Podcast Reveals Father's Search & Inner Life

Sayre Quevedo's new podcast, "Reaching Out," delves into a deeply personal journey as he and his twin brother search for their biological father. This quest, initiated with minimal information, forms the backbone of the six-part series. Quevedo intertwines the search with his own introspective reflections on identity, desire, and the pervasive theme of absence in his life.

The podcast's innovative format is significantly enhanced by Quevedo's practice of recording his conversations and life since his mid-20s. These extensive audio archives serve not only as a documentary tool but also as a means to memorialize his existence and family history, stemming from a lack of childhood documentation.

Quevedo identified the podcast's potential when he and his brother decided to confront their father in person, a moment that marked a significant turning point in his fear and commitment to the search. He views the father's search as a "Trojan horse" for exploring his broader patterns of yearning and his relationship with absence.

Launched on September 16th and produced by Futuro Studios in partnership with KCRW, "Reaching Out" has already garnered critical acclaim, including the audio memoir award at the Tribeca Film Festival. An endorsement from Ira Glass, who described the show as "something completely new," propelled it to the top of Apple Podcasts' series charts.

Quevedo acknowledges the vulnerability in sharing such personal aspects of his life, including unflattering moments. His philosophy emphasizes tenfold honesty, especially towards his family, hoping that by exposing less palatable parts of himself, listeners might find acceptance for their own.

He views podcasting as an art form and seeks to create unique works, challenging himself to avoid repetition. The "dire" state of the podcasting industry, characterized by fewer resources for experimental work, fueled his desire to take creative risks with "Reaching Out."