Robert Maher is a master storyteller, very entertaining. I wish him all the very best with his foundation. Perhaps he could help some of David’s victims?
Dear Sez - this is Dr Bobby Maher. Thanks for your kind words. Although I am not at Liberty to divulge the actual settlement terms, taking care of TJ is one of my top priorities.
SO happy to be part of the audience to watch you click Send - and yeah, that's always nerve-wracking!
What I wanted to ask (also upstairs at the Hollywood) - with this podcast, does it feel like closure? Does the Tickled saga end here, or are there more stories to tell?
Wanted to say hi at the end but you were chatting with mates and I didn't want to be that girl... but looking forward to seeing purple hair, if you choose to go in that direction 😜
Glad you could make it, and enjoyed my live sending gimmick! (Genuinely a fun thing to do). Please barge in next time - I love being interrupted else I never wrap a convo myself! I rely on others interrupting me!
As for closure - I honestly think closure in *anything* is a huge myth. Doesn't exist.
But it has answered most of my questions, and that is a satisfying feeling. But there are always more things to learn; other victims that will discover the doc an then want to talk about it etc. So it's never over!
Wow, what a bunch of curveballs in that interview. I’m conflicted because it sounds like there was repression and abuse that shaped David D’Amato. No excuse for what he did, but this knowledge adds another very twisted layer to Tickled. How did you manage to sit on this information for so long???? Huge integrity and ethics badges for you David 😝
Oh wow!! What an unexpected gift to longtime Worms and Tickled fans!! And a very strange but excellent birthday gift for me lol. Can't wait to listen to this. Stellar follow through, David, and many thanks to Mr. Maher
It was so great to watch Tickled yesterday and then listen to this podcast on my way home. I also watched The Tickle King and that video about the TRUTH of David's unethical LIES exposed. Reading through the comments with people mostly saying Jordan was obviously lying in that video, then came down to one that says David is a "malignant personality type and a third rate practitioner of disinformation". Damn, someone doesn't like him... Look up at the name on the comment and it's from Michael bloody Organ. Hilarious.
Thanks for this David, Robert was a joy to listen to.
That was a RIDE! Thank you for this. I tend to believe Bobby at face value. This is all too strange to be fiction. The worst part of all of this is that David D might have had a much easier life had he been able to embrace who he was without shame. We don’t have to excuse people’s bad behavior but it likely could have been avoided. Thanks for your candor both Bobby and David F(as always)!
I don't think my question will be answered as I'm sitting upstairs at the Hollywood: did you ever talk to TJ again? He seemed quite courageous and this whole thing seemed to have an impact on him, just wondering with the release of Tickled, did he feel validated? How is he doing? I just think no one else was willing to talk and he did and I hope he's doing well
TJ keeps in touch - it's been a real ride for him. Ups and downs (as is the case with all of us, I guess). He was fucking courageous throughout the whole process. I believe Robert Maher wants to help him more with with the foundation cash, once that all gets ironed out.
While I have not had the privilege nor pleasure of meeting TJ yet, the very first check I will write will be to him - which doesn’t really fully makeup for what he endured, BUT will go a long way to beginning to right the wrongs done. The Foundation was actually designed to help those individuals and organizations who help individuals in need and who need a “hand up, not a hand out.” I look forward to someday presenting TJ with this check with a long overdue apology. Justice in our American court system is SO SLOW - but thankfully, we stuck it out and will someday be able to finally help so many who are in need. Bobby Maher
Thank you, Kathleen. I’m Irish Catholic - as the old saying goes, “I can live with something being wrong for the rest of my life - as long as I can still find worth and humor in life.” Bobby
Tangent: D'Amato has such a character actor face. He's so distinctive-looking. He looks like a cartoon. Al Capone or Winston Churchill. I don't mean that as an insult. But the guy's an outlier facially-speaking
Awesome night last night! I even ended up staying for Rocky Horror afterwards 🖤 My first time watching Tickled after years of good intentions. So worth the wait! Thank you David (& Dylan) for allowing this cynical support worker cling to a little hope that there are still good people doing good work in the world. Lawd knows we need it 🫠
Can't wait to listen to this, as you know David D'amato was my assistant principal, and like I told you in the past he was always very eccentric and weird and maybe overly friendly with some of us. I knew something was off but never knew he was going to turn out to be what he was. Can't wait to hear about this softer side of him. I guess nobody is all bad.
I think you'll find this convo pretty interesting, John - lots of behind the scenes stuff. Hope you're doing good - it feels like ages since I last saw you in person (probably because it has been!)
Yeah man I think the last time I saw you was at the tickled Premiere in New York. I'm doing pretty good but I share your concern for the Direction the us is going in. It scares me. But that's another conversation for another day. I genuinely enjoy the content that you create, I think because with you it's more than just basic journalism, you put your heart into this stuff, you're passionate about your work and you're a person with a compassionate heart. I tend to gravitate towards people like that. Don't get me wrong I don't always 100% agree with everything, but I know with you your opinions are well thought out and nuanced. I can always respect them. Don't ever stop doing what you do David, and I'll keep reading and listening.
So I'm listening right now and I'm part way through and enjoying it, but the part where he says the principal of West Hempstead always wore baseball jerseys, that part is not true, at least in my experience. Who knows maybe he started doing it after I graduated. But I suspect it's another one of the lies that D'Amato told. I really remember him maybe wearing one once or twice, but the majority of time he had a suit and tie on or just his dress shirt and a tie. Believe me, I was in trouble a lot LOL and I dealt with him quite a bit. His name was Anthony Dibetetto. I believe he still lives in oceanside, new york. I occasionally see him jogging. I would love for you to talk to him and get his perspective. As others have said, Robert is a good Storyteller and I'm enjoying listening to him. Oh and the way D'Amato used to tell us about his college hockey days, that he was a starter and a good goalie LOL. I really enjoyed hearing that part about him being a garbage time goalie
Many times we don't realize who we are around because most people aren't 'all bad' as long as they can mask or show up as one self and give into the shadow side at other times. I often think the mask is what we see as good bc that's what is expected in proper society. Think of Gilgo Beach murderer or anyone hiding dark secrets.
Was great to see Tickled with you tonight, glad to find both the podcast and my renewal receipt together in the inbox after!
I was one of 'those...' who hadn't seen, was great first viewing with an audience, the back story Q&A, and now (heard most of it on the way home) the follow up podcast. Thanks for hosting, sharing.
For some strange reason, the image of Gollum came up. Make of that what you will. The darkness of people, allowed out and unchained, can create monsters of them.
Loved the screening. It was an exciting first for me; first Tickled, first Hollywood Avondale. So many emotions from the movie - weirded out, feeling on edge and scared for you and Dylan, amused, shocked, sad. Really looking forward to listening to this; Of course I really felt for David's victims but also strangely sorry for him too. He struck me as such a pathetic, tragic, lonely figure. Like a big, wounded animal. Anyway, huge thanks for this Webworm gift and for a great evening.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR EVERYONE WHO CAME TO THE POPUP AND TICKLED - I HAD A BLAST!
(And for those not there, but who have seen Tickled - I really hope you enjoyed this podcast episode!)
Robert Maher is a master storyteller, very entertaining. I wish him all the very best with his foundation. Perhaps he could help some of David’s victims?
Dear Sez - this is Dr Bobby Maher. Thanks for your kind words. Although I am not at Liberty to divulge the actual settlement terms, taking care of TJ is one of my top priorities.
SO happy to be part of the audience to watch you click Send - and yeah, that's always nerve-wracking!
What I wanted to ask (also upstairs at the Hollywood) - with this podcast, does it feel like closure? Does the Tickled saga end here, or are there more stories to tell?
Wanted to say hi at the end but you were chatting with mates and I didn't want to be that girl... but looking forward to seeing purple hair, if you choose to go in that direction 😜
Glad you could make it, and enjoyed my live sending gimmick! (Genuinely a fun thing to do). Please barge in next time - I love being interrupted else I never wrap a convo myself! I rely on others interrupting me!
As for closure - I honestly think closure in *anything* is a huge myth. Doesn't exist.
But it has answered most of my questions, and that is a satisfying feeling. But there are always more things to learn; other victims that will discover the doc an then want to talk about it etc. So it's never over!
Wow, what a bunch of curveballs in that interview. I’m conflicted because it sounds like there was repression and abuse that shaped David D’Amato. No excuse for what he did, but this knowledge adds another very twisted layer to Tickled. How did you manage to sit on this information for so long???? Huge integrity and ethics badges for you David 😝
Oh wow!! What an unexpected gift to longtime Worms and Tickled fans!! And a very strange but excellent birthday gift for me lol. Can't wait to listen to this. Stellar follow through, David, and many thanks to Mr. Maher
It was so great to watch Tickled yesterday and then listen to this podcast on my way home. I also watched The Tickle King and that video about the TRUTH of David's unethical LIES exposed. Reading through the comments with people mostly saying Jordan was obviously lying in that video, then came down to one that says David is a "malignant personality type and a third rate practitioner of disinformation". Damn, someone doesn't like him... Look up at the name on the comment and it's from Michael bloody Organ. Hilarious.
Thanks for this David, Robert was a joy to listen to.
That was a RIDE! Thank you for this. I tend to believe Bobby at face value. This is all too strange to be fiction. The worst part of all of this is that David D might have had a much easier life had he been able to embrace who he was without shame. We don’t have to excuse people’s bad behavior but it likely could have been avoided. Thanks for your candor both Bobby and David F(as always)!
I don't think my question will be answered as I'm sitting upstairs at the Hollywood: did you ever talk to TJ again? He seemed quite courageous and this whole thing seemed to have an impact on him, just wondering with the release of Tickled, did he feel validated? How is he doing? I just think no one else was willing to talk and he did and I hope he's doing well
TJ keeps in touch - it's been a real ride for him. Ups and downs (as is the case with all of us, I guess). He was fucking courageous throughout the whole process. I believe Robert Maher wants to help him more with with the foundation cash, once that all gets ironed out.
While I have not had the privilege nor pleasure of meeting TJ yet, the very first check I will write will be to him - which doesn’t really fully makeup for what he endured, BUT will go a long way to beginning to right the wrongs done. The Foundation was actually designed to help those individuals and organizations who help individuals in need and who need a “hand up, not a hand out.” I look forward to someday presenting TJ with this check with a long overdue apology. Justice in our American court system is SO SLOW - but thankfully, we stuck it out and will someday be able to finally help so many who are in need. Bobby Maher
Thank you David for that podcast. How refreshing and comforting to hear Robert Maher a truly decent person who has kept his good humour throughout.
Thank you, Kathleen. I’m Irish Catholic - as the old saying goes, “I can live with something being wrong for the rest of my life - as long as I can still find worth and humor in life.” Bobby
Insane.
Tangent: D'Amato has such a character actor face. He's so distinctive-looking. He looks like a cartoon. Al Capone or Winston Churchill. I don't mean that as an insult. But the guy's an outlier facially-speaking
Great, great face. We did toy with the idea of more recreations in this film, and it was fun thinking of who we'd cast as David.
Or Truman Capote.
Awesome night last night! I even ended up staying for Rocky Horror afterwards 🖤 My first time watching Tickled after years of good intentions. So worth the wait! Thank you David (& Dylan) for allowing this cynical support worker cling to a little hope that there are still good people doing good work in the world. Lawd knows we need it 🫠
Really glad you ended up doing a double feature - Rocky Horror is perfect chaser for Tickled! Thanks for coming out.
Nothing tickles me more than an update on our favorite tickler. Thanks for this. Truly fascinating stuff.
Can't wait to listen to this, as you know David D'amato was my assistant principal, and like I told you in the past he was always very eccentric and weird and maybe overly friendly with some of us. I knew something was off but never knew he was going to turn out to be what he was. Can't wait to hear about this softer side of him. I guess nobody is all bad.
I think you'll find this convo pretty interesting, John - lots of behind the scenes stuff. Hope you're doing good - it feels like ages since I last saw you in person (probably because it has been!)
Yeah man I think the last time I saw you was at the tickled Premiere in New York. I'm doing pretty good but I share your concern for the Direction the us is going in. It scares me. But that's another conversation for another day. I genuinely enjoy the content that you create, I think because with you it's more than just basic journalism, you put your heart into this stuff, you're passionate about your work and you're a person with a compassionate heart. I tend to gravitate towards people like that. Don't get me wrong I don't always 100% agree with everything, but I know with you your opinions are well thought out and nuanced. I can always respect them. Don't ever stop doing what you do David, and I'll keep reading and listening.
So I'm listening right now and I'm part way through and enjoying it, but the part where he says the principal of West Hempstead always wore baseball jerseys, that part is not true, at least in my experience. Who knows maybe he started doing it after I graduated. But I suspect it's another one of the lies that D'Amato told. I really remember him maybe wearing one once or twice, but the majority of time he had a suit and tie on or just his dress shirt and a tie. Believe me, I was in trouble a lot LOL and I dealt with him quite a bit. His name was Anthony Dibetetto. I believe he still lives in oceanside, new york. I occasionally see him jogging. I would love for you to talk to him and get his perspective. As others have said, Robert is a good Storyteller and I'm enjoying listening to him. Oh and the way D'Amato used to tell us about his college hockey days, that he was a starter and a good goalie LOL. I really enjoyed hearing that part about him being a garbage time goalie
Many times we don't realize who we are around because most people aren't 'all bad' as long as they can mask or show up as one self and give into the shadow side at other times. I often think the mask is what we see as good bc that's what is expected in proper society. Think of Gilgo Beach murderer or anyone hiding dark secrets.
Was great to see Tickled with you tonight, glad to find both the podcast and my renewal receipt together in the inbox after!
I was one of 'those...' who hadn't seen, was great first viewing with an audience, the back story Q&A, and now (heard most of it on the way home) the follow up podcast. Thanks for hosting, sharing.
Nice to have you there Robin! I got sidetracked a lot and we didn't get to chat - my apologies. Your hair was great. Glad to see it in the flesh.
And thanks for holding out to see Tickled on the big screen with a crowd... much more fun than home alone on a laptop or something!
No need for apologies, was a great evening and you had so many people to connect with.
I didn't record the story, but a few snaps from the evening: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBztQR
For some strange reason, the image of Gollum came up. Make of that what you will. The darkness of people, allowed out and unchained, can create monsters of them.
Loved the screening. It was an exciting first for me; first Tickled, first Hollywood Avondale. So many emotions from the movie - weirded out, feeling on edge and scared for you and Dylan, amused, shocked, sad. Really looking forward to listening to this; Of course I really felt for David's victims but also strangely sorry for him too. He struck me as such a pathetic, tragic, lonely figure. Like a big, wounded animal. Anyway, huge thanks for this Webworm gift and for a great evening.
Really love you got to see it with a crowd, and on a big screen. It's a fun one to watch with a load of people. Communal laughs and groans.
Exactly my experience too!! Just finished listening to the podcast…incredible stuff 🧐
Hope this conversation added to the experience! Thanks for coming.