The Moth Warm Sweater: The Moth Podcast
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Dec 26, 2025 Kristy Arnett Moreno, a writer and former professional poker player, shares a gripping story about facing a cancer scare that tests her vulnerability and relationship with her boyfriend, Andrew. Meanwhile, Jonathan Mannheim, a Chicago infectious diseases doctor, lightens the mood with a hilarious tale of chasing thieves while sporting an infamous rainbow argyle sweater. Together, they explore themes of love, resilience, and the warmth of human connection during life's unexpected challenges.
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Surgery That Opened Her Up
- Kristy Arnett Moreno recounts collapsing at soccer practice and discovering a golf-ball-sized ovarian tumor that required surgery.
- She lets her then-boyfriend Andrew care for her in recovery, which becomes a turning point in trusting intimacy.
Vulnerability Redefined As Practical Care
- Kristy realizes vulnerability is riskier to avoid than to accept, so she allows Andrew to help with intimate care.
- That acceptance reframes love as doing the messy, practical things for each other.
Roommate Became Family
- Steve Ettinger shares living with his 90-year-old great-aunt Ella and how nightly routines shifted their relationship into intimacy.
- A scare when Ella is briefly missing shows his protective attachment and evolving family role.