Taken by Surprise: The Moth Podcast

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