Ep 4. Things We Don't Discuss

Finding Your Roots season 8 episode 4 titled Things We Don't Discuss explores the ancestral history of three prominent individuals in entertainment: Terry Gross, Marc Maron, and Issa Rae. Each individual dives deep into their past, uncovering family secrets and hidden histories that shape their identities.

The episode begins with host Henry Louis Gates Jr. introducing Terry Gross, the beloved host of NPR's Fresh Air. Terry, who is Jewish, reveals that her parents never talked about their pasts. To learn more about her roots, Terry takes a DNA test and discovers that she is 99.8% Ashkenazi Jewish. Henry then takes Terry on a journey to learn more about her family history, which starts in Ukraine. Along the way, Terry discovers that her maternal grandfather was once a rabbi and that many of her relatives perished in the Holocaust. Terry reflects on how these discoveries have changed her perspective on her identity and how she identifies with the Jewish community.

Next, Henry meets with comedian and podcaster Marc Maron, who is known for his brutally honest storytelling. Marc reveals that he never knew his father and that his mother suffered from mental illness. Henry utilizes DNA testing to help Marc uncover his paternal side, and Marc discovers that his father was Jewish. Through researching his father's history, Marc learns that his paternal grandfather was a successful textile salesman who eventually fled Nazi Germany with his family. Marc reflects on how these family secrets have affected his life, and how he feels a connection to Judaism even though he was raised Catholic.

The episode concludes with a focus on Issa Rae, the creator and star of the hit HBO show Insecure. Issa, who is African American, admits that she knows very little about her ancestry. Through DNA testing and genealogical research, Henry helps Issa trace her roots back to Louisiana, where her ancestors were enslaved. Issa is shocked to discover that her great-great-grandmother had a child with her slave owner, leading to a family secret that was never discussed. Issa reflects on how this information has changed her perspective on her identity and how she thinks about the legacy of slavery in the United States.

Overall, Things We Don't Discuss offers a thought-provoking look at how our family histories shape our identities and how secrets and hidden histories can affect us for generations. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in genealogy or the ways in which our pasts continue to impact our present.