The Moth

The Moth

On Tuesday's and Friday’s 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.

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Our Editor's Take

The stories told in this podcast reveal the heart of human experience. Listeners hear about small-town life, and dig deeper into historic events like Juneteenth. Fascinating stories can come from the most unexpected places. This podcast seeks them out and shares the best ones with the world. The Moth celebrates life, experience, and much more.

The craft of storytelling is ancient and an essential part of human life. Here, the storytellers go back to the basic elements of focus and cadence. No great story needs bells and whistles to shine. A good story only needs a good storyteller. Each episode brings something new to the table. The brand has since expanded to The Moth Radio Hour and public radio stations all over the country. But the podcast remains the most vital source of this storytelling format. Its archives burst with years' worth of beautiful, painful, unforgettable tales, and they are always growing.

The Moth built its reputation on live events and open mic nights in New York City. The Moth Podcast grew out of these and has flourished ever since. It brings the art of the storyteller to the digital world. Hosts include Jenifer Hixson, Neil Gaiman, Bethany Van Delft, and many other prominent literary figures. The Moth is a nonprofit organization with Peabody awards in the cabinet. There's nothing better than a mothwork.

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ArtsArts

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The Moth Podcast: Funnybone

The Moth Podcast: Funnybone

On this episode, we're going to have a little fun with the human body. We’ve got two stories all about bones and funnybones.Host: Michelle JalowskiStorytellers:Jason Schommer takes a sleep study… and dreams of Ricky Martin.Caroline Connolly learns a few unintended lessons from her mother.The Moth would like to thank its listeners and supporters. Stories like these are made possible by community giving. If you’re not already a member, please consider becoming one or making a one-time donation today at themoth.org/giveback

Episodes

The Moth Podcast: Funnybone

The Moth Podcast: Funnybone

On this episode, we're going to have a little fun with the human body. We’ve got two stories all about bones and funnybones.Host: Michelle JalowskiStorytellers:Jason Schommer takes a sleep study… and dreams of Ricky Martin.Caroline Connolly learns a few unintended lessons from her mother.The Moth would like to thank its listeners and supporters. Stories like these are made possible by community giving. If you’re not already a member, please consider becoming one or making a one-time donation today at themoth.org/giveback

The Moth Radio Hour: How You See Me

The Moth Radio Hour: How You See Me

In this hour, stories of how we see ourselves, the perceptions of others, and the often gaping chasm in between. The struggle to prove oneself, challenge a stereotype, keep up appearances, and finally discover what really fits. This hour is hosted by Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media, the producer of this show.Storytellers:Enrique García Naranjo is stopped by border patrol.Aydrea Walden realizes her classmates see her differently.Miles Crabtree tries out for his school's production of "How the West Was Won."Kimberly Rose sees herself disappearing in her marriage.Jessi Klein lands what she thinks is her dream job.

The Moth Radio Hour: Sink or Swim

The Moth Radio Hour: Sink or Swim

In this hour, stories of diving in—whether we want to or not. In a job, in a relationship, or into the unknown. 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:Surgeon Anthony Chin-Quee finds himself in over his head during his first day on call.Despite protests from friends and family, Nancy French marries a man she barely knows.Wilderness guide Monte Montepare takes inexperienced hikers on a glacier expedition

The Moth Podcast: River City

The Moth Podcast: River City

On this episode, two stories from the Louisville StorySLAMs. Host: Alex Román Peters Storytellers: Ethan Sweetland-May learns about hunting from his grandfather Trevor Nourse gets lost in a cave If you’d like to share your own story, or would just love to hear some incredible live storytelling, check out a Story Slam near you: https://themoth.org/events The Moth would like to thank its listeners and supporters. Stories like these are made possible by community giving. If you’re not already a member, please consider becoming one or making a one-time donation today at themoth.org/giveback

The Moth Radio Hour: Changes of Heart

The Moth Radio Hour: Changes of Heart

In this hour, stories of shifting perspectives, new outlooks, and realizations that shake our foundations. A mother receives unexpected news, a teen learns the true power of a word, and a prisoner gets a visit from his father. 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: Andrea Collier finds out what happens when her life goes off-script. Damon Young questions his sense of self based on the power of a racial slur. Huwe Burton relies on his father's support while serving time for a crime he didn't commit.

The Moth Radio Hour: Object of Desire

The Moth Radio Hour: Object of Desire

In this hour, stories of the things we hold dear—kitchen staples, family heirlooms, and an important soccer ball. 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: Mark Lamb loses a beloved skillet that has been seasoned by generations of his family. Sara Sweet Rabidoux-Kelsey goes to great lengths to obtain a toaster. Trina Michelle Robinson creates her own family heirlooms. As a kid, Viviana Infante is determined to find love. Amana Mbise's life is changed, thanks to a soccer ball.

The Moth Podcast: Take Me Out To The Ballgame

The Moth Podcast: Take Me Out To The Ballgame

The crack of the bat! The smell of hot dogs! The towering home runs! In celebration of Opening Day, we've got two stories about America's Past-time. Host: Larry Rosen Storytellers: Joseph Gallo learns about his father, and about baseball. Muneesh Jain travels to every baseball stadium in the country. The Moth would like to thank its listeners and supporters. Stories like these are made possible by community giving. If you’re not already a member, please consider becoming one or making a one-time donation today at themoth.org/giveback

The Moth Radio Hour: Heroes, Icons and Superstars

The Moth Radio Hour: Heroes, Icons and Superstars

In this hour, stories of meeting one's idols. A signature turns into a mentorship, a chance to write a song for a revered musician, and heroes within the home. This hour is hosted by Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media, the producer of this show. Storytellers: Valerie Walker has a chance encounter with a life long idol. Songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman makes music with a country music icon. Danny Artese gets not only a signature but a mentor when he attends a book signing. Elyse McInerney learns her hero may be a lot closer to her than she realized. Bassist Christian McBride gets a chance to play with a Jazz legend.

The Moth Radio Hour: A Point of Beauty

The Moth Radio Hour: A Point of Beauty

In this hour, stories of finding hope, grace, and light during unexpected times and in unexpected places. A bookstore, a high school tournament, and death row. 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: Maniza Naqvi travels across the world to help save a bookstore. Michael Watson yearns to participate in the sports culture in his high school. After her wrongful conviction, Sunny Jacobs tries to make a life for herself on death row. Jitesh Jaggi tries to cure his homesickness with a family recipe.

The Moth Podcast: Opening the Page

The Moth Podcast: Opening the Page

On this episode, a story from our new book, A Point of Beauty. Host: Tiq Milan Storyteller: Shaun Leonardo pursues his dream of becoming a luchador. The Moth’s new book, A Point of Beauty: True Stories of Holding On and Letting Go releases March 19th. Order it here, or wherever you get your books: https://themoth.org/a-point-of-beauty

The Moth Radio Hour: Truth and Power - Global Stories of Women

The Moth Radio Hour: Truth and Power - Global Stories of Women

In this hour, stories of female strength and empowerment. Independence at any age, refusing to participate in sexist societal conventions, and the complicated layers of motherhood. This hour is hosted by The Moth's Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: 95 year old park ranger Betty Reid Soskin squares off with an intruder. Purity Kagwiria chooses a name for herself. Timothy Bell discovers that there are more layers to his mother than meets the eye. Musih Tedji Xaviere attempts to get her first novel published. Nya Abernathy discovers who gets lied to the most: pregnant women!

The Moth Radio Hour: Sitting with Spirit

The Moth Radio Hour: Sitting with Spirit

When the going gets tough, the tough get going! In this hour, stories of moving through discomfort—grief, revisiting painful history, stepping outside our safe spaces—and how it shapes us. 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: Stephanie Wittels Wach tries to understand her brother's struggle. Wes Hazard takes us behind the scenes of Jeopardy! Introvert Sufian Zhemokov has strict rules about talking to strangers. Brigette Jones is determined to become a tour guide at Belle Meade Plantation.

The Moth Podcast: Melbourne and Cal Wilson

The Moth Podcast: Melbourne and Cal Wilson

On this episode, two stories from Melbourne, and we’ll reflect on the legacy of comedian and SLAM host Cal Wilson. Host: Chloe Salmon Storytellers: Elizabeth Gray’s son has an interesting first day of school. Cal Wilson is inspired by her five year old son to take swimming lessons. Here’s Cal Wilson’s article about The Moth: https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/the-lure-of-the-moth-mesmerising-stories-from-people-just-like-you-20180315-h0xhl3.html If you’d like to share your own story, or would just love to hear some incredible live storytelling, check out a Story Slam near you: https://themoth.org/events The Moth would like to thank its listeners and supporters. Stories like these are made possible by community giving. If you’re not already a member, please consider becoming one or making a one-time donation today at themoth.org/giveback

The Moth Radio Hour: Stuck!

The Moth Radio Hour: Stuck!

In this hour, stories of being stuck. Stranded in Las Vegas, a desperate search for a pet sitter, a wreck on the Colorado River, and stage fright on the church pulpit. This hour is hosted by The Moth's Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Alistair Bane reluctantly attends church as his friend's grandmother's "special guest"... Jon Levin is penniless with a con man in Las Vegas. Noriko Rosted must find a pet sitter for her beloved cat before her trip to Italy. Taylor Tower wonders if her dad is the "right" kind of parent.

The Moth Radio Hour: Best Laid Plans

The Moth Radio Hour: Best Laid Plans

To err is human—and in this hour, we explore humanity in all its imperfections. Lost baggage, Kool Aid mishaps, and not eating enough fruit. This episode is hosted by Jay Allison, producer of The Moth Radio Hour. Storytellers: Maxie Jones gives in to peer pressure and faces the wrath of his mother. Kate Oliver's determination to impress her partner's family backfires and leaves her in distress. James Fitzgerald is hell bent on watching Power Rangers. At the age of 24, Beau Davis prepares himself for his first airplane journey. Diana Thompson finds herself in a Scottish dancing group, at her mother’s insistence.

The Moth Podcast: Hair Ties

The Moth Podcast: Hair Ties

On this episode, we share two stories all about how hair can connect us. As a note, Imogen Wall’s story talks about someone experiencing the suicide of a loved one, if that subject is difficult for you, you might want to skip that story. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can call 988 in the US for free and confidential support. Host: Marc Sollinger Storytellers: Heather Rae looks to a wayward band of strangers to help get her keys out of the car that is locked and running. Imogen Wall finds connection and comfort in a hair salon. If you’d like to share your own story, or would just love to hear some incredible live storytelling, check out a Story Slam near you: https://themoth.org/events The Moth would like to thank its listeners and supporters. Stories like these are made possible by community giving. If you’re not already a member, please consider becoming one or making a one-time donation today at themoth.org/giveback

The Moth Radio Hour: Reconciling the Past

The Moth Radio Hour: Reconciling the Past

In this hour, stories of looking backward to forge ahead. Seeking justice for heinous crimes decades old, memories flooding back during a chance encounter, and reconciling darkness during a joyous time. This hour is hosted by The Moth's former Artistic Director, Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Journalist Jerry Mitchell takes on notorious members of the Ku Klux Klan. Reyna Grande finds kinship with a man seeking asylum in the US. In her journey to start a family, Sarah Jane Johnson also finds herself facing her past.

The Moth Radio Hour: Hidden Beauty

The Moth Radio Hour: Hidden Beauty

In this hour, stories of beauty—internal, skin-deep, and previously undiscovered. 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. Storytellers: George Dawes Green encounters many characters while working on a crisis hotline. Archy Jamjun wants to be beautiful like his sister. Annette Herfkens survives a plane crash.

The Big Easy: Emilie Bahr and Emily Richmond

The Big Easy: Emilie Bahr and Emily Richmond

On this episode, we share two stories from one of the best places to hear a live story, New Orleans. Host: Sarah Austin Jenness Storytellers: Emilie Bahr deals with some pants issues, with the help of her father. Emily Richmond wrestles with a grade school survey. Whether you’re in New Orleans or not, if YOU’D like to share your own story, or would just love to hear some incredible live storytelling, check out a Story Slam near you: https://themoth.org/events The Moth would like to thank its listeners and supporters. Stories like these are made possible by community giving. If you’re not already a member, please consider becoming one or making a one-time donation today at themoth.org/giveback

The Moth Radio Hour: Live from Dayton

The Moth Radio Hour: Live from Dayton

A special live edition of The Moth, brought to you from the Victoria Theater in Dayton, Ohio. Conscious uncoupling, a livestock auction, new perspectives, and Darth Vader. This hour is hosted by Dame Wilburn with additional hosting by Jay Allison, producer of The Moth Radio Hour. Storytellers: Sara Rabidoux-Kelsey has a unique living arrangement with her ex. Dame Wilburn has a startling encounter with Darth Vader. 16 and pregnant, Jackie Andrews must find a way out of financial hardship. Anthony Brinkley finds his perspective changed after being the victim of a racially-motivated attack.