I first heard this on WCAI, on or near Father's Day 2005. It had a strong impact on me and it often came to mind since then; and I wished I could hear it again. I'm pleased to have found it on PRX and appreciate having it accessible. Sorry that I am not capable of analyzing the aspects of the piece that made it so appealing, but I still want to express my feelings about it.
This is not your heartwarming sentimental Father's Day piece. In fact, this riveting monologue by the gravelly voiced Dave Masch is gut-wrenching and hits you right where it hurts. Who couldn't relate to the pain of a parent making mistakes with their child? The generational lessons and losses in this short and riveting piece are immense. It should be played for every father and teenage son possible. While this is slated for Father's Day, I think it would be appropriate for any special show about parenting and generational relationships. Beware though, the story about the death of the rabbits is not geared for younger listeners at all. I think it would take some finessing by stations to make this work in a larger context. But it would be well worth it.
Comments for A Better Father
Produced by Viki Merrick
Other pieces by Viki Merrick
Rating Summary
2 comments
Bob Werner
Posted on August 17, 2005 at 07:10 AM | Permalink
Review of A Better Father
I first heard this on WCAI, on or near Father's Day 2005. It had a strong impact on me and it often came to mind since then; and I wished I could hear it again. I'm pleased to have found it on PRX and appreciate having it accessible. Sorry that I am not capable of analyzing the aspects of the piece that made it so appealing, but I still want to express my feelings about it.
Dmae Lo Roberts
Posted on July 10, 2005 at 12:10 PM | Permalink
Review of A Better Father
This is not your heartwarming sentimental Father's Day piece. In fact, this riveting monologue by the gravelly voiced Dave Masch is gut-wrenching and hits you right where it hurts. Who couldn't relate to the pain of a parent making mistakes with their child? The generational lessons and losses in this short and riveting piece are immense. It should be played for every father and teenage son possible. While this is slated for Father's Day, I think it would be appropriate for any special show about parenting and generational relationships. Beware though, the story about the death of the rabbits is not geared for younger listeners at all. I think it would take some finessing by stations to make this work in a larger context. But it would be well worth it.