On Tuesdays and Fridays The Moth’s podcast feed presents episodes of the Peabody-Award Winning Moth Radio Hour and original episodes of The Moth Podcast. 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.
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In this hour, storytellers face down the near-impossible...with mixed results. Skydiving, the first night shift, and training a kitten. This episode is hosted by Jay Allison, producer of this show. Storytellers: Gabi Rome attempts to train a kitten. In desperate need of an easy class to graduate college, Elliot Higgins takes Skydiving 101. Danielle Ofri has a crisis of confidence while working the night-shift at Bellevue. Wendy Irwin believes she can't do hard things. Bryan Kett attempts to move...
On this very special episode of the Moth Podcast we feature stories of women and their liberation. This episode is hosted by actress, author and mega-fan of the Tony-nominated play Liberation, Busy Philipps, and features a conversation with its Pulitzer-Prize-winning playwright Bess Wohl and Obie-winning director Whitney White. The three stories will take us from the middle of the ocean, to a nude spa in Santa Fe, to a rest stop in Texas… but all of them are about breaking free. About discoverin...
The Episode originally aired on August 16th, 2022. In this episode, five storytellers work up the courage to face and battle fear and doubt. This episode is hosted by Moth Producer and Director Jodi Powell. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Harjas Singh seeks the answer to a haunting question. Antoinette-Marie Williams inherits her family's love of games and shows up on the world stage. Rachel Cain worries she may have taken thing...
Nerves. That feeling you get when you’re standing at the precipice of something big. On this episode, we’ll be visiting two moments of high anxiety, the day of a big work presentation, and the day of a high school wrestling match. This episode was hosted by Suzanne Rust. Storytellers: Chris Bell discovers the reason he’s feeling so tired. Craig Gudorf has to gain a few pounds before a wrestling match. Podcast # 979 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.au...
This Episode originally aired on September 27th, 2022. In this hour, stories of exposure to unexpected worlds, new traditions, and traversing boundaries. This episode is hosted by Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media, producer of this show. Jason Kordelos goes on a cruise to nowhere. Marne Litfin finds that they have unexpected responsibilities while working at a Quaker camp. Cheech Marin tries to make sense of nis new life in a new place. Prachi Mehta is shocked by America's obsession with pets...
This episode originally aired on September 25th, 2020. This week, stories of parenting and being parented. This episode was hosted by the director of MothWorks at The Moth, Kate Tellers, featuring two special surprise guests. Storytellers: Caroline Connolly's realize they've forgotten their theater tickets... about 100 miles into the drive to New York City. Christopher Moncayo-Torres tries to connect with his dad through their shared love of Fiddler on the Roof. To learn more about listener data...
In this hour, stories of leaps of faith, taking risks, and joining the circus. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Curatorial Producer, Suzanne Rust. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Tiffany McKinney finds an unconventional way to deal with her grief. Dave Lara reflects on being a gay man in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Martha McBrier goes to great heights for her coworkers. Thirteen year old Arshiya Kapadia contends with t...
In honor of Mother's Day, we've got a special episode hosted by Padma Lakshmi - a Moth storyteller, author, and the host and judge of America’s Culinary Cup. From buying cemetery plots, to learning to swim, to a treasured recipe - the three stories you’ll hear are all about motherhood, but they’re about more than that. They’re about the memories mothers and their children share and the legacy we leave behind once the kids grow up. Storytellers: Mary Mack has the daunting task of selling her moth...
This Episode originally aired on September 13th, 2022. In this hour, it's raining cats and dogs! (And a few snakes as well.) Reluctant pet owners, canine companionship, and an elderly cat named Rita. This episode is hosted by Moth storyteller Alistair Bane. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Catherine Palmer applies city girl solutions to country problems. Jitesh Jaggi has a long and storied history with canines. Beth Bradley's fam...
To celebrate our feline friends and the sometimes complicated bonds we have with them, we have two stories about cats and cat people. This episode was hosted by Emily Couch Storytellers: David Rodriguez and his wife adopt a cat to help with a painful chapter of their lives. Gianmarco Soresi learns he isn’t a cat person. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adc...
The new podcast Family Lore delves into unique family stories, exploring their origins and truths. This episode features Martha Sayers, who shares memories of her fascinating great-aunt, Margarita Saimes, a glamorous and unconventional woman. The central mystery revolves around the family's long-held belief that Margarita Saimes was the true inventor of the famous Margarita cocktail, prompting an engaging investigation into the legend.
Hosted by Chloe Salmon, this episode features powerful stories illustrating music's profound impact on identity and perseverance. Alistair Bane recounts finding a life-changing mentor through punk music, while Hanif Abdurraqib shares how a bustling mall and an impromptu dance party provided a sanctuary from grief. KB Brookins details their struggle and ultimate rejection from a drum major position, leading to a journey of self-acceptance as a trans writer. Finally, Rissi Palmer describes her fight to break racial barriers in country music, choosing authenticity over a major record deal and later creating a platform for artists of color.
On this episode we play with the idea of being, and not being, seen. When not being seen or acknowledged shines a light on a deeper social construct - or when being seen can literally put your life in danger. This episode was hosted by Meg Bowles. Storytellers: Eliza Reid navigates her sudden, unexpected rise to becoming the First Lady of Iceland, a role with no handbook. As the Chief of Disguise at the CIA, Jonna Mendez breaks a cardinal rule and becomes visible To learn more about listener dat...
This Episode originally aired on August 2nd, 2022. In this episode, four storytellers square up to the truth. This hour is hosted by Moth Senior Curatorial Producer, Suzanne Rust. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: EJR David breaks a decades long silence. Mary Furlong Coomer prepares for her first communion. Karen Kibaara learns the meaning of invincible. Colin Channer stages a perfect heist. Podcast # 776 To learn more about liste...
This episode originally aired on September 13th 2019. This week, two stories of when technology really isn't the answer. This episode was hosted by Dan Kennedy. Storytellers: Jill Bergman, Aylie Baker To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
This Episode originally aired on July 19th, 2022. In this hour, four storytellers attempt to control the outcome. (As the universe laughs!) 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: Dame Wilburn fakes her college graduation to avoid her mother's wrath. Gabriel Woods Lamanuzzi tries to wrangle a room of 2nd graders. Tod Kelly gets carried away and confronts a bad driver. Nimish...
On this episode, we have two stories about names - the names of people, the names of concept, and how naming can shape the essence of the thing. This episode was hosted by Jodi Powell. Storytellers: Elyse Mcinerney reckons with her name. Ryan Estrada accidentally invents a new word. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
In this hour, money talks. Stories of finances—coin collecting, running grifts, and determining the value of "stuff." This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Curatorial Producer Suzanne Rust. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Steve Zimmer and his father search for a rare penny. Stacey Curry finds some monetary discrepancies at her new job. Dannie Olguin grows up worrying that she will never have enough. Taji Torrilhon does not place...
As America approaches it's 250th anniversary, we're dedicating our Spring Mainstage season, as well as a special three episode podcast and radio series, to exploring the American dream. Our first episode looked at American Icons, but today, we’re going to look at the concept of Home. We’ve got two stories about how people make a home for themselves in America, how, in their own pursuits of happiness, people create space for themselves, how people live in America, even when it’s difficult. This e...
This Episode originally aired on May 17th, 2022. In this hour, stories of seismic changes and subtle shifts—and the aftershocks left in their path. New perspectives on faith, family, and one's self. This episode is hosted by Brandon Grant, Director of Marketing at The Moth. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Marlon James discovers his talent as a junior exorcist. Hannah Brennan learns there is wisdom in her body. While going throug...
On this week’s episode, two stories about taking shortcuts. Hosted by Dan Kennedy. Storytellers: Lawrence Wood is too honest with his book club. Amanda Egge gets creative in rehab. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
In this hour, stories of bearing witness and when it's best to look away. Overheard arguments, recording history, and a view nobody asked for. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Director Kate Tellers. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Ali Griswold's view of her neighbors leaves nothing to the imagination. Misha Mehrel's mother re-invents movies by editing their Blockbuster rentals. Madeline Berenson and her fellow "Spice Granni...
This Episode originally aired on May 3rd, 2022. In this hour, stories of education, illumination, or just being schooled. The lessons learned from communities new and old, on top of a glacier, and from children. This episode is hosted by Moth host Jon Goode. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Dan Souza teaches English and learns about Hungarian karaoke. Jen Rubin plans to be spontaneous. Matty Struski learns about resiliency, and s...
There are so many ways a story can move you - it can make you laugh, can make you cry, can make you rethink your place in the world… but sometimes a story can make you go… what?!?! Are you kidding me?!?! That jerk broke up with you via text?!?! After you catsat for him?!?! So, in this episode, two stories that’ll make you go… they did WHAT?!?! This episode was hosted by Chloe Salmon. Storytellers: Becca L realizes that sometimes it’s better to be alone than to be with someone who can’t commit. A...
We're almost at the Oscars, and to celebrate, we have two stories that feel especially cinematic. This episode was hosted by Jodi Powell. Storytellers: Jitesh Jaggi discovers why his father never taught him to drive. Nick Vega’s fake ID business hits an unexpected snag. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
In this hour, stories of legends: the people that have left an indelible mark—in our memories or the history books. A steelworker, a Cuban grandmother, and Medgar Evers. This episode is hosted by Moth Director Jodi Powell. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Caroline Connolly spends a summer with her grandmother, "the ultimate Cuban matriarch." Stacy Sullivan gains a new appreciation for her father. Marques Celestine contends that M...
March is women’s history month, and to honor that, we're sharing two stories of women who faced challenges and … woman-ed up. This episode was hosted by Kate Tellers. Storytellers: Alison Stewart gets through a difficult experience, and meets a hot doctor along the way. Tess Birch guides a group of girls through a zoo. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adch...
This episode originally aired on April 19th, 2022. In this hour, the people we've loved and lost, their memories preserved in these stories. Mothers, partners, and the colorful residents of a nursing home, with special excerpts from the Moth's audio book. 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: Sharon D'Orsie goes on adventures with her aging mother. Adrienne Lotson worr...
At age nine, poet Javier Zamora began a harrowing 3,000-mile journey from El Salvador to the United States. More than twenty years later, he shared his story, revisiting the fear, endurance, and quiet courage he experienced as a child navigating an unimaginable change. This episode is from A Slight Change of Plans, hosted by cognitive scientist and bestselling author Dr. Maya Shankar. On A Slight Change of Plans, Maya explores how we experience change and provides strategies we can use to better...
The Deep End features compelling stories about navigating life's most challenging moments. Listeners hear from Mukosi Shimaka-Mbasu, who faced unexpected social anxiety at a science fair, and Gary Sizer, who provided end-of-life care for his mother with ALS. Other stories include Claire Wallder's triumph in a swimathon despite being an outsider, Mytrang Nguyen's journey overcoming a lizard phobia while processing grief, and Iana Banfield's harrowing experience escaping a hotel fire, which tested her independence for the first time. Each narrative highlights resilience, personal growth, and confronting the unknown.