Overview of Taken by Surprise: The Moth Podcast
This episode of The Moth explores surprise in two very different forms: the comic, unsettling shock of discovering wildly unexpected fan fiction about a show you made, and the frightening, life-or-death surprise of a son suffering a severe allergic reaction far from home. Hosted by Mark Sollinger, the episode uses both stories to reflect on how surprise can be awkward, funny, painful, and deeply revealing.
Story 1: Susan Rohde — “Sticker Shock” in Foster Parenting
Susan Rohde tells a story about caring for two foster children, Annie (9) and Mark (6), and repeatedly being blindsided by Annie’s unexpected Amazon orders.
What happens
- Annie asks for a bird, and Susan says no because she’s terrified of birds.
- The next day, Amazon delivers a full setup for bird ownership:
- bird cage
- cover
- hammock
- swing
- bed
- water dish
- food
- toys
- Susan initially reacts with anger, then reminds herself that foster kids often have to make decisions that children shouldn’t have to make alone.
- Susan tells Annie to return everything and removes Amazon from her phone.
- Later, Annie escalates further by ordering a wild bird trap.
- Susan later buys a Waterpik for Mark to help his dental hygiene, but Annie retaliates by ordering:
- a second Waterpik
- three electric toothbrushes
- Eventually Susan discovers the orders were coming from Annie’s tablet, and learns:
- you can’t fully remove Amazon from a Fire tablet
- a delayed message was also coming in for a pink motorcycle order
- She cancels the motorcycle and notes they’ve gone 30 days without another surprise delivery.
Emotional core
Susan’s perspective shifts from frustration to empathy. She realizes the purchases are not really about birds or toothbrushes—they’re about a child trying to fill emotional gaps and regain some sense of control.
Takeaway
The story is ultimately about parenting with compassion, setting boundaries, and recognizing the grief and instability that foster children carry.
Story 2: Mark Sollinger’s Surprise — Finding Erotic Fan Fiction About His Own Work
In a brief personal introduction, Mark Sollinger shares the strangest surprise he’s encountered while checking online reactions to his audio drama work, especially Archive 81.
What happens
- He searches for mentions of the show online, expecting reviews or discussion.
- Instead, he finds fan fiction written about the show.
- Some of it is explicitly erotic.
- Because he voiced a character based on himself, the fic felt uncomfortably close to “being about him,” though he says he did not actually read it.
- He frames it as a weird but flattering sign that people were creatively inspired by something he made.
Takeaway
This story is a lighter, more absurd kind of surprise: unsettling, funny, and oddly validating.
Story 3: Steph Rogers — A Parent Watches Her Son Fight an Allergic Reaction From 2,000 Miles Away
Steph Rogers tells a tense, emotional story about getting a 3:33 a.m. call from her son Charlie, who is away at college in California while she is in Chicago.
What happens
- Charlie says he has been vomiting and his stomach hurts.
- Steph knows he has severe allergies and immediately suspects anaphylaxis.
- She has him check his eyes, then take his EpiPen.
- The first EpiPen doesn’t work, so he uses a second one.
- She tells him to wake his roommate, Will, and get to the ER.
- On FaceTime, Steph watches the chaos of the emergency room as doctors rush to stabilize him.
- Charlie’s oxygen drops, and Steph feels helpless watching from far away.
- His phone dies, cutting off her only connection to what’s happening.
- She spends the early morning looking at photos and videos of him, preparing to fly out if needed.
- Will later calls to say Charlie has “turned a corner” and is going to live.
- Charlie eventually FaceTimes her again, and she sees his eyes—alive, but shaken.
Emotional core
The story captures the helplessness of parenting adult children, especially when a child is suddenly in danger and out of reach. Steph reflects on how parents of allergic kids are trained to be prepared, but nothing fully prepares you for being unable to help.
Takeaway
The story emphasizes the balance between letting children grow up and holding on to them when they are in danger. Steph’s final realization: it’s okay to let go, but it’s also okay to hold on a little.
Themes and Takeaways
Surprise can reveal deeper truths
Each story begins with an unexpected event, but the real meaning emerges underneath:
- Susan discovers the emotional logic behind her foster daughter’s orders.
- Mark learns how bizarre and creative fandom can be.
- Steph confronts the limits of parental control and distance.
Parenting under pressure
Two of the three stories are about parenting:
- one humorous and chaotic,
- one terrifying and life-threatening.
Both show love expressed through vigilance, improvisation, and learning when to react versus when to understand.
Humor and vulnerability coexist
Even in serious moments, the episode keeps a light, human tone. The storytellers use humor to survive discomfort:
- Susan’s bird fear
- Mark’s absurd fanfic discovery
- Steph’s blunt, exhausted phone-call narration
Episode Notes
- All stories are true, as remembered by the storytellers.
- Susan Rohde is a longtime foster parent and higher-ed professional.
- Steph Rogers is a storyteller, producer, and founder of Story Jam / Story Jam Studio.
- The episode closes by reminding listeners that surprises aren’t always good, but they often change us.