Marissa, a talented storyteller known for her relatable narratives, shares her cringe-worthy moments during her dissertation defense. Listeners will laugh as she navigates the chaos of her mother's unexpected presence. Other storytellers include Azhar Bawde-Ali, who recounts an email mishap that spirals out of control, and Gbenga Akinnagbe, who hilariously finds himself stranded on a mountain. Themes of embarrassment, resilience, and the awkward bonds we share make for an entertaining and heartfelt listening experience.

Mazz Swift, a talented musician and Juilliard-trained violinist, shares her musical journey alongside stories from Alistair Bane and Mari Black. Alistair recounts his quirky experience learning guitar from a punk musician, blending nostalgia with humor. Meanwhile, Mari takes us back to her childhood fiddle competition at just six years old, illustrating the passion and dedication that shaped her career. Together, their tales weave a tapestry of resilience, connection, and the power of music in personal growth.

Phill Branch, a creative spirit who designed his own prom suit, shares his journey of self-discovery amidst the highs and lows of adolescence. Raabia Wazir discusses her transformative move from Kentucky to working with a Muslim Civil Rights Organization in D.C., navigating her dual heritage and identity. Jean le Bec reveals how a local pool became a sanctuary, fostering community and friendships. Together, they explore the surprising twists of appearances and connection, reminding us how unexpected moments shape our lives.

In this captivating discussion, Abigail Ladd recalls her playful cons as a school kid while Tonya Camille reveals how she and her sister cleverly exploited their resemblance. Pete Goldfinger shares firsthand experiences from a notorious scandal, and Gayliene Omary recounts her emotional run-in with a heart scammer. The stories are filled with humor, reflection, and insights into the art of deception, revealing the complex human side of scams and what they teach us about connection and trust.

Aimee Mullins, an actor, storyteller, and Olympian, hosts inspiring tales revolving around the Olympics. Juliet Hochman shares her journey as an aspiring athlete supported by her family, revealing the emotional weight of competition. Mandy Hu reflects on her self-discovery while captivated by figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi. Aimee discusses her evolving relationship with her prosthetic legs, offering a profound insight into resilience and identity. The stories intertwine joy, struggle, and the remarkable spirit of the Olympic Games.

Alyssa Ladd shares her humorous challenges as the quintessential 'best Christian' at her Evangelical summer camp. Chris Gorman reveals the heartwarming journey of rescuing a dog deemed 'unwanted' and the friendships that blossom from it. Robert Holguin talks about his unforgettable experience crashing a NASA press conference at just 12 years old. Christopher Scott reflects on a pivotal moment that altered his life when he answered a friend's call for help, showcasing the profound impact of friendship and courage.

Guests share stories of second chances and new beginnings: Jamal Joseph directs a play in prison, Neerja Kapoor returns to work after 2 decades, Craig Mangum finds unexpected connections, and Rhonda Ste... explores dating 'while old'.

Mike Massimino recounts his high stakes mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope, while Cathy Olkin troubleshoots a problem 4 billion miles away. Stories range from spacewalk missions to Pluto exploration, highlighting challenges, triumphs, camaraderie among astronauts, and personal health journeys.

A presidential speechwriter shares his alter ego 'Lips' story and a shocking encounter narrative by Nimisha Ladva. Topics include speaking truth in front of the president, defying family norms, life-changing experiences, and meditation transformations.

The podcast discusses the upcoming Mainstage Tour Dates for The Moth, featuring live shows with captivating storytellers sharing true tales from diverse backgrounds. The stories range from harrowing escapes to family drama, promising an engaging and entertaining experience for the audience.