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. Fo...
Women Up: The Moth Podcast
March is women’s history month, and to honor that, we're sharing two stories of women who faced challenges and … woman-ed up.
This episode was hosted by Kate Tellers.
Storytellers:
Alison Stewart gets through a difficult experience, and meets a hot doctor along the way.
Tess Birch guides a group of girls through a zoo.
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Remembering Our Loved Ones Through Story: The Moth Radio Hour
This episode originally aired on April 19th, 2022.
In this hour, the people we've loved and lost, their memories preserved in these stories. Mothers, partners, and the colorful residents of a nursing home, with special excerpts from the Moth's audio book. This episode is hosted by Moth Artistic Director, Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers:
Sharon D'Orsie goes on adventures with her aging mother.
Adrienne Lotson worries she's not cut out to be a chaplain.
Writer Elizabeth G...
I Survived the Unsurvivable | From A Slight Change of Plans
At age nine, poet Javier Zamora began a harrowing 3,000-mile journey from El Salvador to the United States. More than twenty years later, he shared his story, revisiting the fear, endurance, and quiet courage he experienced as a child navigating an unimaginable change. This episode is from A Slight Change of Plans, hosted by cognitive scientist and bestselling author Dr. Maya Shankar. On A Slight Change of Plans, Maya explores how we experience change and provides strategies we can use to better navigate moments of upheaval. Whether it’s a sudden pivot or a slow transformation, each episode reveals ho...
The Deep End: The Moth Radio Hour
In this hour, stories of jumping, or being thrown, in the deep end—figuratively and literally. Leaving the "nest," reptilian co-workers, and a school swimathon. This episode is hosted by Jay Allison, producer of The Moth Radio Hour.
Storytellers:
Mukosi Shimaka-Mbasu realizes that participating in the Science Fair means talking to strangers.
Gary Sizer cares for his mother after her ALS diagnosis.
During lockdown, Mytrang Nguyen has to share her office with two lizards.
While participating in a swimathon, Clare Wallder follows the adage "slow and steady wins the race."
American Dreams: Icons - The Moth Podcast
As America approaches it's 250th anniversary, we’ve decided to explore the American Dream - not just the singular American Dream, but all of them. Because our dreams contain multitudes. We’re dedicating our Spring Mainstage season, as well as some special podcast episodes, to exploring that theme.
To kick that off, on this episode, we have two stories about American Iconography, but with a twist.
This episode was hosted by Suzanne Rust.
Storytellers:
John Garcia and his father bond over bigfoot.
Lynn Swisher Spears and her community help a neig...
Can't Help Falling in Love: The Moth Radio Hour
This episode originally aired on February 14th, 2023.
In honor of Valentine's Day, let The Moth whisper sweet somethings in your ear(buds). Stories of falling in love, enduring devotion, and romance that blooms in the most unlikely places—or between the most unlikely people. 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:
Inclement weather threatens David Greco's romantic plans for Jazz Fest.
Eva Santiago reconnects with an old friend who is now...
What's YOUR Story: The Moth Podcast
Our stories define us and shape us. They’re beloved treasures passed down or secrets that we hide. Stories can be personal legend or family legacy. In this episode, a little of both, about the memories we leave behind and some of the lessons learned.
If you'd like to tell your OWN story, we're publishing a journal called "My Life In Stories," and it has over 150 prompts that will help you sift through your memories and shape them into narratives. You can order it wherever you get your books: https://themoth.org/my-life-in-stories-a-guided-journal-from-the-moth
This episode wa...
Live from New York: The Audacity! Global Stories of Daring: The Moth Radio Hour
In this hour, a special live show from New York City, featuring storytellers from around the globe. Tales of bold moves, facing fears, and risky decisions. This episode is hosted by Moth Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness, with additional live hosting by Nolo Mokoena. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers:
Semiye Michael breaks with tradition to help his mother.
Nolo Mokoena practices radical truth-telling on a date.
Korto Momolu longs to become a fashion designer, while growing up in Liberia.
Love Hurts: The Moth Podcast
In honor of Valentine's Day, we've got a special episode hosted by The Modern Love Podcast's Anna Martin. It's all about the pain and heartache and disaster that true love can lead to… but also, about how love can help ease that pain and heartache. And maybe even help us heal.
This episode was hosted by Anna Martin.
Storytellers:
Patricia Dunphy learns that that great pain is a sign of great love.
Peter Aguero does his best to flirt with a woman playing Dr. Fine.
Rita Brent marries a ma...
Punks, Blessings, Burlesque and Lotus Flowers: The Moth Radio Hour
This episode originally aired on June 21, 2022.
In this episode, five strangers redefine themselves and family in the face of their past. 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:
Eddy Laughter sees her future at her first concert.
Christopher Brune-Horan finds sanctuary in an unlikely location.
Louise Newton-Keogh learns an important lesson about controlling the universe.
Pauline Nguyen reconciles with a harbinger of fear.
Denise Bleds...
Puppies and Football: The Moth Podcast
It’s that time of year when it feels like everyone is talking about football... so on this episode, two stories related to football that aren’t about the GAME of football - we’re talking half-time shows, big game pageantry, and puppybowls.
This episode was hosted by Michelle Jalowski.
Storytellers:
Elyana Smith trains a dog for the pupybowl.
Alexander Heying has a complex relationship with football Mickey.
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Truth and Consequences: The Moth Radio Hour
In this hour, stories about truth—family secrets, trap questions, and a confession 60 years in the making. 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:
Brad Ewell learns about his biological father.
Gaby Fernandez accidentally divulges a family secret.
Harold Cox "borrows" his father's car as a child.
Podcast # 961
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Restaurant Week: The Moth Podcast
It’s restaurant week here in NYC, and so we're celebrating the neighborhood spots that feel almost like home and all the hard-working chefs and servers who make a space come alive.
This episode was hosted by Chloe Salmon.
Trevor Craig finds his chosen family at a steakhouse in Iowa.
Shaw-naé builds community through her restaurant.
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The Wisdom of Elders: The Moth Radio Hour
This episode originally aired on April 5th, 2022.
In this hour, stories of learning from our elders. A mechanic, a teacher, a patriarchy-busting grandmother, and Star Wars in translation. This hour is hosted by regular Moth host Angelica Lindsey-Ali. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers:
Ishmael Beah is separated from his beloved grandmother during the war in Sierra Leone.
Rose Saia feels understood by her new 4th grade eacher.
Charlotte Mooney helps a man wandering on the highway.
...
The Moth Podcast: Apples and Bananas
On this episode, we’re going bananas. And apples. Sorry, going apples isn’t a phrase. But we will have two stories about fruit, one about apples, one about bananas.
This episode was hosted by Kate Tellers.
Storytellers:
David Harris-Gershon wears a very unique costume.
Holly Rutter does some late night grocery shopping.
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Starting Over: The Moth Radio Hour
In this hour, stories of trying again, fresh starts, and chances at redemption—as a parent, on stage, and in your 20s. This episode is hosted by Jay Allison, producer of this show.
Storytellers:
Leah Baruch files for bankrupcy at age 26.
Ron Hart tries to make sure his children don't take after him.
Te'Jal Cartwright rediscovers her star power.
Devan Sandiford avoids a difficult conversation with his son's kindergarten class.
Ethan Sweetland-May goes hunting with his grandfather for the first time.
Bridget Flaherty tries to mend her re...
TV Dreams: The Moth Podcast
This episode originally aired on December 11th, 2020.
In this episode, two stories about tv dreams and daytime nightmares. This episode is hosted by Moth producer and director, Michelle Jalowski.
Storytellers: Jessica Lee Williamson, Wes Hazard
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Growing Pains: The Moth Radio Hour
This episode originally aired on July 5, 2022.
In this episode, the trials and tribulations of growing up. Jealousy, loss, secrets, and finding one's place in the world. 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:
Jennifer Lubin competes for her mother's affection with an unlikely foe.
Anne Stuart spends her summer break delivering the news as the switchboard operator at her local paper.
After hitting a baseball for the first tim...
New Year, New Leaf: The Moth Podcast
To celebrate the dawn of 2026, we’ll have two stories of people trying new things, taking a leap, in one case literally, shaking their lives up, and turning over new leaves.
This episode was hosted by Kate Tellers.
Storytellers:
Laura Gilbert starts a new job as a software engineer and deals with imposter syndrome.
In desperate need of an easy class to graduate college, Elliot Higgins took a skydiving 101 class.
Podcast # 957
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Behind the Scenes: The Moth Radio Hour
If you've been moved by a story this year, text 'GIVE25' to 78679 to make a donation to The Moth today.
In this hour, stories by and about the people who work behind the scenes. A bartender, an almost-cook, and a teacher. 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:
Gretchen Van Esstelyn steps up during a kitchen catastrophe.
James Gordon's student asks him a difficult question.
Bartender Anastasia Maximenko has an...
Warm Sweater: The Moth Podcast
It's that weird time between Christmas and New Years, when all everyone wants to do is chill and be comfy. So, on this episode, we’ve got three stories that’ll feel like you’re putting on a cozy, oversize, ever-so-warm sweater.
This episode was hosted by Marc Sollinger.
Storytellers:
Kristy Arnett Moreno has a cancer scare, and has to open up to her boyfriend.
Steven Ettinger learns some lessons from his 90 year old roommate.
Jonathan Mannheim gets caught up in a chase, wearing his laundry day sweater.
Podc...
Holiday Special 2014: Monkeys, Megachurches, and First Elves: The Moth Radio Hour
This episode originally aired on December 16th, 2014.
If you've been moved by a story this year, text 'GIVE25' to 78679 to make a donation to The Moth today.
A special holiday edition of The Moth Radio Hour: Simon Doonan encounters challenges when called on to decorate the White House for Christmas, a man is hesitant to work with a ‘Hollywood’ style church in his neighborhood, a Jewish girl meets Santa, and a boy thinks his dreams have finally come true when he gets an exotic pet. This hour is hosted by Catherine Burns. The Moth Radi...
Snowed In: The Moth Podcast
As the weather outside gets colder and colder, and it seems like Spring will never return - The Moth is sharing stories all about the magic, and the misery, of winter. From traveling down icy roads, to finding warmth with your loved ones. So instead of going outside, why don't you bundle up, pour a mug of hot cocoa, and listen to some stories
This episode was hosted by Emily Couch.
Storytellers:
Cola Rum gets some help while driving in a snowstorm.
Melissa Earley tries to hide an accident from her...
Underpinning: The Moth Radio Hour
This episode originally aired on December 28, 2021.
If you've been moved by a story this year, text 'GIVE25' to 78679 to make a donation to The Moth today.
In this hour, stories of tradition, codes, regulations — and breaking them wide open. A foul-mouthed boater, a long-forgotten toy car, and a foray to Florida. 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:
Michael Steinberg gets an unexpected case in his new role as the di...
Crowd Control: The Moth Podcast
This episode originally aired on January 31st, 2020.
This episode, stories from crowded places and spaces.
Hosted by: Dan Kennedy
Storytellers:
Tere Figueras Negrete learns a lot about her fellow passengers when her commute goes awry.
Slow service at a deli counter leads to an angry and regrettable outburst from Adam Wade.
If you've been moved by a story this year, please text 'GIVE25' to 78679 to make a donation to The Moth today.
To learn...
Eye Opening Encounters: The Moth Radio Hour
If you've been moved by a story this year, text 'GIVE25' to 78679 to make a donation to The Moth today.
In this hour, stories of chance meetings, unexpected connections, and pleasant surprises—at Macy's, while camping, and in a graveyard. 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:
Mandy Gardner learns an important lesson in a graveyard.
Caroline Brennan learns a family secret.
Bryan Kett attempts to recharge on a ca...
Finding Soul: The Moth Podcast
A few days ago, we shared a Moth Radio Hour all about shoes… but on this episode, we’re going to be talking about a different type of soul. Yes, we’re going from the sole of your shoe, to the soul inside you - with stories about connections, bonds, being there for the people we love, and all of the things that make you you. This episode was hosted by Suzanne Rust.
Storytellers:
On a high school trip, socially awkward Heather McG is given a bright pink suitcase by her grandmother.
Ashley Mckelv...
If the Shoe Fits: The Moth Radio Hour
This episode originally aired on February 2, 2022.
If you've been moved by a story this year, text 'GIVE25' to 78679 to make a donation to The Moth today.
In this hour devoted to stories about footwear, walk a mile in another person's shoes. Every journey begins with a single step, and hopefully, some comfortable kicks. 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:
Edgar Ruiz Jr. needs new sneakers while visiting his father in...
Making Everything Possible: The Moth Podcast
If you've been moved by a story this year, please text 'GIVE25' to 78679 to make a donation to The Moth today.
On this episode, stories that'll make you laugh, cry, and hopefully, both. Plus, why YOU, yes YOU, are The Moth. This episode was hosted by Peter Aguero.
Storytellers:
Peter Aguero cuts himself with his uncle’s knife.
Kahlie Towle encounters a 1500 pound Brahma cow.
Tom Rich finds a way to deal with his stutter.
Podcast # 951
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The Place to Be: Stories of Belonging: The Moth Radio Hour
If you've been moved by a story this year, text 'GIVE25' to 78679 to make a donation to The Moth today.
In this hour, stories of finding community and comfort—among neighbors, in church, and at the movies. 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:
Julie Baker finds comfort in Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show takes conservative Christian teen, Steven Michael Carr, out of his bubble.
Ju...
Food Fiascos: The Moth Podcast
On this episode, we celebrate Thanksgiving with three stories of food gone wrong. Because even if you undercook the yams, hey, at least you'll get a story out of it. This episode was hosted by Chloe Salmon.
Storytellers:
Ellie Tonkin tries to get her mother to make tuna sandwiches the way she likes.
Kayleigh Hudson attempts to cook an elaborate meal for her friends.
Gabby Shea wants to impress her boyfriend's family with her macaroni and cheese.
Podcast # 949
If you've been moved by a...
Afraid to Look: The Moth Radio Hour
This episode originally aired on October 19, 2021.
In this hour, stories of nerves, anxiety, fear! And the courage and support that allow us to overcome. A phone call, a taxi ride, and a stranger's generosity of spirit. This episode is hosted by Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers:
Amanda Stern reaches a breaking point with her anxiety.
Tim Manley's repressed feelings start to manifest themselves physically.
Nervous bride-to-be Anoush Froundjian introduces her fiancé to her Armenian traditions.
...
Talking About Advice: The Moth Podcast
On this episode, we've got an extended conversation with storyteller and advice columnist John Paul Brammer AKA Papi from Hola Papi. He'll talk with host Chloe Salmon about the differences and similarities between advice columns and storytelling coaching, give some ‘tough love’ advice, and so much more.
Podcast # 948
If you've been moved by a story this year, please text 'GIVE25' to 78679 to make a donation to The Moth today.
To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy
<...Advice: The Moth Radio Hour
In this hour, stories of wise counsel, listening to your gut, and learning to practice what you preach. Plus, guidance from advice columnist John Paul Brammer. 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:
Stacy Nicholson fights her social anxiety by playing bridge.
When he finds himself stranded, Mike Phalen's mom offers him some age-old wisdom.
Jersey Garcia looks to telenovelas for guidance in love.
John Paul Brammer...
Veterans Day: The Moth Podcast
This episode originally aired on November 12, 2021.
This week, two stories honoring Veterans, and a can’t-miss interview with 98-year-old WWII Vet Tom Sitter. This episode is hosted by Jon Goode.
Storytellers:
Scott Young honors the legacy of his Vietnam Veteran father.
Tom Sitter retells a hair-raising tale from his WWII service.
If you've been moved by a story this year, please text 'GIVE25' to 78679 to make a donation to The Moth today.
To learn more about li...
Life After Death: The Moth Radio Hour
In this hour, stories of life after death—earthly concerns, supernatural encounters, and what remains. This episode is hosted by Jay Allison, producer of The Moth Radio Hour.
Storytellers:
Panduranga Rao faces his first challenge as a newly-minted doctor.
Ceren Ege's father promises to visit if he ever becomes a ghost.
Noreen Grimes's mother distributes her worldly possessions.
Jake Ottosen is cast as a grave digger at the Renaissance Faire.
Craig Chester reluctantly acknowledges that he is haunted.
Podcast # 945
A Spooky Scary Halloween: The Moth Podcast
Are you ready to get spooked? Or scared? Or just generally creeped out? Well then, on this episode, in celebration of Halloween, we’ve got three stories all about the larger forces at play in the universe. Plus, a conversation with a Moth director about a haunted hotel. This episode was hosted by Sarah Austin Jenness.
Storytellers:
Ophira Eisenberg dresses as an alien for a Halloween dance in middle school.
Ethan Sweetland-May discovers a creepy room in his attic.
Rich Tackenberg takes some advice from a psychic.
Podcast # 944
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Lost and Found: The Moth Radio Hour
This episode originally aired on February 1, 2022. In this hour, stories of disappearance and reappearance. Losing and finding home, family, and sacred objects -- or making space for something new. 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:
Ross Jessop searches Montana's Lolo National Forest for a missing baby.
Christine Gentry hides a secret from significant others.
Gregory Pereira finds family in an unexpected place.
New Yorker Aaron Wolfe's wife gets a job in B...
Baseball and Community: The Moth Podcast
To celebrate the start of the World Series, we've got two stories about baseball and community. This episode was hosted by Larry Rosen and Muneesh Jain.
Storytellers:
Bridget Flaherty and her son get a special experience at a baseball stadium.
Rob Warren coaches a baseball team, and learns what teamwork really means.
And if you would like to listen to Muneesh Jain's story, you can do so here: https://themoth.org/stories/safe-at-home
Podcast # 943
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Fatherhood: The Moth Radio Hour
In this hour, stories about fathers and how they show up for their kids. As support systems and sounding boards, buddies and bear huggers. This episode is hosted by Roy Wood Jr. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers:
CJ Hunt reflects on mix-tapes and memories from his past.
Bailey Richards and their mother meet a sunny stranger.
Eldon Smith knows he was meant to be a father.
Harriett Jernigan gets flustered when she has a chance encounter with Ma...