The Moth Radio Hour: Live from New York: Give me Five - Stories of the Senses
Apr 29, 2025
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Peter Aguero, a seasoned host and storyteller from Queens, shares his transformative experience in a pottery class that reignites his creativity. Tighisti Amahazion, a writer and neuro-nerd, evokes the sensory memories of her childhood in war-torn Eritrea. Bryan Kett, a former science teacher, describes his emotional journey of seeing color for the first time, highlighting the deep connection between senses, emotions, and storytelling. Together, they explore how memory and the senses shape our narratives and experiences.
The podcast illustrates how sensory experiences, like touch and scent, play a crucial role in shaping personal narratives and emotional memories.
One storyteller shares their transformative journey in a pottery class, leveraging creativity to overcome anxiety and rediscover joy in their life.
A poignant tale highlights a child's innocence amidst war, revealing the profound impacts of trauma contrasted with the resilience of hope and friendship.
Deep dives
Affordable Cellular Plans
Mint Mobile provides premium wireless plans starting at $15 a month, offering high-speed data and unlimited talk and text on the largest 5G network. This service allows customers to keep their existing phone and number by simply switching out the SIM card. An anecdote highlights a user's experience camping without losing cell service, underscoring the plan's reliability even in remote locations. Overall, Mint Mobile serves as an economical solution for those tired of high cell phone bills.
The Power of Sense Memories
The concept of sense memories as foundational elements of storytelling is introduced, indicating how the senses help evoke specific life moments. Certain scents or songs can transport individuals back to crucial turning points, emphasizing the connection between sensory experiences and emotional recollection. Throughout the podcast, storytelling is framed as an exploration of these memories, deepening listeners' understanding of how sensory experiences shape personal narratives. The idea reinforces the theme of storytelling being intertwined with human experience.
Personal Identity Through Art
A storyteller shares their journey of experiencing anxiety while attempting to write a comedy about their life. This narrative takes a turn when the protagonist's wife suggests enrolling in a pottery class as a form of therapy to cope with creative blocks. The experience of working with clay becomes a transformative journey, allowing the storyteller to explore their identity beyond pain and trauma. By engaging in this new medium, they discover joy and personal growth, ultimately reshaping the narrative around their artistic practice.
Childhood and War
A poignant story unfolds of a young child living in Eritrea amidst war, illustrating the innocence of youth despite the surrounding chaos. The child embarks on a harrowing journey to escape violence, revealing a deep affection for a donkey companion during the flight. This bond provides comfort amidst the fear and uncertainty of war, but the harsh realities of survival become evident when the donkey is killed by hyenas. The story concludes with the child reflecting on the lasting impacts of war and loss, juxtaposed with resilience and hope.
Colorblindness and Friendship
A storyteller recounts their struggles with colorblindness, navigating life while keeping this aspect of their identity hidden from peers. After a viral video introduces color-correcting glasses, the hope for a new experience leads to a spontaneous road trip to try them on, highlighting the psychological weight of longing to see the world differently. Unfortunately, the glasses do not work due to the severity of the condition, leaving the storyteller feeling dejected. However, a surprise from friends to purchase the glasses brings a wave of support, prompting reflection on friendship, identity, and the desire for connection.
This week, a special edition of The Moth Radio Hour featuring a live show from New York City. Stories of the senses: touch, smell, sound, and sight. This episode is hosted by 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:
Peter Aguero's life takes an unexpected turn in a pottery class.
Tighisti Amahazion finds creature comfort during an escape with her family.
Julian Goldhagen gets trapped in a walk-in closet.
Bryan Kett gets a chance to see in color for the first time.
