The Moth Radio Hour: Against the Grain

A special Veterans Day edition of The Moth Radio Hour. After returning from active duty in the Middle East, a marine searches for new meaning; a 97 year old woman describes training young men for WWII combat as a WASP; a father being deployed to Iraq must find a way to explain it to his children; and a WWII soldier from Wisconsin serves with the segregated 93rd Infantry Division in the South Pacific. This special hour is hosted by The Moth's Producing Director, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Mike Scotti finds new meaning after returning from active duty in the Middle East.Dawn Seymour becomes part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), training young men stateside to enter WWII overseas.Bill Krieger tucks his daughter in at night before being deployed to Iraq. William Cole serves as a radio operator in the 93rd Infantry Division, a segregated unit, in the South Pacific.Podcast # 356

In this hour, stories of people who swam upstream, went against the grain, forged their own paths. Standing tall, dressing for success, and getting behind the wheel. 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:Jameer Pond brings his act as a comedian to college. Shristi Karki watches her mom learn a new skill.6 foot 11 year old Shannan Scarselleta competes in a middle school obstacle course.Gina Belafonte chronicles her relationship with her mother. Podcast # 892

On this episode, stories about kindness, care, and what we owe each other. The episode was hosted by Michelle Jalowski. Storytellers:Matthew Dicks finds a friend at McDonalds.Heidi Munson’s boss goes the extra mile.Laurie Bushbaum tries to find a way to give away her mom’s hats.Podcast # 891

In this hour, moments and memories that mold the future. Life or death choices made in an instant, bygone mistakes, and letting go of grudges and guilt. This hour 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: Julie Pryor is tasked with driving on the [infamously] dangerous Alaskan Haul Road.A pregnant Madeleine Berenson endures harassment and discrimination from her employer.Michael Fischer risks his life for a bag of pretzels.Carol Seppilu finds a unique way to brave her depression. Podcast # 684

We've got a special treat for you this episode! We're featuring a recent Los Angeles GrandSLAM - with hosting, audience slips, music, and of course, great stories. The episode was introduced by Sarah Austin Jenness, and the GrandSLAM was hosted by Brian Finkelstein. The musicians in this episode were Alexander Burke, who played the vibraphone, and Eban Schletter, who played the theremin.Special thanks to Gary Buchler, regional producer of The Moth's Los Angeles slam series.Storytellers:Jess Nurse learns a bit about friendship after your twenties.David Ambroz finds inner strength in a challenging situation.Bryan Kett plays disc-golf with some misfits.

In this hour, stories about clarity and perspective. Seeing one another, feeling seen, and seeing oneself with the veil lifted. 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:Rae Wynn-Grant's perspective on America shifts while studying wildlife in Africa.Angelica Lindsey-Ali makes Hajj while 8 months pregnant.Grace Topinka joins a new friend for spa day.Zakiya Minifee is determined to not be "that American" during a trip abroad.Josh Holland meets his birth mother at 39.Podcast # 681

Lo and behold! Stories of shocks and surprises—both good and bad. A birthday gift with unintended consequences, family secrets, and support from an unlikely fanbase. This episode is hosted by Moth Director Michelle Jalowski. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Jessie shows her family photos from her recent travels...and more. Cat Powell-Hoffman learns about her biological family.Musician Paul Chin works tirelessly on an EP.Kelli Dunham doesn't like accepting help from others. Podcast # 891

On this episode, we feature two stories all about the hectic, maddening, hair-pulling side of raising kids. Plus, we feature some very special guests reading the credits. This episode was hosted by Kate Tellers.Storytellers:Mary Lea Carroll tries to figure out how her mom raised so many children without absolutely losing it.PT Smith learns the true meaning of fatherhood.Special thanks to Fritz & Olai (9), Nilah (8), Iris & Harvey (6), Zelda (4) and Esi (9 months).

In this hour, stories of fear -- facing it, outgrowing it, and learning from it. From shadowy childhood demons, to the anxieties of parenthood, and life or death choices in the face of discrimination. This hour 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:Zaena Tessema's mother invokes a mysterious figure to control her children.Diane Kastiel gets unexpected and unwanted news.Bruce Lee teaches Tito Chavez-Nguyen how to find his way in a new school.Patricia Aro is scared that her children will ask her about death.Chelsea Shorte is pulled over for the first time while masculine presenting.Rufus May fears his own experience with mental health issues will keep him from being a clinical psychologist.Podcast # 680

In this hour, stories of self-reliance and autonomy. What's in a name, the ties that bind us, and a life-altering diagnosis. 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:Shaylan Clark grows up in Harlan County, where every family has at least one coal miner. Quetzalli Castro is frustrated by teachers who can't pronounce her name.Daisy Joy Rodrigo worries that her parents won't approve of her boyfriend.Brian Jeansonne describes how living with ALS has impacted his family.Podcast # 889