The Moth Radio Hour: Caught Off Guard

Let the feathers fly! This week, a special avian hour. Stories from a Ravenmaster, a scientist, and a reluctant chicken farmer about the birds that made them as happy as a lark or as crazy as a loon. This episode is hosted by The Moth's former Artistic Director, Catherine Burns, and her parrot, Hamilton. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers:  The Ravenmaster at the Tower of London, Christopher Skaife, has a tough first day. Dame Wilburn and her wife decide to raise chickens in Detroit. Research scientist Irene Pepperburg forms a 30-year bond with a parrot named Alex. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, a special edition of The Moth Radio Hour featuring a live show from Johannesburg, South Africa. Stories of unexpected connections, scads of visitors, and putting bread on the table—literally. Hosted by Lebo Mashile with additional hosting by Moth Director Jodi Powell. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.  Storytellers: 8 year old Webster Isheanopa Makombe's mother sends him on his first solo mission to get bread.  A chance encounter rekindles Nsovo Mayimele's passion for her career. In order to support her family and all of their house guests, Mathilda Matabwa and her husband take a chance on an unconventional new business. Podcast # 901 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the New Year, we've got two stories about resolving to quit some bad habits. This episode is hosted by Michelle Jalowski. Storytellers: Ian Stewart does his best to quit smoking.Melissa Earley learns some lessons on a post-divorce vacation. Podcast # 900 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this hour, the moments of shock and uncanny realizations, and the tenacity, perspective, and humor that help us through. An unexpected skating partner, a family divided, a daily commute, and surviving a catastrophic tragedy. 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: Aaron Pang describes a painful commute on San Francisco’s BARTJoel Brady and his wife have a “date night” at the Neville Island Roller Drome.Michelle Robertson and her sister are constantly in competition. Patience Murray experiences an unthinkable act of violence firsthand. Podcast # 901 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this hour, windows into new or unfamiliar worlds. Behind the scenes at a haunted attraction, back of house at a Portland restaurant, and the thrills of Christian puppetry. 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: Amir Baghdadchi takes on a frightening new gig. Michael Maina realizes he's in over his head at his first job after medical school. Katy Strange desperately wants to join her church's Christian puppet team.  Jenny Nguyen pursues her dream of becoming a chef, from kitchens in Portland to Vietnam, and back.  Podcast # 899 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, two stories about being grateful, especially around the holidays. This episode is hosted by Christina Norman. Storytellers: Stephanie Garibaldi’s daughter has a sneaky plan for Santa.Justin Werfel tries to impress his father with a gift. Podcast # 888 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special December holiday hour, stories about celebration, differing traditions, and family. A mother and son do their best to keep the gifting spirit alive, a daughter tries to fulfill her mother’s wish for a Trinidadian feast, and a man waits and waits for the perfect moment to kiss a date. Those and more stories in this episode. 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: Peter Aguero and his mother exchange holiday gifts made of paper. Tracey Segarra sends a Hanukkah card that her mother-in-law takes issue with. Steve Glickman attempts to escape a snowy Chicagoan Christmas for Puerto Vallarta. Dawn Fraser is tasked to find the perfect ingredients for a Trinidadian Christmas. Evan Lunt takes his grandmother’s menorah to college as a keepsake of her. Bernie Somers counts down to a first kiss on New Year's Eve with a romantic interest. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We take a look back at some of the stories that most resonated with our audience. This episode was hosted by Sarah Austin Jenness. If you'd like to check out the video countdown of 2024’s most shared Moth stories we mentioned in the episode, you can follow us on TikTok or Instagram @MothStories. Storyteller: Wilderness guide Monte Montepare takes inexperienced hikers on a glacier expedition. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this hour, stories of the adventures—and misadventures—of growing up. In a cave, on the ball field, and on a camping trip. This episode is hosted by Jay Allison, producer of this show. Storytellers: Trevor Nourse gets lost in a cave. Susan Rohde gets to play wiffle ball with the cool kids. New camp counselor Martha Cooney is determined to win "rookie of the year." Self-proclaimed nerd Usra Gahzi goes on a coed camping trip.  Sivad Johnson and his buddies seek to reach new heights on their bikes. Jim Hasson grows up with a healthy fear of strangers. 8th grader Nadia Hakim learns a lesson thanks to depilatory cream. Podcast # 897 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when you meet your idols. In this case, we discover three literary legends. This episode was hosted by Suzanne Rust. Storytellers:Harriett Jernigan gets flustered when she has a chance encounter with Maya Angelou.Mandy Gardner learns an important lesson in a graveyard. Podcast # 896 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices