Grown, a podcast from The Moth
Grown is a podcast about the in-between: the nebulous, the liminal, the just plain weird time between those awkward teenage years and full-on adulthood. Grown is co-hosted by Aleeza Kazmi and Alfonso “Fonzo” Lacayo, two Moth storytellers and graduates of The Moth’s Education program who are on the cusp of adulthood themselves. Together, they guide listeners through true stories that deal with the challenges and joys of growing up. Using their unique points of view, Aleeza and Fonzo will discuss first crushes, culture, identity, secrets, and more.
Like The Moth Podcast, Grown centers these fresh, personal stories told at Moth events worldwide—but Grown also features conversations with the storytellers themselves, on the street interviews, audio diaries from young voices, and more. Grown is a podcast that reminds us that no matter how old we are, we’re never fully grown.
Start by listening to Episode 1, Crushed: Heartbreaks, first kisses, and catching feelings.
Our Editor's Take
In 2023, the popular storytelling platform and podcast named The Moth debuted a new podcast called Grown, a podcast from The Moth. The podcast features what The Moth popularizes-true stories told to live audiences.
Founded in 1997 by George Dawes Green, The Moth has grown into a worldwide movement. It presents stories shared by people from all avenues of life. The Moth tales are personal and highlight universal experiences. On Grown, a podcast from The Moth, the stories are about that confusing time when teenagehood intersects with adulthood. Storytellers share tales filled with the emotions that characterize those years. The stories involve crushes, first kisses, mental health, and dysfunctional relationships.
Stories on Grown, a podcast from The Moth are pure and fresh and have a universal resonance. One woman shares how people asked if she planned on doing something about "being shaped like the number 7." A Korean-American shares about her conservative mother finding her explicit diary. Her story is reminiscent of many American immigrant families. Another storyteller talks about his first kiss with a girl he had a crush on. It involves metro trains and bending a particular way. These tales have elements of joy, sadness, hope, sarcasm, and humor.
Cohosts Aleeza Kazmi and Alfonso "Fonzo" Lacayo share their own "grown" experiences. Kazmi has written for Teen Vogue and The New York Times. Lacayo is a theater major who has been with The Moth since 2013. On the podcast, the duo discusses between the stories. They have a natural banter and ease on the show. The on-air chemistry evokes two best friends who know each other well.
The hosts do a fantastic job of dissecting the themes addressed on the podcast. They infuse personal stories and opinions about body positivity, dating, sex, and identity. The featured storytellers and hosts present a thought-provoking and entertaining show. New episodes of Grown, a podcast from The Moth come out each month.
Season 2
Season 1
