

The Moth Podcast: Performing in LA and Antarctica
6 snips Sep 12, 2025
Darrell Thorne, a New York City artist known for blending costume design and performance, shares his riveting adventure of performing on an Antarctic cruise. He paints a vivid picture of battling choppy seas while finding inspiration in the icy beauty around him. The podcast also features Brittany Ross, who hilariously reflects on her journey from party princess in L.A. to an in-demand performer while navigating motherhood. Both stories emphasize the power of storytelling and the transformative experiences of their unique performances.
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Stilted Performance On Antarctica Glacier
- Darrell Thorne described performing in a 2,000-mirror stilt suit on a glacier in Antarctica while battling fear and harsh winds.
- He pushed through months of dread and found the Antarctic landing to be the most incredible workday of his life.
Drake Passage Anxiety Turned Release
- Darrell recounts crossing the Drake Passage with 40-knot winds and 20–25 foot waves while the ship held a dance party that released his anxiety.
- He slept like a baby and woke to calm seas and Antarctica's pristine beauty the next morning.
Facing Fear By Choosing The Hard Job
- Darrell identifies himself as risk-averse with a strong self-preservation instinct that often manifests as fear.
- He decided to accept the Antarctic gig specifically to confront and override that fear rather than avoid it.