Deep Dive
Why does Ira Glass consider the memory of his father teaching him to shave significant?
Ira Glass considers the memory significant because it was one of the rare moments his father took the time to teach him something directly. His father was usually preoccupied with work and not very involved in imparting life lessons, making this moment stand out as a rare instance of focused attention and guidance.
What was unusual about Ira Glass's father's approach to teaching him to shave?
Ira's father had to stand behind him and reach around to demonstrate the shaving technique, which was unusual because they rarely had physical contact. This intimate moment was out of character for their typically distant relationship.
What did Ira Glass learn from his father beyond the act of shaving?
Ira learned that his father, who grew up without a father himself, struggled to understand what a son might need from a father. Despite his efforts, he was often emotionally distant and preoccupied with work, which shaped Ira's own tendencies to pull away from others.
Why was Jackie Wyant surprised by the obituary of the Trapper Keeper inventor?
Jackie was surprised because the obituary credited E. Bryant Crutchfield as the inventor of the Trapper Keeper, while she believed her father, John Wyant, was the true inventor. This discrepancy led her to investigate and challenge the narrative.
What role did John Wyant play in the creation of the Trapper Keeper?
John Wyant designed the Trapper Keeper, including its shape, folders, flap closure, logo, and even the plastic clipboard with a pencil holder. He also came up with the name 'Trapper Keeper' during a martini-fueled lunch with Crutchfield.
How did E. Bryant Crutchfield's children react to the claim that their father took credit for the Trapper Keeper?
Crutchfield's children acknowledged that their father was a talker who often played up his role in things. They admitted it was plausible he took more credit than he deserved but emphasized he wasn't malicious, just self-promotional.
What was unique about Wolf 8's relationship with the pups he adopted?
Wolf 8, a yearling, adopted and cared for pups from another pack after their father was killed. He hunted for them, brought them food, and became an alpha male in their pack, a behavior rarely documented in wolves.
How did Wolf 21 save his father, Wolf 8, during a potential pack fight?
During a confrontation between their packs, Wolf 21 intentionally ran past Wolf 8 without attacking, turning the battle into a chase. This clever move prevented a deadly fight and saved his father's life.
What did Simon Rich's great-grandfather reveal about his first date with his wife?
Simon's great-grandfather described a time before online dating, where couples met in person without exchanging nudes or knowing much about each other. Their first date involved awkward conversations, shared memes performed in person, and a spontaneous high-five after finding a restaurant.
What did Simon Rich's great-grandfather say about the role of sex robots in his marriage?
Simon's great-grandfather admitted that he and his wife had affairs with advanced sex robots in the 2050s. These robots were so persuasive that the UN had to regulate the industry to ensure people left their homes and maintained societal functions.
- Ira's father's unexpected shaving lesson is a rare memory of focused attention and knowledge transfer.
- The lesson highlights the infrequent father-son physical contact and emotional closeness.
- Ira reflects on inheriting both positive and negative traits from his father, including a tendency towards solitude.
Shownotes Transcript