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The Moth podcast

The Moth

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  The Moth  

Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has presented thousands of true stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. Moth storytellers stand alone, under a spotlight, with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers. The storyteller and the audience embark on a high-wire act of shared experience which is both terrifying and exhilarating. Since 2008, The Moth podcast has featured many of our favorite stories told live on Moth stages around the country. For information on all of our programs and live events, visit themoth.org.

Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has presented thousands of true stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. Moth storytellers stand alone, under a spotlight, with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers. The storyteller and the audience embark on a high-wire act of shared experience which is both terrifying and exhilarating. Since 2008, The Moth podcast has featured many of our favorite stories told live on Moth stages around the country. For information on all of our programs and live events, visit themoth.org.

 

#210

The Moth Radio Hour: Live from Santa Barbara

A special live edition of The Moth brought to you from the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara, California. An encounter in the Alaskan wilderness, an intergenerational connection through music, and a rockstar who feels out of touch. This episode is hosted by Dame Wilburn, with additional hosting by Jay Allison. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Storytellers: Monte Montepare finds himself at an emotional crossroads in rural Alaska. Christina Igaraividez connects to her grandmother through the violin. Drummer Patty Schemel finds herself on tour with millennials. ... Read more

Yesterday

53 MINS

53:25

Yesterday


#209

Popping Up: Tonja Murphy

On this episode, we take a look at one of the coolest projects the Moth has done - the traveling Pop Up Porch. And we hear a story that came out the Pop Up Porch. We also interview Rita Brent - who hosted one of our events and shares her experiences. If you’d like to experience some of the magic of the Pop Up Porch you should come visit us at the Pop Up Porch when it comes to your city. We’ll be in Ann Arbor from September 27th to October 1st, Detroit from October 4th to October 8th, and in Dallas from October 11th to October 15th. For more information, visit to themoth.org Also, The Moth's spinoff podcast Grown is up for a Signal award. If you haven't listened to Grown before, check it out, it's filled with stories all about growing up, and if you have listened, we'd love for you to vote for it for the Signal Awards. Just go to vote.signalaward.com and vote for Grown in the categories of Best Co-Host Team and Best Emerging Podcast. Hosted by: Aldi Kaza Storyteller: Tonja Murphy’s students always tell her the truth, so she has to be careful about what outfits she wears. ... Read more

29 Sep 2023

15 MINS

15:03

29 Sep 2023


#208

The Moth Radio Hour: The Call

In this hour, stories of ringtones, rekindled connections, and revolution. Revealing phone calls, missed messages, and finding one's calling. This hour is hosted by The Moth's Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Susan Fee gets a surprise when she calls her daughter. A series of missed calls gets scientist Moran Cerf in hot water. Nancy Mahl gets a call from her mom on 9/11. Cheech Marin finds his calling after dodging the draft. ... Read more

26 Sep 2023

53 MINS

53:25

26 Sep 2023


#207

Extra Apocalypses: Om Choudhary and Annabelle Gurwitch

On this episode of The Moth podcast, we’re reairing a treasured episode from our archives. It’s all about different types of apocalypses. And just a reminder -- if you'd like to listen to our 25 year library of Moth stories, check out our story archive at the moth dot org, just click the stories banner. Also, The Moth's spinoff podcast Grown is up for a Signal award. If you haven't listened to Grown before, check it out, it's filled with stories all about growing up, and if you have listened, we'd love for you to vote for it for the Signal Awards. Just go to vote.signalaward.com and vote for Grown in the categories of Best Co-Host Team and Best Emerging Podcast. Hosted by: Dan Kennedy Storytellers: Om Choudhary learns that even in dire times it's still not the end of the world. Annabelle Gurwitch tries to usher in a new era of change — the Age of Aquarius. ... Read more

22 Sep 2023

23 MINS

23:46

22 Sep 2023


#206

The Moth Radio Hour: After the Fall

In this hour, stories of healing. Moving through loss, unexpected sources of comfort, and bonds forged in grief. This episode is hosted by Jay Allison, producer of this show. Storytellers: Betsy Lamberson's dream life abroad takes a tragic turn. Teenage Samuel Blackman reconsiders his devotion to his faith. Paige Cornwell finds solace at Victoria's Secret. Amarantha Robinson finds a way to reframe a traumatic experience. Esther Messe finds that her personal version of Simon Says is more than just a game. An unimaginable loss changes the relationship between Bill Hall and his wife. ... Read more

19 Sep 2023

38 MINS

38:39

19 Sep 2023


#205

It’s Magic: Micaela Blei and Anthony Griffith

We experience magic in different forms. This episode is hosted by Moth director Jodi Powell. Storytellers: Micaela Blei becomes friends with a magician and wants something more. Anthony Griffith navigates life with his single mom. ... Read more

15 Sep 2023

22 MINS

22:42

15 Sep 2023


#204

The Moth Radio Hour: Letting Go

In this hour, stories of shedding the past and looking towards the future; from fashion faux-pas to exoneration. This hour is hosted by Moth Senior Director, Jenifer Hixson. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Chris Foley inherits his family's male pattern baldness. Caridad De La Luz contends with her father's baggage. Andrew McGill discovers his people though the card game Yu-Gi-Oh. Patricia Brennan describes being married to a Vietnam veteran. Michael VonAllmen works to let go of his hate after his wrongful conviction. ... Read more

12 Sep 2023

53 MINS

53:25

12 Sep 2023


#203

The Moth Radio Hour: The Hot Seat

Aerial antics, magic tricks, and unwelcome rescue missions. In this hour, stories of momentous decisions, massive undertakings, and opportunities with no second chances. This episode is hosted by Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: In an attempt to be Maverick (from Top Gun), Will Mackin goes to Navy Flight School. Siegfried Tieber gets hooked on magic. Samantha Mathis goes on a mission to bring her father home. ... Read more

05 Sep 2023

53 MINS

53:25

05 Sep 2023


#202

Different Ways of Learning: Adrienne Lotson and Lopaka Kapanui

Peabody-award winning journalist Chenjerai Kumanyika hosts an episode which explores all the learning that takes place outside the classroom. Storytellers: Adrienne Lotson shares the stories her father told her about Harlem Lopaka Kapanui learns some lessons from his mother about the legacies we leave behind ... Read more

01 Sep 2023

24 MINS

24:22

01 Sep 2023


#201

The Moth Radio Hour: Food, Glorious Food

In this hour, fasting, feasting, and traveling salmon; stories about foods that nourish the body as well as the soul. This episode is hosted by Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Ritija Gupta follows her grandmother's recommended all-yellow diet in the name of love. Mercy Lung'aho leads an experiment with beans, designed to combat anemia. Dihan Hossain dreams of tasting New York City pizza. Joan Juliet Buck's uncle loses a suitcase of smoked salmon -- and a family member. ... Read more

29 Aug 2023

53 MINS

53:20

29 Aug 2023


#200

The Moth Radio Hour: Kids Leading

In this hour, we put the adage "older and wiser" to the test with stories of children providing new perspectives and taking charge. In school, in the woods, and on a life or death journey. This episode is hosted by Moth Director and Producer Jodi Powell. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: While hiking with his 8-year-old daughter, Dave Stratton realizes he's in over his head. Carolina Ureña Ruez faces the horrifying prospect of a failing grade. Amber Wallin desperately wants to be cast as the lead in Cinderella. Pedro Haro goes on a harrowing journey, guided by his brother, and has a medical emergency. Nestor Gomez finds a new way to engage a tough audience of kindergarteners. ... Read more

22 Aug 2023

53 MINS

53:22

22 Aug 2023


#199

Kid Stuff: Madden Mcdonagh and Nepurko Keiwua

On this episode, we learn from children. This episode is hosted by Chloe Salmon. Storytellers: Madden Mcdonagh gets more than she expected at a book fair. Nepurko Keiwua leads a rib revolution. ... Read more

18 Aug 2023

19 MINS

19:45

18 Aug 2023


#198

The Moth Radio Hour: All the World's a Stage

In this hour, true stories of taking center stage from a magician, a musician, a member of the underground resistance in Chile and a soldier stationed in Iraq. This hour is hosted by The Moth's Senior Director, Jenifer Hixson. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Notoriously quiet magician Teller (of Penn and Teller) discovers his love of magic. Musician Gaelynn Lea describes life on the road with a disability. Daniel Sperling attends Shabbat services while deployed in Iraq. Carmen Aguirre is a member of the underground resistance in Chile during Pinochet's regime. ... Read more

15 Aug 2023

53 MINS

53:28

15 Aug 2023


#197

A Chat on the Stoop: Hasna Muhammad and In Deep Water

In this special episode, we examine the relationship between Swimming and the Black community. And we hear from one of our favorite podcasts, The Stoop. If you’d like to listen to more great stories from The Stoop, subscribe to it wherever you get your podcasts, or visit thestoop.org to learn more. This episode is hosted by Suzanne Rust and Leila Day. Storyteller: While out for a swim, Hasna Muhammad finds a kindred spirit. ... Read more

11 Aug 2023

43 MINS

43:47

11 Aug 2023


#196

The Moth Radio Hour: Occasional Magic

In this hour, stories of moments of beauty, awe, and clarity uncovered amidst chaos and the quotidian. Hosted by the Moth's Artistic Director Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Edgar Oliver propagates monsters in his backyard. Chenjerai Kumanyika seeks protection through tradition and faith. Matt McArthur witnesses rare beauty during an Arctic dive. Sofija Stefonovic gets her first taste of capitalism. ... Read more

08 Aug 2023

53 MINS

53:25

08 Aug 2023


#195

The Moth Radio Hour: You Are Here

In this hour, stories of journeys—from far-flung to just down the street. Rediscovered roots, recess field trips, and birthday outings. This episode is hosted by Moth Director and Producer, Chloe Salmon. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Gina Granter has a fateful encounter on an Amtrak train. Teacher James Hamilton finds a way around his school's no recess policy. Helen Cooper spends a special birthday at Coney Island. A friend from her cancer support group makes a lasting impression on Emma Gordon. Mary Blair travels to the Arctic tundra to reconnect with her heritage. ... Read more

01 Aug 2023

53 MINS

53:27

01 Aug 2023


#194

The Family Car: Mary Ann Ludwig and Melanie Kostrzewa

On this episode of the Moth podcast, we examine the relationship between cars and families. This episode is hosted by Kate Tellers. Storytellers: Mary Ann Ludwig’s teenagers decide to get up to some trouble with the family car Melanie Kostrzewa redefines her relationship with her minivan ... Read more

28 Jul 2023

17 MINS

17:53

28 Jul 2023


#193

The Moth Radio Hour: Not for the Faint of Heart

In this hour, stories of fear. From daily anxieties to earth-shattering moments of life-or-death terror. Hosted by The Moth's Senior Director, Meg Bowles. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Jessica Pan attempts to cure her social anxiety. Nick Revell takes a nerve wracking drive down a British motorway. Single mom, Katie Houghton-Ward, fears for her family's safety. Sudhesh Dahad deals with the aftermath of a near-death experience. ... Read more

25 Jul 2023

53 MINS

53:23

25 Jul 2023


#192

Hellos and Goodbyes: Woniya Thibeault and Mike Birbiglia

On this episode of the Moth Podcast, Catherine Burns, our former artistic director, shares the very first story she ever directed, and the last. This episode is hosted by Catherine Burns. Storytellers: Woniya Thibeault survives in the wilderness Mike Birbiglia gets his heart broken ... Read more

21 Jul 2023

34 MINS

34:06

21 Jul 2023


#191

The Moth Radio Hour: Other People's Shoes

In this hour, ballet "late in life," an unusual pet, drag queens and divorce. Stories to show us a new perspective. Hosted by The Moth's Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Val Rigodon attempts to become a ballerina. Lincoln Bonner has an unlikely childhood companion. James Braly and his wife finally agree on something. Robert Sherer tries to distract his grandmother. Brian Belovitch is welcomed by the Rhode Island drag community. ... Read more

18 Jul 2023

53 MINS

53:25

18 Jul 2023


#190

The Moth Radio Hour: Speaking of Death

In this hour, stories of the most inevitable part of life: death—with a positive twist. Opportunities for connection, moments of healing, and unique ways of moving through grief. This episode is hosted by Moth Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Bruce McCulloch masquerades as a familiar creature. Lori Syverson takes a job as a deathwalker. Jerrianne Boggis reconnects with her Jamaican roots when her beloved Aunt dies. ... Read more

11 Jul 2023

53 MINS

53:26

11 Jul 2023


#189

In Search of Freedom: Juan Rodriguez

We take a look at the meaning of Independence Day through story. This episode is hosted by Larry Rosen. Storyteller: Juan Rodriguez recounts his American journey. ... Read more

07 Jul 2023

18 MINS

18:09

07 Jul 2023


#188

The Moth Radio Hour: The Ties That Bind

In this hour, stories of the struggles, support, and safety the bounds of family provide. Hosted by The Moth's Artistic Director, Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Sharif El-Mekki wants to follow in the footsteps of his Black Panther father. NeShaune Lasley receives unwanted encouragement from her father. Caitlin McNaughton's feminist parents don't want to get her a Barbie. Rebecca Barry frets over her mother's health. Warren Holleman must unlearn his family's lessons when he has a baby. ... Read more

04 Jul 2023

53 MINS

53:28

04 Jul 2023


#187

The Moth Radio Hour: More Kindness of Strangers

In this hour, kismet encounters, nosy-but-nice neighbors, and unexpectedly helpful contacts—at home and abroad. This episode is hosted by Moth Artistic Director, Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Nathan Englander's lifetime of stress catches up to him. Elana Duffy attempts to reclaim her teddy bear from a strict customs office. While renovating his house, Alistair Bane unearths a child's toy and his own memories. ... Read more

27 Jun 2023

53 MINS

53:26

27 Jun 2023


#186

Finding Pride: Tomas Davila and Ingrid Ebbesen

We find our pride through stories. This episode is hosted by Travis Coxson. If you’d like to see a photo of Tomas Davila looking fabulous as he told his story at the Moth Ball, check out themoth.org/extras Storytellers: Tomas Davila and his father finally connect. Ingrid Ebbesen goes dancing and finds herself. ... Read more

23 Jun 2023

20 MINS

20:50

23 Jun 2023


#185

The Moth Radio Hour: I Will Be Your Father Figure

In this special episode of The Moth, we listen to five stories about fathers — from embarrassing jokes to tender moments shared on the road. The Moth’s Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness, also interviews the fathers in her own family. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media Storytellers: Adrianne McGillis’ father's favorite joke lands him in the hospital. CJ Hunt reflects on mix-tapes and memories from his past. Blessing Digha fears she has fallen short of her father’s expectations. Lauren Thurman navigates life with her many iterations of dads. Harwood Taylor reaches for a father who is out of touch. ... Read more

20 Jun 2023

53 MINS

53:20

20 Jun 2023


#184

The Moth Radio Hour: Live and Learn

In this hour, stories of lessons for real life. Navigating young love, learning to live in the moment, and how to drive stick shift. This episode is hosted by Jay Allison, producer of The Moth Radio Hour. Storytellers: Sam Bolen works on Broadway during the "season of the understudy." Meg Ferrill uses her skills as a project manager in the lead up to the birth of her son. Grace Topinka tries to learn stick shift. Michael Maina has no idea how to handle his first crush. Anh Vu Sawyer challenges the youth she works with to apply to college—but they in turn challenge her right back. ... Read more

13 Jun 2023

53 MINS

53:25

13 Jun 2023


#183

Shhhhhh, It’s A Secret: Tim Manley and Shania

In this episode, we’ll be playing an episode all about secrets from the Moth’s very first spinoff podcast, Grown! Subscribe to Grown wherever you get your podcasts, or check out its website for more information: [www.grownpod.com] (http://www.grownpod.com) This episode is hosted by Marc Sollinger. ... Read more

09 Jun 2023

30 MINS

30:27

09 Jun 2023


#182

The Moth Radio Hour: A Brave Front

In this hour, stories of finding inner strength in the face of unimaginable odds. The courage to make life or death choices, stick to one's guns, and not only survive, but thrive. This hour is hosted by Moth Radio Hour Producer, Jay Allison. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Storytellers: Les Strayhorn heeds his father's advice. District Fire Chief Michael McNamee confronts his worst fear. Robin Utz comes to face the hardships of pregnancy and love. ... Read more

06 Jun 2023

52 MINS

52:53

06 Jun 2023


#181

The Moth Radio Hour: Hesitations

Hold your horses! In this hour, stories of slowing down, holding off, or taking a pause. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Director Jenifer Hixson. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media Storytellers: Theresa Thames officiates a wedding in Hawaii. Ryan Roe contends with having Tourette Syndrome in school. Linda Grosser loses faith in online dating as she approaches a milestone birthday. AJ Jacobs, an inexperienced jigsaw puzzler, finds himself at the world championships. ... Read more

30 May 2023

53 MINS

53:26

30 May 2023