The Moth

This week, a special episode celebrating 25 years of The Moth StorySLAMs—our open-mic storytelling competition that welcomes anyone with a five-minute story to share on the night’s theme. In this hour, stories from six champions from across the globe. Hosted by Moth Senior Director Jenifer Hixson. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Storytellers: 

Sally Wheatley nervously watches her son and husband on a jetski.

Andrea Cope sets out to fulfill her husband’s playful dying wish.

Devariest Curry grapples with what having nine siblings might mean for her future.

Teenager Errol McClendon attends two very different funerals for his father. 

Wilson Seely takes a trip to Korea to meet his birth mother

Sufian Zhemukov takes a test to become a U.S. citizen. 

Podcast # 1010

There’s something special about being around the people you love, celebrating, truly coming home for the holidays. So on this episode, two stories about home - finding it, making it, and what it can be. This episode was hosted by Suzanne Rust.

Storytellers:

Rob MacMurray has a funeral for a tree.

Nina Livingstone sees a specialist about her agoraphobia.

This week, an episode in which storytellers transport us to the behind the scenes of their workplaces. A McDonald’s, a law office, a fishing boat. Hosted and produced by Moth Senior Director, Kate Tellers. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Storytellers: 

As teens working at McDonald’s, Bob Gurnett and his buddy make an art of doing the least.

In his early days as a lawyer, Reggie Williams’ relationship with his boss turns complex. 

Kaylen Duquette reconciles what it means to come from a line of New England fishermen.

Podcast # 1008

Telling a story onstage and telling jokes onstage are two very different things. But when a comedian takes a risk and tells a Moth story? Well, the result can be magical. On this episode, we're featuring two of our favorite stories from comedians. They're funny, yes, but they're also vulnerable and real. This episode was hosted by Ophira Eisenberg.

Storytellers:

Hari Kondabolu confronts a heckler after years of hearing jerks in the front row.

Judy Gold discusses how her faith helped her through some of her darkest hours.

If you like comedians telling stories, you may want to join us for a special Mainstage in NYC on Saturday, November 14. We’re teaming up with Comic Relief and the New York Comedy Festival. Ophira Eisenberg (who hosted this episode!) will be hosting and five incredible comedians (Jay Jurden, Laura Benanti, Devon Walker, Jake Cornell, and Hari Kondabolu) will be telling stories. Tickets and more information here: https://www.themoth.org/tickets/the-moth-mainstage-in-new-york-6

This episode originally aired on July 4, 2023.

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.

Podcast # 824

In this special Halloween episode, three stories of ghosts and getting ghosted. This episode was hosted by Emily Couch.

Storytellers:

Emily Richmond has to make peace with a ghost.

Jen Klee risks becoming a ‘chalice chaser.’

Stina Griffin goes back to a haunted hotel.

This week, an episode about our relationship with death: stories from the great beyond and back again. Body transport, mysterious disappearances, and life-or-death crushes. Hosted and produced by Moth Director, Chloe Salmon. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Storytellers:

Maxie Jones puts his superstitions aside for an unusual side gig.

Following a near-fatal car accident, Zainab Johnson develops a powerful crush. 

After her grandfather's funeral, Jillian Sousley’s grandmother gets creative with the burial.

Eileen O'Brien reopens the case of her sister, who has been missing for 30 years.

Podcast # 1006

This episode originally aired on October 8th, 2021.

On this episode, we have two stories about looking the part. The episode was hosted by Michelle Jalowski.

Storytellers:

Jennifer Leahy deals with the death of a patient for the first time.

Sivan Schondorf has to fake it until she makes it (to the altar).

Two stories of planting your feet, facing your fears, and squaring up. This episode was hosted by Chloe Salmon.

Storytellers:

As a marine deployed in Iraq, Maia Molina-Schaefer takes comfort in her electric toothbrush that plays a Destiny’s Child song.

David Smith overcomes his fear of taking communion

Podcast # 1004

In this hour, stories from the Garden State—a tale of two cities, a sweet summer job, and meditations from the gas station. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Director and resident Jersey girl, Jenifer Hixson. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Storytellers:

Sidhu Gangadharan becomes a gas-pumping professional.
Seeking connection, Marisa Januzzi Thomas gets a summer gig.
Christian Estevez feels caught between worlds.

Podcast # 1003

On this episode, we’re embracing the cringe with two stories that’ll you make you feel secondhand embarrassment. This episode was hosted by Emily Couch.

Storytellers:

Sarah Finucane posts a very unflattering photo to social media.

Ceren Ege gives a pretty awful gift

Podcast #1002

This episode originally aired on March 28th, 2023.

In this hour, stories of love—passions, parents, and dating apps. A woman swipes for a second chance, a little girl finds her calling, and fathers find ways to relate to their children. This episode is hosted by Moth Director Meg Bowles. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Storytellers:

Kristy Hawkins thumbs her way through the prospects of love.

Kemp Powers is convinced he will never be a good dad.

Niall Ashdown and his father bond over their love of birds. 

Esther McManus keeps the baking tradition alive. 

Podcast # 810

On this episode, we’ll hear two stories of people going through big changes - as they literally reflect on themselves. This episode was hosted by Larry Rosen.

Storytellers:

Phineas Knowles has an eventful first shave.

Esther Ngumbi vies to get her ears pierced despite her mother's objections.

Podcast #1001

In this hour, stories of considering "what's in a name," a dangerous CIA mission, and the rise and fall of an unusual musical act. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Director Meg Bowles. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Storytellers:

What started as a joke on social media becomes a passion project for Brently Heilbron.

As the Chief of Disguise at the CIA, Jonna Mendez breaks a cardinal rule and becomes visible.

Esau McCaulley prepares for the most difficult eulogy of his pastoral career.

Podcast # 1000

In this episode, we’ve got two stories all about finding out where you come from - the process of figuring out who you are in relation to your family, your culture, your background, even your language.

This episode was hosted by Emily Couch.

Storytellers:

Gwendolyn Lopez-Cohen tries to convert to Judaism, but discovers that her family already has a connection to the religion.

Iris Luz Hernandez takes a trip to Puerto Rico.

Podcast # 999

This episode originally aired on February 14th, 2023.

In this episode, stories from the gray areas and in-between spaces. Stuck in the middle, straddling two worlds, or searching for where you belong. This episode is hosted by Grown hosts Aleeza Kazmi and Fonzo Lacayo. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Storytellers: 

Military policeman Carl Cannon is assigned duty in one of the most dangerous prisons on the planet.

James Han Mattson moves to Korea to meet his birth family and connect with his Korean heritage.

First time pageant contestant Nicole Kelly enters the Miss Iowa competition.

Podcast # 804

This episode originally aired on August 30, 2019

Two stories from Los Angeles. This episode was hosted by Dan Kennedy.

Storytellers:

Bryan Kett encounters some fellow Angelonos at a grocery store.

Julieta Gilbert decides to march in a protest.

Podcast # 613

In this hour, stories from The Moth's Education Program about starting fresh. New jobs, new schools, and new perspectives. This episode is hosted by Peter Aguero. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Storytellers:

Aravah Chaiken learns a lesson about math and life.

Edie Wadman comes up with a get-rich-quick scheme—babysitting. 

Max Chwatko finds comfort during grief. 

Hope Guzzle prioritizes grades over her health. 

Andrew McGill finds a new passion, thanks to a 6:45am class. 

Podcast # 998

On this episode, two stories about two very different kinds of shock and surprise. This episode was hosted by Marc Sollinger.

Storytellers:

Susan Rohde is surprised to discover her nine year-old foster daughter making some unauthorized Amazon purchases. 

Stephanie Rogers’ feels helpless when her son, who lives on the other side of the country, undergoes anaphylactic shock.

Podcast # 998

This episode originally aired on December 20th, 2022.

In this episode, stories of historical events and momentous decisions with far-reaching impacts. A teacher who pushes boundaries, a trail-blazing student, and a political prisoner in Soviet Russia. This episode is hosted by Moth Director Meg Bowles. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Storytellers:

Toby Price faces unexpected consequences when he introduces his students to a book he and his family love. 

Dr. Sybil Jordan Hampton follows in the footsteps of the Little Rock Nine. 

Victor Levenstein realizes one thing has accompanied him throughout his time in a Soviet prison: his mugshot. 

Podcast # 796

On this episode, a story about a veterinarian and a story about a mermaid, both from our incredible StorySlams in Birmingham, Alabama. This episode was hosted by Suzanne Rust.

Storytellers:

Veronika Kiklevich treats a dog that’s swallowed something a bit unexpected.

Bob Byrd accidentally breaks his mother’s mermaid.

In this hour, we bring you to Johannesburg for a special live edition of The Moth Radio Hour. Stories of invention, beauty pageants in the time of Nelson Mandela, and finding balance. This episode is hosted by Moth Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness, with additional live hosting by Lebo Mashile. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Storytellers:

Brian Turyabagye tries to have his cake and eat it too.

Lebo Mogashoa is determined to become Mr. South Africa.

Lisa Muchoki realizes the true dangers of her job. 

Podcast # 999

On this episode, we explore The Moth Pitchline, the place where anyone, anywhere, can pitch us their story. We'll feature a story that came from a pitch, as well as a couple of pitches that caught our ears. If you'd like to pitch us, just go to themoth.org/pitchline and follow the instructions there. This episode was hosted by Chloe Salmon.

Storytellers:

Sophia Romero decides what to do with the placenta in the back of her fridge.

In addition, we featured story pitches from Michael Ivory, Kathy Etheridge, Carla Brizuela-Perez, and Martha Ruiz-Perilla.

Podcast # 990

This Episode originally aired on January 17th, 2023.

Start your engines! In this hour, stories of being driven -- bound, determined, or literally in the passenger seat of a car. This episode is hosted by Moth Director, Jenifer Hixson. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Storytellers:

Juliette Holmes experiences segregation first hand as a child in Georgia.

Tracey Crosier interviews for a radio job and gets more than she bargained for.

Jennifer Leahy deals with the death of a patient for the first time. 

Omar Qureshi tries to show his cousin a good time when he visits the US.

Podcast # 800

On this episode, stories of the lessons we learn, both in and out of school. This episode was hosted by Michell Jalowski.

Storytellers:

As teenagers, Cathy Gasiorowicz and her sister Nina create a mime alphabet book… that’s surprisingly morbid.

While a special ed teacher in Chicago, Annie Tan fights an unsupportive principal to provide more resources for her students.

Romy Negrin and her Latin Club compete in the highest division.

Podcast # 994

In this hour, big risks, long goodbyes, and the anatomy of a straw. 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:

Alzo Slade has questions.

Shaw-naé builds community through her restaurant.

Lekzin Tshokey says goodbye to her grandmother before leaving Bhutan.

Amy Segal reflects on her mother's photo albums.

Podcast # 991

This episode originally aired on January 15th, 2021

On this episode, stories of childhood crushes and all the fun and embarrassment they entail.

Hosted by: Chloe Salmon

Storytellers:

Tim searches for the perfect gift to impress his crush.

Janine attempts to woo her crush with her dance moves.

This episode originally aired on December 13th, 2022.

Don your finest duds! This week, The Moth Radio Hour is all about clothes -- from DIY threads to silk blouses, from a prison visiting room to a runway in France. This episode is hosted by Moth producer and director Chloe Salmon. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Storytellers:

Tween Horace Sanders creates a homemade Halloween costume.

Deepa Ambekar is caught off guard by a prison's dress code for visitors.

Zakiya Minifee fails to heed her mother's fashion advice. 

Adrienne Burris is certain that her new husband has ruined her favorite blouse. 

Graham Shelby joins the football team as a gentle teenager. 

Model Norma Jean Darden participates in a historic catwalk battle. 

Podcast # 795

On this episode, we’re featuring two stories from The Moth’s Community Program, both dealing with incarceration. This episode was hosted by Jermaine Archer.

Storytellers:

While in prison, Dolores Canales throws a rollerskating birthday party for her best friend.

Christopher Blackwell reckons with his family's legacy of violent masculinity, linked to their lifelong Eagles fandom. Plus, a live conversation between Christopher Blackwell and Peter Aguero.

Podcast # 992