The Moth

In this hour, windows into new or unfamiliar worlds. Behind the scenes at a haunted attraction, back of house at a Portland restaurant, and the thrills of Christian puppetry. 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: Amir Baghdadchi takes on a frightening new gig. Michael Maina realizes he's in over his head at his first job after medical school. Katy Strange desperately wants to join her church's Christian puppet team. Jenny Nguyen pursues her dream of becoming a chef, from kitchens in Portland to Vietnam, and back. Podcast # 899

On this episode, two stories about being grateful, especially around the holidays. This episode is hosted by Christina Norman. Storytellers: Stephanie Garibaldi’s daughter has a sneaky plan for Santa. Justin Werfel tries to impress his father with a gift. Podcast # 888

In this special December holiday hour, stories about celebration, differing traditions, and family. A mother and son do their best to keep the gifting spirit alive, a daughter tries to fulfill her mother’s wish for a Trinidadian feast, and a man waits and waits for the perfect moment to kiss a date. Those and more stories in this episode. Hosted 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: Peter Aguero and his mother exchange holiday gifts made of paper. Tracey Segarra sends a Hanukkah card that her mother-in-law takes issue with. Steve Glickman attempts to escape a snowy Chicagoan Christmas for Puerto Vallarta. Dawn Fraser is tasked to find the perfect ingredients for a Trinidadian Christmas. Evan Lunt takes his grandmother’s menorah to college as a keepsake of her. Bernie Somers counts down to a first kiss on New Year's Eve with a romantic interest.

We take a look back at some of the stories that most resonated with our audience. This episode was hosted by Sarah Austin Jenness. If you'd like to check out the video countdown of 2024’s most shared Moth stories we mentioned in the episode, you can follow us on TikTok or Instagram @MothStories. Storyteller: Wilderness guide Monte Montepare takes inexperienced hikers on a glacier expedition.

In this hour, stories of the adventures—and misadventures—of growing up. In a cave, on the ball field, and on a camping trip. This episode is hosted by Jay Allison, producer of this show. Storytellers: Trevor Nourse gets lost in a cave. Susan Rohde gets to play wiffle ball with the cool kids. New camp counselor Martha Cooney is determined to win "rookie of the year." Self-proclaimed nerd Usra Gahzi goes on a coed camping trip. Sivad Johnson and his buddies seek to reach new heights on their bikes. Jim Hasson grows up with a healthy fear of strangers. 8th grader Nadia Hakim learns a lesson thanks to depilatory cream. Podcast # 897

What happens when you meet your idols. In this case, we discover three literary legends. This episode was hosted by Suzanne Rust. Storytellers: Harriet Jernigan gets flustered when she has a chance encounter with Maya Angelou. Mandy Gardner learns an important lesson in a graveyard. Podcast # 896

In this hour, stories of giving and receiving. A volunteer, a would-be chef, a firefighter, a date in need of a liver, and a scientist who needs a helping hand before she can help anyone else. This episode is hosted by Moth Producer Jodi Powell. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Stacey Curry and her boyfriend end up being a perfect match, in more ways than one. Having grown up ashamed of her voice, Kristin Huang is reluctant to sing. Kayleigh Hudson attempts to cook an elaborate meal for her friends. Sivad Johnson decides, reluctantly, to step into the spotlight. Mary-Claire King battles through heartbreak to make a breakthrough in cancer research. Podcast # 699

On this episode, unearthing an important part of American history. Plus, we go behind the scenes to learn how a Moth Mainstage story is crafted - and talk about what it takes to make sure a story is heard. If you'd like to support the important work that The Moth is doing to build empathy and increase connection, please make a donation. Visit themoth.org, or text give24 to 78679. This episode was hosted by Jodi Powell. A special thanks to Crystal Finn, Matilda Matabwa, Pastor Herbert Broome, and Larry Rosen, whose voices we heard in this episode. Storytellers: Pastor Herbert Broome realizes that a critical piece of history that he was a part of is omitted in his local museum. Podcast # 895

In this hour stories of acceptance, moving on, and letting go. Growing older and maybe wiser, and stepping boldly into the future. This hour 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. Elizabeth Gray contends with aging. Neema Avashia and her students are united in grief. A teacher helps keep Maxie Jones on the straight and narrow. After swearing off love, Jennifer Birmingham gets advice from an unexpected source. Susan Earley tries to return a shirt purchased for her late grandfather. Erik Heen's stepdaughter doesn't want his help. Podcast # 693

In this hour, stories from risk-takers, innovators, and trail-blazers. Scientific feats, pushing the boundaries of age, and a different kind of motherhood. 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: Whale biologist Iain Kerr demonstrates his new invention on live-television. Carolyn Meyer tries online dating at the age of 80. Roseline Orwa reclaims her power and starts a new chapter. Podcast # 894

On this episode, stories about the theater, performing, and life on the stage. This episode was hosted by Marc Sollinger. Storytellers Rose L finds that playing Jesus in her school’s passion play is trickier than one might expect. Honor Finnegan tries out for the musical, Annie. Podcast # 893

A special Veterans Day edition of The Moth Radio Hour. After returning from active duty in the Middle East, a marine searches for new meaning; a 97 year old woman describes training young men for WWII combat as a WASP; a father being deployed to Iraq must find a way to explain it to his children; and a WWII soldier from Wisconsin serves with the segregated 93rd Infantry Division in the South Pacific. This special hour is hosted by The Moth's Producing Director, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Mike Scotti finds new meaning after returning from active duty in the Middle East. Dawn Seymour becomes part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), training young men stateside to enter WWII overseas. Bill Krieger tucks his daughter in at night before being deployed to Iraq. William Cole serves as a radio operator in the 93rd Infantry Division, a segregated unit, in the South Pacific. Podcast # 356

In this hour, stories of people who swam upstream, went against the grain, forged their own paths. Standing tall, dressing for success, and getting behind the wheel. 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: Jameer Pond brings his act as a comedian to college. Shristi Karki watches her mom learn a new skill. 6 foot 11 year old Shannan Scarselleta competes in a middle school obstacle course. Gina Belafonte chronicles her relationship with her mother. Podcast # 892

On this episode, stories about kindness, care, and what we owe each other. The episode was hosted by Michelle Jalowski. Storytellers: Matthew Dicks finds a friend at McDonalds. Heidi Munson’s boss goes the extra mile. Laurie Bushbaum tries to find a way to give away her mom’s hats. Podcast # 891

In this hour, moments and memories that mold the future. Life or death choices made in an instant, bygone mistakes, and letting go of grudges and guilt. This hour 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: Julie Pryor is tasked with driving on the [infamously] dangerous Alaskan Haul Road. A pregnant Madeleine Berenson endures harassment and discrimination from her employer. Michael Fischer risks his life for a bag of pretzels. Carol Seppilu finds a unique way to brave her depression. Podcast # 684

We've got a special treat for you this episode! We're featuring a recent Los Angeles GrandSLAM - with hosting, audience slips, music, and of course, great stories. The episode was introduced by Sarah Austin Jenness, and the GrandSLAM was hosted by Brian Finkelstein. The musicians in this episode were Alexander Burke, who played the vibraphone, and Eban Schletter, who played the theremin. Special thanks to Gary Buchler, regional producer of The Moth's Los Angeles slam series. Storytellers: Jess Nurse learns a bit about friendship after your twenties. David Ambroz finds inner strength in a challenging situation. Bryan Kett plays disc-golf with some misfits.

In this hour, stories about clarity and perspective. Seeing one another, feeling seen, and seeing oneself with the veil lifted. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Director Jenifer Hixson. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Rae Wynn-Grant's perspective on America shifts while studying wildlife in Africa. Angelica Lindsey-Ali makes Hajj while 8 months pregnant. Grace Topinka joins a new friend for spa day. Zakiya Minifee is determined to not be "that American" during a trip abroad. Josh Holland meets his birth mother at 39. Podcast # 681

Lo and behold! Stories of shocks and surprises—both good and bad. A birthday gift with unintended consequences, family secrets, and support from an unlikely fanbase. This episode is hosted by Moth Director Michelle Jalowski. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Jessie shows her family photos from her recent travels...and more. Cat Powell-Hoffman learns about her biological family. Musician Paul Chin works tirelessly on an EP. Kelli Dunham doesn't like accepting help from others. Podcast # 891

On this episode, we feature two stories all about the hectic, maddening, hair-pulling side of raising kids. Plus, we feature some very special guests reading the credits. This episode was hosted by Kate Tellers. Storytellers: Mary Lea Carroll tries to figure out how her mom raised so many children without absolutely losing it. PT Smith learns the true meaning of fatherhood. Special thanks to Fritz & Olai (9), Nilah (8), Iris & Harvey (6), Zelda (4) and Esi (9 months).

In this hour, stories of fear -- facing it, outgrowing it, and learning from it. From shadowy childhood demons, to the anxieties of parenthood, and life or death choices in the face of discrimination. This hour 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: Zaena Tessema's mother invokes a mysterious figure to control her children. Diane Kastiel gets unexpected and unwanted news. Bruce Lee teaches Tito Chavez-Nguyen how to find his way in a new school. Patricia Aro is scared that her children will ask her about death. Chelsea Shorte is pulled over for the first time while masculine presenting. Rufus May fears his own experience with mental health issues will keep him from being a clinical psychologist. Podcast # 680