An Imperfect Parent

An Imperfect Parent

From The Obit Project by Jad Abumrad and Jule Banville

May 14, 2026 · 34 min

About this episode

The episode explores the complex life of Darrel Johnson, revealing the darker aspects of his personality and profession through the eyes of his son and a current journalism student.

Darrel Johnson was someone people thought they knew. Maybe they worked alongside him at a high school dance. Maybe they knew him from Boy Scouts or through the camp he ran for troubled boys. His son knew his dad was also involved in some grisly investigations because Darrel would develop crime-scene photos in the family bathroom. Darrel’s job and personality were darker than most knew and time has allowed for honest, nuanced reflection. Reported and narrated by Bayliss Flynn, current student at UM Journalism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Jad Abumrad, Jule Banville

Guest: Bayliss Flynn

Topics covered

  • parenting
  • crime
  • family dynamics
  • personal reflection
  • identity

Keywords

  • Darrel Johnson
  • crime-scene photos
  • family
  • Boy Scouts
  • high school dance
  • personal narrative
  • journalism

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UM Journalism

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