms that are based in Mass. Again, this means that human rights abuses can be heard in the secret court and no news outlet or anybody else is any wiser. This state is a major child trafficking (Lowell and Lawrence have had judges cited for knowingly sending children to traffickers), drug trafficking (the Bulgers, et al), and even weapons trafficking (via a world renowned university in the area no less) hub and again, that is what attracts multi-national conglomerates and again, they are allowed by the secret courts. Sorry for the rant but this, Harmony Montgomery (trafficking), and the Karen Read case have me overwhelmed with rage at the ongoing injustices nI have seen in this state. Looking the other way when your neighbors are harmed, passing the buck and gaslighting should be the state motto. I'm SO grateful that books like this are finally being published because it exposes the true cost of these gangsters graping New England.

[@polynesia8733]

Darryl Hannah avoided death when she broke up with him after he let her dog get killed

[@melissaking6019]

I've always thought that Carolyn looked much more attractive before she met JFK Jr.

[@ryvirkelley5047]

My brain is screaming "Narcissist" and "murder-suicide."

[@kayjenkins731]

actually its ADHD and the risk taking behavior that goes along with it for the dopamine hit

[@ryvirkelley5047]

@kayjenkins731 Well, we could never know that for sure. I'm not saying I'm right. I'm just saying that's what my brain is screaming. I've been around both narcissists and people with ADHD, and I'm pretty sure I'm ADHD and this screams narcissism.

[@kayjenkins731]

@@ryvirkelley5047 I did look it up after my assumption, and apparently both him and his father had it, I know a few people with ADHD, and some seem to have a bit more control over their lives, but my partners ex is just hopeless in all areas, constantly loosing everything, her son has it and he is addicted to gambling and other risk taking behavior.

[@saravetro9612]

@@ryvirkelley5047 The 2 are not mutually exclusive. There are people with both. Also, the extreme wealth, fame and privilage JFLjr grew up in, plus all the loss he lived (his dad dying, his hectic upbringing) plus his super good looks almost garantee to produce a pretty out-of-touch spoilt, entitled, selfish man.

[@catlover4700]

100% . It's all there! Most people don't study aviation suicides. I do. German Wings, MH370, FedEx etc. JFK Jr is a perfect case of MS. Who in their right mind would aviate that way unless they were planning it. Sweet little John planned it.

[@ngs5733]

« He chases her until she catches him » works everytime😊

[@JaneLolli]

Both were playing immature mind games that high school and college students play.

[@JaneLolli]

@@ngs5733 Superficial and immature!

[@elizabethcaruso1461]

Excellent remark!

[@maryromaniec9543]

Reckless is an apt description for the Kennedy men.

[@cinnamongirl5410]

I remember that John Jr was not known for being very bright. So it seems he was always trying to prove himself.

[@laurenmay2098]

It was tangible how not smart he was. And it is a pity to put such a heavy burden on someone. He probably struggles with a bunch of mental issues. Donald Trump is the same. Trying to carry the family name dynasty, make them to be like monsters to accomplish that. They were thought to be like that. I pity Trump and his family. And by the way, I have no place to rest my head. Lol.

[@JaneLolli]

@@laurenmay2098 Huh????? What?????

[@maxinefreeman8858]

I never heard him not being bright. He had to take the law exam twice to get his license to be a lawyer.

[@infinityinfinity2253]

I think he passed the 3rd time.

[@user-ok3kv9yf9g]

Go away

[@aliciab4236]

I'm a little older than John John. Many of the stories of his recklessness were in the press as they were happening. People gave him a pass just as they would later for Prince Harry. The part of this chapter after John came out of the shower at the gym screamed narcissist to me.

[@Jess_Connell]

Absolutely. Me too. So much of the chapter did but yea… a need for preening and needing others to look and admire can’t get any more stark than when you’re stark naked.

[@stj971]

Great analogy.

[@chaswr]

Was strange hearing Maureen the author calling JFK Jr. spoiled and entitled in one of her interviews. The media always fawned over him calling him down to earth. Something to take into consideration.

[@nickiabbott5060]

@@aliciab4236 I live in New England. When my friend, a nurse, had to bring her heavy sewing machine in for repair in Providence, JFK Jr, then a student at Brown, saw her struggling with it from the sidewalk and insisted on helping her carry it in. (And upstairs!) He was A Total Gentleman. Maybe that fact had Nothing to do with another fact - she was a pretty and cute blonde, with the cutest turned up nose I’ve ever seen ! (And she was lovable - in a girlfriend kinda way....(not conceited....as one may tend to be....when they look That good.....)

[@aliciab4236]

@@nickiabbott5060 thanks for sharing that. It's a great reminder that we are all complex humans.

[@hollyeggert9426]

He was probably the best looking man of his time.

[@laurenmay2098]

No, no, lol. He was the best on pictures and TV. There are plenty of good looking man all over the place. Maybe you are referring to his family only? Then yes, he was the best looking of all. JFK was only charismatic, but ugly, same for Bob.

[@frederickrapp5396]

No doubt about it, JFK Junior was a 10/10 in regards to his looks.

[@user-ok3kv9yf9g]

Arrogant too

[@kiskakuznetsova503]

He really was. Too bad he had sociopath genes.

[@user-vd4mn3lu9e]

Of all time. :)

[@laurenbond3907]

Imagine being raised in a family with such notoriety and connections that you are treated and referred to as if you are royalty. And then add on being incredibly handsome and good looking on top of that. I mean in a way it kinda feels like he never stood a chance of learning how to just be a normal human. He was most likely never treated as such

[@Jess_Connell]

Good point. I do think growing up famous, rich, in a bubble, is not the BOON we’re led to believe it is. It often cripples people who grow up in it- ruins them in a lot of ways.

[@JaneLolli]

@@Jess_Connell I wouldn’t have minded trying to live like he did!

[@genevabecker8441]

Sadly what JFK Jr. was saying about certain counties in Mass. was true...if your name was Kennedy in certain counties you COULD get away with anything.

[@Jess_Connell]

Absolutely! This will be even more evident when we get into the Chappaquidick/Mary Jo Kopechne section.

[@misswinnie4.8]

Like filling out the NAME portion on the application to Harvard

[@StuffToDoNow]

And they did get away with it all.

[@dsoule4902]

There we can name...

[@erstwhile6163]

It sounds like Christine would be safer with ‘random fishermen’ any day than a Kennedy Male.

[@Jess_Connell]

Ha! You're not wrong.

[@katiemarie4035]

Christine is a gracious lady. I ordered her book several years ago. She mentioned names of some people including me, that she was still waiting for copies from her publisher to autograph. I received the book a week later. I still have it. The one who got away. Imo.

[@katiemarie4035]

She had a face book page for book orders.

[@Uma06]

@@katiemarie4035 great, what is her full name please or book name. Blessings from Costa Rica 🇨🇷

[@katiemarie4035]

Her name is Christina Haag and she wrote “Come to the Edge” about her relationship with John, Jr.

[@maureenplayford3559]

Anyone complaining about background noise should perhaps buy the book and just read it in a quiet environment . The discussion /reading extracts were so interesting I was hardly aware of any distractions - just boys in the background - fleetingly . Thank you . Twice a week please 😊

[@Jess_Connell]

Helpful input- thank you so much!!

[@maryanncarine2075]

Ha-ha. Everyday is not enough ! Thanks for doing this.

[@hallelujah969]

If I was a podcaster, I'd value the positive and negative comments, so I could make improvements.

[@christie883]

I loved the review, however, the noice in the background was distracting! But otherwise, excellent! ❤

[@Jess_Connell]

@@christie883 thanks for the input! Starting with episode four I have recorded in quiet hours. So please - if you’re willing to- push through the other two episodes and continue with us in the series. I apologize for the noise! ☺️👍🏻

[@daughteroftime8047]

I could never be a youtuber, the nitpicking would drive me insane. For what its worth, I thought you did a great job and I'm really looking forward to your next installment, whenever that may be. I have 4 boys so I'm used to the background noise. I didnt even notice haha. Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@Jess_Connell]

haha I'm glad to hear you say you didn't notice the background noise. I didn't notice it too much while editing either, but then my ears are completely adjusted and reading those sounds as normal, so I'm definitely gonna need to be more mindful of this for others who WILL notice. :) Thanks for the comment & encouragement. Next episode comes out tomorrow. :)

[@AbbyNormal83]

Mum of four here! It’s like going for a coffee and a good gossip at a fellow mum’s house. 😆 It’s real life! Didn’t bother me at all.

[@carolsloss8440]

@@Jess_Connell I heard kids and kept looking to see if my grandkids were here. I love the sound of kids having fun.

[@nickiabbott5060]

Yes, Carol ! The “stereo” ness of it all, sounds from different sources...from our headphones, Does mimic real life ! I’m a Gram now....but Still remember that so annoying toothpaste commercial when a kid yells “Moooom” ! In that over-dramatic voice we Wish we Could ignore......and, yes, takes us a minute or two to adjust to and consider this ‘ambient noise’....so our brains may disregard.....but, boy, those Mom instincts stay forever...even after The Grands are Twenty ! 🤷🏼‍♀️.....so, Our Jess is so nuanced in her informing and chatting with us.....she has depth, a depth that wouldn’t exist maybe if she was not A Mom.....she’s like our favorite teacher....sounding compelling and so interesting we don’t even know we’re (inadvertently) Learning ! 👌🏼

[@Jess_Connell]

@@nickiabbott5060 oh Nicki that’s a really kind way of saying it. Thank you!! 😊

[@genevabecker8441]

From what I have read, Christine was treated quite badly by JFK Jr. In fact, the island where he married Bessette was discovered by Christine. Cumberland Island was a place that he and Christine had visited before. And they had had some very intimate times there...and he was heard to say after his wedding with Bessette was organized "Christine is really going to be pissed at me when she hears about this."

[@Jess_Connell]

Oof. That is just the worst. 😫🤦🏻‍♀️

[@annedonker4795]

what i also wonder here is, did Carolyn Bessette know this? i doubt she knew that the island she got married on had a lot of her husband's romantic 'baggage' if you will!

[@MygirlsGJPB]

Yes I wouldnt have wanted to marry there if I knew that!

[@maxinefreeman8858]

geneyabecker8441...That Christine didn't introduce him to the island that he got married on. His mother had taken him and his sister there for vacations when he was young. They had privacy which was so important to his mother. So why tell such a lie when it's so easy debunked?

[@marilyn-io4sy]

I never thought she was that beautiful. I read that. She also did cocaine herself and JOHN did not do drugs and that would anger him. Not making excuses for him because I’m sure this book is true. It also said she had a real habit showing up late herself and not having any consideration for anyone else who was waiting.

[@Jess_Connell]

You’re not alone in that. The author mentions that Carolyn had a beautiful face that, if she wasn’t careful, could look witch-like. Once she said it I couldn’t unsee it. 😳😬

[@katiemarie4035]

Carolyn was beautiful like Brooke Shields. Tall. On the larger side with beautiful hair and eyes. Too bad she didn’t leave herself alone, like Brooke, who didn’t do anything extreme to herself as a young woman.

[@barbmoreau8595]

I never thought that she was beautiful either, large features and pale eyes. She was tall with a good figure … her hair worn down was lovely but pulled back only accentuated her facial imperfections. Praised as a fashion icon or an “it” girl is a stretch … her signature choice of black for gala events became her uniform (each well-finished designer outfits) but the repetition just became predictable. Her casual style was the same as any other woman of her age seen on the streets of New York.🤔

[@bronwenewens1198]

Brooke has beautiful features. Nothing remarkable about the features of CBK. Tall, thin, (fake) blonde - that's about it.

[@JaneLolli]

She wasn’t beautiful at all.

[@amandazielinski8701]

Met a close friend of Caroline's who grew up with her in Greenwich. I was told that while Caroline worked in NY she wore a particular scent which no one else was allowed to wear. She always looked unhappy though I think she was very different behind closed doors. It is an all around sad story and huge loss.

[@Jess_Connell]

I agree-- I went back to scroll through photos of her and she was very beautiful but does look very, very sad in almost all of them.

[@reader4111]

@@Jess_Connell sad? Or sulky?

[@Jess_Connell]

@@reader4111 could be that. Perpetually discontent? Sulky by personality. Could be.

[@francescaderimini2931]

I worked with investments all my life and retired rescuing German Shepherds! John Jr. had a Shepherd had refused to hire a trainer to train it! He ruined the dog then dropped it at a farm. Never gave the people money for food or pet bills! I had a Veteran who had to move and couldn’t take his dog. He gave me $50 a month to take care of it til he could get settled and take it or try to find a home for it!

[@Jess_Connell]

Oh my goodness that’s so sad. He had plenty of money and time to have a well trained dog!

[@kiskakuznetsova503]

I love (almost) all dogs but am partial to shepherds. A poorly trained, neglected shepherd is a tragedy. Thank you for what you do!

[@maxinefreeman8858]

Her old boyfriend that played on a TV show said they had renewed their relationship. She knew he couldn't fly at night. If she was so late she should've just refused the trip. She would know that they shouldn't go that late.

[@MygirlsGJPB]

As gorgeous as he was, I bet he was hell to live with.

[@JaneLolli]

I bet he sucked in bed like his father allegedly did. His father was the “Wham bam thank you mam kind of guy”!Even Jackie complained about his lovemaking.

[@ThisWomansBrain]

I am a Cheree Denise fan as well, I guess that is why your channel got recommended. I knew nothing about this book but boy does is sound interesting and what a mess JFK Jr. was! I no had no idea!

[@EllieD.Violet]

Same here, I find it interesting to learn how two vloggers review this book, each in her own style. I believe the algorithm for once worked when this channel was recommended.

[@jenniferthreatt8455]

I loved this book. It was amazing!! I hope the author gets recognition. It's about time someone wrote about the women in their lives.

[@Jess_Connell]

@@jenniferthreatt8455 she did a really wonderful job consolidating so many fascinating stories into one place and telling them rather succinctly. She is getting recognition online and by independent journalists but I don’t know how many MSM folks are noticing and interviewing her at all.

[@jessicafisher958]

Just read this book. I think John Jr felt too removed from the death of his father and uncles. He didn't feel worthy of his status as JFKs son. He was too pampered and got what he wanted in life. So to feel pain, he made wreckless and impulsive decisions to feel alive. I think he, like other Kennedy men, was very narcissistic and had low impulse control. He clearly used manipulation to control his girlfriends. It sounds to me like Carolyn was also very narcissistic and so their relationship would have been very transactional and toxic. She reminds me of Meghan Markle and he reminds me of Harry.

[@BonnieBlair-zm4uu]

Reminds me of Diana A true story, autobiography 📖 disclosure cu8tti8ng ✂️ bul8imiaNer8vosa and throw ing pregnant seLF downstairs in front of Queen 👑 E2. Maybe 🤔 Kayaking was also bizarre 😢 cry for help to 🛑 Stop Mort wish. ☠️💀

[@erstwhile6163]

Parts of John Kennedy junior ( the entitlement) sound just like Harry Wales.

[@jackiewalz2113]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@robyn874]

Do you mean Sussex?

[@karensimpson4869]

@@jackiewalz2113and me

[@annieanonymous611]

@@robyn874 yes they do

[@misswinnie4.8]

Definitely

[@blu48]

Look, there's always multiple sides to stories, and we all have flaws as the Kennedys do. But JFK Jr. started the mag George to have a voice for both Republicans and Democrats. It was developed to objectively discuss politics without bias. It was certainly ambitious and well intentioned. JFK Jr. rode his bike around NYC and took the Subway. He wasn't pretentious, and he was charitable. I could argue he didn't lock up his bike maybe understanding someone less fortunate needed it. His mistake was taking up flying against his mom's wishes. The country mourned his loss. His crash was among the most common cause of crashes. There should be aviation laws you can't pilot a plane alone without instrument training. This video is filled with gossip and conclusions based on little or no facts.

[@kbaker9804]

I’m just about half way through the book, enjoying it. Everyone should read it, Ms. Callahan is an excellent author.

[@Jess_Connell]

@@kbaker9804 I agree. It’s enthralling.

[@sauld5726]

I just finished it today, great read

[@Jess_Connell]

@@sauld5726 would love for you to share your thoughts- having read it!

[@diannebrett4074]

I’m around Carolyn’s age and grew up in NYC. They were the “It” couple. As glamorous as they come. Dr Todd Grande psychoanalyzes several of the Kennedy’s, including JFK JR on KZbin. Thank you for this. For your reading and personal observations. It’s something to look forward to🌷

[@Jess_Connell]

Oh I've enjoyed Dr. Grande before- I haven't seen the ones about JFK Jr. I'll have to look-- thanks for the nudge. And thanks for the encouragement, too!

[@susanharris8626]

@@diannebrett4074 his “anslysis” of Jr was gratuitous and cruel. And hes not a psychiatrist or even a psychologist. Check him out. You wont be so impressed with his psycho word salad

[@genevabecker8441]

Also those with ADHD are easily bored, and therefore they are seeking risky activities to keep their brain chemicals up so they will fell better...

[@Jess_Connell]

TRUE. It really DOES make you feel alive to feel those dopamine and adrenaline rushes.

[@patriciagarrity8220]

Good point!

[@karlee3095]

John Jr sounds like he had ADHD to me (I have it and share similar traits).

[@kayjenkins731]

yes he did have ADHD it explains everything about him

[@user-ej3uw7kc8t]

You are so right. Carolyn was all about the short term. I think she was more interested in the conquest in the beginning; and certainly didn’t look at the long term downside of marrying the most famous, and gorgeous, man of my age (I was born 6 mo. after him). After reading this chapter, I did some more research on their relationship. I was quite sad to learn just how challenging they both were. I also didn’t know he was a great risk taker. And to read just how scared she was to fly with him. It’s all just such a HUGE TRAGEDY!!

[@edie9330]

John Jr. also ignored the weather conditions. If he had just follwed the coast, he could have seen the lights and been guided to his destination. But no, he decided to fly over the water and that was a fatal mistake. A pilot who knew John and was an experienced flight instructor saw him at the airport and offered to fly with him that night, and John refused his help and turned him down. Sheer arrogance, in my opinion. Also, Jackie, his mother, had secured a promise from him that he would not attempt to become a pilot, and as soon as she died, it's the first thing he started to pursue. He was reckless to a fault.

[@Jess_Connell]

So so sad.

[@mariediphillipo3388]

He had a big head that night almost hit a passenger plane with 200 people on board as he ascended up in the sky

[@Jess_Connell]

@@mariediphillipo3388 yes. The overconfidence is so so shocking!!

[@suekelly3744]

Hi Just had you turn up on my feed & I’m thrilled! Love the topic, love your delivery & insights & really loved hearing your kids having fun with each other. I look forward to all your chapters 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🥰. You remind me of Cheere Denise a really talented storyteller.

[@Jess_Connell]

Aww how kind!! Cheere Denise is so great! 😃 I could listen to her talk about the royals all day long!! 😂💗 Thanks for the feedback. I’m glad you’ll be here!

[@daughteroftime8047]

That's so funny, I watch Cheere Denise too and just happened across this one. I'm assuming it's just the algorithm, but I'm grateful. I really enjoyed this video and looking forward to the rest of the book!

[@lloyannehurd]

Coming close to death recreates his father’s death. I knew a little boy whose older brother was killed as a passenger in a terrible car crash. The driver was Joy riding. A chance taker who always drove too fast. One day after the crash I witnessed the child, with his red wagon, recreating the crash over and over on the road. This chance taking and then surviving may be JFK jr’s way of assuring himself that he can survive despite the historical violent deaths in his family.

[@Jess_Connell]

That makes good sense and seems entirely possible that this could be a motivation for him.

[@lloyannehurd]

@@Jess_Connell Thank you.

[@rosalindchurcher8028]

The Kennedy's hold huge fascination for most of us. Imagine the pressure on jfk jr to stand out and be an achiever like his father. He had the looks for sure but sometimes that can be a curse, together with the means to indulge in whatever took his fancy. He was reckless with people and had a total disregard for their safety. Carolyn saw him as the prize but very soon realised 'be careful what you wish for'. There have been so many tragedies connected to this family its unsettling to think about.

[@genevabecker8441]

JFK Jr. was privlieged and wealthy for sure...and when you are handsome, wealthy, and charming, people will be attracted to you. I don't believe that he was arrogant, but instead over confident because most, or all of his live his interactions were successful. And when you are used to being successful you will expect that all of your interactions will be successful... He was also ADHD, and dyslectic. And with learning disabilities like those will be low in confidence and their abilities as compared to the rest of his family.

[@Jess_Connell]

Good insights! And yeah, I totally agree with you- it makes sense WHY a man like would be overconfident. Everything in his life set him up for exactly that.

[@PCAGA2298]

John’s obsession with death probably stems from losing his father and Uncle

[@PurpleIris034]

I recently started reading this book. My opinion about JFK Jr. And Carolyn is that they were two sides of the same coin. Both manipulative in different ways. I just started the Marilyn Monroe chapter.

[@Jess_Connell]

@@PurpleIris034 welcome!

[@Jess_Connell]

@@cheribee968 what a sad thought of him in a hotel! To be so wealthy, so admired, so handsome, etc- and not even want to be in your own home. 😩

[@stephemmick1496]

I think it was implied that he had affairs. The model who wrote a book about her made up a lot of things

[@JaneLolli]

They both were playing games with one another and acting immature. Caroline wasn’t any different than Jacqueline and the other women who married a Kennedy. They all wanted wealth and status. Both were very superficial and I’m not surprised the marriage was breaking down.

[@patrice19791]

twin flames

[@francescaderimini2931]

I like your level headed input! You are the voice of sanity in a sane world! ❤

[@crocadoodle7101]

Hi Jess. I am very interested in hearing you continue the telling of Ask Not. I would like to hear from you more than once a week. Twice a week would be better imho. First episode was great. I have seen Maureen C, the author, talking on line about this new book of hers and she sure uncovered a lot as you mentioned in your introduction. Looking forward to your next telling.

[@Jess_Connell]

Encouraged to hear from you with that specific input, thanks! Yes, that is about the speed I hope to go. We've got a family vacation already planned, coming up soon, so I'm trying to make sure I have enough chapters filmed and ready to keep up that sort of schedule through that point. Thanks so much!

[@zippitydodah1526]

I think John inherited the risk gene from the Kennedys. He did have ADHD which I believe was a factor in not locking his bikes or not having life jackets in the kayak. It simply didn’t occur to him.

[@theruffledbunny2675]

And I believe the “hunk flunks” was referencing him failing the bar exam

[@jewelminor5526]

JR. did the same Brooke Shields. She was trying to impressed him, and failed while trying to ski, and he left her there and didn’t help her get up. I get back safely.

[@Jess_Connell]

Wow! 😢

[@dalemoore8582]

So excited you are reading this book. My family lived in NJ when I was little. We lived in the same town as the Kopechne family. Our mail man was their mail man. He said they received bags and bags of mostly hate mail after Ted killed Mary Jo.

[@Jess_Connell]

Oh my. That is just awful. 😣 I feel so bad for those sweet parents- to have had their daughter wrapped up in such a situation and lose her like that. I anticipate each chapter of this book will contain such horrors- some known and some unknown… and while I know some things about Mary Jo Kopechne, that is one I’m definitely looking forward to reading.

[@stj971]

Sad.

[@Sylvia-of9hj]

I read years ago that as a child, it was discovered that JFK, Jr., had learning disabilities. So he was quite small when it was discovered, and Jackie got full treatment for him, of course. So maybe the learning disabilities were part of the cause of his carelessness, and seeming lack of common sense. I remember that he had to take the bar exam about three times before passing it, and the press had a field day with this. He was probably terrified of being called dumb because of his learning disabilities. Just saw a video about the plane accident in which he and Carolyn and her sister died. It analyzed every part of the investigation into the cause of the plane crash. JFK, Jr, made a calculation mistake on one of the plane's radios of only one degree, and that was a big part of the crash. But also, he was trained only on visual flying skills, not on flying "blind" using instrumentation. He had planned to start the flight at 6:30, and had checked the weather report, and it showed clear visual conditions for the 90-minute flight. So he probably would have been OK if they could have left on time. But Carolyn showed up to the airport two hours late, after 8:30 pm, and weather conditions would have been changing by that time, as they did. An hour into the flight visual conditions became impossible for someone with only visual flying skills who could not use instrumentation to fly. A flight instructor of his had offered to accompany him that night, but JFK Jr thanked him for the offer but said it wouldn't be necessary. Some other flight experts said that when Carolyn arrived two hours late, JFK should have checked the weather conditions for the later hours of flying and gotten a commercial airline ticket for the three rather than risking it. So it was a combination of factors, his learning disabilities, Carolyn's lateness throwing the weather forecast out, and John's carelessness and maybe pride in refusing the offer of the instructor to fly them to Martha's Vineyard that night. See the video below for the crash investigation: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJDJe6iwjK1gnposi=fbmqsvcuSs5SqpAc

[@Jess_Connell]

Ugh. So many miscalculations. What a sad thing. And thanks for adding that about the learning struggles. That does seem to fit, both with his struggles and Jackie’s expressed intentions to make sure her kids were well-prepared for “big, important lives” so they wouldn’t each just live in their father’s shadow their whole life.

[@ninjacat508]

I heard that John jr. showed up at the airport 5...10 minutes before Caroline.

[@dmc4426]

I knew a woman who acted like Caroline B did to John Jr to get him. They guy had a rich dad, was spoiled and had a huge ego. It was weird and creepy to me. But what do I know, lol. She always did get the guy she wanted. Seeing women being honest and their relationships don't work out, then seeing someone being manipulative and their relationship works out is confusing. This is a great video.

[@Jess_Connell]

Interesting. I agree - the older I get, the more I see the way that relationships I thought would last sometimes don’t, and some relationships that don’t make sense at all, are ones that last.

[@ShidachiOm]

It "worked out," did it? A relationship based on one party being a manipulated, false persona? What an extraordinary definition of relationships you have.

[@dmc4426]

@@ShidachiOm Some people like having their ego stroked and only date those who do it. Some people reject honesty. They lasted 14 years and had 3 kids so they each must have got something out of it. I don't understand relationships.

[@ShidachiOm]

@@dmc4426 Ah. Then I will share with you a comment my former therapist once made when I expressed the same confusion - though she swore she'd deny it if ever I quoted her by name: "The key to a long-lasting relationship is matching neuroses."😁

[@kiskakuznetsova503]

I was happily surprised when I saw your videos of this! Thank you! It's interesting to hear another millenial-Gen X American woman's perspective on this book and the family in general. There is no scrutiny of these people and its allowed them to hurt so many, including the people of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York in particular. It's mind-blowing that one family can be involved in so many deaths and yet it seems that everybody says, "But, JFK's head was blown off in front of us ..." And, I think that's why. We never witnessed an assassination before and that was collectively traumatizing. How many families excuse the abusive father who beat the mother and neglected the children? It feels like the same thing. I bought this book the day it came out (over the 4th!) as I heard an interview with the author. I was concerned it would be trashy as she wrote for some gossipy papers but her insight and thorough research really impressed me. I have been disgusted by RFK Jr and how ppl actually think a man who drove a wife to suicide and supports genocide would be a good president. Vanity Fair did a surprisingly well-researched story on that marriage after Mary took her life. RFKJr would wind her up and then record her and he shared those recordings with his attorney who in turn tried to blackmail Mary into silence. Cheryl Hines was dumb to marry him. It blew my mind how cruel and vindictive he was. What got me especially was how the whole Kennedy family groomed Mary from her teen years. She was very vulnerable and they did take her under their wing. Only, they allowed her to be preyed upon by Bobby Jr and when he did the ol' narcissistic discard, she lost the only family she had ever had. Target, love bomb, isolate, abuse and then discard. That's what they did to her. Do you know that he patented some of her "environmental" (architectural, really) ideas? He used her work to give himself credit. One point about John John and Carolyn. When they married, that's when a red flag went up for me. He was very good-looking by almost anyone's measurement. He dated some beautiful women but married a woman from an upper middle class, striver family and she was tall and glamorous, but not pretty. She was homely but not from money, and I wondered why he was allowed to marry her. I strongly suspect it's because he was able to manipulate her in ways the other higher-born, successful, independent women could see and avoid. Good-looking men almost always have beautiful, stunning wives, but in general, the Kennedy women (excepting Mary, she was truly a natural beauty) are stylish and well-accomplished but have the sort of looks of which a vicious man could make her insecure. Isn't that interesting?

[@Jess_Connell]

Oh my word, I had NO idea about him patenting her ideas. And the recording of her at her worst is just cruel. Such an unloving, inhuman way of interacting with this person you made vows to love and cherish!! I loved your thoughts about them marrying women who had enough insecurity that they could exploit them. Very insightful. Thanks for adding your thoughts!!

[@kiskakuznetsova503]

@@Jess_Connell Thanks for making these videos! And, yes, it's truly appalling what RFKJr did. I hope I didn't sound unkind re Carolyn, I only meant that it fits the pattern of that family marrying women who could be made insecure over class difference, etc.

[@kathrynabbott5032]

John seems a very arrogant, irresponsible man.

[@fireworks4993]

He did like drugs I think that why his eye was glossy all the time Jackie passed and was on his own journey.

[@user-me7by2jc3d]

Meghan Markle does the same with Harry - telling the world that she 'left her career for him' yeah, no job z list actress to become a member of the RF. Like I don't need you, you need me.

[@Jess_Connell]

Good connection. True. Her B-level acting job was coming to an end but she makes it as if she was giving up the world for him. 😬🙄

[@kp7631]

I couldn't put this book down....it's an excellent read!!

[@copperpenny0209]

I think what surprised me the most was John's lack of intelligence. I don't know if it's because he really didn't care or if it was because he was so well taken care of, he didn't have to consider or troubleshoot life like regular people. I wonder if his dad was around during his formative years if that would have been different for him. The other thing that surprised me was how careless he was, not only with people and property, but with his own life. Because of all the issues he was dealing with towards the end; his marriage, the magazine, and the squabble with his sister over his mother's estate, I wonder if he was suicidal? Did he want an end to all of it to include his wife's life, but because he was so careless with other people, that Caroline's sister didn't matter. Very tragic.

[@joanriley2278]

Absolutely love your presentation of this book!

[@Jess_Connell]

Thank you so much! That's encouraging. :)

[@stephaniewhite6322]

This is so interesting! Thanks for reading this!!!

[@Jess_Connell]

You’re welcome! 😊

[@scrambledegg347]

Ignoring a guy is the best way to get him. Donny Osmond said he wanted his wife because he asked her out and she turned him down. His exact words awe “she made me chase her.” Also, as for the daredevil in JFK, Jr…he was a Sagittarius ♐️! EVERY Sagittarius man I’ve ever known pushes the boundaries when it comes to safety for themselves and others. Thanks for reading time! I don’t have time to read the book myself, but I was alive when JFK was shot and have always been a fan girl of the Kennedy family.

[@Jess_Connell]

Thanks for your insights. After recording this video, I remembered Meghan Markle leaving her first date with Prince Harry early, and making it as if she could only find time here or there all summer... so perhaps this is a well-used strategy, especially for those seeking relationships with elite males.

[@juliea.7292]

When John Kennedy jr ( John John) was interviewed and asked about the so called " Kennedy Curse", hus reply was " I don't believe the Kennedy's are cursed , we just push the envelope more ". No such truer words were these, and not too long before his , his wife's and sister in law's tragic plane crash.

[@deborahsobel3314]

I think when you work in a designer showroom like she did you only have to know how to charm and push clothing. I don't think knowledge of the history of fashion means anything. She seems intelligent and we know Lauren was very intelligent. I think she understood who she was and how to work that to get what she wanted.

[@marybethfriel9768]

That was a very good book. I was totally disillusioned with the Kennedy family.

[@LeeDon76]

The Kennedy image was nothing like the reality. It taught me not to listen to main stream media. A good lesson.

[@gmacard5478]

Yippee! My heart is full getting to listen to one of my dearest friends doing one of my most favorite pastimes! And what an interesting topic!!! Thank you for doing this Jess❤❤

[@Jess_Connell]

❤

[@suekelly3744]

So sweet❤

[@midgebarger1363]

I lived in New Yok and Kennedy failed the bar x4 and finally passed on the 5th try. No famous NY lawyers wanted to hire him so he did not have a great law practice like his Dad. He was in the NY Post and the Daily News every day and his former girlfriend; Danna Harrah; was photographed on a busy NY City street rollerblading with him. He was hounded by the press every day. She was smart to breakoff their relationship after her dog was killed due to JFK Jr's lack of responsibility in dog sitting her dog. Smart move that she broke up with him but I give Danna Harrah credit for being there for John when Jackie died.

[@valeries7524]

Just ran across your video and will get the book asap because it will be so much fun to read along with you! I’m a few months younger than his sister Caroline Kennedy. My age group still calls him John John. He was so gorgeous. Was a blessing Jackie was gone before he died.

[@Jess_Connell]

Welcome! I agree. She’d been through so much that not many things could rival her former pain but that really would’ve been a dagger to her heart.

[@sm-k5513]

I just discovered you on youtube and listened to the first episode of Ask Not. I love the way you are talking about this book and think you are doing great! I will definitely keep listening to you talk about the other episodes. I remember being an eleven year old girl in the Netherlands and reading about the accident at Chappaquiddick in the summer of 1969 in one of my parents' magazines. The incident was very suspect, but surrounded by mystery, and Ted Kennedy managed to come out of it without going to jail. It made a big impression on me. My parents often talked about the Kennedys and I even remember hearing about the murder of John F and later about his brother's. We even had a book with lots of photographs and the pictures of the president's funeral have been etched in my mind. Quite astonishing, when you consider I was a child in the tiny Netherlands of all countries! I was fascinated listening to you talk about JFK junior and his great image of himself and especially his attitude towards danger, even danger leading to death. Perhaps there were several factors contributing. First of all, the greatest heroes in his family had met untimely, violent deaths, and they seemed to have been elevated to saintly idols. There is the Catholic influence in a way of thinking that being martyred for a 'good' cause gives one that extra heroic martyrdom. I also thought that if you are a very privileged person, who can do whatever he wished, death might seem an ultimate experience. Taking huge risks with your life might give you a thrill on a different level. You have already tried everything else, if you see what I mean.

[@Jess_Connell]

That is all very interesting! Starting with the last comment and working in reverse-- good observation about thrill-seeking. I especially appreciated your thought about being martyred and that being an elevated state. What an interesting idea. and yes! It's amazing the reach that JFK's death had, all the way to little you in the Netherlands... it was such a heart-gripping story I can see why it reached people around the globe. As for Chappaquidick and the magazine-- keep your eyes out for a "Bonus" episode. It may be released sometime next week-- about that very thing (a Chappaquidick magazine!). Thank you for your comments. Welcome! I hope you'll keep engaging and sharing your recollections and insights. ~Jess

[@patrice19791]

Sounds like a very unhealthy, immature relationship fueled by superficial values. He was a spoiled, entitled, reckless manchild and she was hyper-focused on attaining a lifestyle of no real depth or meaning. There is no lasting happiness in that. And it ultimately cost her not only her own life, but her sister's life as well. Very sad. BTW I spent my 20's and 30's working in the fashion industry in NYC. Women like Carolyn were a dime a dozen. Substance took a backseat to money, power, appearance, and lifestyle. I managed to find a group of friends who were grounded and genuine. From all different industries and socio-economic backgrounds. Money and breeding were not a deciding factor for friendships. But those misguided 'types' who either accepted you/ or didn't based on who you knew or where you could get them were everywhere in that industry, in that city.

[@Jess_Connell]

“Money and breeding were not a factor” - seems like that must’ve been the kicker for why you could find healthy people worth being around. This upper crust we’re reading about ONLY cares about wealth and breeding. 🙄😑 and it yields such rotten fruit.

[@Kathleen-zn9oe]

I enjoyed this. I’m a busy Grandma so the kids in the background didn’t worry me at all. I felt like it was a chat with friends

[@evelynpaterson2823]

No wonder the Kennedy men were as they were, the Patriarch Joe was a real piece of work! As you said two broken people connecting, Carolyn’s methods for catching a guy seem to be a little dishonest! Starting a relationship of with dishonesty isn’t a particularly good start, might work initially but can’t be sustained

[@Jess_Connell]

Yes! I don’t know a ton about the patriarch Joe- but what I know is bad, bad, bad. I’m interested to encounter him more in future chapters - to get a peek at the origins of all this dysfunction.

[@sabinabirnie3761]

I received my book two days ago and I can’t put it down, it’s such a page turner that shows the other side of the Kennedy clan where nothing is sugar coated!

[@Jess_Connell]

Exactly. Some in the comment section have said “there’s nothing new here”… but I think that’s not true for a lot of us. Some of these stories I’ve heard in broad strokes but many of them have been entirely new to me. It really IS a page-turner!

[@ninjacat508]

The wedding they were flying to was on Marthas Vineyard, not the cape. Thats why they died in water. Because they had to fly over it... to get to the island... Martha's Vineyard island.

[@psmith2714]

Ive read elsewhere that Jackie never wanted John to hang out with Ethels kids as they were wild and reckless but she had to somethimes in order to keep the peace.

[@Jess_Connell]

That would be hard!!

[@mwmsjuly19]

The book, "The Other Man," by Michael Bergin, lays out Carolyn's affair, before and during her marriage, to John Jr. Bergin was a Calvin Klein model and has receipts. She was not naive. Bergin was in love with her and she kept lying to him that she wasn't seeing John and that the tabloids were lying about her and him. Worth a read. This is not all on John. None of these instances are solely on the men. (And thanks for sharing this...pretty sure I'll be skipping this one! Feels too biased -- and I am no booster for the Kennedys!)

[@Jess_Connell]

I agree with you- and I think the author would too! Even though she clearly is laying out the case for how the Kennedy men treated (mistreated) their women, I’m only 5 chapters in right now but, where appropriate, I do feel she gives a good look at each woman’s “demons.”

[@Mimke1]

Agree, "The Other Man," although written from a loving point of view, gives a good idea of who Carolyn was.

[@radhikam2401]

Meghan Markle & Prince Harry. “I had never heard of Harry. All I asked was ‘is he nice?’” SCARY the similarities

[@Jess_Connell]

🤣 that whole comment was ridiculous. Someone having no clue about THE TWO PRINCES everyone of that age group knew about and grew up watching. But no. She knew nothing. She googled nothing. Just a girl prowling England’s elite social scene and only wanting a simple nice guy. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@radhikam2401]

@@Jess_Connell Princess Diana - WHO!?!?!? Oh! I try to walk like her, act like her, dress like her, constantly try to create comparisons - that is JUST a coincidence or divine intervention. I have never even heard of her. 🙄🙄🙄

[@Jess_Connell]

@@radhikam2401 😂🤦🏻‍♀️🤣😬😆

[@dmc4426]

​​@@radhikam2401 There are pictures of a preteen Megan Markle posing outside Buckingham Palace. She and her mom visited England when she was young. So she's full of it. Like Yoko lived in NYC but didn't know who the Beatles were? Before meeting John, she had written to Paul asking if he wanted to take part in an art project, then write to him again asking him to donate a song to a project she was doing. She was probably trying to go after Paul 1st because he was single. But when he wasn't interested, went after John. But she opened an art exhibit in a gallery right by Abby Road recording studio. Convenient.

[@radhikam2401]

@@dmc4426 both probably only cared if “he was nice”.

[@sharondoron252]

I READ THE WHOLE BOOK. VERY INTERSTING EVEN THOUGH SOME OF THE FACTS ARE KNOW. HOW HORRIBLE THAN POWER AND WEALTH ENABLE MEN TO TREAT WOMEN LIKE YESTERDAYS DUST. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE BOOK

[@reader4111]

Carolyn & Jackie both had divorced parents. Both their mothers married "up" to more money & status on their 2nd marriages. They both had to rely on stepfathers for financial needs & wants. Jackie was raised to capture a rich husband. I expect Carolyn was, too. The catch-a-man manual, "The Rules" book was popular & had similar tactics. Meghan Markle & Carolyn BOTH played the "I AM THE PRIZE; YOU'D BE LUCKY TO HAVE ME" ploy. Worked wonders on these boys who grew up believing THEY were the prize of all prizes. I thought Carolyn made herself ghostlike - very pale, no eyebrows, because Darryl Hannah, the One Who Got Away, was ghostly pale naturally. Jackie wouldn't let JFK JR. marry an actress.

[@Jess_Connell]

Good thoughts. Someone else brought up that book “The Rules” also and I’d totally forgotten about it. But it was truly a phenomenon at the time. Thanks for pointing it out!

[@michelegraham9044]

My first time here & I have to say as a dog lover my whole life but being bedridden for many, many years I’d LOVE to rent a dog. My second husband, also a dog lover has forbade us from having a dog knowing he’d have to do everything to look after it. I know mine is a unique situation but personally, although I know it’s a stupid business model, I’d have used the service 😂

[@Jess_Connell]

Haha I love that. Thanks for speaking up. There IS a market after all! 😍👍🏻 JFK Jr is vindicated! 😆

[@michelegraham9044]

@@Jess_Connellyou are SO RIGHT when you compare him to Harry and I’m sure there will be parallels or perhaps would have been if she’d lived, between Markle and Caroline. I’m just preparing my dinner 🇦🇺 & was remembering how moved I was by Carole Radziwell’s book which I think was called What Remains. It was SO MOVING that I bought nearly a dozen copies and gave & posted a copy to everyone I thought would enjoy it. It wasn’t just about she & her husband’s death but there was a lot about John and Caroline too. I wish I could remember the content but I definitely remember the emotion it evoked. Thank you for this. For health reasons I can’t read anymore- once a passion- so rely on channels like yours because there’s NO WAY Bezos is getting any of MY money & if I were a US citizen I’d be even more concerned.

[@Jess_Connell]

@@michelegraham9044 I haven’t heard of that book. Thanks for mentioning it. I think a lot of people are looking for other solid books about the Kennedys. I’m so glad my little KZbin channel can serve you in this way. Please keep coming back and adding your thoughts!

[@elle28390]

I ❤ your reading. I just finished Kick and cried my eyes out. My nana left the birth of England at 1920. She told my mom they had no shoes but there was $$ for drink. But she was put in a boat by her father b/c she was in ❤️with a Protestant. She was also of Irish descent but a British subject. She eventually married an Irishmen in NY Both men died young so she wouldn’t have won either way as she said. She loved my mom’s dad who died when my mom was 3, and she was pregnant. The few relatives in the US advised to give up her kids and start fresh to find a new guy! Anyway, she left the Bronx to be near hub’s relatives in CT. RFK jr deserves a little expose. He’s full blown pissed off a lot of people. I thought exposing JFK jr initially-kind of stunk as his life was chronicled. He was the hunk that flunked. He went to Brown b/c only Ivy League that doesn’t give grades and his gf and dating life was fodder everyday. But the dirt on him was not too explosive or invasive. It’s like finding out Princess Diana was flawed. They died too young to gain perspective. I feel bad for the Bussettes losing 2 girls and probably feeling on the outs like RFKjr’s wife’s family felt when they took over the funerals. They are chief mourners and everyone has compassion for the Kennedy curse but what about Mary Jo’s family home watching the news under the Camelot spell yet confused as heck why their daughter was gone and it was glazed over. Ted in the neck brace was a pathetic ploy of arrogance. He did benefit from longevity and being a father figure and a champion of human rights and compassion in the Senate. I’m sure you had to have a reckoning with who Joe was. Cuz their father was an absolute crook who jeopardized all their lives. He blackmailed priests and the church with secret children and families some kept. He out J Edgar Hoovered J Edgar with blackmail. Such a complicated family. Jackie did sit separate from the Kennedys and married Onassis to get away. When she came back to nyc she just said F it, there’s no escape so she lived out in nyc. They are a tough group to reconcile. JFK was larger than life. Jackie manufactured Camelot to a journalist b/c the scandals were always just ready to hit the fan. In the 70s, my dad would tease my mom about jfk. She wasn’t having it. But she bought every book-salacious and historical and I guess we all have reckoned this dichotomy. I saw Mimi’s interview when she read her book and although like my mom in the 70s, regular people just can’t fathom where you’d find the time. This personality type whether narcissistic or megalomaniac, definitely don’t sleep and have a different nature. They’re human but their narcissistic nature has them up as we sleep. And it’s dark. U guess when the narc adopts your beliefs to gain power and wealth, you’re blinded and enamored. They’re in all gotta, political parties, corporations and families. It’s a new concept to reconcile. I guess we do b/c only so much time to give it and have one life.

[@Jess_Connell]

Welcome!! Thanks for adding your observations and insights.

[@bluerose_11]

Okay, I accidentally opened this video, I already watched it. But I learned something interesting...I enjoyed it as much as the first time 🤯 first time that's ever happened! You have a gift 🤗

[@Jess_Connell]

🎉🤩 how fun! Well I’m glad! 💕

[@DesertThunderDownUnder]

Watching your reading, editorial and commentary from Brisbane Australia Jess and I am enjoying it immensely. I was raised in a household of pro British Royalists and that following and loyalty through my mother in particular extended to the Kennedy family. Imagine an Aussie kid in the 1970s and 80s going to school and explaining the Kennedy’s history to other school friends. They thought I was from Mars. Still to this day I remember so much dating back to Honey Fitz. I’ve just ordered the hardcover edition via Amazon Prime Australia. Looking forward to more. 😊🫡🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@Jess_Connell]

@@DesertThunderDownUnder wow that’s remarkable! Very fun that you were so into those types of histories.

[@lahola3265]

This is great! I was sick a few years ago & listened to to three JFK Jr books, but some of this was new to me.

[@JaneLolli]

Both were superficial, rich and entitled. They were not good people. I wasn’t surprised when I heard the marriage was going South. Carolyn wasn’t any better than the other women who married a Kennedy, especially Jackie. They were all looking for status and wealth.

[@maxinefreeman8858]

@StrongopinonsRus.....I thought the Kennedys were on Cape Cod. Jackie O was the one that bought a place on Martha's Vineyard.

[@janelle144]

I'm surprised the author never mentioned the video of them fighting since it was on the street and caught on tape. I remember her running after him and jumping onto his back. The paparazzi of course followed him around. I guessed she was tired of being with him as just a girlfriend and not a wife. My guess.

[@michelegraham9044]

I haven’t been single since I was 15. I had one DISASTROUS marriage, with him from 16 - 32 yo, 4 kids & it’s only through Markle that Ive learned that he was a malignant narcissist . So I spent a whole decade- the 80s in one sort of therapy or another trying to cope with my marriage. I thought it ended with Family Court ordered therapy, supported by both lawyers with a therapist (unbeknownst to the husband) who specialised in men who can’t let go. The next 5 years were worse than the previous decades and still causing trouble as recently as December the waves of which are still reverberating through the rest of us, the family. I know that Markle read The Rules, heavily promoted by Oprah. She even did a series on it, having the author on answering audience questions etc. I was a huge Oprah fan cos she was on when my kids were young and I never missed an episode when it came here. I even bought a copy myself 😂 I think Caroline, if she hadn’t read The Rules then she just knew it innately but my money’s on she read the book.

[@Jess_Connell]

@@michelegraham9044 someone else mentioned this book also! I’d forgotten about it but it does seem like Carolyn was acting in line with those principles.

[@littleflower8915]

Michael Bergin, Carolyn's former boyfriend, wrote a book "The Other Man" about an ongoing affair with her during her marriage. Earlier, when Carolyn was seriously dating JFK Jr., he almost caught Bergin in Carolyn's apartment. Bergin got out of there just in time.

[@Uma06]

Sometimes we need to be careful what we wish for. John John's wife was obviously a Gold digger, thinking money was gonna make her life perfect but far from it. So much toxicity, mind games and manipulation. Money and status is not everything in life, is very sad that many people do not understand it yet. All that greed brought her to the fatal demise.

[@Mortem_inrita_non_potes]

I was thinking of the comparison to Harry right before you said it. Albeit, this couple was far more polished and desired in the publics eyes. There have been many articles and videos on their relationship since their passing in 1999. You can still watch the infamous videos of “the fight in the park” that was played in segments on Extra. Howard Stern’s interview with JFK JR regarding the fight is still available as well. But the girlfriend you mentioned him being photographed with did a magazine interview detailing what he would say about his marriage. Carolyn supposedly had an ex whom she confided in as well, but her side does seem to be more from JFK Jr’s lens. It’s nice to hear a different angle. Lastly, just this year on Bravo, Brook Shields had a story about meeting JFK Jr. I recommend watching it as it falls in line with this book.

[@Jess_Connell]

Awesome, thanks for those recommendations. I haven't seen the Howard Stern bits -- I'll have to check those out.

[@gregkenning9238]

Michael Bergin was the ex. He wrote a book called The Other Man. It is out of print now and used copies are climbing in price as there is renewed interest. He dumped her because he was a good looking underwear model but moved to Los Angeles to become an actor. I wrote more about this on this video page in a longer post.

[@deborahburroughs8905]

This is incredible! My Family was Kennedy all the way. I have heard these stories a lot so I can’t wait for more .

[@Jess_Connell]

Oh wow! When you say your family was “Kennedy all the way”… do you mean you’re personally related to the Kennedys or that your family strongly supported/voted for JFK?

[@adelebz7]

I have to run to my absolute favorite small business bookstore and get this book.

[@Jess_Connell]

Oh good! And then come back and share more!!

[@adelebz7]

You betcha,thank you.🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@amstudt94]

You got me wanting to read the book 😂 I was in college then married during the whole story! So I remember it very well.

[@Jess_Connell]

I remember it enough to remember the "fairy tale" glowing images of them around the time of the plane crash, but most of this chapter was new information to me!

[@Suejd1001]

I think the bigger question is why the women allowed him to drag them into his high risks ventures. I think he felt INVINCIBLE. Hence his blase attitude.

[@LeeDon76]

He was good looking,powerful and rich.

[@margaretbarnes2032]

Hello Jess I’ve just discovered your channel & I’m really enjoying your take on this book - so looking forward to the next chapter - don’t worry about the background noise - its lovely to hear happy kids :)

[@Jess_Connell]

Welcome; thank you!

[@caroshmarow]

JFKJ was a high risk taker who had only cultivated his exterior. As for Carolyn, all kudos to her for making him wait for what he wanted for once. I don’t personally see a conflation between her making him chase her and having to die in that tragic plane crash. Just quietly shocked to have my perception of him as a gorgeous, bright, thrill seeker who was devoted to Carolyn whilst allegedly dealing with marital problems. What a reframe!

[@Jess_Connell]

I am feeling the same right now (shocked, with a reframing of my perception) about RFKJ after reading chapter 5. (Forthcoming video!)

[@wahlgreengirl7459]

​@@Jess_ConnellI am the same age as RFK Jr. His behavior has been outrageous for decades, He has always gotten a free pass.

[@Jess_Connell]

@@wahlgreengirl7459 I’m seeing that now. I never knew of RFKJ until his most recent “revival” in popularity with long form KZbinrs and so the chapter about his wife Mary (which will be episode 5) was a real shock for me.

[@rosebud-ame]

I have no idea how this came across my feed so first time viewer here and this fascinated me. I was 10 years old when Kennedy was in Dallas and passed. We all fell in love with John John, which continued as he got older. I know New Yorkers were devastated when his plane went down so I can imagine how the rest of the country felt. About Carolyne, there are plenty of women who “catch” their man the way she did which is sad to me.

[@Jess_Connell]

Welcome, and thank you for sharing your memories and input!!

[@mariediphillipo3388]

Thanks for this saves me money the library list is so long

[@beverleightodd5710]

Jacqueline Bissett sounds like Megan Markle and yes Hazza sounds a bit like jonjon

[@maryanncarine2075]

Well, JJ was called "Royalty" which I find rather nauseating

[@Chergoodvibes]

Kennedy’s have been called American royalty

[@camsnow2856]

Not to completely excuse John jr, but I remember reading he had ADHD. Or dyslexia. Can’t recall which.

[@lauramason5667]

You have a great approach to this and I appreciate it very much. I’ll be coming back to you again.❤

[@Jess_Connell]

Thank you!!

[@sue8344]

I just finished it. Amazing read

[@user-bf3sc7dm5d]

Very interesting story, I really enjoyed it

[@user-mr6vo8ks9q]

Somewhere in my Jackie reading, a vague memory of an oxygen supply issue at John’s birth. I can’t swear to it. But it could put a different slant on his development if there was something amiss in intellect or perceptual capacity.

[@Jess_Connell]

It would.

[@hallelujah969]

Might you be getting that story confused with JFK, SR's sister, Rosemary?

[@lesleedennis8614]

Christina wrote a book called COME FROM THE EDGE re her relationship with John.

[@Jess_Connell]

@@lesleedennis8614 thanks for adding that information! It’ll help those who come along and want more info about her.

[@lesleedennis8614]

I had actually met Christina while she was dating John. She had a cast on her leg. I was a Casting Director and she came in to meet me for a potential role as she was an actress.

[@Donna_Relaxing]

The whole part about John not wanting to appear "dumb" came from multiple learning disabilities... school was hard for him ... being teased his whole life.... just horrible as he was carring the "Kennedy" weight.......and let us not forget the New York papers front paged every time he faile the NY bar exam. (3 times)

[@Jess_Connell]

That would be really hard- to have your failures broadcast so loudly.

[@Suejd1001]

I was his age and I had a mad crush on him for years.