Squaring Up: The Moth Podcast

This week, a special episode celebrating 25 years of The Moth StorySLAMs—our open-mic storytelling competition that welcomes anyone with a five-minute story to share on the night’s theme. In this hour, stories from six champions from across the globe. Hosted by Moth Senior Director Jenifer Hixson. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers: Sally Wheatley nervously watches her son and husband on a jetski.Andrea Cope sets out to fulfill her husband’s playful dying wish.Devariest Curry grapples with what having nine siblings might mean for her future.Teenager Errol McClendon attends two very different funerals for his father. Wilson Seely takes a trip to Korea to meet his birth motherSufian Zhemukov takes a test to become a U.S. citizen. Podcast # 1010

There’s something special about being around the people you love, celebrating, truly coming home for the holidays. So on this episode, two stories about home - finding it, making it, and what it can be. This episode was hosted by Suzanne Rust.Storytellers:Rob MacMurray has a funeral for a tree.Nina Livingstone sees a specialist about her agoraphobia.

This week, an episode in which storytellers transport us to the behind the scenes of their workplaces. A McDonald’s, a law office, a fishing boat. Hosted and produced by Moth Senior Director, Kate Tellers. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers: As teens working at McDonald’s, Bob Gurnett and his buddy make an art of doing the least.In his early days as a lawyer, Reggie Williams’ relationship with his boss turns complex. Kaylen Duquette reconciles what it means to come from a line of New England fishermen.Podcast # 1008

Telling a story onstage and telling jokes onstage are two very different things. But when a comedian takes a risk and tells a Moth story? Well, the result can be magical. On this episode, we're featuring two of our favorite stories from comedians. They're funny, yes, but they're also vulnerable and real. This episode was hosted by Ophira Eisenberg.Storytellers:Hari Kondabolu confronts a heckler after years of hearing jerks in the front row.Judy Gold discusses how her faith helped her through some of her darkest hours.If you like comedians telling stories, you may want to join us for a special Mainstage in NYC on Saturday, November 14. We’re teaming up with Comic Relief and the New York Comedy Festival. Ophira Eisenberg (who hosted this episode!) will be hosting and five incredible comedians (Jay Jurden, Laura Benanti, Devon Walker, Jake Cornell, and Hari Kondabolu) will be telling stories. Tickets and more information here: https://www.themoth.org/tickets/the-moth-mainstage-in-new-york-6

This episode originally aired on July 4, 2023.In this hour, stories of the most inevitable part of life: death—with a positive twist. Opportunities for connection, moments of healing, and unique ways of moving through grief. This episode 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:Bruce McCulloch masquerades as a familiar creature.Lori Syverson takes a job as a deathwalker.Jerrianne Boggis reconnects with her Jamaican roots when her beloved aunt dies.Podcast # 824

In this special Halloween episode, three stories of ghosts and getting ghosted. This episode was hosted by Emily Couch.Storytellers:Emily Richmond has to make peace with a ghost.Jen Klee risks becoming a ‘chalice chaser.’Stina Griffin goes back to a haunted hotel.

This week, an episode about our relationship with death: stories from the great beyond and back again. Body transport, mysterious disappearances, and life-or-death crushes. Hosted and produced by Moth Director, Chloe Salmon. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Maxie Jones puts his superstitions aside for an unusual side gig.Following a near-fatal car accident, Zainab Johnson develops a powerful crush. After her grandfather's funeral, Jillian Sousley’s grandmother gets creative with the burial.Eileen O'Brien reopens the case of her sister, who has been missing for 30 years.Podcast # 1006

This episode originally aired on October 8th, 2021.On this episode, we have two stories about looking the part. The episode was hosted by Michelle Jalowski. Storytellers: Jennifer Leahy deals with the death of a patient for the first time. Sivan Schondorf has to fake it until she makes it (to the altar).

Two stories of planting your feet, facing your fears, and squaring up. This episode was hosted by Chloe Salmon.Storytellers:As a marine deployed in Iraq, Maia Molina-Schaefer takes comfort in her electric toothbrush that plays a Destiny’s Child song.David Smith overcomes his fear of taking communionPodcast # 1004

In this hour, stories from the Garden State—a tale of two cities, a sweet summer job, and meditations from the gas station. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Director and resident Jersey girl, Jenifer Hixson. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Sidhu Gangadharan becomes a gas-pumping professional.Seeking connection, Marisa Januzzi Thomas gets a summer gig.Christian Estevez feels caught between worlds.Podcast # 1003