8 episodes
Scattered WNYC Studios
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- Society & Culture
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4.8 • 176 Ratings
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Chris Garcia’s dad had one dying wish: That his family scatter his ashes off the coast of Cuba. Chris’s mom? She doesn’t give a crap about dying wishes. She’s vowed to never go back to Cuba again.
As Chris tries to do right by his dad, he sets out to uncover the truth about a man he barely knew.
Scattered is produced by WNYC Studios, home of other great podcasts including Radiolab, Death, Sex & Money, On the Media and Nancy.
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1. Soy Andres, a Tus Pies
Chris’s dad was a classy guy. Whenever he met one of his son’s girlfriends, he’d extend his hand, give her a firm handshake and say, “Soy Andrés, a tus pies.” Which means, “I’m Andres, I serve at your feet.”
Andres carried his wife’s purse when they went out, taught Chris to throw a knuckle ball by age eight, and loved a good joke at Fidel Castro’s expense. But behind it all was a dark past that Chris was too scared to ask about. -
2. The Camp
When Andres asked the Cuban government for permission to leave the country in 1969, he got a letter with a set of instructions.
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4. The Chunited States
Andres catches a break. Mr. Bible-Jesus is born. And an American dog drinks café con leche.
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5. The Ashes
Chris confronts the box in his closet.
Follow @ScatteredPodcast for updates on the show, old photos of the fam back in Cuba, and more.
Our theme song is "Please Won't Please" from This is How You Smile by Helado Negro. -
6. The End
Ana puts on her hot pink visor, Chris gets heatstroke, and the Garcias say goodbye.
Follow @ScatteredPodcast for updates on the show, old photos of the fam back in Cuba, and more.
Our theme song is "Please Won't Please" from This is How You Smile by Helado Negro.
Additional song: "Cuando Salí de Cuba" performed by Celia Cruz. Courtesy of Craft Recordings, a division of Concord Music Group, Inc. Written by Luis Aguilé.
Special thanks to Lillian Guerra, Rachel Hynson, Emily Botein, Celia Muller, Janna Freed, Tobin Low, the entire Death Sex and Money team, Mark Szuchman, and Carrie Kahn. Ernesto Chavez, Suzie Lechtenberg, Julia Longoria, Katie Bishop, Megan Cunnane, Soren Wheeler, Raymond Guillemette, Edward Lattimer, and Carmen Cusido.
Customer Reviews
Beautiful
Equal parts beautiful, loving, and heartbreaking
Alzheimer’s support group?
This is something I listen to over and over again as an authentic story of a kid struggling with their beloved parent disappearing. With so much humour and vulnerability, it makes my own experience with my mom feel a little less heavy some days. It’s the only thing I can listen to that helps me deal with the fact that my 68 year old mom is in mid to late stage, after almost 10 years of questioning what the hell was going on. You have no idea how thankful I am too - you sharing your story. I would love to hear more from you having discussions/interviews with others who have dealt with this, like your episode with your colleague. When I can laugh and cry at the same time, this works with my mom with Alzheimer’s makes more sense. All the best.
Best podcast of 2020
I loved this podcast from the first second I started it. It starts of with a stand up comedy act and ends in a beautiful family scene on a beach in Cuba. Chris Garcia does a beautiful job at recreating and finishing the story of his father’s life. It was funny, informative and heart touching. Listen to it - you’ll love it!!