The Moth Talking About Advice: The Moth Podcast
6 snips
Nov 14, 2025 
Join John Paul Bramer, beloved advice columnist and storyteller behind Hola Papi, as he shares insights with host Chloe Salmon about the art of giving advice. He reveals how he balances humor and vulnerability, evolving his persona while reflecting on the cultural significance of advice columns. John Paul discusses the connection between storytelling and advice, the fears of giving bad guidance, and the roots of advice traditions. They even tackle real listener dilemmas, offering thoughtful advice on friendship and art grievances.
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Slow Down And Enjoy The Process
- Calm down and enjoy the process instead of rushing for quick results.
- Read and let longevity of effort replace constant self-criticism.
Humor With Earnestness Wins Readers
- Humor plus earnestness creates an accessible advice voice.
- John Paul built Hola Papi by mixing satire with genuine community care.
Platform Trust Drives Letters
- People write to strangers online when a platform makes the writer feel known.
- Cultural moments and platform stability shape how many letters an advice columnist receives.