The Moth

The Moth

The Moth

On Tuesdays and Fridays 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.

Recent Episodes

20 episodes

Mermaid Veterinarian: The Moth Podcast

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.

Transcript
17h ago14:23

Live from Johannesburg: The Moth Radio Hour

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

Transcript
3d ago50:40

Calling In: The Moth Podcast

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

Transcript
7d ago25:41

Driven: The Moth Radio Hour

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

Transcript
10d ago50:06

Schooled: The Moth Podcast

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

Transcript
14d ago24:23

Soul Searching, Soul Food, and the Upside Down: The Moth Radio Hour

In this hour, big risks, long goodbyes, and the anatomy of a straw. 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:Alzo Slade has questions.Shaw-naé builds community through her restaurant.Lekzin Tshokey says goodbye to her grandmother before leaving Bhutan.Amy Segal reflects on her mother's photo albums.Podcast # 991

Transcript
17d ago49:28

Childhood Crushes: The Moth Podcast

This episode originally aired on January 15th, 2021On this episode, stories of childhood crushes and all the fun and embarrassment they entail.Hosted by: Chloe SalmonStorytellers:Tim searches for the perfect gift to impress his crush.Janine attempts to woo her crush with her dance moves.

Transcript
21d ago16:54

All Dressed Up: The Moth Radio Hour

This episode originally aired on December 13th, 2022.Don your finest duds! This week, The Moth Radio Hour is all about clothes -- from DIY threads to silk blouses, from a prison visiting room to a runway in France. This episode is hosted by Moth producer and director Chloe Salmon. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Tween Horace Sanders creates a homemade Halloween costume.Deepa Ambekar is caught off guard by a prison's dress code for visitors.Zakiya Minifee fails to heed her mother's fashion advice. Adrienne Burris is certain that her new husband has ruined her favorite blouse. Graham Shelby joins the football team as a gentle teenager. Model Norma Jean Darden participates in a historic catwalk battle. Podcast # 795

Transcript
24d ago50:50

Rollerskates and Legacy: The Moth Podcast

On this episode, we’re featuring two stories from The Moth’s Community Program, both dealing with incarceration. This episode was hosted by Jermaine Archer.Storytellers:While in prison, Dolores Canales throws a rollerskating birthday party for her best friend.Christopher Blackwell reckons with his family's legacy of violent masculinity, linked to their lifelong Eagles fandom. Plus, a live conversation between Christopher Blackwell and Peter Aguero.Podcast # 992

Transcript
28d ago29:35

Feel Good: The Moth Radio Hour

In this hour, stories to boost the spirit. A cruise to Antarctica, a fresh loaf of bread, and bedtime stories. 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:Born 50% deaf, Ellis Miller learns what they've been missing.Ron Hart shares a bedtime ritual with his daughter.Darrell Thorne performs on an Antarctic cruise… and encounters some choppy seas.Silvana Clark finds her purpose.Cormac Stevens discovers the joy of baking bread.Faye Lane's self esteem is challenged when cast in an unfavorable role in the school musical.Podcast # 991

Transcript
7/28/202649:55

Bittersweet: The Moth Podcast

On this episode, stories about the mess and confusion of being human - and the dark humor to be found there. This episode was hosted by Jodi Powell.Storytellers:Austin Butterfield discovers that his office has been taken over.Torrey Shineman finds unexpected humor in a moment of grief.Podcast # 995

Transcript
7/24/202616:01

Walking the Walk: The Moth Radio Hour

This episode originally aired on April 11th, 2023.In this hour, stories of finding one's way—through heartbreak, adolescence, times of crisis, and public nudity. This episode is hosted by Moth storyteller Samuel James. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.Storytellers:Kristin Lee tries to make friends at genetics camp. 8-year-old Maura Schneider and her friend hatch a revenge plan after experiencing their first rejection.Kaya Jarvis gets the help she needs from an unexpected source. Samuel Blackman contends with the realities of working in pediatric oncology.Annie Linn navigates having her mother as her high school English teacher. Evie O'Reilly goes on her first naked bike ride.Podcast # 812

Transcript
7/21/202650:09

Hard Talks: The Moth Podcast

On this episode, two stories of having the hard conversations, and how nerve-wracking - and rewarding - they can be. Hosted by Chloe Salmon. Storytellers: Annie Wiborg finds a way to give her daughter ‘the talk.’ Wendy Cuellar is inspired to become a guidance counselor.

Transcript
7/17/202615:25

Choose Your Own Theme: The Moth Radio Hour

In this hour, a televised proposal, an unlikely tennis alliance, and a funeral in Cameroon. Is there a theme? You tell us! 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: Harold Cox overshares during a work presentation. Di Cai takes her last chance at stardom on a reality competition show.  Mercedes Hesselroth comes face to face with her low self esteem while caring for her grandfather.  Tim Lopez and his frenemy team up for tennis doubles.  Akwi Nji returns to Cameroon to bury her father.  Podcast # 988

Transcript
7/14/202650:08

Over My Head: The Moth Podcast

This episode originally aired on September 18th, 2019. This week, we're talking about stepping out of your comfort zone, those moments where you're really wondering if you're going to sink or swim. Hosted by Dan Kennedy Storytellers: Diana Thompson finds herself in a Scottish dancing group, at her mother’s insistence. Karen Crowley, a former store clerk ends up as the supervisor in a residential program for youth. Podcast # 620

Transcript
7/10/202620:26

Taking Risks: The Moth Radio Hour

This episode originally aired on January 3rd, 2023. In this hour, stories of diving in head first and putting it all on the line. Unconventional gifts, apex predators, and stock car racing. This episode is hosted by Moth producer and director Jodi Powell. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Andrew McGill learns more about his father than he bargained for.  Aspiring primate veterinarian Estella Z Jones has a shift in perspective about her own life after seeing animals in the wild. Ashamed of not knowing how to ride a bike, Francesca Hays attempts to learn in secret.  Michael Corso enters a stock car race for blind drivers. Podcast # 798

Transcript
7/7/202654:52

Blindsided: The Moth Podcast

When something comes out of the blue, how do you react? Do you freeze? Do you panic? Or do you find a way to move forward? Today, we’ve got two stories about being surprised, dumbfounded, blindsided, in completely different ways. This episode was hosted by Amena Brown, author of the new essay collection 'Never Tell A Black Girl How To Black Girl.'Storytellers:Janell Banks develops a fear of driving after a car crash nearly severs her foot.Amena Brown’s grandma takes a liking to Amena’s new husband.Podcast # 985

Transcript
7/3/202624:19

Cotton Candy and Revolutionary Rides: The Moth Radio Hour

In this hour, an unconventional church, a bike ride for rights, and burning up the dance floor. 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: Lutheran minister Nadia Bolz Weber starts her own church.  Wallflower Audrey Pleasant teaches herself the slide and ends up in the spotlight. Bushra Al-Fusail begins a Yemeni revolution on two wheels. Podcast # 986

Transcript
6/30/202653:59

Soccer Stories with Tierna Davidson: The Moth Podcast

To celebrate the start of the World Cup, we've got a very special episode hosted by Tierna Davidson - a soccer player for the US Women’s National Team and Gotham FC, and a World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist. We’re sharing three stories about soccer, but about everything around soccer, too – the competition, the sense of community, the feeling of discovery you get when you push yourself. Storytellers: As an effeminate queer kid, Patrick McGraw learned to associate sports with the bullies at school. As an adult, Patrick decided to join an inclusive soccer league and reclaim his love of sports. Moniek van Rheenen is taught by her soccer coach to be a mean player, and learns a valuable lesson when the coach leaves the team. Franco Catalano's excitement grows as Argentina advances through the World Cup. Podcast # 983

Transcript
6/26/202629:59

American Dreams: The Moth Radio Hour

In this hour, stories of American Dreams—from a beauty pageant hopeful, a farmhand, and an advocate. This episode is hosted by Jon Goode. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. With the goal of becoming Miss Alabama, Alexis Barton enters her first beauty pageant.  Heather Angell starts working on a farm and bonds with her bosses.  Ofia Begum Ali takes on the responsibility of translating for their parents.  Amena Brown's grandmother teachers her to cook... but witholds an important recipe.  Podcast # 984

Transcript
6/23/202654:28