The Ties That Bind - Rebecca Barry

“There's a lot of love in our family and we're gonna be okay.”

Photo by Dave Burbank

The Ties That Bind

--- This episode is available on your local radio station, on PRX and below via The Moth Player. It will be published on iTunes | Spotify | RadioPublic | RSS --- on 7/5/23 ---

In this hour, stories of the struggles, support, and safety the bonds of family provide. Hosted by The Moth's Artistic Director, Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Sharif El-Mekki wants to follow in the footsteps of his Black Panther father.

NeShaune Lasley receives unwanted encouragement from her father.

Rebecca Barry frets over her mother's health.

Caitlin McNaughton's feminist parents don't want to get her a Barbie.

Warren Holleman must unlearn his family's lessons when he has a baby.

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Stories in this Episode

06:25
Afros, Boxers, Handcuffs, and Guns

by Sharif El-Mekki

Sharif El-Mekki wants to follow in the footsteps of his Black Panther father.

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05:50
Go, Venae, Go!

by Neshaune Lasley

NeShaune Lasley receives unwanted encouragement from her father.

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10:54
Just Put Your Pants On!

by Rebecca Barry

Rebecca Barry frets over her mother's health.

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04:14
Banned Barbies

by Caitlin Mcnaughton

Caitlin McNaughton's feminst parents don't want to get her a Barbie.

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16:17
It's Your Job to Hold Your Baby

by Warren Holleman

Warren Holleman must unlearn his family's lessons when he has a baby.

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Extras From This Episode

The Ties That Bind Extras

Sharif El-Mekki

Sharif Image

Sharif's father.

Sharif El-Mekki Podcast 525 Extra 2

Sharif's mother.

Sharif El-Mekki Podcast 525 Extra 3

Sharif as a young teach with a student of his.

Sharif El-Mekki Podcast 525 Extra 4

The photo of Sharif's father referenced in the story.

Sharif El-Mekki Podcast 525 Extra 5

Young Sharif.

NeShaune Lasley

Mrh1902 Ne Shaune Lasley Extra 1

Neshaune in the stylish scrunchie, between her dad (in the black and white suit) and her grandfather. Her dad and uncle were becoming deacons at church on this day.

Caitlin McNaughton

Mrh1902 Caitlin Mc Naughton Extra 1

Caitlin (right) and her family, trying to enjoy some barbie-free entertainment.

Warren Holleman

Mrh1920 ​ Warren Holleman​ Extra 1

Warren doing his job, holding his baby, on the day she was born.

A note from Warren: "The song that comes to mind when I tell my story is the contemporary gospel hymn, 'He Touched Me.' The song was very popular in evangelical/fundamentalist Christian churches in the 70s and 80s, among the same people who shunned young men who were gay or had HIV."