Podcast Title: RISK!
Episode: The Best of Father's Day Stories #3
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Host: Kevin Allison
Introduction
In this poignant and revealing episode of RISK!, host Kevin Allison curates a selection of heartfelt Father's Day stories that delve into the complex, multifaceted relationships individuals have with their fathers. Titled "The Best of Father's Day Stories #3," the episode features two main narratives that explore themes of mental health, addiction, identity, and acceptance. Both stories offer deep personal insights, evoking a range of emotions from vulnerability to resilience.
Story 1: "After Dad" by Paul Gilmartin
Timestamp: [01:27] – [16:45]
Narrator: Paul Gilmartin, host of the Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast.
Summary:
Paul Gilmartin opens up about his tumultuous relationship with his father, painting a vivid picture of a man he perceived as a quiet mystery. From an early age, Paul sensed an underlying struggle within his father, who remained largely emotionally unavailable. Despite some cherished childhood memories, such as nightly bedtime rituals and shared moments swimming, Paul felt a persistent sense of not being "seen" by his father.
As Paul grows older, the complexities of his father's life become clearer. He reveals that his father was a high-functioning alcoholic who battled internal demons, a legacy of a similarly troubled father. This revelation sheds light on his father's distant behavior and emotional unavailability. The turning point in Paul's narrative occurs in 1993 when his father attempts suicide. Paul describes the harrowing experience of trying to reach out, culminating in his father's eventual rehabilitation and sober period.
Throughout the story, Paul grapples with mixed emotions—resentment, confusion, and ultimately, acceptance. He reflects on the difficulty of meeting his father "where he was" and the bittersweet moments of connection, especially towards the end of his father's life. Paul's journey culminates in a profound understanding of his father's struggles and a sense of peace with their imperfect relationship.
Notable Quotes:
- [04:35] "The more people I talk to, the moments that people remember from childhood, the most are the ones where they have their parents undivided attention or they feel seen in some way."
- [10:20] "When I realized, oh, my God, he's giving me the talk. But he didn't. He just..."
- [14:50] "I got to a place where I'm okay with the fact that our relationship was what it was. Because I realized his father tortured him mentally and emotionally."
Story 2: "Transparent" by Jody Avergan
Timestamp: [16:50] – [30:27]
Narrator: Jody Avergan, daughter navigating her father's transition.
Summary:
Jody Avergan shares her intimate and transformative journey as her father, Max Mason, transitions to live as a woman, Marnie. Growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, Jody describes a relationship with her father marked by playful pranks and rare moments of genuine connection, often overshadowed by her parents' divorce and her father's secretive behavior.
The revelation of her father's transgender identity serves as a catalyst for intense emotional turmoil. Jody recounts the initial shock and anger upon learning that Max is transitioning, juxtaposed with her sister Leah's supportive stance. The family dynamics shift dramatically as they navigate acceptance, societal perceptions, and internal conflicts. Jody emphasizes the loneliness and misunderstandings often faced by transgender individuals and those close to them.
Despite initial resistance, Jody illustrates a gradual path towards acceptance, highlighting meaningful family interactions and the redefinition of her father's role within the family. She reflects on the broader implications for LGBTQ+ acceptance and the importance of supportive environments for individuals undergoing similar transitions.
Notable Quotes:
- [22:10] "I was angry for the thousands and thousands of lies upon lies. And I was also super angry at myself for being so selfish."
- [25:45] "It's kinda sad because I feel like all that entire generation is just gonna die soon."
- [29:25] "But I've gotten through that milestone, and it's true. And I think that, like, if more people accepted this entire LGBTQ community and trans rights, then we would have people who transition at an early age and we wouldn't have people being abusive to themselves or their loved ones or animal friends."
Conclusion
"The Best of Father's Day Stories #3" offers a profound exploration of father-child relationships fraught with challenges yet underscored by moments of understanding and acceptance. Through Paul Gilmartin’s candid recounting of his father's battle with alcoholism and mental health, and Jody Avergan’s heartfelt narrative of her father's gender transition, the episode underscores the resilience of familial bonds amidst personal struggles. These stories not only honor the complexity of fatherhood but also highlight the universal pursuit of connection and acceptance within families.
Listeners are invited to reflect on their own relationships and consider the courage required to share and embrace deeply personal stories. The episode epitomizes the essence of RISK!—embracing vulnerability to foster genuine human connections.
Join the Conversation:
If you have a story about a father that you'd like to share, consider pitching it to RISK! for a chance to be featured in future episodes. Visit risk-show.com submissions for more information.
Thank you for tuning into RISK! Stay brave and keep sharing your stories.