In this live edition of The Moth, Sara Rabidoux-Kelsey shares her unique living arrangement with her ex. Dame Wilburn recounts a startling encounter with Darth Vader. Jackie Andrews navigates financial hardship. The podcast is hosted by Dame Wilburn with additional hosting by Jay Allison.
Living amicably with an ex can be an unconventional but viable arrangement.
Building personal connections and shared experiences can help bridge racial divides.
Deep dives
Growing up in a loving black community
The speaker reflects on growing up in a loving and supportive black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He explains the close-knit nature of his neighborhood, where everyone looked out for each other and emphasized the importance of family. He acknowledges the racial differences between black and white people and discusses the challenges and biases he faced growing up in a predominantly white environment.
Encountering police brutality in Korea
The speaker shares a traumatic experience he had in Korea when he witnessed his grandfather being brutally beaten by the police during a routine traffic stop. He describes the fear and helplessness he felt as he watched the incident unfold, and the lasting impact it had on his perception of white people. This event significantly influenced his distrust and near hatred towards white individuals.
Finding commonality and camaraderie in Korea
The speaker reflects on his time in South Korea and the unexpected connections he formed with his white coworkers in the Air Force. Despite initial reservations and biases, he realizes that his coworkers are also individuals with their own unique experiences and backgrounds. He shares a moment when he and his coworkers witness a transcendental procession in Korea, which helps bridge the gap between them and creates a shared sense of awe and appreciation.
Facing consequences and learning empathy
The speaker recounts a pivotal moment in his military career when he made a mistake by leaving his post during standby duty. He is confronted by his superior, who lectures him and shows a surprising level of empathy and compassion. This experience challenges the speaker's previous preconceived notions about white people and reinforces the message of not making hasty judgements based on race or ethnicity.
A special live edition of The Moth, brought to you from the Victoria Theater in Dayton, Ohio. Conscious uncoupling, a livestock auction, new perspectives, and Darth Vader. This hour is hosted by Dame Wilburn with additional hosting by Jay Allison, producer of The Moth Radio Hour.
Storytellers:
Sara Rabidoux-Kelsey has a unique living arrangement with her ex.
Dame Wilburn has a startling encounter with Darth Vader.
16 and pregnant, Jackie Andrews must find a way out of financial hardship.
Anthony Brinkley finds his perspective changed after being the victim of a racially-motivated attack.