The Moth
The Moth
On Tuesdays and Fridays The Moth’s podcast feed presents episodes of the Peabody-Award Winning Moth Radio Hour and original episodes of The Moth Podcast. Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has presented thousands of true stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. Moth storytellers stand alone, under a spotlight, with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers. The storyteller and the audience embark on a high-wire act of shared experience which is both terrifying and exhilarating. Since 2008, The Moth podcast has featured many of our favorite stories told live on Moth stages around the country. For information on all of our programs and live events, visit themoth.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
May 20, 2025 • 54min
The Moth Radio Hour: Lemon Pepper Wings All Flats Wet
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.
4 snips
May 16, 2025 • 29min
The Moth Podcast: More Mothers
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.
May 13, 2025 • 54min
The Moth Radio Hour: Mama Bear
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.
4 snips
May 6, 2025 • 55min
The Moth Radio Hour: When Time Slows Down
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.
Apr 29, 2025 • 55min
The Moth Radio Hour: Live from New York: Give me Five - Stories of the Senses
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.
6 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 19min
The Moth Podcast: Grocery Trips and Italian Trysts
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.
Apr 23, 2025 • 11min
Introducing: What We Spend
Dive into the intimate world of personal finances as individuals share their spending habits and financial struggles. Hear gripping stories about the emotional toll of student debt and the quest for mental wellness. Experience candid discussions about budgeting, with relatable humor about everyday expenses. Learn about the struggle to balance self-care with rising costs, particularly around essentials like groceries and healthcare. This exploration reveals how money impacts life decisions and personal dreams.
10 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 54min
The Moth Radio Hour: Pleasantly Surprised
Rudy Rush, a comedian and former host of Showtime at the Apollo, shares a humorous take on unexpected adventures and his love for rodeo culture. Bob Zellner, a civil rights activist and author, recounts his transformative journey from a Klan family to an ally during the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting impactful encounters with iconic leaders. Meanwhile, Cynthia Riggs reflects on a heartwarming love story that reconnected her with a long-lost friend after 62 years, exploring themes of nostalgia, community, and the power of personal connections.
8 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 42min
The Moth Podcast: National Parks Week
Kathy Nicarry, a recently retired volunteer and cooking columnist, shares how she discovered strength in the breathtaking landscapes of Yellowstone National Park. Meanwhile, 95-year-old Betty Reid Soskin, a remarkable park ranger and activist, recounts a dramatic encounter with an intruder, blending history with personal bravery. Their stories highlight the profound impact of national parks, reflecting on empowerment, resilience, and the importance of connection to nature.
12 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 55min
The Moth Radio Hour: Late Night
Gary Yiminez shares a hilarious and heartfelt tale of his love-fueled adventure in New Jersey. Otis Gray reflects on the importance of respecting restaurant staff while recounting a spontaneous karaoke night. Molly Kendall’s surprise dinner date leads to unexpected hilarity and self-discovery. Devin Elise Wilson shares a charming New Year's Eve encounter, tackling the stigma of herpes with humor and honesty. Flash Rosenberg recounts a life-or-death subway incident, blending vulnerability with creativity in her storytelling.
