The Moth

Join Amanda Stern, a writer known for her memoirs, as she shares her struggles with anxiety and panic disorder. Tim Manley reveals how repressed emotions physically manifest, leading to a surprising breakthrough. Cheryl Murfin lightens the mood with a humorous story about new-parent panic in a parking lot, highlighting kindness in unexpected places. Devin Sandiford confronts family trauma and racial profiling, finding courage in naming his uncle. These stories weave a touching tapestry of fear, vulnerability, and resilience.

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.

Stacy Nicholson opens up about battling social anxiety through a transformative bridge group. Mike Phelan shares a heartwarming tale of being stranded and following his mother’s advice to 'find a mom.' Jersey Garcia humorously reflects on how telenovelas shaped her understanding of love, despite her professional guidance on vulnerability. Author John Paul Bramer candidly discusses a secret relationship and provides thoughtful advice, blending humor and heart for his audience. Each story weaves lessons of connection, love, and the wisdom of experience.

Scott Young shares a poignant tale honoring his Vietnam Veteran father, exploring themes of loss and identity, especially during his visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Meanwhile, 98-year-old Tom Sitter, a WWII combat medic, recounts his harrowing experiences, from treating the wounded in the Battle of the Bulge to the shocking liberation of Dachau. He candidly reflects on how combat transformed his views on war, offering heartfelt advice on honesty and kindness, rooted in his mother's teachings.

Panduranga Rao, a nephrologist and storyteller, shares a poignant tale of certifying a death on an Indian train, highlighting a doctor's comforting role. Ceren Ege recounts her father's promise to connect with her after death, finding meaning in small signs. Noreen Grimes humorously navigates the bittersweet task of clearing her mother's belongings from their family home. Jake Ottosen reflects on a transformative experience as a gravedigger at a Renaissance Festival, while Craig Chester reveals his haunting connection to Montgomery Clift, sparking his creativity.

Ophira Eisenberg, a stand-up comedian, shares a nostalgic and humorous tale of her seventh-grade Halloween dance, complete with an elaborate alien costume and a crush. Ethan Sweetland-May recounts a spine-tingling discovery of a hidden room in his attic after moving into an older house, leading to eerie revelations. Jodi Powell, a Moth director, describes her unsettling experiences at a haunted hotel during production, highlighting the blend of fear and camaraderie in spooky settings.

Ross Jessup, a deputy sheriff and canine handler from Missoula, Montana, shares a gripping search-and-rescue tale after finding a missing baby in the Lolo National Forest. Gregory Pereira, an entrepreneur and educator, reflects on his journey from gang life to finding a loving family and purpose through education. Playwright Joseph Gallo recounts retrieving a cherished book gifted by a dying friend, while screenwriter Aaron Wolfe discusses the emotional transition of moving from New York to Boston, carrying memories of his family's legacy.

Join baseball writer Manish Jain, who dives into the emotional connections of October baseball and how it unites fans. Bridget Flaherty shares a heartwarming tale of taking her son to a Reds practice, highlighting a groundskeeper's kindness. Rob Warren, a former coach, reflects on valuable lessons in teamwork and integrity from youth baseball, emphasizing the importance of respect over competition. Together, they celebrate the magic of the game and its power to create lasting memories and community bonds.

In this hour, stories about fathers and how they show up for their kids. As support systems and sounding boards, buddies and bear huggers. This episode is hosted by Roy Wood Jr. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: CJ Hunt reflects on mix-tapes and memories from his past. Bailey Richards and their mother meet a sunny stranger.  Eldon Smith knows he was meant to be a father.  Harriett Jernigan gets flustered when she has a chance encounter with Maya Angelou. Alyssa Ladd’s homecoming dance goes awry. Comic Anthony Griffith must earn his living as a clown while suffering the ultimate heartbreak. Podcast # 942 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

Tim Sommers, a former philosophy professor, opens up about his battle with alcoholism and the redemptive journey back to academia. Emma Becker shares a poignant coming-of-age tale centered on her pen-pal letters, sparking an unexpected revelation during a cruise. Kathleen Sheffer bravely recounts her near-death experience and the transformative heart-lung transplant that gave her a second chance at life. Together, these stories explore themes of recovery, love, and the profound moments that change us forever.