Podcast: The Moth

The Germans have a word for second-hand embarrassment -- Fremdschämen! This hour may have you blushing on our storytellers' behalves. Wince-worthy moments from the halls of academia to a foreign train station, and a reminder to ALWAYS check who you're emailing before you hit "send." 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: Marissa sees more of her mother than she'd like at her dissertation defense. Azhar Bawde-Ali creates an embarrassing situation over e-mail.On his way to a meeting at Warner Bros., Gbenga Akinnagbe ends up stranded on the side of a mountain.Joanne Richards has trouble saying "no."Wendy Suzuki describes her relationship to her emotions as "a struggle for control."

On this episode, we celebrate musicians with two stories about learning to play an instrument. Plus, we feature some music by Mazz Swift, recorded at a recent Moth Mainstage.Host: Michelle JalowskiStorytellers:Alistair Bane learns to play the guitar from a punk musician. Mari Black performs in a fiddle contest as a 6-year-old.

In this hour, tales that remind us that looks can be deceiving. Disguises, surprises from strangers, and reckoning with one's own identity. 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:Phill Branch designs his own suit for prom.Raabia Wazir leaves KY to take a job at Muslim Civil Rights Organization in DC.Jean le Bec begins to feel a sense of community at her local pool.Micheal Devlin rescues a sheep in a field in  Ireland.Jim Giaccone searches for his brother in the rubble of the Twin Towers.Podcast: 693

Hold on to your wallets, SSNs, and test papers. This episode is all about scams, schemes, and con artists. Student hijinx, famous grifts, monkey business, and the word of God. This episode is hosted by Jay Allison, producer of this radio show.Storytellers:Abigail Ladd runs a con in elementary school.Tonya Camille and her sister use their physical similarities to their advantage.Pete Goldfinger experiences a famous scandal firsthand.Gayliene Omary has a run in with a scammer of the heart.Maria Corrales confronts a con in the animal kingdom.Chiwoza Bandawe receives the word of God, courtesy of a shady acquaintance. Podcast: 879

In this special episode, we celebrate four weeks of competition, daring, and perseverance by sharing three stories all about the Olympics. Hosted by actor, storyteller, and Olympian Aimee Mullins, we'll explore the joy of marching in the opening ceremony, the strange pull of Kristi Yamaguchi, and the indomitable nature of the Olympic spirit.Host:Aimee MullinsStorytellers:Juliet Hochman trains for the Olympics, and finds support in her family.Mandy Hu realizes something profound about herself when she watches Kristi Yamaguchi on television.Aimee Mullins explores her changing relationship with her prosthetic legs.

In this hour, stories live on Moth stages around the Lone Star State - Everything’s Bigger in Texas. This hour 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:Alyssa Ladd attempts to be the "best Christian" at her Evangelical summer camp.Chris Gorman adopts a dog that's been marked "unwanted."At 12 years old, Robert Holguin infiltrates a NASA press conference.Christopher Scott's life is changed forever when he answers a friend’s call for help.

In this hour, stories of do-overs, golden years, and new takes. One-more-chance—at work, in love, through art. 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:Jamal Joseph is tasked with putting on a play in prison. After not working for almost 2 decades, Neerja Kapoor takes on an unexpected job.Craig Mangum and his girlfriend have more in common than anticipated. Rhonda Sternberg describes dating "while old."After losing her father, Blessing Omakwu has a crisis of faith.

In this special episode, we celebrate the 55th anniversary of the moon landing with some of our favorite stories all about space. Hosted by educator, storyteller, and astronaut Leland Melvin, we'll visit NASA training camp, the Hubble telescope, Pluto, and everywhere in between.Host:Leland MelvinStorytellers:Mike Massimino details his high stakes mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.Cathy Olkin must troubleshoot a problem more than 4 billion miles away.Leland Melvin suffers a devastating injury that seemingly cuts short his dream of flying in space.Podcast: 876

In this hour, tellers who tell the truth and nothing but the truth, even when it's hard. Finding the right words in front of the president, in the face of the patriarchy, during a shocking encounter, and to pass on knowledge. This hour 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:David Litt channels his alter ego, "Lips," while working as a presidential speechwriter.Nimisha Ladva sees the subtle ways her mother defies the patriarchal structure of her extended family.Alexis Barton learns nothing good happens after midnight.Sharon Salzberg's meditation teacher encourages her to use her voice and past experience to help othersPodcast: 657

If you enjoy the stories you hear on The Moth Podcast then come experience the magic of true stories told live in person at a Moth Mainstage show near you! The Moth Mainstage features five storytellers and a notable host who all share true tales–centered on a common theme—live and without notes! Tickets are on sale now at themoth.org/mainstage Tour stops include Martha's Vineyard, New York City, Manhattan, Toronto, New Haven, London, Iowa City, Tampa, Boston, Honolulu, Fort Collins, Fargo, Princeton, Austin, Atlanta, Nairobi, Portland, and Chicago with first-time stops in East Hampton, New York and Bismarck, North Dakota! "When it comes to engaging and brilliant storytelling, The Moth never disappoints." — Forbes“[The stories] range from touching to just plain hilarious.” — GQ Australia

In this hour, stories of time—its possibilities and its limitations. A secret room, a final basketball game, and a countdown to marriage—with no suitor in sight. Hosted by Moth director Jodi Powell. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Otis Gray tries to save his relationship via a grand romantic gesture. Reina Bolds is in denial about her sister, her partner in basketball, leaving for college.Anu Senan chronicles her family's many attempts at finding her a husband. Vivian Yoon feels invisible at home and in schoolPodcast: 892

In this episode, a special collaboration with our friends at Ear Hustle. We invite Ear Hustle's own Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods to help host the show, play an excerpt of one of their episodes, and then share a Moth story about incarceration. Keep an eye out for the second part of our collaboration, that'll be released July 10th on the Ear Hustle feed.You can listen to Ear Hustle wherever you get your podcasts, or visit earhustlesq.com to learn more information.Hosts:Edgar Ruiz, Jr.Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods from Ear HustleStorytellers:An excerpt of the Ear Hustle podcast episode, Taxx is Tripping.Derrick Hamilton learns a lesson about the ways people deal with incarceration.Podcast: 874

A special live edition of The Moth -- with five stories from a night showcasing the graduates of Moth High School storytelling workshops. Join us to celebrate student stories of first kisses, culture shock, finding a niche, and baking apple cake. This hour is hosted by Moth Teaching Artist Julian Goldhagen, with additional hosting by Moth Executive Producer Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Isobel Connelly grows up feeling like the stupid girl.Saya Shamdasani feels caught between two cultures.David Lepelstat is nervous about his first kiss.Luna Azcurrain and her grandfather create a Thanksgiving tradition.Beth Gebresilasie tries to protect herself from her family's constant moving.Podcast: 651

In this episode, we’ve got two stories of tiny crimes. Nothing horrifying happens, nobody gets hurt… it’s all the rush and mischief of trying to get away with it, without any chance of me (or you!) losing sleep.Host: Chloe SalmonStorytellers:Adriana Eraso learns some lessons about crime and business.Emily Popper sneaks into Colonial Williamsburg.If you’d like to share your own story, or would just love to hear some incredible live storytelling, check out a Story Slam near you: https://themoth.org/eventsThe Moth would like to thank its listeners and supporters. Stories like these are made possible by community giving. If you’re not already a member, please consider becoming one or making a one-time donation today at themoth.org/givebackPodcast: 873

In this hour, stories from The Moth's SLAM Showcase - a night of storytelling do-overs for tales from The Moth's archives that needed slight tweaks or a second chance. Standing out or fading away, chance encounters, and the importance of food. 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:Gabby Shea wants to impress her boyfriend's family with her macaroni and cheese.Jon Novick reveals what his every day existence is like as a Little Person in New York City.Annie Tan has trouble connecting with her father across a language barrier and physical distance.Carl Banks draws upon his past to help a desperate young man on a bridge.Anoush Froundijian is cast in a bit part in the Armenian version of Beauty and the Beast.Wendy Paige encounters a racist classmate in her new school.Podcast: 662

This week, an episode in honor of Father's Day. Moments of unexpected understanding, confrontations in cars, and a rubber chicken. 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:Tomas Davila and his father finally connect. Single father Jeffrey Berke and his daughter tackle a medical issue together. Jill Chenault gets advice--of all kinds--from her father on car rides. Stacy Staggs goes on a search for her biological father. After her father dies, Whitney Gedden memorializes him in a unique manner he would appreciate. Podcast: 873

On this episode, two stories all about summer camp.Host: Amanda GarciaStorytellers:Jean Spindler organizes some pranks at summer camp.Liz Kreppel has an unfortunate run-in with lice. If you’d like to share your own story, or would just love to hear some incredible live storytelling, check out a Story Slam near you: https://themoth.org/eventsThe Moth would like to thank its listeners and supporters. Stories like these are made possible by community giving. If you’re not already a member, please consider becoming one or making a one-time donation today at themoth.org/givebackPodcast: 871

In this hour, stories of childhood, growing up, and growing pains. From hearing your first Bruce Springsteen song, to experiencing a cultural divide to having your heart broken wide open. 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:Sarfraz Manzoor discovers life lessons in the lyrics of Bruce Springsteen.Oanh Ngo Usadi and her family arrive in Texas from Vietnam with high hopes and an American Dream.Max García Conover finds faith in an unexpected place.Podcast: 642

In this hour, stories of being gentle and kind—to ourselves and to others. Health scares, sound baths, and friend dates. 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:Freida Vizel questions a big community tradition for the first time.Skeptical teen Leela Ting goes to to a sound bath.Young Marianna is her brother's secret weapon in a high stakes basketball game. James Petersen's daughter checks in on him weekly, via a dreaded phone call.When Alyssa Hursh and her boyfriend take some time apart, her friends step in to make her summer magical.

On this episode, we share two stories about food and memory.Host: Kate TellersStorytellers:Terry Wolfisch Cole learns a lesson from her father.Michael Imber tries to become his grandmother’s “angel boy.”If you’d like to share your own story, or would just love to hear some incredible live storytelling, check out a Story Slam near you: https://themoth.org/eventsThe Moth would like to thank its listeners and supporters. Stories like these are made possible by community giving. If you’re not already a member, please consider becoming one or making a one-time donation today at themoth.org/giveback