The Moth

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.

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 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

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).

This episode originally aired on October 11th, 2022.This week, an episode in honor of the International Day of the Girl Child, observed October 11. Stories from across continents and across generations -- about the challenges, the adventures, and the joys of girlhood. Hosted and produced 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:10-year-old Briony Chappell and her father search for each other after being separated on a ski trip. Dia's mother surprises her in a moment of need. Primah Kwagala recounts the night her father brought home a second wife.Masooma Ranalvi decides to break her silence.Eve Engel hopes to get her first kiss.Juliette Holmes and her mother go shopping in 1940s segregated Georgia. Podcast # 786

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

On this episode, we’re embracing the cringe with two stories that’ll you make you feel secondhand embarrassment. This episode was hosted by Emily Couch.Storytellers:Sarah Finucane posts a very unflattering photo to social media.Ceren Ege gives a pretty awful giftPodcast #1002

This episode originally aired on March 28th, 2023.In this hour, stories of love—passions, parents, and dating apps. A woman swipes for a second chance, a little girl finds her calling, and fathers find ways to relate to their children. 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:Kristy Hawkins thumbs her way through the prospects of love.Kemp Powers is convinced he will never be a good dad.Niall Ashdown and his father bond over their love of birds. Esther McManus keeps the baking tradition alive. Podcast # 810

On this episode, we’ll hear two stories of people going through big changes - as they literally reflect on themselves. This episode was hosted by Larry Rosen.Storytellers:Phineas Knowles has an eventful first shave.Esther Ngumbi vies to get her ears pierced despite her mother's objections.Podcast #1001

In this hour, stories of considering "what's in a name," a dangerous CIA mission, and the rise and fall of an unusual musical act. 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:What started as a joke on social media becomes a passion project for Brently Heilbron.As the Chief of Disguise at the CIA, Jonna Mendez breaks a cardinal rule and becomes visible.Esau McCaulley prepares for the most difficult eulogy of his pastoral career.Podcast # 1000

In this episode, we’ve got two stories all about finding out where you come from - the process of figuring out who you are in relation to your family, your culture, your background, even your language. This episode was hosted by Emily Couch.Storytellers:Gwendolyn Lopez-Cohen tries to convert to Judaism, but discovers that her family already has a connection to the religion.Iris Luz Hernandez takes a trip to Puerto Rico.Podcast # 999

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