Ira talks about learning to shave from his dad. Jackie's dad invented the Trapper Keeper notebook. A father and son have a traditional relationship until the end. Simon Rich reads his short story about the sex robots of the future. Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.org...
The podcast discusses the strong bond between a father and his adopted son, highlighting how this bond can provide protection, support, and even save lives.
The podcast emphasizes the significance of human connection and how it fuels individuals, shaping their dreams, aspirations, and outlook on the world.
Deep dives
The Story of Wolf 8 and his Father
Rick McIntyre, a wolf researcher, shares the story of Wolf 8, a runt of his litter who was adopted by his father. Despite being bullied by his larger siblings, Wolf 8's father saw his potential and protected him. This bond grew deeper as they went hunting together and even saved each other's lives. Eventually, the two wolves faced the possibility of a fight between their packs, but 21, the adopted pup, found a clever way to prevent the battle, resulting in their survival. The story highlights the strength of the bond between a father and his adopted son, even in the animal kingdom.
Memories of Earth and a First Date
A great-grandfather recounts his memories of Earth, sharing the challenges of climate change and the desire to write stories on paper. He fondly recalls his first date with his great-grandmother, discussing their nervousness about the future and their shared dream of becoming writers. The story emphasizes the importance of human connection and how it is ultimately what drives people, rather than the world itself.
Prologue: Ira talks about the time his dad taught him to shave, and how unusual that was. (5 minutes)
Act One: When Jackie read the obits for the man who had invented the famous Trapper Keeper notebook, she was very surprised. As far as she knew, the inventor was very much alive. It was her dad. Not the guy in the obit. (15 minutes)
Act Two: A father and son find themselves in a very traditional relationship. Until the end. (21 minutes)
Act Three: Simon Rich reads his short story "History Report," in which a father explains the sex robots of the future. And other things as well. (14 minutes)