The Valley’s Keeper of Disposable Children

In this raw, layered episode of Forever Wild, Meagan and Nora take us back to 1986—peak Valley Girl era—where their family finds a brief glimpse of stability in the San Fernando Valley… before it all unravels again. From a rundown house near the Sherman Oaks Galleria to a sudden move to Connecticut just days before Christmas, the sisters recount a whirlwind time marked by missed opportunities, unexpected generosity, and unsettling encounters.We hear about the “extra” kids who lived with them, how their mother became the subject of a Ben Stein newspaper profile—and what happened when he took a disturbing interest in one of the sisters. It’s a story of instability and survival, told with humor, honesty, and a fierce sense of reflection.Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of child exploitation and inappropriate behavior by an adult.⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate)00:01 – Intro and stabby moods04:30 – Life in the San Fernando Valley12:00 – The college dream that slipped away20:45 – “Throwaway children” and Ben Stein’s glowing article29:10 – The poolside photo shoot36:00 – Connecticut and the Christmas from hell47:00 – College envy and the reality check55:00 – Ben Stein calls again—with a disturbing request01:04:00 – The Spy Magazine mention and the truth behind the creep01:08:00 – Wrapping up: privilege, predators, and the path ahead📎 Mentioned in this Episode:[Ben Stein's 1986 article “The Valley’s Keeper of Disposable Children”] If you’re loving the show, please leave us a review wherever you listen. It helps us more than you know.