Actually, all that Bob Garfield was doing in the interview with Mary and
Eric was using a time-honored reporter's/writer's trick of providing a
bit of contrast.  Doing that gives a bit more of an open mind to those
who would otherwise wave off a report, adds a touch of levity here and
there to draw in even the wayward listener, and most of all the contrast
emphasizes the dedication of Mary and Eric.  It's like putting a pastel
against a deeper color to highlight the pastel rather than losing it beside
a similarly pale shade.  It's a highly professional way to make what some
might ignore as a fluff piece interesting to a broader audience, and as a
result it most likely increased the impact Mary and Eric were able to have.
[Posted in FML issue 3291]