The Moth Radio Hour: "Fatherhood"
Host: Roy Wood Jr.
Episode Date: October 21, 2025
Overview
This episode of The Moth Radio Hour delves into the complexities and resonances of fatherhood—honoring biological dads, stepdads, father figures, and the impact of their presence or absence. Hosted by comedian and writer Roy Wood Jr., the show curates a series of stories told live, each offering a deeply personal window into what it means to be or have a father. The stories move through themes of grief, resilience, surprise, heartbreak, and redemption, ultimately painting a textured portrait of modern fatherhood.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Roy Wood Jr. on Mentorship and "Many Fathers"
[02:12]
- Roy reflects on how, after losing his own father at 16, he realized the importance of the lessons he gleaned from various male figures in his life, not just his biological dad.
- These composite experiences inspired his forthcoming book, The Man of Many Fathers, celebrating the unrecognized mentors who help shape us.
"At its core, it is about the mentorship that I received, whether I realized it or not. And that's what we're talking about today." – Roy Wood Jr. [03:30]
2. Story 1: C.J. Hunt – "The Bachelor Days"
[04:11]
- A nostalgic, bittersweet recounting of C.J.'s childhood after his mother's passing.
- C.J. and his father become 'bachelor buddies,' living simply in a cramped Brooklyn Heights apartment, creating joyful rituals amid hardship.
- Music, cereal dinners, and comic book hunts serve as both comfort and distraction.
Memorable Moment:
"Some of the best memories in my life all come from this period... In the driver's seat is my best friend and bachelor buddy, my dad." – C.J. Hunt [04:11]
- C.J. only later realizes the pain his father must have hidden to create these golden memories for him.
"I wonder how he was able to turn what should have been the most devastating period of my life into something I remember as my best days." – C.J. Hunt [09:31]
3. Story 2: Bailey Richards – "Reggie, My Dad"
[11:27]
- Bailey grows up in a matriarchal household and meets Reggie, a cheerful construction worker, who gradually becomes a fixture in their lives.
- Reggie's quiet, consistent support—helping the family move, bonding through shared activities—culminates in him asking to be called "Dad."
Notable Quote:
"He came into my room one night and was like, 'I'm never going anywhere. You do not have to worry about that. And I would really appreciate if you called me dad.' So from that moment on, he was dad." – Bailey Richards [13:25]
- The symbolic passing of the pink Yankee cap and the promise made in a spider-filled basement encapsulate the security and permanence Bailey finds in Reggie.
Memorable Exchange:
"Forever really is forever. And I'm going to be your dad forever.” – Reggie, via Bailey Richards [14:47]
4. Story 3: Eldon Smith – "Across the Ocean, Still a Dad"
[19:02]
- Eldon, grappling with job loss and a breakup, clings to his role as a devoted father—until his son is unexpectedly taken to London by the boy’s mother and grandmother, with no warning.
- Eldon faces the absence with heartbreak and dignity, maintaining positive connection with his son via phone (“I never told him I missed him. I didn’t want to put that weight on his heart.” [22:35]).
- After over two years, the father and son reunite; their secret handshake confirms their unbreakable bond.
Notable Quote:
"No matter space, time or circumstance, the bond between a father and son could never be broken." – Eldon Smith [24:14]
5. Story 4: Harriet Jernigan – "Meeting Maya Angelou (Almost)"
[25:42]
- Harriet works at a famous Santa Monica bookstore and dreams of meeting Maya Angelou.
- When the opportunity arises, Harriet panics and hides instead, only to have a second chance outside the store. She fumbles her words, Angelou hugs her, and Harriet finds herself still unfulfilled.
- Her father, recognizing her heartbreak, writes to Maya Angelou, who responds with a personalized, supportive inscription in her book.
Notable Quote:
"Inside there was this letter from my dad to Maya Angelou... And on the title page, it says, 'To the poet Harriet Jernigan, I join your parents in wishing you Joy. Maya Angelou.'" – Harriet Jernigan [30:48]
6. Story 5: Alyssa Ladd – "Dance Night"
[36:16]
- Alyssa shares the humiliation and disappointment of a high school homecoming, where her date ignores her for another girl.
- Her father, waiting up at home, becomes her unexpected comfort; through tears, Alyssa realizes the depth of his love—stronger than any fleeting adolescent romance.
Memorable Moment:
"My dad just puts his arms around me, and he pulls me to his chest and just lets me cry there for a while.... I was overwhelmed by how much he loved me." – Alyssa Ladd [39:37]
- Her dad’s deadpan advice: “There’s nothing wrong with you. That guy is just a dick.” [41:24]
7. Story 6: Anthony Griffith – "Comedy and Tragedy"
[43:29]
- The most emotionally raw story: Anthony balances a comedic career breakthrough with the agony of his young daughter’s cancer.
- Juggles hospital visits and stand-up sets, culminating in Johnny Carson’s glowing praise on The Tonight Show.
- As his daughter relapses, Anthony describes the indescribable pain of impending loss. He performs on national TV even as she passes, masking his grief behind jokes.
Notable Quotes:
"I'm a clown whose medical bills are raising, who's one stop from being evicted.... And I have to come out and make you laugh because no one wants to hear the clown in pain." – Anthony Griffith [47:01]
"I would have given it all if I could just have one more day sharing a bag of french fries with my daughter. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." – Anthony Griffith [52:14]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- "Just taking pieces of rubble and making a world for me right on the fly." – C.J. Hunt [09:54]
- "Having a child is like having your heart go walking around outside of your body." – Paraphrased by Alyssa Ladd [40:15]
- "You think you the only one losing kids today? ... This is life. Welcome to the real world." – Anthony Griffith, internal dialogue [48:50]
Important Timestamps
| Segment | Storyteller | Topic | Timestamp | |----------------------------|---------------------|-----------------------------|-------------| | Host's Introduction | Roy Wood Jr. | Theme & personal story | 02:12 | | Story 1: Bachelor Days | C.J. Hunt | Single dad after loss | 04:11–10:19 | | Story 2: Reggie, My Dad | Bailey Richards | Stepdad as real dad | 11:27–15:23 | | Story 3: Long-Distance Dad | Eldon Smith | Son taken overseas | 19:02–24:42 | | Story 4: Maya Angelou | Harriet Jernigan | Father's written gesture | 25:42–31:31 | | Story 5: Homecoming | Alyssa Ladd | Dad's comfort after heartbreak| 36:16–42:01| | Story 6: Comedy vs. Pain | Anthony Griffith | Daughter’s illness & career | 43:29–52:22 |
Tone and Style
The episode is suffused with warmth, humor, vulnerability, and reverence for the messiness of relationships between fathers and their children. The speakers use candid, conversational language and often address the audience directly, eliciting empathy and often laughter even in painful moments.
Conclusion
This Fatherhood-themed episode of The Moth Radio Hour is an evocative collection of real-life stories that encompass the broad spectrum of paternal experiences. Through tales of loss, joining families, reunification, support, heartbreak, and triumph, listeners are invited to reflect on the resilience and impact of parental love—often found in quiet moments, steadfast commitment, and the willingness to transform adversity into connection.
For photographs, transcripts, and more information, visit themoth.org.