35-years ago on a Saturday morning, I drove my mother to LAX where she flew to the North Dakota family farm for a reunion with five of her remaining siblings that once numbered twelve. When I saw her off, little did I know that Garrison Keillor would fatefully change my plans. Born and raise in Los Angeles, I grew up in the 1950's and 60's and I was sent back every other summer to work on my grandparents farm with them, a German bachelor uncle and a widowed aunt. I really enjoyed those summers and In those days the local North Dakota small towns of Oriska and Tower City were were a mirror of what would later become Garrison's vision of Lake Wobegon. I had thought about flying back with my mother to be with everyone at this reunion. But I was busy at work and decided not to. That Saturday night after earlier seeing my mother off, I was working in my garage and listening to Garrison Keillor's PHC when he started his News from Lake Wobegon story. It was about a family reunion at a farm house to celebrate an elderly aunt's birthday. Garrison noted she was so thin and frail that you could see light through her hands.....a perfect description of my widowed aunt. I stopped what I was doing and there were tears in my eyes as he finished the story and ended the show. I then walked into the house and told my wife I needed to go to that reunion and made reservations to fly out the next day. After calling my boss Sunday morning I flew to Fargo and rented a car. Before heading out the last leg of the drive to the farm I stopped at the Tower City Cafe and Truck Stop and had a Walleye dinner with a piece of fresh rhubarb pie for desert. When I arrived at the family farm I walked into the kitchen and saw my mother and her siblings sitting at the table talking and drinking coffee. I hadn't told them I was coming and one of my aunts said "Curtis, what are you doing here?" My mother looked at her sister as if to say 'what are you talking about' and then looked at me with the most surprised look I had ever seen on my mother's face. She later told me I was the last person she was expecting to see walking into that North Dakota farm house. It ended up being the last time all my mother's siblings were ever able to get together. Eventually they all passed and in 1998 the farm was sold. But I am forever grateful to Garrison Keillor and his fateful story that moved me to tears and lead me back to that final family gathering at a farmhouse in North Dakota.
On my 53rd birthday, my partner and I went to the beautiful Gox Theater in Detroit to see PHC live. Mr. Keillor mentioned the Syrian immigrants who came to Detroit to work in the auto industry. It moved me to tears because both of my grandfathers were Syrian immigrants who worked at Ford Motor Company. In that brief mention he acknowledged them and brought them back to life for a brief moment in time. For that I will always be grateful.
Great story, friend. I agree wholeheartedly. I am now 47 and have entered that era when one begins losing loved ones. My dad in 2014, sister in 2020, and my 77 year old Mom is in poor shape. Though I have the comfort of knowing they were all saved by Jesus, and we'll meet again, it hurts to lose them knowing I didn't spend the time with them that I could and should have.
@Itis Me At 79, the fact that he has exceeded the average life expectancy for a male in the U.S. is testament that he is more well than most at his age, regardless of whether he cares about anyone's opinion of his natural untrimmed nose hairs.
@Itis Me Huh. Chew on a lot of plastic toys when you were a toddler? Soda? Bottled water? Processed foods? Exposed to cell phones, excessive x-rays and microwaves in your youth? Because his generation predates all the toxins and junk. Hopefully you'll have the luxury of living long enough to not trim your nose hairs. But then you have an increase in dementia statistics to worry about...he seems free and clear of that at 80 - more power to him.
My husband and I would go on long rides in the country just to listen to the show on the car radio. Show ended, we'd find a place to eat then head home. Such good memories and PHC was a part of it. Thank you, Garrison. It's a shame about this scandal.
I think it is true that the culture changed. We need to find a way to forgive people who have made lessor mistakes and admit them. It is the only way we can allow people to change. Look at how much he gave us. I wish I could have been in Denver to see him. Once I wrote a letter to him and he wrote back a personal response on a postcard that specifically related to my letter. Bless your soul Garrison Keillor.
Have those people making lessor mistakes had their careers sabotaged from petty underlings with some weird axe to grind? His contributions far outweigh his transgressions...
@@sue8237 OK fine- feel that way but we're all only human. You try being perfect, especially when your public life is under a microscope. He felt someone up? So- you touch as many hearts and tickle their funny bones, THEN we will allow your petty judgements.
@@sue8237 Well, it appears that she did forgive him. That is their business. How do you suggest we move forward if there isn’t forgiveness? If you read his book he explains another aspect of the situation. Money
I've listened to Garrison since 1984 and have seen many of his live performances. He is an icon and has brought joy to so many people. We all make mistakes and bad decisions in our lives. All we can do is learn from them and move forward.
Many years ago Keillor worked with his romantic partner Margaret Moos who was a producer on the show and referred to as part of the show at every episode. He went to a high school reunion and ran into an old romantic interest, dumped Moos and talked on air a lot about being newly in love. For those of us who had heard him work with Moos for years, it was weird to hear him insensitively go on about the new relationship on air. Not only had Moos lost him as a partner but presumably her job and a name we heard for years simply disappeared. He upended her life and didn’t see how this might come across as he waxed lyrical about his new love. We could never hear him the same way again. He apparently divorced the then new wife and has remarried. He is a brilliant storyteller but in terms of his own actions apparently has significant blind spots…..and doesn’t even allow that is possible. It’s sad for all involved.
That's interesting about other twists and turns in his "romantic" relationships. It would seem Keillor is a storyteller in another sense--making up fictions to cover his tracks as a bit of philanderer and a man who is oblivious to the way he uses the power dynamic with women in unconscionable ways. Now he's trying to minimize and evade the reality of a situation that finally got him fired.
Thanks for sharing this. The behavior he talks about as “the culture” victimized women in the workplace for decades, and still does. If your job depends on someone’s good will, and they come on to you - even without touching - you’re trapped into either trying to placate them as best you can, or giving up a job you’ve worked at, sometimes loved, and often need. And often, you need a recommendation from that person in order to get another job. I’ve been there. It’s horrible. I have no sympathy for Keillor and I’m sorry that people continue to pay him.
JP you and I are not in any position to question Garrison Keillor's approach to romantic relationships. We weren't there nor were we privileged to details. My life experience is that if I went to a high school reunion and fell in love with an old flame the relationship that ended must not have been too good. As for the harassment claim, the days of good natured banter with a work colleague of the other gender are gone. Keep to your boundaries. I don't know what went on but it seems one day it was ok and the next it was not. Keep your boundaries with colleagues of another gender in the work place and you'll be fine.
I am a 30 year fan of Prairie Home Companion. I'm 64 years old and I bought many, many books on tape to listen to in my car over the years. Garrison Keillor feels like family to me. Lake Wobegon is as familiar to me as my own home town. This country has lost it's direction when it allows people to be punished without EVIDENCE of wrong doing. God bless you, Mr. Keillor and his family. I miss you every Sunday!!
I am glad for this update. I began listening to PHC in the early 1980s and became a longtime fan. Keillor had a very long, distinguished career and his downfall was swift and shocking.
And deserved. What was reported was the tip of the iceberg of his bad behavior, and had he been in just a friendship, they wouldn't have fired him so quickly. After a show in Tupelo in 2005, he rubbed his crotch against me several times while taking photographs. It was swift to us because it was the first we'd heard about it--but I have heard tales of his bad behavior that stretch back into the early seventies from first-hand witnesses.
A PHC was/is show always better seen on the radio. I would listen with my kids in the car. They grew up “having” to listen to him. Years later when my oldest daughter left home and was thousands of miles away she listened to him (PHC) and becoming homesick wrote him a letter thanking him for giving her great memories of her childhood with her dad! He wrote he a wonderful letter which i have framed with a picture of her and me. Whatever he might of done to this one person he certainly did a wonderful thing for my daughter and me. 😊
I see. So being a human being makes what he did to me and other women okay? Do you not think that I had to work hard to try and balance out the gratitude I felt for his contributions to my life when he did what he did to me?
If he was drugging women and forcing them to have sex with him ala Hugh Hefner definitlely he awas wrong. If anyone is forced to endure inappropriate behavior that too is wrong. My comment was that as human beings we all are flawed.
@@susannemcarlisle Sorry for whatever happened to you specifically. From this short interview, it sounds like the lady that said "that's sweet" was okay with his advances & perhaps there was more going on between them than we're hearing. As a married man, that was an inappropriate thing for him to be saying to someone other than his wife anyway, though. I've been in situations where the boss felt up my back side & I turned around & told him to stop it. I've also been in situations where I couldn't find the courage to speak up when being touched inappropriately. I like to touch people on the arm, just a little, to connect with them & show concern. It's frustrating how some people react like I just ripped their clothes off. Society needs to learn the difference between friendly connections & molesting. And, to tell someone when you don't want to be touched at all & the other person should accept that. I don't mind someone touching my arm or shoulder, or even a hug sometimes, in an appropriate way for an appropriate reason. Not a long creepy one for no reason at all. But, if my loved one just died & they come up & side hug me, that is nice of them.
@@susannemcarlisle If you're saying that you were specifically made uncomfortable by Garrison Kiellor than ok, we'll listen. If you're projecting from non-Garrison-Kiellor-based experiences that you've had, that's wrong
Oh my gosh! I didn't realize how much I miss him and his soothing stories while driving for my job! 😊😍 *sigh* He will always be my sweet Prairie Home Companion. Love and best wishes to you always for the countless hours of radio companionship, Garrison. 😘❤🤗
Hey! That may be right! We might be able to talk to him directly in these comments! Hi! Garrison. My dad did three martini lunches! Times were DIFFERENT! We only know what we know when we know it! No time travel! You were a bit graphic in spots but I don't believe you meant harm! She was not wholly truthful in her responses and may have created a wrong impression? CBS was heartless!💔
I’m in the uncomfortable in-between of having grown up with PHC; loving the show and Keilor’s work over the decades. But I can’t just dismiss the accusations because they are against someone influential to me. I think he’s telling people the wrong lesson from all of this too. Men and women can be friends at work, but maybe don’t send emails or have conversations discussing intimate encounters, theoretical or not.
I agree. I think here he confuses the meaning of “friendship.” But I’m also in that uncomfortable middle place. I always listened to the show, but I also believe the reports that came out.
How Garrison's story is reported and talked about is a good reminder to me about how incomplete the news we receive is. Having worked at the organization, (although not for APHC but in the same location) I can tell you that this situation is *a lot* thornier and complex than either Team Keillor or Team MeToo thinks it is. If you're tempted to make some pat judgement on either side, do so with the understanding that you don't have all the information.
When you tell a woman you fantasize about having sex with her, it sure as heck is not just friendship, but that’s a problem between him and his wife. It does seem to me that we are trying to simplify a complex situation.
It's true that stories often are more complex and detailed than we get in a news report. But don't use that to excuse Keillor's behavior or his refusal to accept any blame whatsoever. He comes across as minimizing, deflecting and writing a revisionist history like his gauzy, simplistic tales of Lake Wobegon. I judge him on the basis of his statements in this interview and the fact that several other females complained of Keillor's conduct over the years, not just this one woman. The more he talks, dismissing and failing to acknowledge that he behaved well beyond a person in a "friendship," the less credibility he has and the less sympathy I have for him. Lake Woe-is-me seems to be his present home, though he brushes off criticism by claiming he doesn't care.
Some of the stories was spread around on Twitter. Most of the issues came from the way he tended to treat female employees. He is not an easy man to work for, that is for sure. I think he got into a fancy at work and it backfired, as it so often does. But even Twitter, which is a pretty harsh space, had to admit that there wasn't much to the accusations.
I miss PHC a lot; my wife and I listen to it every Sunday, and we're not some old couple but in our late 30s. The fact the show was canceled and not allowed to grow with the times means a whole generation will miss out on its wholesomeness.
I’m older than you but I listened to the show when I was in my late 20s. It was what young people now would call “unintentional ASMR.” I think Keillor is a lot more complicated than the laid back, down to earth avuncular type he seemed to be on the show, but there’s no denying that the show meant a lot to a lot of people.
Some men just let their power go to their heads and they become predatory, though. They think it's their right or privilege to sort of buy or pressure young women.. Even Charlie Rose. Matt Lauer. Keillor. I love Garrison Keillor. But he may not have been able to stop. So he had to be let go. But he should have gotten more empathy and appreciation. Cheers.
@@AldousHuxleysCat Oh yeah, he did say that. ("You're fired!" "Too late: I quit!") Who knows the exact truth? Good for him, though, if true. I only heard about the NPR station letting him go, the statements they published, etc. This interview was first I heard he had already retired. (The station did other stuff too, though: erased the name of his show.. He had other losses.)
I think he hit the nail on the head when he described a shifting social climate in which so many of the "accepted" practices of the past--some of which may have been perfectly innocent--put men who were in positions of power or authority at risk for perceived threats, overtures, or indecencies on the part of the receiver. Painful lesson learned. I, for one, have been listening to Garrison since the late 1970s and I love the man. If numerous evengelical preachers can request "confession, redemption, and forgiveness" for past mistakes or crimes, why can't Keillor?
Everyone here is at least a generation older than me -- I was born in the 80s -- but I remember seeing the movie when I was younger and I thought it was hysterical, something like intelligence ridiculing itself to delightful effect. And when Me, Too started I thought it was a noble thing, like he said, and that my own plight in terms of being harassed and most certainly not relating to the misogyny of people my own age might be held equally valid, which it certainly wasn't. And I basically just kept quiet and realized I didn't have a dog, so to speak, in any part of the fight whatsoever. And then I took what happened to Louis CK to heart, and my own experiences regarding the duplicity of certain women, and, having been already highly questioning of *any* sort of mass-thinking, I renounced my silence and made sure to express my own feelings every time an opportunity presented itself. I'm 39 now, and feel a certain entitlement to perspective, no matter how much it might embarrass a man or a woman or any other sex at all for realizing how selfish something like Social Justice in the name of personal and unfounded insecurity can be. Being part of a cause is no absolute justification in defaming and disgracing anybody. It doesn't work for racism or age or guns, and sex isn't the least bit different.
@@richardlopez2932: A heartfelt and honesty expression of what you are feeling on the inside. Perhaps it is a question of balance. As the Depp/Heard trial demonstrated, certain presumptions accrue to the female party to the disadvantage of the male party may have weakened. Opposite advantages ("boys will be boys" and "locker room talk") for men have all but evaporated. We know that workplace inequities in pay and privilege exist. We know that the power of bosses to intimidate and coerce exist. As the pendulum has swayed forth and back in this struggle, inevitable inequities and injustics have occured. We can only take each case in turn, without prejudgment based on gender, collect factual evidence as it may exist, and allow criminal and civil processes to do their jobs. Keeping an open mind and throttling our biases to a minimum will not hurt either. Thanks for sharing, Richard!
His is a voice I miss, his are stories that carried us all away to the places many of us hoped would have existed. Garrison's imagination, humor, candor, & unabashed honesty, refreshing familiarity and welcoming nature invited everyone to feel they had a life-long friend who would always welcome visitors each and every week. May God continually bless him with renewing creativity. Like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Garrison Keillor's Lake Wobegon and Prairie Home Companion took us to a place far, far, away, in a memorably amusing and entertaining way. I was charmed. Upon reflection, I believed he did harm to the trust in his actual, virtual, and imagined relationships. Knowing what he admitted about himself, I question the authenticity of the idealization of his characters. Maybe a public apology would be better than simply a public admission. Yes indeed, the culture changed. Yet, there remains an absolute good regardless of cultural norms. Through the process of admitting norms were in need of correction, we all grow and mature in our relationships. Women are to be treated as equals, even if our roles are separated by cultural expectations. Yet, even this has changed. However, women deserve more respect rather than less as they retain the role of childbearing, something that elevates them rather than reduces them to merely objects of desire or affection. For one must consider the whole person even to their soul and spirit which is greater in importance than the body and the mind or anything dependent on physical elements such as feelings. We must respect the potential as well as the realized person who is beloved of God. Lusting in one's thoughts, also harms the individual's relationships. To be able to, jointly, be the bearers of newly formed persons, parents, indeed all persons bear the responsibility to care for and carry future generations with the utmost care. Beyond that, to bear one another's burdens, it is blessed, especially when assisting a woman who bears or cares for the most vulnerable among us. Fantasy, especially sexual, ignores most aspects of another person besides creating a grandiose image of one's self. This shame is on all of us for no one is separated from the love of God and we are one who place our trust in Christ Jesus. Any time someone watches an inappropriate film with enjoyment, anytime explicit photos are exposed, any time music with suggestive content is tolerated, one tolerates and perpetuates this culture of dehumanization.
I will always be thankful to Garrison Keillor for giving me a five-minute reprieve from my daily tasks with his thoughtful "Writer's Almanac." CBS' "Sunday Morning" understands his contributions to popular culture, but also gave him an opportunity to publicly make amends (doable even within the confines of his non-disclosure agreement). At his age he should have been honest. This was a missed opportunity for Keillor.
I give him a pass on this one because towards the end of the interview he said he could not discuss the case as part of the settlement, and therefore he could not be totally open. As much as he could say, I did detect a bit of regret.
The culture did change. Being employed in corporate America as a mid level manager I can attest to that cultural change. It is up to the person being harassed what is inappropriate. It is not up to the person being accused. For years what was considered flirtation between coworkers has now became a potentential issue for HR intervention. Garrison is correct in today's climate you cannot risk being friends with a coworker of the opposite sex.
Whatever happened to communicating directly with someone when they are bothering you? An anonymous person can make unsubstantiated allegations against anyone, and we have to just "believe all women?" I have much more respect for someone who can actually stand up for themselves rather than tattle to the teacher.
@@Uarehere It is not that simple. Standing up for yourself often does not work, and/or can get you fired and even sometimes blackballed from future employment.
In 2009, David Letterman spoke on his show about having sexual relationships with several of his female staffers over the years. He apologized and that was about it.
He was going to be extorted by a Male and his lurid tell-all, so he told it first. Mr. Nunuvyerbizness didn't get his book deal, any money, or any fame. He was made to look as he was, an opportunist, and a poor one at that.
Once the extortion/blackmail plot was revealed. But there was not just one boss to female employee situation. “How do you get to be Letterman’s favorite?” Like Ray Charles and the Raelettes - how do you get to be a Raelette? You gotta let Ray. It is wrong.
And it hasn't tainted his career... Letterman did it right, takes a lot of courage to do that. And you have to lay your pride low, which seems impossible for someone like Garrison.
Garrison Keillor was a man of the 20th Century and the 21st Century saw him outside of the mainstream. I remember how the world was in the 1980s and 90s and even then, it was a world where powerful men at the top openly took liberties with women they worked with, where as long as they were charming and likeable as a whole to most people they came in contact with that they could intimidate staff, make inappropriate jokes, creepily "flirt" with underlings, cross lines and boundaries pretty much with impunity. Keillor wasn't the worst offender but he was still an offender and ultimately he didn't lose much other than a chunk of his audience and reputation. Hopefully these women have moved on with some peace and solace themselves.
He didn’t lose much other than a chunk of his audience and his reputation? Yeah who cares about that? Maybe by the 22nd century women will be able to demand they be admitted to all workplaces and be treated as equal AND will be able to stand up for themselves like adults instead of just going along and then claiming victim status and destroying men they didn’t have the courage or principle to stand up to at the time.
I grew up listening to him and reading his books. He may have made some mistakes along the way, but who hasn't? Some of my funnest memories as a child involved listening to Garrison Keillor with my family.
I grew up listening to Prairie Home Companion. A fixture of my Saturday nights. There is no comparison, or replacement. The show painted images in my head, that cannot be undone. It’s unfortunate what happened, and only the two involved will ever know the truth. A settlement was reached, and life moves on.
Oh honey... you think she's the only one? He did it to me to after a Rhubarb show in 2005 in Tupelo. There are a LOT of women. Remember, he said 12 different incidences.
During my childhood and adolescence I used to listen to Prairie Home Companion on the radio in the kitchen on Saturday evenings. Years later I sent Prairie Home Companion a bilingual song, 'La rana/The Frog,' I wrote for my students while I was teaching at a primary school in Guatemala. And Richard Dworsky actually played my song most beautifully during their show. It was such an enormous honor! I have only positive feelings regarding Garrison Keillor and Prairie Home Companion!
I agree with that. But it doesn't help that Keillor kept trying to evade and minimize and outright any wrongdoing. He was accused of similar misconduct by several women that we know about.
I don't think being an artist gives you the license to do whatever you want. It used to be acceptable back in the days, but we need to take an honest look at people's behaviors. If he didn't do it, fine, but if he did... He shouldn't get a pass because he wrote great stories and created a wonderful show I personally enjoyed since I was a child.
@@kpepperl319 I don't disagree. My problem lies with CBS devoting the entire segment to the issue and ignoring the primary good he has also brought to the American landscape. It could have been a far better segment rather than a personality bashing.
I agree. It's a done issue. He admitted to wrong doing, maybe not to the extent some wanted. There was a court settlement. It's over. Why keep dredging it up?
PHC was the highlight of my weekends, they have been as light hearted and full of just a simple happiness his stories used to bring since he signed off.
I have three wonderful memories from that era on NPR: 1) the annual PHC joke show, especially when Paula Poundstone was part of the gang; 2) Liane Hansen's mellifluous voice (always like a ray of sunshine), in particular her interview with Andre Previn; 3) Marian MacPartland's "Radio Jazz" program. // Today's NPR is, at best, a mixed bag.
For many, many years I listened to NPR almost exclusively. Today you couldn’t pay me to listen to it. It got so that I knew what they were going to say before they said it. They have long since become a caricature of themselves. The careful wokeness, the political correctness, the lockstep leftism, the limousine liberalism, the nauseating smugness. . . I refer only to NPR News, not all their other programming, some of which I really liked, probably still would, but I can’t even bring myself to tune in an NPR station now. It’s almost like an allergic reaction.
I started listening to PHC in 1981, and from then on I planned my weekends around it. As much as I loved the show, when the MeToo thing happened I wasn't actually surprised. I had been noticing Keillor's creepy interactions with female guests on the air for a couple of years. Saddens me, but I still admire and respect the work he did for decades.
I appreciate your admiration, but tell me: when and why did flirtation go from innocuous to creepy? Seems to me that people take themselves more than a little too seriously if casual expressions of desire are now regarded as prurient. "Help! I'm being oppressed!"
Exactly! When someone is a supervisor or another (regardless of the sex of either) the supervisor has the responsibility to never mix work with pleasure - no matter how “innocent” s/he thinks it is and no matter now “mutual” s/he thinks it is. A supervisor is a person of authority and has the greater responsibility to never cross the line - and if they choose to do, they do so with the risk that at any time the person they supervise can say it was not mutual. A position of authority/power innately demands a true separation of work and non-work environment and behavior. It is by virtue of the imbalance of power that can typically keeps the person in the subordinate role from speaking out or going to HR (especially before the MeToo movement) - their livelihood and future would very easily and predictable be in danger. Mr. Keillor doesn’t get it - still. I would have so much more respect for him in this interview if he had said, “I learned and now do understand that what I did and said wasn’t right even though I truly didn’t realize or know that at the time. I now get why it wasn’t right.” Instead, he says, “THEY tell me it was wrong.” He’s not owing up to his mistakes. No one made him give us his right to tell his side of the story ….he made the decision to agree to that in the terms in the settlement. He didn’t have to agree. He could have gone to court and given his side of the story. He didn’t do so because he chose not to. No one forced him. I do think he deserved more than a minute phone call from Minnesota Public Radio (MPR). It’s sad they chose not to acknowledge his contributions over the many years. Our family always loved listening to his program for decades. I believe he deserved that acknowledgment from them. And having said that, 40 years of his work with MPR doesn’t negate that what he did was and is wrong. It would be appropriate and good to hear him acknowledge that.
If the relationship was consensual, he’s still in the wrong because he should reward his female subordinates based on merit not on their ability/willingness to sexually flatter him, so I’m not buying his innocent act, but I also refuse to consider the woman in question a victim based on the evidence we have available. No one comes out looking good out of this, not Keillor, not his accuser, and certainly not MPR who deified him while he was profitable and then dumped him without a moment’s consideration when he was no longer or use.
My husband and I were huge GK fans as well PHC. I was heartbroken when all this came out several years ago, however due to certain comments in his monologues about women it gave the charges a ring of truth. When I initially saw this interview I was tickled to see him back; then I watched him speak. “You should not be friends with a female colleague - it’s dangerous.” (4:17) This puts women in the position to be blamed, very reminiscent of many high schools dress codes (girls need to cover up as not to tempt the boys). I’ve never heard him apologize for his actions or to the woman. Yet he’s the victim.
If being friends with a female colleague means telling her you want to have sex with her, you should definitely not to do that. If it took the #metoo movement to teach him and other people at MPR that, then the movement served an important purpose.
Yet this supposed female friend turned on him and threw him into the pits. I don't think it mean that women are too blame for their sexuality but as a warning that you, as a man, must exercise caution when you socialize with the opposite sex.
If you tell a woman you want to have sex with her, she is not just a friend. And if the woman you are having adulterous fantasies about, while she’s your subordinate no less, turns out not to be in love with your good looks, tough for you. How about not sharing adulterous fantasies with your female subordinates to begin with?
I'm glad you were able to see through the rather arrogant and dismissive facade of Keillor. The interview shows what you describe, Keillor not accepting any blame, describing his conduct as if it's just like what thousands of others do in their workplace, and making himself out to be the victim. It's pretty disgusting. What he and the interviewer fail to acknowledge is that several other women we know about made accusations of inappropriate conduct by Keillor over the years, so it isn't just this one woman. Keillor doesn't get it: he's the problem. And he further carries this into an extreme view by saying you can never have a friendship with a female co-worker or touch them at all. So says the poor guy from Lake Woe-is-me.
Yes. If I had just seen a little more acknowledgement and growth, I would have been willing to listen to him again, but not given what he said in this interview.
He admitted to having made a mistake but I don't understand what some of these women expect him to do. They literally want him groveling and saying all the politically correct/right things.
It sets women in the work force to say You can never be friends with women at work. You should not write email about imagining sexual settings. He has learned nothing.
Once upon a time, there was a radio host (not GK) on a community station (not MPR), who was a sweet but crusty old time news guy. For a period of years, a female co-worker played the imagine game with him. It wasn't a sex thing. It was a passion for getting at the story. There was playfulness, irreverence, hard-hitting questions, rage, politics, sadness, and laughter. Always there was a hand or a hug or an ear or an encouraging word. Mentors come in many types. When he died, it hurt as much as losing your dog....
It is so hard when we come to love and respect and learn a lot from someone's artistry and then have to understand that they are not the people we might hope them to be. Then we must see their art as separate from their lives, broken as we all are and maybe more so.
@@matthewatwood8641 As a performing artist myself, I am aware that there are those who smile because the role requires it, even if it is juggling for the children at a circus. And there are those who smile amidst their performance because it is the only time they are not in pain. Dylan could be taciturn and has a caustic wit, yet is the poet of the afflicted human. It seems pandemics, political horrors, and a besieged planet may be about to turn us all into rolling stones and we may have no further choices to make.
I woke up most mornings for many years to the Prairie Home Morning Show on MPR with Garrison and the late Tom Keith, his engineer, as sidekick Jim Ed Poole. They played a wildly eclectic selection of music (where else could you hear Swann and Flanders, Kate Wolf, Mozart, Buddy Holly, and Tom Lehrer, to name just a few, on the same show on the same day?) with sponsors including Jack’s Auto Repair (all tracks lead to Jack’s), Bertha’s Kitty Boutique, Powdermilk Biscuits, and the Catchup Advisory Board. It made mornings a lot easier to swallow.
"You should never be friends with a female colleague, EVER!" It has been noticed since MeToo that older men are reluctant to mentor younger women strictly as a preemptive self-defense. -the Law of Unintended Consequences is one of those you just can't ever break.
I discovered PHC only a few short years ago. Loved the show. I tell people that I work with, we are co-workers NOT friends. I can be friendly at work, but (usually) have no desire to hang out after work with them. I keep it separate.
I learned English hearing and reading Tales from Lake Wobegon. I imagined being there and living its stories. Keillor is an amazing story teller. His stories are amazing full of life and spirit. It is sad to see him in this situation, his reputation tarnished. But I will always have a place in my heart for Prarie home companion and Lake Wobegon.
I was once rushing across a busy NYC intersection more concerned with the light changing than looking ahead of me when this gentleman was doing the same thing but going in the other direction. We collided. Hard. It felt like hitting a brick wall wearing clothes. I wouldn’t be surprised if he found my makeup-smudged image on his shirt front when he got home. Luckily clear of traffic, we quickly steadied, studied, and “so sorried” each other. I knew instantly who he was. He noticed my astonishment. I didn’t ask why he wasn’t in Lake Wobegon. He didn’t offer an explanation, just a confirming trademark grin and a friendly squeeze of my arm before he stepped aside and disappeared into the oncoming throng still in the crosswalk behind me. I can’t help but wonder looking back if nowadays a woman experiencing such a startling encounter might not be too sensitized to be able to appreciate someone’s affectionate civility as intended. It certainly never occurred to me at the time to mistake kindness for trespass.
@@Maggie-zr2ow desperation always rears its ugly head in the form of attempting to negatively characterize someone who you know nothing about. Your comments ooze with ignorant smugness. If that’s not really how you are as a person I suggest you change how you write. It’s ugly. Cheers!
I grew up loving the Lake Wobegon stories. As a young adult in 20s I started reading some of his non-LW novels. Gross and creepy. His inability to accurately portray women with any sort of subjectivity (they're all objects, sexual and past being good for sexual objectivity) turned me off pretty quick. A few years later these accusations broke and I was not at all surprised. And as this interview confirms, he still doesn't get it.
Keillor is 100% guilty of unwanted sexual contact. I know, because he did it to me. He was a huge influence in my life, so imagine my disappointment in those here who say his punishment doesn't fit the crime. Oh, yes it does. And it still should. Mason did a great job detailing it. I did speak to Minnesota Public Radio about it. I just can't stop crying this morning watching this man talk about his friendship with a colleague was a mistake. I have a son named after Keillor. And what he did to me was no mistake. It was deliberate. Make no mistake that Keillor has used his writing abilities to tell himself that something is not a big deal, and it is.
I wish more of the people making excuses for him would read your comment. I met a woman who worked for who while she didn't detail anything sexual (but for all I know she may not have been comfortable to talk about that part) , she did very believably detail what an abusive boss he was. So it's not surprising to me that his pattern of manipulation and abuse of power would extend into the sexual realm too.
well, i stand corrected, you were talking about Garrison Keillor and you. Well, I believe you. I'm not sure if the punishment fits the crime---like maybe HR could have talked to him before firing him? At least according to GK, they didn't. At the same time, he probably could say better things now to show he understands his pain. But for what it's worth, I believe you And as a side note, I only like the Robert Altman movie PHC , I've never listened to the show except like second hand.
I believe you and I’m so sorry. Many of the comments here are mind-blowing to me. His answer is to not befriend women in the workplace? That’s very telling of how he thought of his “friendships” in the first place while outlining his lack of introspection and culpability. The culture didn’t change. Women just finally spoke up about how uncomfortable they had always been. Talk to basically any woman who was in the workforce in a decade before the “Me Too” movement and they’ll tell you a story of at least one instance of harassment.
I still love him. The times changed As a woman in my 70s when I was in my 30s and 40s many men I worked with would hug us tease us etc ..much of the time while I was married as were the guys. I I was never offended as it was all in good humor and true affection. If you didn't like it a no was respected. If someone asked you something inappropriate I'd just say nothing to the question and give a sarcastic smile. And that always was respected. I think people are oversensitive these days. I met my husband under professional circumstances and liked him and he waited until he was not over me to ask me out. And I said yes. Many I know met their spouse ( still married forever) at work and it's ridiculous to think people can't be friends or date coworkers.
The MeToo movement did a lot of good things, but in its early zeal it really victimized some men far beyond anything they did or were accused of. As somebody in the story said, the punishment should fit the crime. If the punishment goes too far, it's the MeToo movement that becomes the victimizing agent.
@@jessicamoore1314 Actually, I was making a more general statement. A better example of what I was talking about is what happened to Senator Al Franken. Even if what he was accused of (placing his hand too low on the back of a woman who wanted her picture with him at a fair) was true (he denied it), it was hardly something he should have lost his political career over. Every woman he worked with in his long, varied career came to his defense, yet he was all but forced to resign. All women got out of that was the loss of one of their strongest advocates in the government.
The punishment fit just fine. See my earlier comment and others. He had a pattern of abusive behavior that was not sexual. Much how Harvey Weinstein was abusive in multiple ways.
I believe and stand with survivors. I used to listen to his show. I don't miss it. It is a slap in the face to survivors to deify him, and act like his actions were meaningless or somehow ok.
so many of the women who worked at Minnesota Public Radio were warned about his predatory behavior when they were hired on. MPR didn't warn them. other female colleagues did.
My husband introduced me to Garrison Keillor and Prairie Home Companion. When I heard my first few shows, I was convinced the whole thing was a farce put on by students at UC Berkeley. It was only after attending a live performance in San Francisco that I became a devoted fan of the man in red shoes with his imaginative stories and outstanding guests. I was so disappointed at hearing of his offensive behaviors...a work place line had been crossed...and this interview doesn't explain it all away with "different culture" comments.
Mr. Keillor, thank you for sharing the "8 mm pearls of wisdom" over the years in your storytelling. Those pearls are the gift of learning from someone else's mistake and deciding, "I'm not doing THAT!" My personal motto is "Make Peace. Move Forward." You seem to be moving forward and you seem to have made peace. GJBrownDO 12/3/2023 13:25 Eastern
I Worked in a 5 star hotel for 11years meeting many celebrities and international business people, Garrison Keeller was a guest in the hotel. He was the rudest, most arrogant person I ever encountered in all the years I worked in the hospitality business
I have heard this about him. My church's reader went to his very first show and then saw him at a baseball game not too long after and he was absolutely horrible to everyone.
When a researcher, who by the very nature of that job, is a savvy person and when she speaks of a power imbalance with a man like GK, how naive can she/we be? With those emails which mentioned "sweet" in regard to his suggestions, it makes one wonder if GK had been given some encouragement before he ever responded? Unfortunately, such accusations from a person who claims it was inappropriate are, in themselves, inappropriate for the real and serious accusations in the beginning of Me Too!! The station should have never jumped on that wagon for anything so thin.
I know Garrison is bitter and I don't know complete story to make a judgement. But you can have good and decent relationships with your colleagues or employees. I separate my work life from my social life. No non-work related banters in the office. Definitely no touching or anything close to it. Years later, I am on friendly terms with former co-workers, more so than when we were working together.
Idk having sexual conversations with a coworker doesn’t really fall in line with the concept of “professionalism” to me. Maybe if you work in a Taco Bell, maybe it’s fine there, but with an organization that prides itself on journalism and higher brow entertainment? Keep it with your wife.
His dismissal of the accusations was disappointing to say the least. I truly believe that many men in his generation genuinely do not understand that 1950's flirting is no longer allowed in a workplace. Even if it was "mutual", there is typically an unfair difference in power between the two parties.
I have no problem being friends with my male coworkers, especially since none of them would ever send me tacky emails like that. It makes me sad that he didn't get what was wrong with what he said. He used the words, "Evidently it was wrong." That's messed up!
@@susanvirgilio4615 Because he had power over her job, and there is a vast history of these types of "corrections" not going well for the person bringing them. I was sexually harassed as an office temp worker ages ago. Inappropriate comments, hands on me if I didn't swing my chair fast enough to be facing the offender, etc. If I had complained, I would not only lose that gig, which was really cool except for him, but the agency would have seen me as a complainer and placed me less or not again. That was in the late 80's and I really hope things have changed a ton, but I never ask "Why didn't she say something?" because I know why.
Garrison Keillor’s perspective of not being friends with female colleagues is the wrong take. Those emails are quite inflammatory. HR Training might have helped.
He played himself and wrote the screenplay for the film version of A Prairie Home Companion which came out in 2006 that Robert Altman directed and was Altman's last film.
In your case you mean misfire, sure this is not up there with Altman's other great works like Nashville, MASH or The Player so it is just light entertainment fare.
Dear Mr. Keillor, Thank you for your 40 years, and I only wish you had never stopped. 'Keep on keeping on' as we used to say back in the 60's when I first heard your wonderful stories and enjoyed all of the great music you promoted to the world. Don't let the crocodiles get you down as, sooner or later, we all have crocodiles in our lives. Thanks again, Wo0dy
Wow, I guess in your warped world we don't need any laws or norms or ethics, because personal conduct short of violent assault remains in the eye of the beholder. That's nonsense. But I suspect you do well in the Trumputin cult as well, where that deranged demagogue has not committed any crimes, offenses or wrongdoing despite being a lawless, corrupt traitor and a malignant narcissist. Keillor is not in that camp, of course, but he refuses to accept any blame for his inappropriate behavior, which by the way was reported by several other women over the years. The only "farce" is failure to recognize the impacts of behavior that place a subordinate at risk for losing her job or worse.
@@surfwriter8461 Gee, only three sentences until your TDS rears it's sad head and throws any credibility you might have had out the window, lol. Poor baby .....
@@surfwriter8461 Snowflake, he playfully flirted with a friend. It was mutual. He was happily married, so stop being so fragile. Your “wokeness” is showing.
My God, he has learned nothing. If the flirtation was "mutual" she wouldn't be calling it harassment. Men are notoriously unable to differentiate between friendliness and sexual interest when they find a woman attractive. He's right that you should never put your hands on a coworker, but not ever being friends with a co worker of the opposite sex is absurd-how about just don't creep on your friends, especially when there's a power differential? Shouldn't be so difficult. And note that he says you shouldn't put hands on someone at work, *not* because it's disrespectful and inappropriate, but because it's "dangerous". Still framing the whole incident in terms of how it affects the man. Typical entitlement and arrogance. For a smart man, he's incredibly dumb. And clearly not at all contrite.
I respect your clarity of mind in this comment. Most of us are here because in one way or another, the sweet, storied words of one man made us feel comfortable, safe and nostalgic. This reality is a violation of that "safety". It hurts, it really does, but that does not mean we can ignore the harm done. I can see why people get so bent out of shape and divided on things like this. I've come to think of it like this; If there was a town, and there, a donut maker, and everyone ate and loved his donuts for decades. Then one day a local girl spoke up, he'd been pressuring her into sex for years. Which is easier? If the girl is ignored, everyone gets to keep eating donuts. This is a painful lesson, and one you've framed here perfectly. Cheers.
The idea that adults of the opposite sex should not be friends in the workplace isn't unique to him. Best to avoid such "friendships" if you have a history of seeing things differently than your colleagues.
Yes indeed. Men with towering senses of their own importance who came of age when jokes about bosses chasing their secretaries around the desk were still considered funny, should not try to be friends with women. What a self-serving crock of bull he served up in this interview.
She said it wasn't mutual. Even the brief email they showed on this video proves she was lying. Why did anyone take her word for it? Why did he settle? Just because people say "believe the woman" and he's a man?
This piece was better balanced than I expected. Garrison Keillor was right: If we had held people in those days to our modern standards of accountability for the dignity and equal treatment for women, there wouldn't have been many staff or management left. But that's not an indicator of excessive zeal for justice today; it's an indictment of how thoroughly society choose not to see how badly women are systematically treated. #MeToo brought sunshine onto that painful truth and was immediately slandered away by the far right and others who suffer from guilty consciences or a sense of superior male entitlement. It reminds us of how far we have yet to go in achieving a truly equal society. Meanwhile, Garrison Keillor, for his part, always seemed like a genuine and decent person. I think he, unlike the real haters, was not malicious but instead was caught up in a culture of sexism that he never fully recognized or resisted. He abused his power due to an imbalance that he either didn't see or didn't care to see. And I think this feature piece does a good job of capturing how his ignorance and his responsibility for his own actions tarnishes his legacy without erasing it. His work will long and fondly be remembered. But it will always have that asterisk.
Well said. Garrison Keillor is a brilliant, talented man, who thought it was fun to engage in a secret “flirtation.” Why did he choose a woman he worked with instead of one of his many fans? Is this the way men behaved in Lake Wobegon? I think not.
Longtime fan of Garrison's and PHC... I think someone in this video made an important point regarding "the punishment fitting the crime." Sure he made mistakes, but for someone to try and vilify or "cancel" him for the rest of his life imo is cold hearted. Love ya G.K. 😻
Didn’t he do the same to a former love interest? Why do men get a pass and women have to accept career losses? Somehow he’s the victim here because of his celebrity…hmmmm.
@@wellnative1 Yes. But don't "cancel" all his contributions and unique talent. He was dismissed. He was punished. Fine. Don't then act like he deserves nothing. He's not Harvey Weinstein, Cosby or even Matt Lauer. Have some perspective.
Dear Garrison, write a book called "How to Say Your Sorry." Relinquish your Minnesota passive aggressive DNA, man up, and own it. Millions of people still love you, but don't think you can creatively separate the writer from person. And stop running to New York every time life gets hard. It's beneath Minnesota values.
He used to be at Ravinia Festival outside of Chicago for years. Always entertaining with a nostalgia for a Lost America that he 😊gifted his audience with on Summer Nights.
He doesnt get it, and he may never get it. I've been flirty in the office but never sent or received anything that eww. The one person I know that did was swiftly let go. There is a line and he crossed it whether he wants to admit it or not. Now its up to each of us to determine if we want to give him money/attention or not.
Absolutely correct. But it is also correct that women need to speak up and say No the first time it happens. Now it's up to each of us to determine if we will. Peace.
The “me too”movement revealed a lot of bad predatory men. Some,imo, were caught in a backwash. I think the most tragic loss was that of Al Franken who was caught being a silly comedian, his old job. He is such a smart man who again, IMO, would be a leading Presidential candidate in 2024 had some Democrat women politicians waited, taken a deep breath,and waited to see that Franken was set up.
What? No. Al Franken is an example of the inconsistency of the me-too movement. When it's someone that is disagreed with politically, they're not only gone against full force under questionable circumstances, but actually bring false witnesses. Someone like Franken, who is on their side, has his bad behavior dismissed by people who wanted him in office. Franken did stuff. Plenty of stuff. The concept of believing women has to be applied consistently or it is meaningless. Or don't you know what hypocrisy means.
@@cockeyedoptimista Oh do tell, "he did stuff, plenty of stuff"? Let's have it. All I know about was that photo taken while on a USO tour in Iraq. At that time he was a comedian and radio talk show host. Being from Minnesota I guess I'd like to know what other stuff my not quite yet Senator did....for the record.
@@davidminnesota4050 Why so snotty? You think I'm making stuff up? Why would I? I come to conclusions After hearing info, not before. Had nothing against Al, even thought the photo thing was over-reacted to - And I'm a Democrat, as said. Plus, Al's funny - though I Have found him biased. (I'm an Honest democrat, as also said: or try to be.) So, I don't have much time these days, hence my vague response. But I will send the specifics as soon as I Do get time. And what is your problem, that you're aggressive toward people you know nothing about? You just like to lash out? I was recently discharged from a hospital where I spent two months! Am now in a rehab place. Have a Lot of work to do, and am trying not to get hooked on UA-cam comments again: it's very easy to use them to procrastinate. Later then! Evening will be a better time. I will tell. Try to calm yourself if possible. PS: Minnesota is a great state, lots to admire there.
I loved the PHC for years and years, and Keillor's books. But the man . . . after reading a rant piece in his column where he showed utter contempt for the working poor, I felt sickened. That was before #MeToo. He came across like a really nasty elitist, even insulting the intellect of people he's never met, simply because they struggled financially in dead-end jobs. It was a really ugly glimpse into his character, and the strength of the bubble in which he lives. #MeToo revelations were just the icing on the nasty cake and hopefully some good medicine for him. There are lots of talented people in the world who aren't creeps and curmudgeons. I'll pay attention to them instead.
I live in Keillor’s neighborhood in Minnesota. I would run into him at the post office, grocery store…he is aggressive to get your attention when he likes a pretty girl. He also sued his neighbor for building a garage, because he didn’t like it. He needs to be accountable for his behavior, I believe the victim.
I'm so glad to hear that Garrison K is still OK, & taking the 'brickbats' philosophically. I'd been wondering these years how that man who gave so much joy, humour & home-spun wisdom over so many years was getting on. As in so many person-made 'movements', "Me Too" gathered momentum, got over-excited & injustices resulted. I think Garrison is right: "the culture changed". Good men have been 'butchered' as a result. I know whereof I speak.
The once great show was already tired when he left and he’s completely clueless about what he did and how he manipulated the colleague in question. Of course you can be friends with women in a workplace. Do you flirt with your male colleagues and share your sexual fantasies of them? If not, the problem is you!
I really miss the musical talent he brought on the show. Chris Thile also brought on some excellent talent. It really expanded me. I wish the would bring back 'Live from Here'.
I close my eyes and listen to his voice, it instantly takes me back to a simpler and I think better times. Thank you sir.
Well, I hear his voice and all I can think of is how dare he make a comeback. See my other comments.
35-years ago on a Saturday morning, I drove my mother to LAX where she flew to the North Dakota family farm for a reunion with five of her remaining siblings that once numbered twelve. When I saw her off, little did I know that Garrison Keillor would fatefully change my plans.
Born and raise in Los Angeles, I grew up in the 1950's and 60's and I was sent back every other summer to work on my grandparents farm with them, a German bachelor uncle and a widowed aunt. I really enjoyed those summers and In those days the local North Dakota small towns of Oriska and Tower City were were a mirror of what would later become Garrison's vision of Lake Wobegon.
I had thought about flying back with my mother to be with everyone at this reunion. But I was busy at work and decided not to. That Saturday night after earlier seeing my mother off, I was working in my garage and listening to Garrison Keillor's PHC when he started his News from Lake Wobegon story. It was about a family reunion at a farm house to celebrate an elderly aunt's birthday. Garrison noted she was so thin and frail that you could see light through her hands.....a perfect description of my widowed aunt. I stopped what I was doing and there were tears in my eyes as he finished the story and ended the show.
I then walked into the house and told my wife I needed to go to that reunion and made reservations to fly out the next day. After calling my boss Sunday morning I flew to Fargo and rented a car. Before heading out the last leg of the drive to the farm I stopped at the Tower City Cafe and Truck Stop and had a Walleye dinner with a piece of fresh rhubarb pie for desert.
When I arrived at the family farm I walked into the kitchen and saw my mother and her siblings sitting at the table talking and drinking coffee. I hadn't told them I was coming and one of my aunts said "Curtis, what are you doing here?" My mother looked at her sister as if to say 'what are you talking about' and then looked at me with the most surprised look I had ever seen on my mother's face. She later told me I was the last person she was expecting to see walking into that North Dakota farm house.
It ended up being the last time all my mother's siblings were ever able to get together. Eventually they all passed and in 1998 the farm was sold. But I am forever grateful to Garrison Keillor and his fateful story that moved me to tears and lead me back to that final family gathering at a farmhouse in North Dakota.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Wow! That story got me! We so often miss out on important last chances! So very glad you did not!
Bravo...
On my 53rd birthday, my partner and I went to the beautiful Gox Theater in Detroit to see PHC live. Mr. Keillor mentioned the Syrian immigrants who came to Detroit to work in the auto industry. It moved me to tears because both of my grandfathers were Syrian immigrants who worked at Ford Motor Company. In that brief mention he acknowledged them and brought them back to life for a brief moment in time. For that I will always be grateful.
Great story, friend. I agree wholeheartedly. I am now 47 and have entered that era when one begins losing loved ones. My dad in 2014, sister in 2020, and my 77 year old Mom is in poor shape. Though I have the comfort of knowing they were all saved by Jesus, and we'll meet again, it hurts to lose them knowing I didn't spend the time with them that I could and should have.
I really miss Prairie Home Companion, I listened to it every week for over 20 years. I loved it!
Mine was 30 years.
Me too...haha
Wasn't the same without him.
Yeah? I named my SON after him. See above.
Ya about '98-'99,great musical guests also
I'm grateful for his writing and work, and I'm glad to see he is well.
@Itis Me At 79, the fact that he has exceeded the average life expectancy for a male in the U.S. is testament that he is more well than most at his age, regardless of whether he cares about anyone's opinion of his natural untrimmed nose hairs.
Kinda like a woman not shaving her underarms or legs….eh?
@Itis Me Huh. Chew on a lot of plastic toys when you were a toddler? Soda? Bottled water? Processed foods? Exposed to cell phones, excessive x-rays and microwaves in your youth? Because his generation predates all the toxins and junk. Hopefully you'll have the luxury of living long enough to not trim your nose hairs. But then you have an increase in dementia statistics to worry about...he seems free and clear of that at 80 - more power to him.
When PHC came here he had people falling down laughing- he's like an eccentric uncle.
@Itis Me Pointing out a double standard is not misogyny, little boy.
My husband and I would go on long rides in the country just to listen to the show on the car radio. Show ended, we'd find a place to eat then head home. Such good memories and PHC was a part of it. Thank you, Garrison. It's a shame about this scandal.
This warms my heart. ❤
This was the weakest of the Me Too revelations to come out.
I drove every Saturday 2-4 pm to listen to him on NPR. Awesome story teller.
Radios work in the house too.
I found him as a postie on a bicycle. Initially thought wtf but then he grew on me
I miss the days or tuning into NPR and enjoying PHC, Car Talk, and Whad,ya Know
"Cah Tawk"
Yes I do to
Me 2! (Whoops,... 😂
I still feel that if I turn on the radio they'll be there. These shows were inspired and inexplicably comforting.
Click and Clack
I think it is true that the culture changed. We need to find a way to forgive people who have made lessor mistakes and admit them. It is the only way we can allow people to change. Look at how much he gave us. I wish I could have been in Denver to see him. Once I wrote a letter to him and he wrote back a personal response on a postcard that specifically related to my letter. Bless your soul Garrison Keillor.
100%!
Have those people making lessor
mistakes had their careers sabotaged
from petty underlings with some weird
axe to grind? His contributions far
outweigh his transgressions...
And yet, he's not sorry. Why should anyone forgive him, especially his wife?
@@sue8237 OK fine- feel that way but we're all only human. You try being
perfect, especially when your public life is under a microscope. He felt
someone up? So- you touch as many hearts and tickle their funny bones,
THEN we will allow your petty judgements.
@@sue8237 Well, it appears that she did forgive him. That is their business. How do you suggest we move forward if there isn’t forgiveness? If you read his book he explains another aspect of the situation. Money
I've listened to Garrison since 1984 and have seen many of his live performances. He is an icon and has brought joy to so many people. We all make mistakes and bad decisions in our lives. All we can do is learn from them and move forward.
Many years ago Keillor worked with his romantic partner Margaret Moos who was a producer on the show and referred to as part of the show at every episode. He went to a high school reunion and ran into an old romantic interest, dumped Moos and talked on air a lot about being newly in love. For those of us who had heard him work with Moos for years, it was weird to hear him insensitively go on about the new relationship on air. Not only had Moos lost him as a partner but presumably her job and a name we heard for years simply disappeared. He upended her life and didn’t see how this might come across as he waxed lyrical about his new love. We could never hear him the same way again. He apparently divorced the then new wife and has remarried. He is a brilliant storyteller but in terms of his own actions apparently has significant blind spots…..and doesn’t even allow that is possible. It’s sad for all involved.
That's interesting about other twists and turns in his "romantic" relationships. It would seem Keillor is a storyteller in another sense--making up fictions to cover his tracks as a bit of philanderer and a man who is oblivious to the way he uses the power dynamic with women in unconscionable ways. Now he's trying to minimize and evade the reality of a situation that finally got him fired.
Thanks for sharing this. The behavior he talks about as “the culture” victimized women in the workplace for decades, and still does. If your job depends on someone’s good will, and they come on to you - even without touching - you’re trapped into either trying to placate them as best you can, or giving up a job you’ve worked at, sometimes loved, and often need. And often, you need a recommendation from that person in order to get another job. I’ve been there. It’s horrible. I have no sympathy for Keillor and I’m sorry that people continue to pay him.
Can't help thinking of so many male actors that have loved and dumped many a woman yet their careers continue to skyrocket.
Who are the judges who said, “And he shall be permanently exiled as a pariah” while judging David Letterman as “Worthy of honors and admiration”?
JP you and I are not in any position to question Garrison Keillor's approach to romantic relationships. We weren't there nor were we privileged to details. My life experience is that if I went to a high school reunion and fell in love with an old flame the relationship that ended must not have been too good. As for the harassment claim, the days of good natured banter with a work colleague of the other gender are gone. Keep to your boundaries. I don't know what went on but it seems one day it was ok and the next it was not. Keep your boundaries with colleagues of another gender in the work place and you'll be fine.
I am a 30 year fan of Prairie Home Companion. I'm 64 years old and I bought many, many books on tape to listen to in my car over the years. Garrison Keillor feels like family to me. Lake Wobegon is as familiar to me as my own home town. This country has lost it's direction when it allows people to be punished without EVIDENCE of wrong doing. God bless you, Mr. Keillor and his family. I miss you every Sunday!!
I am glad for this update. I began listening to PHC in the early 1980s and became a longtime fan. Keillor had a very long, distinguished career and his downfall was swift and shocking.
And deserved. What was reported was the tip of the iceberg of his bad behavior, and had he been in just a friendship, they wouldn't have fired him so quickly. After a show in Tupelo in 2005, he rubbed his crotch against me several times while taking photographs. It was swift to us because it was the first we'd heard about it--but I have heard tales of his bad behavior that stretch back into the early seventies from first-hand witnesses.
A PHC was/is show always better seen on the radio. I would listen with my kids in the car. They grew up “having” to listen to him. Years later when my oldest daughter left home and was thousands of miles away she listened to him (PHC) and becoming homesick wrote him a letter thanking him for giving her great memories of her childhood with her dad! He wrote he a wonderful letter which i have framed with a picture of her and me. Whatever he might of done to this one person he certainly did a wonderful thing for my daughter and me. 😊
I miss that radio show
might have done
Uh...a lot more than one person.
@@kenkunz1428 Uh
The man is a national treasure who unfortunately is a human being
National treasure? Yes. Unfortunate humanity? Not so much. The preponderance of moral busy bodies in this comment feed on the other hand...
I see. So being a human being makes what he did to me and other women okay? Do you not think that I had to work hard to try and balance out the gratitude I felt for his contributions to my life when he did what he did to me?
If he was drugging women and forcing them to have sex with him ala Hugh Hefner definitlely he awas wrong. If anyone is forced to endure inappropriate behavior that too is wrong. My comment was that as human beings we all are flawed.
@@susannemcarlisle Sorry for whatever happened to you specifically. From this short interview, it sounds like the lady that said "that's sweet" was okay with his advances & perhaps there was more going on between them than we're hearing. As a married man, that was an inappropriate thing for him to be saying to someone other than his wife anyway, though.
I've been in situations where the boss felt up my back side & I turned around & told him to stop it. I've also been in situations where I couldn't find the courage to speak up when being touched inappropriately.
I like to touch people on the arm, just a little, to connect with them & show concern. It's frustrating how some people react like I just ripped their clothes off. Society needs to learn the difference between friendly connections & molesting. And, to tell someone when you don't want to be touched at all & the other person should accept that.
I don't mind someone touching my arm or shoulder, or even a hug sometimes, in an appropriate way for an appropriate reason. Not a long creepy one for no reason at all. But, if my loved one just died & they come up & side hug me, that is nice of them.
@@susannemcarlisle If you're saying that you were specifically made uncomfortable by Garrison Kiellor than ok, we'll listen. If you're projecting from non-Garrison-Kiellor-based experiences that you've had, that's wrong
Oh my gosh!
I didn't realize how much I miss him and his soothing stories while driving for my job! 😊😍
*sigh*
He will always be my sweet Prairie Home Companion.
Love and best wishes to you always for the countless hours of radio companionship, Garrison. 😘❤🤗
Hey! That may be right! We might be able to talk to him directly in these comments! Hi! Garrison. My dad did three martini lunches! Times were DIFFERENT! We only know what we know when we know it! No time travel! You were a bit graphic in spots but I don't believe you meant harm! She was not wholly truthful in her responses and may have created a wrong impression? CBS was heartless!💔
I’m in the uncomfortable in-between of having grown up with PHC; loving the show and Keilor’s work over the decades. But I can’t just dismiss the accusations because they are against someone influential to me. I think he’s telling people the wrong lesson from all of this too. Men and women can be friends at work, but maybe don’t send emails or have conversations discussing intimate encounters, theoretical or not.
Not sure how I feel about CBS giving him this platform either
@@JohnChapman7 Especially since he doesn't sound like he learned anything except blaming others.
The fact that you actually believe such allegations regarding Keillor lives down to our expectations.
Did the accuser ever talk to Keillor about it?
I agree. I think here he confuses the meaning of “friendship.” But I’m also in that uncomfortable middle place. I always listened to the show, but I also believe the reports that came out.
How Garrison's story is reported and talked about is a good reminder to me about how incomplete the news we receive is. Having worked at the organization, (although not for APHC but in the same location) I can tell you that this situation is *a lot* thornier and complex than either Team Keillor or Team MeToo thinks it is. If you're tempted to make some pat judgement on either side, do so with the understanding that you don't have all the information.
When you tell a woman you fantasize about having sex with her, it sure as heck is not just friendship, but that’s a problem between him and his wife. It does seem to me that we are trying to simplify a complex situation.
It's true that stories often are more complex and detailed than we get in a news report. But don't use that to excuse Keillor's behavior or his refusal to accept any blame whatsoever. He comes across as minimizing, deflecting and writing a revisionist history like his gauzy, simplistic tales of Lake Wobegon. I judge him on the basis of his statements in this interview and the fact that several other females complained of Keillor's conduct over the years, not just this one woman. The more he talks, dismissing and failing to acknowledge that he behaved well beyond a person in a "friendship," the less credibility he has and the less sympathy I have for him. Lake Woe-is-me seems to be his present home, though he brushes off criticism by claiming he doesn't care.
Some of the stories was spread around on Twitter. Most of the issues came from the way he tended to treat female employees. He is not an easy man to work for, that is for sure. I think he got into a fancy at work and it backfired, as it so often does. But even Twitter, which is a pretty harsh space, had to admit that there wasn't much to the accusations.
@@surfwriter8461 Thank you for your comment. You are spot on.
Are you able to disclose more information so that we can understand the complexities of the situation?
I still listen to his Writer's Almanac on podcasts apps & on his website. A true legend.
You mean legendarily handy. He did it to me after a show.
I miss PHC a lot; my wife and I listen to it every Sunday, and we're not some old couple but in our late 30s. The fact the show was canceled and not allowed to grow with the times means a whole generation will miss out on its wholesomeness.
I’m older than you but I listened to the show when I was in my late 20s. It was what young people now would call “unintentional ASMR.” I think Keillor is a lot more complicated than the laid back, down to earth avuncular type he seemed to be on the show, but there’s no denying that the show meant a lot to a lot of people.
Where are you finding rebroadcasts?
Some men just let their power go to their heads and they become predatory, though. They think it's their right or privilege to sort of buy or pressure young women.. Even Charlie Rose. Matt Lauer. Keillor.
I love Garrison Keillor. But he may not have been able to stop. So he had to be let go. But he should have gotten more empathy and appreciation. Cheers.
@@cockeyedoptimista he wasn't let go, he had already retired before any of this was alleged
@@AldousHuxleysCat Oh yeah, he did say that. ("You're fired!" "Too late: I quit!") Who knows the exact truth? Good for him, though, if true. I only heard about the NPR station letting him go, the statements they published, etc. This interview was first I heard he had already retired. (The station did other stuff too, though: erased the name of his show.. He had other losses.)
Love you, Garrison. You've been such a gem for so many years in my life. May you have precious years going forward!
I think he hit the nail on the head when he described a shifting social climate in which so many of the "accepted" practices of the past--some of which may have been perfectly innocent--put men who were in positions of power or authority at risk for perceived threats, overtures, or indecencies on the part of the receiver. Painful lesson learned. I, for one, have been listening to Garrison since the late 1970s and I love the man. If numerous evengelical preachers can request "confession, redemption, and forgiveness" for past mistakes or crimes, why can't Keillor?
Everyone here is at least a generation older than me -- I was born in the 80s -- but I remember seeing the movie when I was younger and I thought it was hysterical, something like intelligence ridiculing itself to delightful effect.
And when Me, Too started I thought it was a noble thing, like he said, and that my own plight in terms of being harassed and most certainly not relating to the misogyny of people my own age might be held equally valid, which it certainly wasn't. And I basically just kept quiet and realized I didn't have a dog, so to speak, in any part of the fight whatsoever.
And then I took what happened to Louis CK to heart, and my own experiences regarding the duplicity of certain women, and, having been already highly questioning of *any* sort of mass-thinking, I renounced my silence and made sure to express my own feelings every time an opportunity presented itself.
I'm 39 now, and feel a certain entitlement to perspective, no matter how much it might embarrass a man or a woman or any other sex at all for realizing how selfish something like Social Justice in the name of personal and unfounded insecurity can be. Being part of a cause is no absolute justification in defaming and disgracing anybody. It doesn't work for racism or age or guns, and sex isn't the least bit different.
@@richardlopez2932: A heartfelt and honesty expression of what you are feeling on the inside. Perhaps it is a question of balance. As the Depp/Heard trial demonstrated, certain presumptions accrue to the female party to the disadvantage of the male party may have weakened. Opposite advantages ("boys will be boys" and "locker room talk") for men have all but evaporated. We know that workplace inequities in pay and privilege exist. We know that the power of bosses to intimidate and coerce exist. As the pendulum has swayed forth and back in this struggle, inevitable inequities and injustics have occured. We can only take each case in turn, without prejudgment based on gender, collect factual evidence as it may exist, and allow criminal and civil processes to do their jobs. Keeping an open mind and throttling our biases to a minimum will not hurt either. Thanks for sharing, Richard!
Only the practices weren't perfectly innocent. We all just looked the other way.
Your voice your laugh your stories are truly missed every Saturday evening since 2016.....You are blessed!
His is a voice I miss, his are stories that carried us all away to the places many of us hoped would have existed. Garrison's imagination, humor, candor, & unabashed honesty, refreshing familiarity and welcoming nature invited everyone to feel they had a life-long friend who would always welcome visitors each and every week. May God continually bless him with renewing creativity. Like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Garrison Keillor's Lake Wobegon and Prairie Home Companion took us to a place far, far, away, in a memorably amusing and entertaining way. I was charmed.
Upon reflection, I believed he did harm to the trust in his actual, virtual, and imagined relationships. Knowing what he admitted about himself, I question the authenticity of the idealization of his characters. Maybe a public apology would be better than simply a public admission.
Yes indeed, the culture changed. Yet, there remains an absolute good regardless of cultural norms. Through the process of admitting norms were in need of correction, we all grow and mature in our relationships.
Women are to be treated as equals, even if our roles are separated by cultural expectations. Yet, even this has changed. However, women deserve more respect rather than less as they retain the role of childbearing, something that elevates them rather than reduces them to merely objects of desire or affection. For one must consider the whole person even to their soul and spirit which is greater in importance than the body and the mind or anything dependent on physical elements such as feelings.
We must respect the potential as well as the realized person who is beloved of God. Lusting in one's thoughts, also harms the individual's relationships. To be able to, jointly, be the bearers of newly formed persons, parents, indeed all persons bear the responsibility to care for and carry future generations with the utmost care. Beyond that, to bear one another's burdens, it is blessed, especially when assisting a woman who bears or cares for the most vulnerable among us.
Fantasy, especially sexual, ignores most aspects of another person besides creating a grandiose image of one's self. This shame is on all of us for no one is separated from the love of God and we are one who place our trust in Christ Jesus. Any time someone watches an inappropriate film with enjoyment, anytime explicit photos are exposed, any time music with suggestive content is tolerated, one tolerates and perpetuates this culture of dehumanization.
I will always be thankful to Garrison Keillor for giving me a five-minute reprieve from my daily tasks with his thoughtful "Writer's Almanac." CBS' "Sunday Morning" understands his contributions to popular culture, but also gave him an opportunity to publicly make amends (doable even within the confines of his non-disclosure agreement). At his age he should have been honest. This was a missed opportunity for Keillor.
Agree
I give him a pass on this one because towards the end of the interview he said he could not discuss the case as part of the settlement, and therefore he could not be totally open. As much as he could say, I did detect a bit of regret.
He showed that age doesn't guarantee wisdom. Some people never grow up, especially when they've lived a life of entitlement and zero accountability.
@@anahata2009 He earned his “privilege” through hard work and creativity. Women often fawn over men in his position so don’t be so quick to judge.
The culture did change. Being employed in corporate America as a mid level manager I can attest to that cultural change. It is up to the person being harassed what is inappropriate. It is not up to the person being accused. For years what was considered flirtation between coworkers has now became a potentential issue for HR intervention. Garrison is correct in today's climate you cannot risk being friends with a coworker of the opposite sex.
Whatever happened to communicating directly with someone when they are bothering you? An anonymous person can make unsubstantiated allegations against anyone, and we have to just "believe all women?" I have much more respect for someone who can actually stand up for themselves rather than tattle to the teacher.
@@Uarehere It is not that simple. Standing up for yourself often does not work, and/or can get you fired and even sometimes blackballed from future employment.
i miss him on the radio every staurday at 5pm
Ditto😢😢
In 2009, David Letterman spoke on his show about having sexual relationships with several of his female staffers over the years. He apologized and that was about it.
He was going to be extorted by a Male and his lurid tell-all, so he told it first. Mr. Nunuvyerbizness didn't get his book deal, any money, or any fame. He was made to look as he was, an opportunist, and a poor one at that.
David Letterman acknowledged that there was a problem.
Once the extortion/blackmail plot was revealed. But there was not just one boss to female employee situation. “How do you get to be Letterman’s favorite?”
Like Ray Charles and the Raelettes - how do you get to be a Raelette? You gotta let Ray.
It is wrong.
And it hasn't tainted his career... Letterman did it right, takes a lot of courage to do that. And you have to lay your pride low, which seems impossible for someone like Garrison.
Letterman was always creepy, so there was no image being shattered.
I loved Garrison 40 years ago and I love him today. His voice soothes me.
Garrison Keillor was a man of the 20th Century and the 21st Century saw him outside of the mainstream. I remember how the world was in the 1980s and 90s and even then, it was a world where powerful men at the top openly took liberties with women they worked with, where as long as they were charming and likeable as a whole to most people they came in contact with that they could intimidate staff, make inappropriate jokes, creepily "flirt" with underlings, cross lines and boundaries pretty much with impunity. Keillor wasn't the worst offender but he was still an offender and ultimately he didn't lose much other than a chunk of his audience and reputation. Hopefully these women have moved on with some peace and solace themselves.
He didn’t lose much other than a chunk of his audience and his reputation? Yeah who cares about that? Maybe by the 22nd century women will be able to demand they be admitted to all workplaces and be treated as equal AND will be able to stand up for themselves like adults instead of just going along and then claiming victim status and destroying men they didn’t have the courage or principle to stand up to at the time.
Let he who is without Sin cast the first stone...remove the log from their own eye before asking you to remove the speck from your own...
Maybe the women should take responsibility for their own energy and why they'd attract negative situations in the first place....
I grew up listening to him and reading his books. He may have made some mistakes along the way, but who hasn't? Some of my funnest memories as a child involved listening to Garrison Keillor with my family.
I grew up listening to Prairie Home Companion. A fixture of my Saturday nights. There is no comparison, or replacement. The show painted images in my head, that cannot be undone. It’s unfortunate what happened, and only the two involved will ever know the truth. A settlement was reached, and life moves on.
Oh jeez.
I had totally forgotten about that.
And now wish I hadn't seen your comment.
Oh honey... you think she's the only one? He did it to me to after a Rhubarb show in 2005 in Tupelo. There are a LOT of women. Remember, he said 12 different incidences.
Well said.
you grew up listening to . . . crapoganda!
@@susannemcarlisleWho cares? It was a great radio show.
I really missed him.
During my childhood and adolescence I used to listen to Prairie Home Companion on the radio in the kitchen on Saturday evenings. Years later I sent Prairie Home Companion a bilingual song, 'La rana/The Frog,' I wrote for my students while I was teaching at a primary school in Guatemala. And Richard Dworsky actually played my song most beautifully during their show. It was such an enormous honor! I have only positive feelings regarding Garrison Keillor and Prairie Home Companion!
It's too bad they spent so much time on the misconduct issue, and not his immense gift to the American literary landscape. It can't be measured.
CBS has an agenda
I agree with that. But it doesn't help that Keillor kept trying to evade and minimize and outright any wrongdoing. He was accused of similar misconduct by several women that we know about.
I don't think being an artist gives you the license to do whatever you want. It used to be acceptable back in the days, but we need to take an honest look at people's behaviors. If he didn't do it, fine, but if he did... He shouldn't get a pass because he wrote great stories and created a wonderful show I personally enjoyed since I was a child.
@@kpepperl319 I don't disagree. My problem lies with CBS devoting the entire segment to the issue and ignoring the primary good he has also brought to the American landscape. It could have been a far better segment rather than a personality bashing.
I agree. It's a done issue. He admitted to wrong doing, maybe not to the extent some wanted. There was a court settlement. It's over. Why keep dredging it up?
PHC was the highlight of my weekends, they have been as light hearted and full of just a simple happiness his stories used to bring since he signed off.
I feel the same. I’ve had many drive way moments on a Saturday or Sunday.
I have three wonderful memories from that era on NPR: 1) the annual PHC joke show, especially when Paula Poundstone was part of the gang; 2) Liane Hansen's mellifluous voice (always like a ray of sunshine), in particular her interview with Andre Previn; 3) Marian MacPartland's "Radio Jazz" program. // Today's NPR is, at best, a mixed bag.
Bob Edwards and Scott Simon.
Oh! Oh! Click and Clack! Of course.
NPR is sadly, so dumbed down, now.
@@thomasupton2664 I understand what you're saying. For me there is lots more content that I find uninteresting or irrelevant.
For many, many years I listened to NPR almost exclusively. Today you couldn’t pay me to listen to it. It got so that I knew what they were going to say before they said it. They have long since become a caricature of themselves. The careful wokeness, the political correctness, the lockstep leftism, the limousine liberalism, the nauseating smugness. . . I refer only to NPR News, not all their other programming, some of which I really liked, probably still would, but I can’t even bring myself to tune in an NPR station now. It’s almost like an allergic reaction.
I started listening to PHC in 1981, and from then on I planned my weekends around it. As much as I loved the show, when the MeToo thing happened I wasn't actually surprised. I had been noticing Keillor's creepy interactions with female guests on the air for a couple of years. Saddens me, but I still admire and respect the work he did for decades.
Example?
Jeffrey
I agree, very talented but a bit creepy acting.
I appreciate your admiration, but tell me: when and why did flirtation go from innocuous to creepy? Seems to me that people take themselves more than a little too seriously if casual expressions of desire are now regarded as prurient. "Help! I'm being oppressed!"
@@marliesyanke4580 Says you, and so what?
@@willmercury AGREED!
he blew it and isn’t taking responsibility for his inappropriate actions
A great storyteller that I've enjoyed through the years ...Glad he's back for an encore!
Loved A Prarie Home Companion. He's a talented writer. He's also in the wrong and that fact he doesn't see it is concerning.
🤔💩🙄
Exactly! When someone is a supervisor or another (regardless of the sex of either) the supervisor has the responsibility to never mix work with pleasure - no matter how “innocent” s/he thinks it is and no matter now “mutual” s/he thinks it is. A supervisor is a person of authority and has the greater responsibility to never cross the line - and if they choose to do, they do so with the risk that at any time the person they supervise can say it was not mutual. A position of authority/power innately demands a true separation of work and non-work environment and behavior. It is by virtue of the imbalance of power that can typically keeps the person in the subordinate role from speaking out or going to HR (especially before the MeToo movement) - their livelihood and future would very easily and predictable be in danger.
Mr. Keillor doesn’t get it - still. I would have so much more respect for him in this interview if he had said, “I learned and now do understand that what I did and said wasn’t right even though I truly didn’t realize or know that at the time. I now get why it wasn’t right.” Instead, he says, “THEY tell me it was wrong.” He’s not owing up to his mistakes.
No one made him give us his right to tell his side of the story ….he made the decision to agree to that in the terms in the settlement. He didn’t have to agree. He could have gone to court and given his side of the story. He didn’t do so because he chose not to. No one forced him.
I do think he deserved more than a minute phone call from Minnesota Public Radio (MPR). It’s sad they chose not to acknowledge his contributions over the many years. Our family always loved listening to his program for decades. I believe he deserved that acknowledgment from them. And having said that, 40 years of his work with MPR doesn’t negate that what he did was and is wrong. It would be appropriate and good to hear him acknowledge that.
If the relationship was consensual, he’s still in the wrong because he should reward his female subordinates based on merit not on their ability/willingness to sexually flatter him, so I’m not buying his innocent act, but I also refuse to consider the woman in question a victim based on the evidence we have available. No one comes out looking good out of this, not Keillor, not his accuser, and certainly not MPR who deified him while he was profitable and then dumped him without a moment’s consideration when he was no longer or use.
@@papabear2515 Loved reading every word of your comment...totally agree with you!!
Do you realize how old he is it's not the same anymore as it used to be you used to be able to joke around
I love Prairie Home Companion, I sure to miss listening to this weekly. I looked forward to it every week.
My husband and I were huge GK fans as well PHC. I was heartbroken when all this came out several years ago, however due to certain comments in his monologues about women it gave the charges a ring of truth.
When I initially saw this interview I was tickled to see him back; then I watched him speak. “You should not be friends with a female colleague - it’s dangerous.” (4:17) This puts women in the position to be blamed, very reminiscent of many high schools dress codes (girls need to cover up as not to tempt the boys). I’ve never heard him apologize for his actions or to the woman. Yet he’s the victim.
yeah, incredibly ignorant statement by him
If being friends with a female colleague means telling her you want to have sex with her, you should definitely not to do that. If it took the #metoo movement to teach him and other people at MPR that, then the movement served an important purpose.
Yet this supposed female friend turned on him and threw him into the pits. I don't think it mean that women are too blame for their sexuality but as a warning that you, as a man, must exercise caution when you socialize with the opposite sex.
If you tell a woman you want to have sex with her, she is not just a friend. And if the woman you are having adulterous fantasies about, while she’s your subordinate no less, turns out not to be in love with your good looks, tough for you. How about not sharing adulterous fantasies with your female subordinates to begin with?
I'm glad you were able to see through the rather arrogant and dismissive facade of Keillor. The interview shows what you describe, Keillor not accepting any blame, describing his conduct as if it's just like what thousands of others do in their workplace, and making himself out to be the victim. It's pretty disgusting. What he and the interviewer fail to acknowledge is that several other women we know about made accusations of inappropriate conduct by Keillor over the years, so it isn't just this one woman. Keillor doesn't get it: he's the problem. And he further carries this into an extreme view by saying you can never have a friendship with a female co-worker or touch them at all. So says the poor guy from Lake Woe-is-me.
Welp, I started the video hoping to be able to listen to him again, it was going well, then the interview happened.
Yes. If I had just seen a little more acknowledgement and growth, I would have been willing to listen to him again, but not given what he said in this interview.
Evidence that the NPR crowd and its icons are as capable as any at looking the other way. His voice just hits me the wrong way now.
Thanks for sharing! And thank God your device has control features which allow you to select other options or turn it off!
@@airbossjohnson9376 Poor you.
He admitted to having made a mistake but I don't understand what some of these women expect him to do. They literally want him groveling and saying all the politically correct/right things.
It sets women in the work force to say You can never be friends with women at work. You should not write email about imagining sexual settings. He has learned nothing.
@Mariadele Priest I agree.
Once upon a time, there was a radio host (not GK) on a community station (not MPR), who was a sweet but crusty old time news guy. For a period of years, a female co-worker played the imagine game with him. It wasn't a sex thing. It was a passion for getting at the story. There was playfulness, irreverence, hard-hitting questions, rage, politics, sadness, and laughter. Always there was a hand or a hug or an ear or an encouraging word. Mentors come in many types. When he died, it hurt as much as losing your dog....
Exactly
I with Garrison
Guess what I'm imagining...
It is so hard when we come to love and respect and learn a lot from someone's artistry and then have to understand that they are not the people we might hope them to be. Then we must see their art as separate from their lives, broken as we all are and maybe more so.
"You never turned to see the frowns on the jugglers & the clowns when they all did tricks for you."
@@matthewatwood8641 As a performing artist myself, I am aware that there are those who smile because the role requires it, even if it is juggling for the children at a circus. And there are those who smile amidst their performance because it is the only time they are not in pain. Dylan could be taciturn and has a caustic wit, yet is the poet of the afflicted human. It seems pandemics, political horrors, and a besieged planet may be about to turn us all into rolling stones and we may have no further choices to make.
@@philippapay4352 Some of us already are rolling stones. I started out the subject of that song and wound up the narrator.
"you never understood that it ain't no good, you shouldn't let other people get your kicks for you"
Never meet your heros.
I woke up most mornings for many years to the Prairie Home Morning Show on MPR with Garrison and the late Tom Keith, his engineer, as sidekick Jim Ed Poole. They played a wildly eclectic selection of music (where else could you hear Swann and Flanders, Kate Wolf, Mozart, Buddy Holly, and Tom Lehrer, to name just a few, on the same show on the same day?) with sponsors including Jack’s Auto Repair (all tracks lead to Jack’s), Bertha’s Kitty Boutique, Powdermilk Biscuits, and the Catchup Advisory Board. It made mornings a lot easier to swallow.
I so miss his wonderful show and also the poems he used to read on NPR stations!
"You should never be friends with a female colleague, EVER!"
It has been noticed since MeToo that older men are reluctant to mentor younger women strictly as a preemptive self-defense.
-the Law of Unintended Consequences is one of those you just can't ever break.
Surprise surprise he's a misogynist.
@@frankievalentine6112 By what metric?
Metric.
I discovered PHC only a few short years ago. Loved the show. I tell people that I work with, we are co-workers NOT friends. I can be friendly at work, but (usually) have no desire to hang out after work with them. I keep it separate.
I learned English hearing and reading Tales from Lake Wobegon. I imagined being there and living its stories. Keillor is an amazing story teller. His stories are amazing full of life and spirit. It is sad to see him in this situation, his reputation tarnished. But I will always have a place in my heart for Prarie home companion and Lake Wobegon.
A lot of things, but not "amazing."
@@hijodelaisla275 I do not know what you mean.
I was once rushing across a busy NYC intersection more concerned with the light changing than looking ahead of me when this gentleman was doing the same thing but going in the other direction. We collided. Hard. It felt like hitting a brick wall wearing clothes. I wouldn’t be surprised if he found my makeup-smudged image on his shirt front when he got home. Luckily clear of traffic, we quickly steadied, studied, and “so sorried” each other. I knew instantly who he was. He noticed my astonishment. I didn’t ask why he wasn’t in Lake Wobegon. He didn’t offer an explanation, just a confirming trademark grin and a friendly squeeze of my arm before he stepped aside and disappeared into the oncoming throng still in the crosswalk behind me. I can’t help but wonder looking back if nowadays a woman experiencing such a startling encounter might not be too sensitized to be able to appreciate someone’s affectionate civility as intended. It certainly never occurred to me at the time to mistake kindness for trespass.
@@Maggie-zr2ow Oh good, the arbiter of what is ridiculous has arrived.
Maggie… please oh wise one… set us all that are unworthy on the correct intellectual moral course
@@Maggie-zr2ow desperation always rears its ugly head in the form of attempting to negatively characterize someone who you know nothing about. Your comments ooze with ignorant smugness. If that’s not really how you are as a person I suggest you change how you write. It’s ugly. Cheers!
@@Maggie-zr2ow Is that what passes for wit where you're from?
It seems to me so many women today feel threatened by men and are quick to play victim and take no responsibility in their half of an encounter.
I grew up loving the Lake Wobegon stories. As a young adult in 20s I started reading some of his non-LW novels. Gross and creepy. His inability to accurately portray women with any sort of subjectivity (they're all objects, sexual and past being good for sexual objectivity) turned me off pretty quick. A few years later these accusations broke and I was not at all surprised. And as this interview confirms, he still doesn't get it.
Keillor is 100% guilty of unwanted sexual contact. I know, because he did it to me. He was a huge influence in my life, so imagine my disappointment in those here who say his punishment doesn't fit the crime. Oh, yes it does. And it still should. Mason did a great job detailing it. I did speak to Minnesota Public Radio about it. I just can't stop crying this morning watching this man talk about his friendship with a colleague was a mistake. I have a son named after Keillor. And what he did to me was no mistake. It was deliberate. Make no mistake that Keillor has used his writing abilities to tell himself that something is not a big deal, and it is.
I wish more of the people making excuses for him would read your comment. I met a woman who worked for who while she didn't detail anything sexual (but for all I know she may not have been comfortable to talk about that part) , she did very believably detail what an abusive boss he was. So it's not surprising to me that his pattern of manipulation and abuse of power would extend into the sexual realm too.
well, i stand corrected, you were talking about Garrison Keillor and you. Well, I believe you. I'm not sure if the punishment fits the crime---like maybe HR could have talked to him before firing him? At least according to GK, they didn't. At the same time, he probably could say better things now to show he understands his pain. But for what it's worth, I believe you
And as a side note, I only like the Robert Altman movie PHC , I've never listened to the show except like second hand.
I believe you and I’m so sorry. Many of the comments here are mind-blowing to me. His answer is to not befriend women in the workplace? That’s very telling of how he thought of his “friendships” in the first place while outlining his lack of introspection and culpability. The culture didn’t change. Women just finally spoke up about how uncomfortable they had always been. Talk to basically any woman who was in the workforce in a decade before the “Me Too” movement and they’ll tell you a story of at least one instance of harassment.
What did he do?
I still love him. The times changed
As a woman in my 70s when I was in my 30s and 40s many men I worked with would hug us tease us etc ..much of the time while I was married as were the guys. I I was never offended as it was all in good humor and true affection. If you didn't like it a no was respected. If someone asked you something inappropriate I'd just say nothing to the question and give a sarcastic smile. And that always was respected. I think people are oversensitive these days. I met my husband under professional circumstances and liked him and he waited until he was not over me to ask me out. And I said yes. Many I know met their spouse ( still married forever) at work and it's ridiculous to think people can't be friends or date coworkers.
The MeToo movement did a lot of good things, but in its early zeal it really victimized some men far beyond anything they did or were accused of. As somebody in the story said, the punishment should fit the crime. If the punishment goes too far, it's the MeToo movement that becomes the victimizing agent.
Agreed!
What unfair punishment did he receive? He was way past retirement age and is still on tour, writing and well revered.
@@jessicamoore1314 Actually, I was making a more general statement. A better example of what I was talking about is what happened to Senator Al Franken. Even if what he was accused of (placing his hand too low on the back of a woman who wanted her picture with him at a fair) was true (he denied it), it was hardly something he should have lost his political career over. Every woman he worked with in his long, varied career came to his defense, yet he was all but forced to resign. All women got out of that was the loss of one of their strongest advocates in the government.
Al Franken comes to mind.
The punishment fit just fine. See my earlier comment and others. He had a pattern of abusive behavior that was not sexual. Much how Harvey Weinstein was abusive in multiple ways.
God bless this man and his work. He's my hero, regardless.
I believe and stand with survivors. I used to listen to his show. I don't miss it. It is a slap in the face to survivors to deify him, and act like his actions were meaningless or somehow ok.
Without forgiveness there is only pain and despair. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or learning from the past.
Excellent. I was an early and long time listener to Garrison. His storytelling prose is only comparable the a very few greats.
Long Live Chatterbox Cafe,Ralph'sPretty Good Groceries, Midwestern Hot Dish
I do miss his show on the BBC.. it would have been a real comfort during the last 2 or 3 horrid years...
I couldn’t agree more. What an irony that we lost APHC and especially Lake Wobegone when we did. When we desperately needed the likes of it.
so many of the women who worked at Minnesota Public Radio were warned about his predatory behavior when they were hired on. MPR didn't warn them. other female colleagues did.
PHC and Writer's Almanac are two parts of the entertainment world this country needs right now. Loved miss them both very much.
My husband introduced me to Garrison Keillor and Prairie Home Companion. When I heard my first few shows, I was convinced the whole thing was a farce put on by students at UC Berkeley. It was only after attending a live performance in San Francisco that I became a devoted fan of the man in red shoes with his imaginative stories and outstanding guests. I was so disappointed at hearing of his offensive behaviors...a work place line had been crossed...and this interview doesn't explain it all away with "different culture" comments.
Thank you! The “different culture” is the problem in the first place!
You mean he didn't adequately address your concerns by not breaking his confidentiality agreement? Who cares.
Mr. Keillor, thank you for sharing the "8 mm pearls of wisdom" over the years in your storytelling. Those pearls are the gift of learning from someone else's mistake and deciding, "I'm not doing THAT!" My personal motto is "Make Peace. Move Forward." You seem to be moving forward and you seem to have made peace. GJBrownDO 12/3/2023 13:25 Eastern
I Worked in a 5 star hotel for 11years meeting many celebrities and international business people, Garrison Keeller was a guest in the hotel. He was the rudest, most arrogant person I ever encountered in all the years I worked in the hospitality business
I have heard this about him. My church's reader went to his very first show and then saw him at a baseball game not too long after and he was absolutely horrible to everyone.
He belongs in NYC then....
He reached WAY more than 4 million people!
When a researcher, who by the very nature of that job, is a savvy person and when she speaks of a power imbalance with a man like GK, how naive can she/we be? With those emails which mentioned "sweet" in regard to his suggestions, it makes one wonder if GK had been given some encouragement before he ever responded? Unfortunately, such accusations from a person who claims it was inappropriate are, in themselves, inappropriate for the real and serious accusations in the beginning of Me Too!! The station should have never jumped on that wagon for anything so thin.
I briefly interned at MPR in the late 1980s and was warned to steer clear of "Scary Gary." So, I did.
You're probably safe.
“Me too was good until I became a part of it and now it’s bad >:(“
I know Garrison is bitter and I don't know complete story to make a judgement. But you can have good and decent relationships with your colleagues or employees.
I separate my work life from my social life. No non-work related banters in the office. Definitely no touching or anything close to it.
Years later, I am on friendly terms with former co-workers, more so than when we were working together.
You have an odd definition of the word FRIEND.
Idk having sexual conversations with a coworker doesn’t really fall in line with the concept of “professionalism” to me. Maybe if you work in a Taco Bell, maybe it’s fine there, but with an organization that prides itself on journalism and higher brow entertainment? Keep it with your wife.
His dismissal of the accusations was disappointing to say the least. I truly believe that many men in his generation genuinely do not understand that 1950's flirting is no longer allowed in a workplace. Even if it was "mutual", there is typically an unfair difference in power between the two parties.
But it’s also creepy for old guys to talk like that to younger women
@@samanthab1923 All men who talk to women are creepy.
He's also an old guy, not to say it's fair, but he may not have the mental flexibility to change. Why we die, and new people replace us.
I was missing and lamenting the demise of Prairie Home Companion just this morning on my commute. Finding this tonight was a pleasant surprise.
This man should be receiving the Kennedy Honors for all he contributed to public radio and roots americana
He did the show for a long, long time, but I could never stomach listening to the entire broadcast.
O my you must have a weak stomach.
"Never be friends with s female coworker," if you lack good manners. Too bad he didn't keep his imagination to himself.
I have no problem being friends with my male coworkers, especially since none of them would ever send me tacky emails like that. It makes me sad that he didn't get what was wrong with what he said. He used the words, "Evidently it was wrong." That's messed up!
@@trishcrowe5474 Should he have sent it? Certainly not. Why didn't she correct him when he sent it? I sure would have...
Let’s not forget she seemed to have encouraged him. Harassing someone is never right but women need to deal with the situation when it happens.
@@susanvirgilio4615 Because he had power over her job, and there is a vast history of these types of "corrections" not going well for the person bringing them. I was sexually harassed as an office temp worker ages ago. Inappropriate comments, hands on me if I didn't swing my chair fast enough to be facing the offender, etc. If I had complained, I would not only lose that gig, which was really cool except for him, but the agency would have seen me as a complainer and placed me less or not again. That was in the late 80's and I really hope things have changed a ton, but I never ask "Why didn't she say something?" because I know why.
@@linguaphile42 exactly!
Garrison Keillor’s perspective of not being friends with female colleagues is the wrong take. Those emails are quite inflammatory. HR Training might have helped.
Guys like him don't go to HR training.
He played himself and wrote the screenplay for the film version of A Prairie Home Companion which came out in 2006 that Robert Altman directed and was Altman's last film.
Yeah, another self-indulgent and tiresome Altman misadventure, in which the star gets to write his starring role.
In your case you mean misfire, sure this is not up there with Altman's other great works like Nashville, MASH or The Player so it is just light entertainment fare.
@@surfwriter8461 I like many of Altman's movies but Keillor was insufferable in that movie and ruined what was good in it
Dear Mr. Keillor,
Thank you for your 40 years, and I only wish you had never stopped.
'Keep on keeping on' as we used to say back in the 60's when I first heard your wonderful stories and enjoyed all of the great music you promoted to the world.
Don't let the crocodiles get you down as, sooner or later, we all have crocodiles in our lives.
Thanks again,
Wo0dy
Every person needs to know that, when the the "crime" is solely in the eyes of the beholder, the law is a farce and you'll lose every time.
Wow, I guess in your warped world we don't need any laws or norms or ethics, because personal conduct short of violent assault remains in the eye of the beholder. That's nonsense. But I suspect you do well in the Trumputin cult as well, where that deranged demagogue has not committed any crimes, offenses or wrongdoing despite being a lawless, corrupt traitor and a malignant narcissist. Keillor is not in that camp, of course, but he refuses to accept any blame for his inappropriate behavior, which by the way was reported by several other women over the years. The only "farce" is failure to recognize the impacts of behavior that place a subordinate at risk for losing her job or worse.
@@surfwriter8461 Gee, only three sentences until your TDS rears it's sad head and throws any credibility you might have had out the window, lol. Poor baby .....
I love him. What happened to Mr. Keillor was an injustice. I am overjoyed to have him back.
Me, too! ❤️ In that I love him and agree it was an injustice & welcome him back with open heart!
Right. Enjoy life in Lake Woe-is-me with the guy who refuses to characterize what he did with any accuracy or acceptance of fault.
@@surfwriter8461 Snowflake, he playfully flirted with a friend. It was mutual. He was happily married, so stop being so fragile. Your “wokeness” is showing.
People are just mad at everything. Self righteous saints.
My God, he has learned nothing. If the flirtation was "mutual" she wouldn't be calling it harassment. Men are notoriously unable to differentiate between friendliness and sexual interest when they find a woman attractive. He's right that you should never put your hands on a coworker, but not ever being friends with a co worker of the opposite sex is absurd-how about just don't creep on your friends, especially when there's a power differential? Shouldn't be so difficult.
And note that he says you shouldn't put hands on someone at work, *not* because it's disrespectful and inappropriate, but because it's "dangerous". Still framing the whole incident in terms of how it affects the man. Typical entitlement and arrogance.
For a smart man, he's incredibly dumb. And clearly not at all contrite.
War Is Peace. Freedom Is Slavery. Ignorance Is Strength. Flirtation Is Violence.
Really insightful comment.
I respect your clarity of mind in this comment. Most of us are here because in one way or another, the sweet, storied words of one man made us feel comfortable, safe and nostalgic. This reality is a violation of that "safety". It hurts, it really does, but that does not mean we can ignore the harm done. I can see why people get so bent out of shape and divided on things like this. I've come to think of it like this; If there was a town, and there, a donut maker, and everyone ate and loved his donuts for decades. Then one day a local girl spoke up, he'd been pressuring her into sex for years. Which is easier? If the girl is ignored, everyone gets to keep eating donuts. This is a painful lesson, and one you've framed here perfectly. Cheers.
The idea that adults of the opposite sex should not be friends in the workplace isn't unique to him. Best to avoid such "friendships" if you have a history of seeing things differently than your colleagues.
Yes indeed. Men with towering senses of their own importance who came of age when jokes about bosses chasing their secretaries around the desk were still considered funny, should not try to be friends with women. What a self-serving crock of bull he served up in this interview.
She said it wasn't mutual. Even the brief email they showed on this video proves she was lying. Why did anyone take her word for it? Why did he settle? Just because people say "believe the woman" and he's a man?
This piece was better balanced than I expected. Garrison Keillor was right: If we had held people in those days to our modern standards of accountability for the dignity and equal treatment for women, there wouldn't have been many staff or management left. But that's not an indicator of excessive zeal for justice today; it's an indictment of how thoroughly society choose not to see how badly women are systematically treated. #MeToo brought sunshine onto that painful truth and was immediately slandered away by the far right and others who suffer from guilty consciences or a sense of superior male entitlement. It reminds us of how far we have yet to go in achieving a truly equal society.
Meanwhile, Garrison Keillor, for his part, always seemed like a genuine and decent person. I think he, unlike the real haters, was not malicious but instead was caught up in a culture of sexism that he never fully recognized or resisted. He abused his power due to an imbalance that he either didn't see or didn't care to see. And I think this feature piece does a good job of capturing how his ignorance and his responsibility for his own actions tarnishes his legacy without erasing it. His work will long and fondly be remembered. But it will always have that asterisk.
Well said. Garrison Keillor is a brilliant, talented man, who thought it was fun to engage in a secret “flirtation.” Why did he choose a woman he worked with instead of one of his many fans? Is this the way men behaved in Lake Wobegon? I think not.
Longtime fan of Garrison's and PHC...
I think someone in this video made an important point regarding "the punishment fitting the crime." Sure he made mistakes, but for someone to try and vilify or "cancel" him for the rest of his life imo is cold hearted. Love ya G.K. 😻
Didn’t he do the same to a former love interest? Why do men get a pass and women have to accept career losses? Somehow he’s the victim here because of his celebrity…hmmmm.
@Bart Garvin I help man or woman if they need assistance. It’s called being helpful, courteous, a kind human being.
I agree. Good point. Don't cancel the whole person! The person who said the punishment did not fit the crime was right on.
She wasn’t the only person he made advances to, he had a history of this behavior. Not acceptable in the workplace, period.
@@wellnative1 Yes. But don't "cancel" all his contributions and unique talent. He was dismissed. He was punished. Fine. Don't then act like he deserves nothing. He's not Harvey Weinstein, Cosby or even Matt Lauer. Have some perspective.
How hard is it to admit that you did some creepy things and you're sorry?
Wholesome, quality entertainment. I listened every week.
Dear Garrison, write a book called "How to Say Your Sorry." Relinquish your Minnesota passive aggressive DNA, man up, and own it. Millions of people still love you, but don't think you can creatively separate the writer from person. And stop running to New York every time life gets hard. It's beneath Minnesota values.
He used to be at Ravinia Festival outside of Chicago for years. Always entertaining with a nostalgia for a Lost America that he 😊gifted his audience with on Summer Nights.
I love and miss Garrison. Just a good, decent, intelligent, funny human being.
You do know he was accused of sexual assault right?
Decent. Decent. No. He isn't. He rubbed himself up against me after a show when I was taking pictures with him.
He doesnt get it, and he may never get it. I've been flirty in the office but never sent or received anything that eww. The one person I know that did was swiftly let go. There is a line and he crossed it whether he wants to admit it or not. Now its up to each of us to determine if we want to give him money/attention or not.
Absolutely correct. But it is also correct that women need to speak up and say No the first time it happens. Now it's up to each of us to determine if we will. Peace.
@@gcromer903 Stop putting it on women to correct men.Men need to govern their own behavior.
Anyone who listens to PHC condones rape.
@@joniheisenberg6691 When they do, you trigger. Sit down.
@@ramonmoreno8014 Your comment is nonsensical.
The “me too”movement revealed a lot of bad predatory men. Some,imo, were caught in a backwash. I think the most tragic loss was that of Al Franken who was caught being a silly comedian, his old job.
He is such a smart man who again, IMO, would be a leading Presidential candidate in 2024 had some Democrat women politicians waited, taken a deep breath,and waited to see that Franken was set up.
What? No. Al Franken is an example of the inconsistency of the me-too movement. When it's someone that is disagreed with politically, they're not only gone against full force under questionable circumstances, but actually bring false witnesses. Someone like Franken, who is on their side, has his bad behavior dismissed by people who wanted him in office. Franken did stuff. Plenty of stuff. The concept of believing women has to be applied consistently or it is meaningless. Or don't you know what hypocrisy means.
@@cockeyedoptimista Your partisan hackery is noted.
@@cockeyedoptimista "Always believe the woman" was a stupid concert from the get go. You don't think women lie just as much as men?
@@cockeyedoptimista Oh do tell, "he did stuff, plenty of stuff"? Let's have it. All I know about was that photo taken while on a USO tour in Iraq. At that time he was a comedian and radio talk show host. Being from Minnesota I guess I'd like to know what other stuff my not quite yet Senator did....for the record.
@@davidminnesota4050 Why so snotty? You think I'm making stuff up? Why would I? I come to conclusions After hearing info, not before. Had nothing against Al, even thought the photo thing was over-reacted to - And I'm a Democrat, as said. Plus, Al's funny - though I Have found him biased. (I'm an Honest democrat, as also said: or try to be.)
So, I don't have much time these days, hence my vague response. But I will send the specifics as soon as I Do get time. And what is your problem, that you're aggressive toward people you know nothing about? You just like to lash out? I was recently discharged from a hospital where I spent two months! Am now in a rehab place. Have a Lot of work to do, and am trying not to get hooked on UA-cam comments again: it's very easy to use them to procrastinate. Later then! Evening will be a better time. I will tell. Try to calm yourself if possible.
PS: Minnesota is a great state, lots to admire there.
“You lose your ambition, but you still love your work.” Hmm….seems I’m about 40 years ahead of schedule on that milestone.
Lots of self-righteous criticism of Garrison Keillor in these comments...from folks who've never made a mistake in their lives, I'm sure.
When reading his words,
I would at times laugh out loud and need to pause to savor the humor. Thank you 😊
I loved the PHC for years and years, and Keillor's books. But the man . . . after reading a rant piece in his column where he showed utter contempt for the working poor, I felt sickened. That was before #MeToo. He came across like a really nasty elitist, even insulting the intellect of people he's never met, simply because they struggled financially in dead-end jobs. It was a really ugly glimpse into his character, and the strength of the bubble in which he lives. #MeToo revelations were just the icing on the nasty cake and hopefully some good medicine for him. There are lots of talented people in the world who aren't creeps and curmudgeons. I'll pay attention to them instead.
I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart I have absolutely no idea who this man is.
I live in Keillor’s neighborhood in Minnesota. I would run into him at the post office, grocery store…he is aggressive to get your attention when he likes a pretty girl. He also sued his neighbor for building a garage, because he didn’t like it. He needs to be accountable for his behavior, I believe the victim.
I'm so glad to hear that Garrison K is still OK, & taking the 'brickbats' philosophically. I'd been wondering these years how that man who gave so much joy, humour & home-spun wisdom over so many years was getting on. As in so many person-made 'movements', "Me Too" gathered momentum, got over-excited & injustices resulted. I think Garrison is right: "the culture changed".
Good men have been 'butchered' as a result. I know whereof I speak.
The once great show was already tired when he left and he’s completely clueless about what he did and how he manipulated the colleague in question. Of course you can be friends with women in a workplace. Do you flirt with your male colleagues and share your sexual fantasies of them? If not, the problem is you!
I really miss the musical talent he brought on the show. Chris Thile also brought on some excellent talent. It really expanded me. I wish the would bring back 'Live from Here'.