In this engaging discussion, Amir Baghdadchi humorously recounts a chaotic stint as a mummy in a haunted attraction. Michael Maina shares his emotional journey as a Kenyan doctor advocating for sexual and reproductive health in underserved communities. Katy Strange reveals her childhood dream of joining a church puppetry team, struggling with familial expectations. Jenny Nguyen dives into her culinary adventures, detailing her journey from kitchen chaos to creating a women's sports bar, celebrating the power of culture and connection.
Amir Baghdadchi humorously depicts the chaos of his haunted attraction job, illustrating the comedic disconnect between expectations and reality during Halloween celebrations.
Jenny Nguyen’s journey reveals how her culinary experiences and personal challenges led her to create a community-focused space that celebrates women's sports and fosters connection.
Deep dives
Behind the Halloween Mask
Amir Baghdachi recounts his unconventional experience as a mummy on a haunted hayride. He humorously reflects on the discrepancies between historical accuracy and children's perceptions of hauntings, highlighting that mummies wouldn't engage in chase scenes. As he tries to scare the children, he inadvertently incites chaos, with kids jumping off a moving tractor to pursue him, leading to a frantic escape. The absurdity of being a half-naked mummy evoking fear while fleeing from what essentially turned into a mob of children showcases the comedic yet chaotic nature of Halloween festivities.
Facing Maternal Mortality
Michael Mayna shares his journey as a medical intern in Northeastern Kenya, highlighting the staggering maternal mortality rates. Upon beginning his internship in Garissa, he is met with overwhelming challenges, including operating without the supervision he expectations. A harrowing encounter with a pregnant patient suffering from severe complications reveals the cultural barriers to medical interventions, notably her refusal of a necessary cesarean section. Ultimately, the intervention of a cleaning staff member, Zara, who empathizes with the family's fears, proves pivotal in saving both the mother and child, underscoring the impact of compassionate communication in healthcare.
The Pursuit of Puppeteering
Catherine Strange narrates her childhood aspiration to join a church puppeteering troupe, motivated by her desire for acceptance and her mother's happiness. Despite her mother's discouragement and the struggles Catherine faces, including the pressure to perform, she eventually becomes a star of the puppetry team. However, as she matures, she grapples with disillusionment regarding the craft and the expectation to conform, leading to a pivotal moment where she chooses to abandon puppeteering. This decision signifies her quest for authenticity over pleasing her mother, demonstrating the importance of self-discovery and breaking free from performance-based relationships.
Finding Community in Culinary Passion
Jenny Nguyen reflects on her turbulent journey through the culinary world before discovering her true passion for community through food. After overcoming personal and professional challenges, she visits Vietnam with her family and experiences a profound sense of belonging in the vibrant food markets. Inspired, she decides to leave the high-pressure environment of restaurant kitchens to open 'The Sports Bra,' a bar celebrating women's sports. Through her establishment, she cultivates a space for connection and community, blending memories of her mother's cooking with her culinary expertise to create a welcoming atmosphere.
In this hour, windows into new or unfamiliar worlds. Behind the scenes at a haunted attraction, back of house at a Portland restaurant, and the thrills of Christian puppetry. This episode is hosted by Moth Director Chloe Salmon. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers:
Amir Baghdadchi takes on a frightening new gig.
Michael Maina realizes he's in over his head at his first job after medical school.
Katy Strange desperately wants to join her church's Christian puppet team.
Jenny Nguyen pursues her dream of becoming a chef, from kitchens in Portland to Vietnam, and back.