The Moth Radio Hour: I Will Be Your Father Figure Release Date: June 19, 2018
Introduction Hosted by Sarah Austin Janess, The Moth Radio Hour episode titled "I Will Be Your Father Figure" delves into the intricate relationships between fathers and their children. Through a collection of heartfelt and poignant stories, listeners explore the multifaceted roles fathers play—from being sources of laughter and support to navigating complex emotional terrains.
1. The Dangerous Dad Joke
Storyteller: Adrian McGillis
Timestamp: [02:49]
Adrian McGillis recounts a seemingly innocent family moment that spiraled into a medical emergency. At age 12, Adrian and his younger brother were engaging in typical sibling banter, sharing "dad jokes." When his 8-year-old brother crafted a corny joke involving stick figures and alcohol, their father’s uncontrollable laughter led him to faint on the kitchen floor.
Adrian McGillis: "While laughter is the best medicine, sometimes too much of a good thing can kill you." [02:49]
The incident prompted a series of medical tests, only for Adrian’s father to laugh again upon recounting the joke, necessitating a stern medical recommendation: stop telling the joke. Despite the humorous cause, the event underscored the profound impact of shared laughter and familial bonds.
2. Dad Jokes with Cameron
Storyteller: Cameron (Sarah’s Brother)
Timestamp: [07:39]
Cameron shares lighthearted exchanges with his children, illustrating the generational gap in humor:
Cameron: "What do you get when you mix an elephant and a rhinoceros?"
Child: "El if I know." [07:44]
Cameron: "What did the Atlantic Ocean say to the Pacific Ocean?"
Child: "Nothing. It just waved." [07:59]
When his child questions the humor, Cameron playfully responds:
Cameron: "You're not a dad." [08:16]
These interactions highlight the joys and challenges of passing down family traditions and humor, bridging the gap between fathers and their children.
3. A Single Father’s Struggle
Storyteller: C.J. Hunt
Timestamp: [08:56]
Actor and writer C.J. Hunt shares his experience as a single father navigating the complexities of parenting after his parents' divorce and his mother's passing. Living in a cramped Brooklyn Heights apartment, C.J. and his father bonded over shared interests like action figures and simple pleasures, despite their differing personalities.
C.J. Hunt: "He [my father] didn't raise me. I wasn't born to him. We had sort of been looking for each other for our whole lives." [40:50]
C.J.’s story underscores the resilience required in single-parent households and the unexpected ways fathers and children can connect, even amidst personal loss and societal expectations.
4. A Daughter’s Gift and Loss
Storyteller: Eric Wenger
Timestamp: [15:50]
Eric Wenger narrates a touching story about his daughter, Kayla, who, despite battling cancer and requiring constant care, finds a moment of independence at the mall. Kayla purchases an expensive cologne for Eric’s birthday, an act of love that showcases her desire for normalcy and generosity.
Eric Wenger: "Sometimes, she said, you should just say thanks." [17:50]
Tragically, Kayla passed away two months later when her cancer returned aggressively. Eric keeps the nearly empty bottle of cologne as a daily reminder of his daughter's love and the enduring impact of her gift.
Eric Wenger: "It feels like a kiss from her sweet little lips." [18:00]
This story poignantly illustrates the themes of love, loss, and the lasting legacy children leave on their parents.
5. Breaking Community Norms: Blessing Dia’s Story
Storyteller: Blessing Dia
Timestamp: [22:03]
Blessing Dia, a gender advocate from Nairobi, shares her challenging journey as a 17-year-old pregnant daughter of a pastor in a conservative Yoruba community in Nigeria. Faced with societal stigma and the expectation of maintaining her family's impeccable reputation, Blessing initially seeks unsafe abortions before deciding to confide in her father.
Blessing Dia: "In that moment, my father was accepting that he was human and that his family, me included, a human, too." [32:56]
Her father’s public announcement of her pregnancy during a church service was a pivotal moment that not only broke community taboos but also strengthened their father-daughter bond. Blessing emphasizes her father's unwavering support, which helped her navigate the challenges of teenage pregnancy and motherhood.
6. Building Bonds with a Stepfather
Storyteller: Lauren Thurman
Timestamp: [35:36]
Lauren Thurman discusses her evolving relationship with her stepfather, Skip, highlighting the complexities of forming familial bonds in blended families. Initially resistant to Skip’s attempts to connect, a shared movie night watching How to Train Your Dragon became a turning point.
Lauren Thurman: "That's how Skip and I came together. He didn’t raise me. I wasn't born to him." [40:50]
Through patience and shared experiences, Lauren and Skip overcame initial tensions, leading to his formal adoption of her. This story underscores the significance of understanding, patience, and mutual respect in building meaningful father-child relationships beyond biological ties.
7. Holding a Father's Hand Amidst Alzheimer's
Storyteller: Harwood Taylor
Timestamp: [45:22]
Harwood Taylor reflects on his relationship with his father, who struggled with bipolar disorder and later Alzheimer's disease. Despite years of estrangement with his sisters, Harwood committed to rebuilding his bond with his father through regular breakfasts and therapeutic efforts.
Harwood Taylor: "I want to hold my father's hand. I can't do it... And when I touched his hand, immediately his other hand came over and covered my hand." [51:32]
This intimate moment signifies the healing power of physical connection and emotional reconciliation, especially in the face of a debilitating illness like Alzheimer's. Harwood’s story is a testament to forgiveness, perseverance, and the enduring love between father and son.
Reflections on Fatherhood
Host: Sarah Austin Janess
Timestamp: [52:18]
The episode concludes with heartfelt reflections from fathers and Cameron, offering advice to new dads:
Sarah’s Father: "Be sensitive to everyone's needs around you. Be willing to give a helping hand gesture first and think later. Be proud of the moment because it will pass very quickly." [52:18]
Cameron: "Help out any way that you can and just try and do as much for your family as possible, whether that's taking a feeding at night or throwing out really stinky diapers and garbage or whatever it is to kind of get your hands dirty and be a part of it because it happens way too fast." [52:37]
These insights emphasize the importance of presence, sensitivity, and active participation in parenting roles, highlighting the deep sense of responsibility and love that fathers embody.
Conclusion The "I Will Be Your Father Figure" episode of The Moth Radio Hour masterfully weaves together diverse narratives that explore the profound and varied relationships between fathers and their children. From the laughter-filled kitchens to the poignant moments of loss and reconciliation, each story illuminates the enduring impact fathers have on their children’s lives. Through humor, sacrifice, and unconditional support, the episode celebrates the intricate dance of fatherhood, offering listeners a rich tapestry of experiences that resonate across cultures and generations.
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