Arlene Stewart, a personal chef who has catered for celebrities and trained with culinary legends, leads off with her journey of finding belonging through food. Di Zhao shares a humorous hot pot dinner story and a quirky childhood dispute over quail eggs. Josephine Ferraro recounts a delightful childhood con involving spumoni and a heartfelt confession. Michael Imber reminisces about his grandmother’s fudge, emphasizing how recipes carry love and memory across generations. Food takes center stage in these touching narratives of connection.

Toya Chester, an electrician and educator in Boston, shares her ambitious journey to score 1,000 points in college basketball, emphasizing the passion and challenges faced along the way. Dame Wilburn, a storyteller and Moth host, reflects on her childhood experiences playing basketball to stay cool during hot summers in Georgia. Both women explore the significance of women in sports, celebrating milestones and the ongoing fight for respect in women's basketball during March Madness.

Andrew Brown shares a humorous tale of rivalry turned romance, revealing how he married his academic nemesis. Joshua Arnold recounts his cringe-worthy moment during an altar call that left him questioning faith. Daisy Rosario emotionally connects with her brother for the first time at their father's funeral, highlighting the complexities of familial ties. Gary Sizer fondly remembers his stepfather and their shared passion for Star Trek, illustrating how love can bridge generational gaps.

Join Kate Oliver, an educator and psychotherapy student, as she shares a hilarious paintball adventure that dives into the awkwardness of teenage years. Cartoonist Navid Medavian recounts his quirky journey of reopening a small-town movie theater in Idaho, embracing the charm of community life. Meanwhile, award-winning actor Catherine Joy White reflects on rediscovering her childhood passion for swimming amidst personal loss, exploring themes of healing and connection through water. Each story beautifully captures the essence of vulnerability and resilience.

Alicia Kenworthy, a writer and former reality TV talent, shares her surprise discovery of family ties through an unexpected email from Germany. Stacy Staggs discusses the joys and challenges of caregiving while living with her nephew in Kentucky. Marko Ivanov reflects on his childhood in ex-Yugoslavia, emphasizing the resilience of family bonds amid conflict. Together, they explore themes of connection, support, and the emotional complexities of family life, revealing why family truly matters.

In this hour, stories of starting fresh. Unexpected opportunities, budding relationships, your next home, and a new take. This episode is hosted by Moth Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Student Naushin Khan has never had a "good relationship" with chemistry.Kristin Lawlor feels like the only single girl in New York.Mariam Bazeed and their family relocate to Egypt during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.Law professor Dave Moran tries his hand at modelling.Aleyne Larner meets a man 20 years her senior.Podcast # 712 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this bonus episode, in honor of The Blue Man Group's NYC exit, we're playing a favorite story about, you guessed it, The Blue Man Group. This episode was hosted by Marc Sollinger.Storyteller:After many years in the legendary Blue Man Group, John Grady makes a profound connection with an audience member. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Ann Guo, a career coach and creator of a coaching chatbot, as she shares her hilarious escapades battling postpartum depression through dares. Morgan Givens, the first openly trans recruit of the D.C. Police Academy, reflects on navigating personal identity while honoring family legacy. Ruby Cooper, a dedicated mother and activist, tells a touching tale about providing her son with an offbeat Christmas gift. Each story is a unique take on the quest for happiness and the unexpected joys in life.

Frank Ortega, a dedicated writer and performer, shares his inspiring journey into the film industry, detailing early struggles and pivotal moments on set. Brittney Cooper, a professor and co-founder of the Crunk Feminist Collective, discusses the emotional impact of films on identity, especially regarding representation of black women. They explore the magic of cinema, personal narratives, and the transformative power of storytelling, highlighting the crucial role film plays in shaping our experiences and conversations around identity.

In this inspiring hour, Aditya Dakshinamourtay shares his journey of negotiating the complexities of aviation after moving from South India to NYC. Brenda Williams reflects on familial connections through heirlooms, while Alistair Bane tells of his bond with a horse that highlights resilience. Kathi Kinnear Hill recounts her experiences on the campaign trail, emphasizing the power of community and dialogue. Together, these storytellers celebrate healing and the unexpected joy found in life's little moments.