The Moth

Two stories of planting your feet, facing your fears, and squaring up. This episode was hosted by Chloe Salmon.Storytellers:As a marine deployed in Iraq, Maia Molina-Schaefer takes comfort in her electric toothbrush that plays a Destiny’s Child song.David Smith overcomes his fear of taking communionPodcast # 1004

In this hour, stories from the Garden State—a tale of two cities, a sweet summer job, and meditations from the gas station. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Director and resident Jersey girl, Jenifer Hixson. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Sidhu Gangadharan becomes a gas-pumping professional.Seeking connection, Marisa Januzzi Thomas gets a summer gig.Christian Estevez feels caught between worlds.Podcast # 1003

On this episode, we’re embracing the cringe with two stories that’ll you make you feel secondhand embarrassment. This episode was hosted by Emily Couch.Storytellers:Sarah Finucane posts a very unflattering photo to social media.Ceren Ege gives a pretty awful giftPodcast #1002

This episode originally aired on March 28th, 2023.In this hour, stories of love—passions, parents, and dating apps. A woman swipes for a second chance, a little girl finds her calling, and fathers find ways to relate to their children. This episode is hosted by Moth Director Meg Bowles. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Kristy Hawkins thumbs her way through the prospects of love.Kemp Powers is convinced he will never be a good dad.Niall Ashdown and his father bond over their love of birds. Esther McManus keeps the baking tradition alive. Podcast # 810

On this episode, we’ll hear two stories of people going through big changes - as they literally reflect on themselves. This episode was hosted by Larry Rosen.Storytellers:Phineas Knowles has an eventful first shave.Esther Ngumbi vies to get her ears pierced despite her mother's objections.Podcast #1001

In this hour, stories of considering "what's in a name," a dangerous CIA mission, and the rise and fall of an unusual musical act. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Director Meg Bowles. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:What started as a joke on social media becomes a passion project for Brently Heilbron.As the Chief of Disguise at the CIA, Jonna Mendez breaks a cardinal rule and becomes visible.Esau McCaulley prepares for the most difficult eulogy of his pastoral career.Podcast # 1000

In this episode, we’ve got two stories all about finding out where you come from - the process of figuring out who you are in relation to your family, your culture, your background, even your language. This episode was hosted by Emily Couch.Storytellers:Gwendolyn Lopez-Cohen tries to convert to Judaism, but discovers that her family already has a connection to the religion.Iris Luz Hernandez takes a trip to Puerto Rico.Podcast # 999

This episode originally aired on February 14th, 2023.In this episode, stories from the gray areas and in-between spaces. Stuck in the middle, straddling two worlds, or searching for where you belong. This episode is hosted by Grown hosts Aleeza Kazmi and Fonzo Lacayo. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers: Military policeman Carl Cannon is assigned duty in one of the most dangerous prisons on the planet.James Han Mattson moves to Korea to meet his birth family and connect with his Korean heritage.First time pageant contestant Nicole Kelly enters the Miss Iowa competition.Podcast # 804

This episode originally aired on August 30, 2019Two stories from Los Angeles. This episode was hosted by Dan Kennedy.Storytellers:Bryan Kett encounters some fellow Angelonos at a grocery store.Julieta Gilbert decides to march in a protest.Podcast # 613

In this hour, stories from The Moth's Education Program about starting fresh. New jobs, new schools, and new perspectives. This episode is hosted by Peter Aguero. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Aravah Chaiken learns a lesson about math and life.Edie Wadman comes up with a get-rich-quick scheme—babysitting. Max Chwatko finds comfort during grief. Hope Guzzle prioritizes grades over her health. Andrew McGill finds a new passion, thanks to a 6:45am class. Podcast # 998

On this episode, two stories about two very different kinds of shock and surprise. This episode was hosted by Marc Sollinger.Storytellers:Susan Rohde is surprised to discover her nine year-old foster daughter making some unauthorized Amazon purchases. Stephanie Rogers’ feels helpless when her son, who lives on the other side of the country, undergoes anaphylactic shock.Podcast # 998

This episode originally aired on December 20th, 2022.In this episode, stories of historical events and momentous decisions with far-reaching impacts. A teacher who pushes boundaries, a trail-blazing student, and a political prisoner in Soviet Russia. This episode is hosted by Moth Director Meg Bowles. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Toby Price faces unexpected consequences when he introduces his students to a book he and his family love. Dr. Sybil Jordan Hampton follows in the footsteps of the Little Rock Nine. Victor Levenstein realizes one thing has accompanied him throughout his time in a Soviet prison: his mugshot. Podcast # 796

On this episode, a story about a veterinarian and a story about a mermaid, both from our incredible StorySlams in Birmingham, Alabama. This episode was hosted by Suzanne Rust.Storytellers:Veronika Kiklevich treats a dog that’s swallowed something a bit unexpected.Bob Byrd accidentally breaks his mother’s mermaid.

In this hour, we bring you to Johannesburg for a special live edition of The Moth Radio Hour. Stories of invention, beauty pageants in the time of Nelson Mandela, and finding balance. This episode is hosted by Moth Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness, with additional live hosting by Lebo Mashile. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Brian Turyabagye tries to have his cake and eat it too.Lebo Mogashoa is determined to become Mr. South Africa.Lisa Muchoki realizes the true dangers of her job. Podcast # 999

On this episode, we explore The Moth Pitchline, the place where anyone, anywhere, can pitch us their story. We'll feature a story that came from a pitch, as well as a couple of pitches that caught our ears. If you'd like to pitch us, just go to themoth.org/pitchline and follow the instructions there. This episode was hosted by Chloe Salmon.Storytellers:Sophia Romero decides what to do with the placenta in the back of her fridge.In addition, we featured story pitches from Michael Ivory, Kathy Etheridge, Carla Brizuela-Perez, and Martha Ruiz-Perilla.Podcast # 990

This Episode originally aired on January 17th, 2023.Start your engines! In this hour, stories of being driven -- bound, determined, or literally in the passenger seat of a car. This episode is hosted by Moth Director, Jenifer Hixson. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Juliette Holmes experiences segregation first hand as a child in Georgia.Tracey Crosier interviews for a radio job and gets more than she bargained for.Jennifer Leahy deals with the death of a patient for the first time. Omar Qureshi tries to show his cousin a good time when he visits the US.Podcast # 800

On this episode, stories of the lessons we learn, both in and out of school. This episode was hosted by Michell Jalowski.Storytellers:As teenagers, Cathy Gasiorowicz and her sister Nina create a mime alphabet book… that’s surprisingly morbid.While a special ed teacher in Chicago, Annie Tan fights an unsupportive principal to provide more resources for her students.Romy Negrin and her Latin Club compete in the highest division.Podcast # 994

In this hour, big risks, long goodbyes, and the anatomy of a straw. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Curatorial Producer, Suzanne Rust. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Alzo Slade has questions.Shaw-naé builds community through her restaurant.Lekzin Tshokey says goodbye to her grandmother before leaving Bhutan.Amy Segal reflects on her mother's photo albums.Podcast # 991

This episode originally aired on January 15th, 2021On this episode, stories of childhood crushes and all the fun and embarrassment they entail.Hosted by: Chloe SalmonStorytellers:Tim searches for the perfect gift to impress his crush.Janine attempts to woo her crush with her dance moves.

This episode originally aired on December 13th, 2022.Don your finest duds! This week, The Moth Radio Hour is all about clothes -- from DIY threads to silk blouses, from a prison visiting room to a runway in France. This episode is hosted by Moth producer and director Chloe Salmon. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Tween Horace Sanders creates a homemade Halloween costume.Deepa Ambekar is caught off guard by a prison's dress code for visitors.Zakiya Minifee fails to heed her mother's fashion advice. Adrienne Burris is certain that her new husband has ruined her favorite blouse. Graham Shelby joins the football team as a gentle teenager. Model Norma Jean Darden participates in a historic catwalk battle. Podcast # 795

On this episode, we’re featuring two stories from The Moth’s Community Program, both dealing with incarceration. This episode was hosted by Jermaine Archer.Storytellers:While in prison, Dolores Canales throws a rollerskating birthday party for her best friend.Christopher Blackwell reckons with his family's legacy of violent masculinity, linked to their lifelong Eagles fandom. Plus, a live conversation between Christopher Blackwell and Peter Aguero.Podcast # 992

In this hour, stories to boost the spirit. A cruise to Antarctica, a fresh loaf of bread, and bedtime stories. This episode is hosted by Moth Director Jodi Powell. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Born 50% deaf, Ellis Miller learns what they've been missing.Ron Hart shares a bedtime ritual with his daughter.Darrell Thorne performs on an Antarctic cruise… and encounters some choppy seas.Silvana Clark finds her purpose.Cormac Stevens discovers the joy of baking bread.Faye Lane's self esteem is challenged when cast in an unfavorable role in the school musical.Podcast # 991

On this episode, stories about the mess and confusion of being human - and the dark humor to be found there. This episode was hosted by Jodi Powell.Storytellers:Austin Butterfield discovers that his office has been taken over.Torrey Shineman finds unexpected humor in a moment of grief.Podcast # 995

This episode originally aired on April 11th, 2023.In this hour, stories of finding one's way—through heartbreak, adolescence, times of crisis, and public nudity. This episode is hosted by Moth storyteller Samuel James. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Kristin Lee tries to make friends at genetics camp. 8-year-old Maura Schneider and her friend hatch a revenge plan after experiencing their first rejection.Kaya Jarvis gets the help she needs from an unexpected source. Samuel Blackman contends with the realities of working in pediatric oncology.Annie Linn navigates having her mother as her high school English teacher. Evie O'Reilly goes on her first naked bike ride.Podcast # 812

On this episode, two stories of having the hard conversations, and how nerve-wracking - and rewarding - they can be. Hosted by Chloe Salmon. Storytellers: Annie Wiborg finds a way to give her daughter ‘the talk.’ Wendy Cuellar is inspired to become a guidance counselor.

In this hour, a televised proposal, an unlikely tennis alliance, and a funeral in Cameroon. Is there a theme? You tell us! This episode is hosted by Moth Director Chloe Salmon. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Harold Cox overshares during a work presentation. Di Cai takes her last chance at stardom on a reality competition show. Mercedes Hesselroth comes face to face with her low self esteem while caring for her grandfather. Tim Lopez and his frenemy team up for tennis doubles. Akwi Nji returns to Cameroon to bury her father. Podcast # 988

This episode originally aired on September 18th, 2019. This week, we're talking about stepping out of your comfort zone, those moments where you're really wondering if you're going to sink or swim. Hosted by Dan Kennedy Storytellers: Diana Thompson finds herself in a Scottish dancing group, at her mother’s insistence. Karen Crowley, a former store clerk ends up as the supervisor in a residential program for youth. Podcast # 620

This episode originally aired on January 3rd, 2023. In this hour, stories of diving in head first and putting it all on the line. Unconventional gifts, apex predators, and stock car racing. This episode is hosted by Moth producer and director Jodi Powell. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Andrew McGill learns more about his father than he bargained for. Aspiring primate veterinarian Estella Z Jones has a shift in perspective about her own life after seeing animals in the wild. Ashamed of not knowing how to ride a bike, Francesca Hays attempts to learn in secret. Michael Corso enters a stock car race for blind drivers. Podcast # 798

When something comes out of the blue, how do you react? Do you freeze? Do you panic? Or do you find a way to move forward? Today, we’ve got two stories about being surprised, dumbfounded, blindsided, in completely different ways. This episode was hosted by Amena Brown, author of the new essay collection 'Never Tell A Black Girl How To Black Girl.' Storytellers: Janell Banks develops a fear of driving after a car crash nearly severs her foot. Amena Brown’s grandma takes a liking to Amena’s new husband. Podcast # 985

In this hour, an unconventional church, a bike ride for rights, and burning up the dance floor. This episode is hosted by Moth Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Lutheran minister Nadia Bolz Weber starts her own church. Wallflower Audrey Pleasant teaches herself the slide and ends up in the spotlight. Bushra Al-Fusail begins a Yemeni revolution on two wheels. Podcast # 986

To celebrate the start of the World Cup, we've got a very special episode hosted by Tierna Davidson - a soccer player for the US Women’s National Team and Gotham FC, and a World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist. We’re sharing three stories about soccer, but about everything around soccer, too – the competition, the sense of community, the feeling of discovery you get when you push yourself. Storytellers: As an effeminate queer kid, Patrick McGraw learned to associate sports with the bullies at school. As an adult, Patrick decided to join an inclusive soccer league and reclaim his love of sports. Moniek van Rheenen is taught by her soccer coach to be a mean player, and learns a valuable lesson when the coach leaves the team. Franco Catalano's excitement grows as Argentina advances through the World Cup. Podcast # 983

In this hour, stories of American Dreams—from a beauty pageant hopeful, a farmhand, and an advocate. This episode is hosted by Jon Goode. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. With the goal of becoming Miss Alabama, Alexis Barton enters her first beauty pageant. Heather Angell starts working on a farm and bonds with her bosses. Ofia Begum Ali takes on the responsibility of translating for their parents. Amena Brown's grandmother teachers her to cook... but witholds an important recipe. Podcast # 984

Today we’re bringing you an episode from our friends, Office Ladies hosts Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey. In honor of Best Friends Day, we are handing the mic over to the duo who turned a "work friendship" into a lifelong sisterhood. Jenna and Angela reflect on the invisible strings that connect us to our people. Find Office Ladies wherever you get podcasts.

This episode originally aired on November 29th, 2022. In this episode, stories of who we are and what we present to the world. White lies, falsified documents, playing dress up, and big transformations. This show is hosted by Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media, producer of The Moth Radio Hour. Judit Samper Albero uses her artistic talent to save money. Shaun Gohel accidentally manifests a girlfriend. Dave Moran prepares to argue in front of the Supreme Court. Camille Qurban almost has her cover blown at a child's birthday party. Ishmael Beah describes his transformation from innocent child to cold-hearted soldier. Podcast # 793

Whenever a loved one passes away, they leave behind memories: the way they laughed, their famous chocolate chip cookie recipe, the knowledge that you were cared for by someone special. But they also leave behind objects, and those objects can be deeply meaningful. Today, two stories about the things we leave behind - and who takes care of them when we’re gone. This episode was hosted by Marc Sollinger. Storytellers: Kristina Miggiani must decide what to do with her wedding ring after her fiance passes away. After her father passes away, Lisa Shroyer and her siblings have to clean out the RV he was living in. Podcast # 987

This Episode originally aired on November 15th, 2022. In this episode, bold attempts to revisit the past. A quarterback makes a trip back home, a wife attempts to understand her husband's past, a young man discovers the rodeo, and an adult is cast in a high school play. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Director Jenifer Hixson. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Ivan McClellan discovers the Black Rodeo. Rachel McCormick attempts to understand her immigrant husband's past. Steve Peebles is offered a role in a high school play, despite being an adult. Kimberly Reed confronts her past, and future, when she is forced to make a trip to her hometown. Podcast # 791

In this episode, three stories all about friendship - from how they can be there for you during challenging times, to a friend’s unconditional love, to The Gummi Bears. Don’t worry, we’ll get there. This episode was hosted by Chloe Salmon. Storytellers: Lauren Karch travels around the world with her friends to capture memories before potentially losing her hearing. When Valarie Walker comes out as gay, she worries about the impact on her closest friendship. Matthew Dicks makes a friend at a fast food restaurant. Podcast # 982

In this hour, storytellers face down the near-impossible...with mixed results. Skydiving, the first night shift, and training a kitten. This episode is hosted by Jay Allison, producer of this show. Storytellers: Gabi Rome attempts to train a kitten. In desperate need of an easy class to graduate college, Elliot Higgins takes Skydiving 101. Danielle Ofri has a crisis of confidence while working the night-shift at Bellevue. Wendy Irwin believes she can't do hard things. Bryan Kett attempts to move a refrigerator. Podcast # 981

On this very special episode of the Moth Podcast we feature stories of women and their liberation. This episode is hosted by actress, author and mega-fan of the Tony-nominated play Liberation, Busy Philipps, and features a conversation with its Pulitzer-Prize-winning playwright Bess Wohl and Obie-winning director Whitney White. The three stories will take us from the middle of the ocean, to a nude spa in Santa Fe, to a rest stop in Texas… but all of them are about breaking free. About discovering yourself. Storytellers: Rescue swimmer Amanda Burrill is left by her ship during a drill, staying deep in the ocean unsure of when her crew would return. Jennifer Kohnhorst vacations at a fancy clothes-optional spa. On a road trip home, Victoria Nguyen is thrust into a dangerous situation. Podcast # 980

The Episode originally aired on August 16th, 2022. In this episode, five storytellers work up the courage to face and battle fear and doubt. This episode is hosted by Moth Producer and Director Jodi Powell. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Harjas Singh seeks the answer to a haunting question. Antoinette-Marie Williams inherits her family's love of games and shows up on the world stage. Rachel Cain worries she may have taken things too far. Eddy Laughter discovers parts of her identity in an unlikely location. Michael Donovan runs into a "small" problem on the job. Podcast # 778

Nerves. That feeling you get when you’re standing at the precipice of something big. On this episode, we’ll be visiting two moments of high anxiety, the day of a big work presentation, and the day of a high school wrestling match. This episode was hosted by Suzanne Rust. Storytellers: Chris Bell discovers the reason he’s feeling so tired. Craig Gudorf has to gain a few pounds before a wrestling match. Podcast # 979

This Episode originally aired on September 27th, 2022. In this hour, stories of exposure to unexpected worlds, new traditions, and traversing boundaries. This episode is hosted by Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media, producer of this show. Jason Kordelos goes on a cruise to nowhere. Marne Litfin finds that they have unexpected responsibilities while working at a Quaker camp. Cheech Marin tries to make sense of nis new life in a new place. Prachi Mehta is shocked by America's obsession with pets. Podcast # 788

This episode originally aired on September 25th, 2020. This week, stories of parenting and being parented. This episode was hosted by the director of MothWorks at The Moth, Kate Tellers, featuring two special surprise guests. Storytellers: Caroline Connolly's realize they've forgotten their theater tickets... about 100 miles into the drive to New York City. Christopher Moncayo-Torres tries to connect with his dad through their shared love of Fiddler on the Roof.

In this hour, stories of leaps of faith, taking risks, and joining the circus. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Curatorial Producer, Suzanne Rust. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Tiffany McKinney finds an unconventional way to deal with her grief. Dave Lara reflects on being a gay man in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Martha McBrier goes to great heights for her coworkers. Thirteen year old Arshiya Kapadia contends with the death of her mother. Podcast # 978

In honor of Mother's Day, we've got a special episode hosted by Padma Lakshmi - a Moth storyteller, author, and the host and judge of America’s Culinary Cup. From buying cemetery plots, to learning to swim, to a treasured recipe - the three stories you’ll hear are all about motherhood, but they’re about more than that. They’re about the memories mothers and their children share and the legacy we leave behind once the kids grow up. Storytellers: Mary Mack has the daunting task of selling her mother’s cemetery plots. Parvathy Anantnarayan keeps a promise to her son to learn how to swim. Nikesh Shukla finds a frozen moment in time after the death of his mother.

This Episode originally aired on September 13th, 2022. In this hour, it's raining cats and dogs! (And a few snakes as well.) Reluctant pet owners, canine companionship, and an elderly cat named Rita. This episode is hosted by Moth storyteller Alistair Bane. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Catherine Palmer applies city girl solutions to country problems. Jitesh Jaggi has a long and storied history with canines. Beth Bradley's family gets a dog, to her father's chagrin. Lisa Schuldt goes for a wintry walk with her dog. Katie Vaca does not care for cat love. Patrick Cleary learns to be dangerous from a declawed, aging cat. Linda Torres is reunited with her dog after a tour in Afghanistan. Podcast # 782

To celebrate our feline friends and the sometimes complicated bonds we have with them, we have two stories about cats and cat people. This episode was hosted by Emily Couch Storytellers: David Rodriguez and his wife adopt a cat to help with a painful chapter of their lives. Gianmarco Soresi learns he isn’t a cat person.

Family Lore is a weekly narrative podcast that celebrates and investigates ancestral mystique. Each episode begins with a guest sharing a fascinating family legend, followed by a historical deep-dive to uncover the truth and meaning behind the tale. Available now: link.pscrb.fm/f0281/FLFD

In this hour, stories of how music moves us. Guitar lessons, band geeks, and record deals. This episode is hosted by Moth Director Chloe Salmon. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Alistair Bane learns to play the guitar from a punk musician. Hanif Abdurraqib finds solace in his hometown mall the summer after a family tragedy. KB Brookins competes to become drum major of their high school's marching band. Musician Rissi Palmer is offered a life-changing opportunity on her journey to become a country music star. Podcast # 975

On this episode we play with the idea of being, and not being, seen. When not being seen or acknowledged shines a light on a deeper social construct - or when being seen can literally put your life in danger. This episode was hosted by Meg Bowles. Storytellers: Eliza Reid navigates her sudden, unexpected rise to becoming the First Lady of Iceland, a role with no handbook. As the Chief of Disguise at the CIA, Jonna Mendez breaks a cardinal rule and becomes visible