This American Life – Episode 815: How I Learned to Shave

Release Date: December 1, 2024

"This American Life" continues its tradition of weaving personal narratives with broader societal themes in Episode 815: "How I Learned to Shave." Hosted by Ira Glass and produced in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago, this episode delves into the intricate relationships between parents and children, exploring legacies both intended and unintended. Through a series of poignant stories, listeners are invited to reflect on the lessons inherited from previous generations and the complex dynamics that shape them.

Act 1: David Kestebaum – How I Learned to Shave

The episode opens with David Kestebaum recounting a deeply personal memory of his father teaching him how to shave. This moment, seemingly mundane, serves as a profound exploration of paternal relationships and the legacies parents leave behind.

Key Points:

• Rare Moments of Connection: Kestebaum highlights the scarcity of meaningful interactions with his father, emphasizing the significance of this teaching moment.

  “...this shaving memory is one of the few that I have of him passing on some kind of knowledge or wisdom." (David Kestebaum, [00:31])

• Father’s Character: He portrays his father as a conscientious yet emotionally distant figure, primarily absorbed in his career as a CPA.

  “His mind didn't seem to be on me or my sisters at all, but on his job.” (David Kestebaum, [03:15])

• Legacy and Memory: Reflecting on his father's passing, Kestebaum contemplates the traits he inherited, both admirable and flawed, and the lasting impact of his father’s limited emotional availability.

  “Stuff just shows up inside of us like a virus. One that they never meant to transmit and we didn't mean to catch.” (David Kestebaum, [04:00])

Notable Quote:

“He was a conscientious dad, a worried dad, a caring dad, but we never had much physical contact.” (David Kestebaum, [02:50])

Kestebaum's narrative underscores the complexities of familial relationships and the often unspoken lessons that shape us long after our parents are gone.

Act 2: Unveiling the Trapper Keeper – Who Truly Invented It?

The second segment delves into a corporate mystery surrounding the iconic Trapper Keeper binder. Initially credited to E. Bryant Crutchfield in various obituaries, a revelation surfaces challenging this attribution.

Key Points:

• The Obituary Controversy: Upon the passing of the reported inventor, E. Bryant Crutchfield, conflicting claims emerge from his family, particularly his son, John Wyandt, asserting his father’s true role in the invention.

  “The dad in the email, his name is John Wyandt, lives in South Carolina. He's 83 years old and I can definitely confirm he's alive.” (Simon Rich, [08:58])

• Investigation and Documentation: Producer Simon Rich embarks on an investigative journey, interviewing key individuals and uncovering evidence that attributes the actual design and development of the Trapper Keeper to John Wyandt.

  “John designed the shape of the binder, the shape of the folders, the flap closure, the logo, and even the plastic clipboard in the back with the spot for the pencil.” (Simon Rich, [12:17])

• Legacy and Recognition: The story highlights the often-overlooked contributions of individuals behind the scenes and the complexities of credit in corporate inventions.

Notable Quote:

“He created the flap closure so nothing would fall out. He even came up with the name Trapper Keeper.” (Simon Rich, [12:48])

This segment sheds light on the importance of acknowledging all contributors in creative and corporate endeavors, challenging the singular narratives often presented in media.

Act 3: Rick McIntyre – The Rise of Wolf 8

Rick McIntyre shares an enthralling account of his four-decade-long observation of wolves in Yellowstone, focusing on two particular wolves: Wolf 8 and his adopted son, Wolf 21. This story explores themes of survival, leadership, and the bonds that transcend familial lines.

Key Points:

• Wolf Reintroduction: The narrative begins with the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone in the 1990s, a move that fundamentally altered the park’s ecosystem and provided unprecedented opportunities for scientific observation.

  “Before Rick and others started doing this work, we really didn't know much about wolves.” (Rick McIntyre, [24:28])

• Wolf 8’s Struggle: Wolf 8, the runt of his litter, faces bullying from his stronger siblings, leading to social isolation and introspection about his role within the pack.

  “He was the runt of his litter. His three brothers were all bigger and stronger than him.” (Rick McIntyre, [25:51])

• Wolf 21’s Leadership: Adopted by Wolf 8, Wolf 21 emerges as a charismatic leader, embodying traits that complement his adoptive father’s strengths and ultimately preventing a potential lethal confrontation between rival packs.

  “21 had just come up with this genius solution to save the wolf that had raised him.” (Rick McIntyre, [42:54])

Notable Quote:

“He was the undefeated heavyweight champion of Yellowstone.” (Rick McIntyre, [38:13])

McIntyre’s narrative not only provides a window into the intricate social structures of wolf packs but also mirrors human familial and societal conflicts, emphasizing empathy, understanding, and the power of unconventional leadership.

Act 4: Simon Rich – StoryCorps: The Post Apocalypse Edition

In a departure from the more reality-based stories, Simon Rich presents a fictionalized account through the lens of StoryCorps. This piece imagines a future where humanity faces its demise, intertwining humor with a poignant critique of societal priorities.

Key Points:

• Great Grandfather’s Tale: The story follows Ira Glass’s fictional great grandfather, who recounts his experiences escaping a post-apocalyptic Earth, blending absurdity with thought-provoking scenarios.

  “All dates began with the same custom. The two people on the date would take turns verbally listing all the TV shows they liked.” (Simon Rich, [43:15])

• Social Evolution: Rich explores the evolution of social interactions, dating practices, and the ironic downfall of humanity, emphasizing the disconnect between superficial connections and meaningful relationships.

  “What everybody secretly actually cared about was the person sitting next to them. That's where all mankind's effort went.” (Simon Rich, [45:09])

• Climate Change Allegory: Through exaggerated narratives, the story serves as an allegory for real-world issues like climate change and the pitfalls of prioritizing trivial matters over substantial, existential threats.

Notable Quote:

“It was like Arrested Development. It was something people talked about and praised and maybe even tried to save... we lived in the presence of each other.” (Simon Rich, [44:25])

Rich’s creative storytelling blends humor with critical reflection, prompting listeners to ponder the essence of human connections and the true drivers of societal progress or decline.

Closing Thoughts

Episode 815 of "This American Life" masterfully intertwines personal memoirs, investigative journalism, wildlife observation, and creative fiction to explore the multifaceted nature of legacies, relationships, and societal values. Each story, while distinct in its narrative and setting, collectively underscores the enduring impact of familial bonds, the importance of recognizing unsung contributors, and the profound implications of our collective choices.

Final Reflection:

“The Earth was nothing more than a conversation starter. It wasn't what we really, truly cared about. We never even really lived there. We lived in the presence of each other.” (Simon Rich, [49:30])

This poignant conclusion serves as a reminder of the fundamental human need for connection and the often-overlooked aspects of our existence that truly shape our lives and legacies.

Produced by David Kestebaum with contributions from Rick McIntyre and Simon Rich, Episode 815 invites listeners to reflect deeply on the invisible threads that bind generations, societies, and the natural world.