I have been in the media business for 30+ years.
During that time, I’ve had the opportunity to interview famous athletes, celebrities, politicians and countless others.
While I’ve been fortunate to have such opportunities, often the most fulfilling interviews are those with the everyday individual. More times than not, they’re just happy to get their stories out in front in the public. For example, having had the chance to go to Louisiana and several surrounding states many years ago to interview survivors from Hurricane Katrina who literally had nothing left but the clothes on their backs.
With that in mind, I had a chance this week to watch an interview done with Maddie Mogen’s father. I’ve also watched interviews with the parents of Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin. Unless I missed it, I have not seen any interviews done with the Kernodle family (Xana) noting the one-year anniversary of the tragic killings of the Idaho 4.
While I can say I have seen thousands of interviews over the years and done my fair share of them, the interview on KREM2 with Ben Mogen struck me. 
Sure, we can argue until pigs fly over who is responsible for these killings, what went down at 1122 King Road in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022 and more. At the end of the day, we will oftentimes agree to disagree on what we think took place.
While a trial is necessary and convicting the right person is so important, watching the interview with Ben Mogen made me forget all about disagreements over the case, having a trial and more.
The interview (see below) was one of the toughest and yet most enjoyable things I have ever watched in my life.
While my heart broke for Ben and I would have loved to be there to give him a hug, I was so happy to see the love he has for his Maddie May and how she returned that love to him. If you get through the segment where he reads the last Father’s Day card he got from her without needing a tissue or two, good luck.
When it all comes down to it, let us NEVER forget the four families involved in this nightmare.
Ben Mogen, you have my deepest respect. Know that so many of us support you and are always going to be there if you need someone to talk to or simply need a hug.
DavidAlanThomas 