The Moth

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.

Whitney McGuire, a sustainability strategist and consultant, reflects on her Buddhist upbringing and the journey to self-acceptance in a predominantly Christian society. Aubrianna Peton, an English and history student, shares her summer experience cleaning up garbage while rethinking her relationship with food waste and its broader social implications. Jacoby Cochran, a renowned storyteller, reminisces about his childhood in a supportive skating community, highlighting the importance of family bonds and cultural legacy.

Jennifer Cohen, a high school English teacher from Vermont, shares her journey from an empty nester to a joyful stage performer in 'Annie.' Justin Hawkins opens up about learning to swim as an adult to confront childhood fears. Susan Mweni discusses her bold choice to remain single and childless while challenging societal norms in Nairobi. James Dommek Jr., an Inupiaq man from Alaska, reflects on annual moose hunting, celebrating his culture and the connection to his heritage and the land.

Tate Russell, an admission counselor and singer, shares a heartfelt tale of young love and awkward high school drama during a theater production. Steve Glickman, a storyteller and retired software engineer, recounts his humorous yet poignant experiences moving back in with his aging parents as they navigate the complexities of familial love and mental health. Their stories beautifully capture the bittersweet nature of love that endures and the challenges that come with it. Perfect for a Valentine's Day reflection!

Hope Iyiewuare, a medical student with a penchant for cycling, shares humorous childhood tales of family chores and lessons learned from a chaotic subway experience. Onnesha Roychoudhuri reflects on a subway encounter that turns unsolicited negativity into collective harmony. Gregory Brady inspires with his journey from addiction to training for a triathlon, emphasizing the strength of community support. Wang Ping recalls starting a banned book club during China's Cultural Revolution, showcasing resilience against censorship and the power of storytelling.

In this engaging hour, Benji Waterhouse, an NHS psychiatrist and comedian, shares his eye-opening experiences during his first week on the job, revealing the harsh realities of psychiatric care. Blind comedian Jamie McDonald spills the tea on his whirlwind rise to fame and the unexpected backlash he faced online. Meanwhile, actress and writer Salima Saxton reflects on her and her husband's quest for the 'perfect life,' highlighting the gap between expectations and reality in relationships. Laughter, truth, and touching moments await!

Dame Wilburn, a skilled storyteller and Moth main stage host, shares a humorous tale from her tackle football days. Tina Moore connects with her son through the thrills of fantasy football, illustrating the beauty of family bonds. Adam Bottner reminisces about a life-changing encounter with a sports icon in an unexpected location. These heartfelt stories intertwine football with themes of love, nostalgia, and the joy of connection, celebrating how the sport shapes lives and relationships.

Meredith Morrison shares her reluctant rise to lead actress in a middle school play, revealing her unexpected journey of self-discovery. Betty Reid Soskin recounts her brave experience moving into a segregated neighborhood in the 1950s, exploring the challenges and resilience of being a Black woman at that time. Jayson Nuñez reminisces about his seventh birthday, and the heart-wrenching loss of his beloved bike, blending nostalgia with a sense of adventure. These stories elegantly unveil personal growth through surprising revelations.

Lori Tucker-Sullivan, a Detroit writer and educator, shares her experience with bizarre phone calls. Morgan Balavage, a traveling yoga teacher, recounts the emotional fallout of a friend's betrayal at work. Matthew Trenda reveals his online feud with a stranger, illustrating the chaos of internet disputes. Diego Aguirre, a NYC actor and former Marine, humorously navigates the challenges of owning a dog while grappling with anger. Together, these stories explore human rivalries, misunderstandings, and the quirks of personal conflicts.

In this engaging conversation, Katie Rivard, a product designer and passionate soccer player, shares her journey of self-discovery through dance. She highlights how reconnecting with her passion helped her navigate challenges and reclaim her identity. Rivard emphasizes the joy of movement for all ages and discusses the empowerment and self-acceptance she gained, despite initial fears. She also touches on the importance of health and wellness in her dance journey, linking it to personal empowerment and overall well-being.