Can't let go
Limited series / Narrative podcast
The surprising stories behind the meaningful objects we hold onto and can’t let go of.
From the middle school letters of a former best friend, the tin box of foreign money collected from migrants crossing the border, to a faded Claire Denis library book receipt - each object tells the story behind a relationship and its profound impact.
EP 1: Letters from Eric
Jesse grew up in an upstate New York military base town and had three best friends - Eric, Kris, Adam. They were "jocky but emotional, impulsive and expressive,” Jesse says. They had sleepovers where they talked all night about girls and their feelings. The four of them were best friends for two short formative years: 6th and 7th grade.
In 1993, the military base closed down and it tore their friend group apart. Then, Jesse began receiving letters from Eric.
EP 2: Tin of money
Jay, a first generation Mexican, was a compassionate border patrol agent from Brownsville Texas. Before bringing immigrants to head quarters, he’d stop at McDonald’s to buy them a cheeseburger and hear the story of their journey. In exchange, he’d ask for a bill from their currency for his collection. Later at home, he would lay out the bills like a map on the kitchen table. The money was from all over: Brazil, Ethiopia, Israel and the Philippines. Jay will tell his younger brother David the stories of these immigrants from all over the world.
Ep 3: Moby’s soul
Paul, a punk rock filmmaker, grew up with and was best friends with the musician Moby. After they had a falling out and Moby's career skyrocketed, Paul made 'Moby's Soul' out of parchment paper and sold it on eBay for $41. A fan of Moby's, Mark, bought it. Mark was a struggling musician and DJ. Years later, Mark took his own life. And “Moby's Soul” - along with most of Mark’s possessions - wound up in his best friend Tim's LA storage unit.
A story about best friends and ruptures and how sometimes people can impact our lives even more when they are gone.
EP 4: Claire denis book receipt
A faded campus book receipt found in a library book lead Haroon, eventually, to his future ex-boyfriend.
Ep 5: Daddy Nay Nay
Nathan does child care for a network of families. The children call him Daddy Nay Nay, and the parents gift him a Daddy Nay Nay necklace for his 30th birthday. The necklace evokes all kinds of feelings for Nathan, who had always wanted to grow up to be a mommy instead.