The Photograph

The Photograph

From This is Love by Vox Media Podcast Network

June 3, 2026 · 49 min · Episode 139

About this episode

Bob Brigham explores his adoption and the impact of the Vietnam War on his identity.

Bob Brigham always knew he was adopted, but growing up, he didn’t know anything about his biological parents. When he was seven years old, a social worker came for a visit and Bob heard her whisper something to his mother – something about the Vietnam War. “Within a nanosecond, I created a story in my head.” Bob Brigham's book is This Is a True War Story. My Improbable History with Vietnam. Say hello on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts. Want to listen to This is Love ad-free? Sign up for Criminal Plus – you’ll get to listen to This is Love, Criminal, and Phoebe Reads a Mystery without any ads. Plus, you’ll get behind-the-scenes bonus episodes of Criminal and other exclusive benefits. Learn more and sign up here. We also make Criminal and Phoebe Reads a Mystery. Artwork by Julienne Alexander. Check out our online shop. Episode transcripts are posted on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Guest: Bob Brigham

Topics covered

  • adoption
  • Vietnam War
  • personal history
  • identity
  • family

Keywords

  • adoption
  • Vietnam War
  • personal story
  • identity
  • family history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Vox Media Podcast Network, Criminal Plus, Criminal, Phoebe Reads a Mystery

Books & works: This Is a True War Story

More episodes of This is Love

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the This is Love podcast page.