The Moth

Suzanne Ketchum Adams, a Massachusetts storyteller, shares her empowering journey of standing up for herself in a challenging Home Ec class, critiquing gender inequality in education. Jeff Rose, a NYC writer and performer, humorously recounts his childhood struggle to avoid church in a snazzy suit while navigating sibling antics. Their stories highlight the intersection of personal identity, family dynamics, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Michele Castellano, a shoe designer, recounts her saga of being scammed while apartment hunting in NYC, channeling her inner detective. Alexandra Rosas shares poignant memories of her mother’s resilience, capturing the deep bonds formed during their immigrant experience. Adam Bottner tells a heartwarming story about his son's fascination with coin collecting, hinting at a potentially life-changing penny. Suki Kim, author and journalist, reveals her gripping experience living undercover in North Korea, shedding light on the country's oppressive atmosphere.

Ryan Rowe shares a touching story about playing the trombone with his father, illustrating the power of music in family connections. Eldon Smith opens up about his health scare and the challenges of bonding with his girlfriend's children. Zilke Nied recounts her dramatic escape from East Germany, revealing the profound longing for freedom. Brun Durgin reflects on the emotional journey of being her father's caregiver, highlighting the trials and beauty of family ties during struggles.

Helen Langlee Wyss shares her transformative experience at a Korean jimjilbang, confronting body image issues and finding joy in vulnerability. Hari Sanghvi recounts his struggle with self-acceptance through a powerful moment of helping a teenager in crisis. Meanwhile, Wendy Suzuki reflects on her father's memory loss, connecting her neuroscientific expertise with deeply personal insights about family and identity. Together, these stories celebrate resilience and the beauty of embracing one's cultural heritage.

This week, Ijeoma Oluo, a bestselling author on race, shares how a letter from the blood bank turned her life upside down. Sofija Stefanovic recounts a humorous encounter in a New York City Russian bathhouse, leading to unexpected connections. John Mack Freeman reflects on a birthday celebration amid a family health crisis. Aydrea Walden reveals insights gained while mentoring a wealthy teen, showcasing the universal struggles we all face. Together, these stories explore identity, community, and the surprises life offers.

Marya Morris, an urban planner and two-time Moth Grand Slam winner, shares her humorous yet poignant journey into stepmotherhood at 46, filled with unexpected challenges and heartwarming moments. Melanie Kostrzewa, a teacher and mother of four, reflects on the valuable lessons of motherhood learned from her neighborhood ice cream man, intertwining joy and resilience in her narrative. Together, they celebrate the complexities of being a mother while exploring themes of growth, blending families, and the healing power of everyday encounters.

Donald Harrison shares a delightful tale of his piano performances at a gay bar, revealing the unique bonds between music and community. Luann Sims brings laughter with her son's unforgettable broccoli-themed birthday bash. Muneesh Jain recounts his adventures visiting all 30 MLB stadiums, showcasing how baseball transformed his life. Xochitl Gonzalez offers insights from her days as a wedding planner, navigating the whimsical and sometimes chaotic world of weddings. Each story illuminates the incredible, often hilarious side of maternal love and life's unexpected moments.

Scott Gravatt, a high school cross-country coach from Portland, shares a heartwarming story about his family's bond with a vintage car named Buster. Nimisha Ladva explores her beliefs through an encounter with a fellow professor. Iconic television writer Norman Lear reflects on the lasting significance of a childhood sweater. Dylon Killian dives into public transit debates, while archaeologist Hannah Morris races against climate change to preserve vital historical sites, blending urgency and artistry in their narratives.

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.

Featuring Julie Baker, a writer and mom learning to embrace help with her blindness, and Hanna Bowens, a storyteller delving into a sultry Italian romance. Julie humorously navigates her new reality, sharing heartfelt insights on acceptance and empowerment. Meanwhile, Hanna recounts her adventurous journey sparked by a dating app, mixing vulnerability with romance during her spontaneous trip to Italy. Their captivating stories intertwine themes of connection, self-acceptance, and the unexpected joys found in everyday life.