The Moth

Society & Culture

About

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...

Episodes

  • Mothers and Memories with Padma Lakshmi: The Moth Podcast

    In this special Mother's Day episode, Padma Lakshmi hosts stories about mothers, memories, and the legacies they leave. Stories include selling cemetery plots, learning to swim, and a frozen moment in time after a mother's death.

  • Like Cats and Dogs: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features stories about pets, including canine companions and feline friends. It explores the experiences of pet owners and their animals.

  • Cat People: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast features two stories about cats and their human companions. One story follows a couple who adopt a cat, while the other is about a man who discovers he is not a "cat person."

  • Introducing Family Lore

    Family Lore is a weekly narrative podcast that explores ancestral mystique. Each episode features a guest sharing a family legend, followed by a historical deep-dive to uncover the truth.

  • Soundtrack to Your Life: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features stories about how music affects people's lives, including experiences with guitar lessons, marching bands, and the pursuit of a music career. It is hosted by Moth Director Chloe Salmon.

  • Seen and Unseen: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast discusses the concept of being seen and unseen through personal narratives. It includes stories from Eliza Reid on her experience as the First Lady of Iceland and Jonna Mendez, former Chief of Disguise at t…

  • Facing the Music: Stories about Coming to Terms: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour, originally aired on August 2nd, 2022, features four storytellers sharing personal experiences of facing the truth. Suzanne Rust hosts, with stories from EJR David, Mary Furlong Coomer, Karen Kibaara, an…

  • The Moth Podcast: Technology Fails

    This episode of The Moth Podcast, hosted by Dan Kennedy, features stories from Jill Bergman and Aylie Baker about technology failures. It originally aired on September 13th, 2019.

  • In Control, Or Not: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features four storytellers sharing experiences related to control. Stories include faking a college graduation, managing 2nd graders, confronting a bad driver, and appreciating a father's calm.

  • What’s in a Name: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast features two stories about the impact of names on individuals and concepts. Storytellers Elyse Mcinerney and Ryan Estrada share their experiences with naming.

  • Cents and Sensibility: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features stories about personal finances and the varying relationships people have with money. Topics include coin collecting, workplace financial discrepancies, and differing views on the importance of…

  • American Dreams: Home - The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast explores the concept of home within the American dream, featuring stories from Heather Crawford and Eric Yu. Guests share their experiences of making a home in America and pursuing happiness.

  • When the World Shifts: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features stories about significant life changes and their lasting impacts. It explores new perspectives on faith, family, and personal identity through various storytellers.

  • Shortcuts: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast features two stories about taking shortcuts. Lawrence Wood discusses being too honest with his book club, and Amanda Egge shares her experiences getting creative in rehab.

  • Look Away—Or Don’t: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features stories about bearing witness and when it is better to look away. It includes tales of overheard arguments, recording history, and unwanted views, hosted by Kate Tellers. The episode highlights…

  • You Gone Learn: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour, hosted by Jon Goode, features stories about education and lessons learned. Storytellers share experiences from various communities and unexpected teachers, including children.

  • They Did WHAT: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast features two stories: Becca L learns about commitment, and Allison Orr shares an enlightening Bumble date.

  • This Should Be A Movie: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast features two stories: Jitesh Jaggi discovers why his father never taught him to drive, and Nick Vega’s fake ID business encounters an unexpected snag. The episode is hosted by Jodi Powell.

  • Legends: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features stories of individuals who have made a significant impact, exploring their legacies through personal narratives. Topics include family, history, and community figures.

  • Women Up: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast, titled "Women Up," features two stories. Alison Stewart shares her experience getting through a difficult situation, and Tess Birch talks about guiding a group of girls through a zoo. The episode is hosted…

  • Remembering Our Loved Ones Through Story: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour, hosted by Catherine Burns, explores themes of remembering loved ones. It includes stories from Sharon D'Orsie, Adrienne Lotson, and Elizabeth Gilbert, covering topics such as adventures with an aging mo…

  • I Survived the Unsurvivable | From A Slight Change of Plans

    This episode from The Moth features poet Javier Zamora, who recounts his 3,000-mile journey from El Salvador to the United States as a child. He shares his story of fear, endurance, and courage during this significant life change.

  • The Deep End: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features stories about dealing with new or challenging situations, both figuratively and literally. Topics include leaving home, caring for a parent with ALS, co-existing with reptiles, and participating…

  • American Dreams: Icons - The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast explores the American Dream through the lens of American iconography. It features two stories from John Garcia and Lynn Swisher Spears.

  • Can't Help Falling in Love: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features various stories about falling in love and enduring devotion, hosted by Sarah Austin Jenness. It explores romance blooming in unexpected places and between unlikely people.

  • What's YOUR Story: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast, hosted by Christina Norman, features stories about memories and lessons. Maxwell Pearce shares lessons from his grandmother, and Adelle Onyango recounts her first protest.

  • Live from New York: The Audacity! Global Stories of Daring: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features a live show from New York City with storytellers from around the globe sharing tales of bold moves, facing fears, and risky decisions. Stories include breaking tradition, radical truth-telling,…

  • Love Hurts: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast, hosted by Anna Martin, features stories about the pain and heartache that love can bring, as well as its healing power. Storytellers include Patricia Dunphy, Peter Aguero, and Rita Brent.

  • Punks, Blessings, Burlesque and Lotus Flowers: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features five storytellers sharing personal stories of redefining themselves and their understanding of family. Hosted by Suzanne Rust, the episode includes narratives from Eddy Laughter, Christopher Bru…

  • Puppies and Football: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast features stories about football-related topics. It includes stories about half-time shows, big game pageantry, and puppybowls, hosted by Michelle Jalowski.

  • Truth and Consequences: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features stories about truth, including family secrets, trap questions, and confessions. It is hosted by Moth Senior Director Jenifer Hixson, and includes storytellers Brad Ewell, Gaby Fernandez, and Har…

  • Restaurant Week: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast celebrates restaurant week, highlighting neighborhood spots and the people who work there. It features stories from Trevor Craig about finding family in a steakhouse and Shaw-naé on building community throu…

  • The Wisdom of Elders: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour, hosted by Angelica Lindsey-Ali, features stories about learning from elders. Featured storytellers include Ishmael Beah, Rose Saia, Charlotte Mooney, and Manuelito Wheeler.

  • The Moth Podcast: Apples and Bananas

    This episode of The Moth Podcast, hosted by Kate Tellers, features two stories about fruit: one about apples and one about bananas. Storytellers include David Harris-Gershon and Holly Rutter.

  • Starting Over: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features stories about fresh starts and redemption from various storytellers, including tales of parenting, self-discovery, and new beginnings. Jay Allison hosts the program.

  • TV Dreams: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast features two stories about TV dreams and daytime nightmares. It is hosted by Michelle Jalowski and includes storytellers Jessica Lee Williamson and Wes Hazard.

  • Growing Pains: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features stories about the challenges of growing up, including themes of jealousy, loss, secrets, and finding one's place in the world. Chloe Salmon hosts, presenting stories from Jennifer Lubin, Anne St…

  • New Year, New Leaf: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast features stories about new beginnings and taking leaps. Laura Gilbert shares her experience starting a new job, while Elliot Higgins discusses taking a skydiving class.

  • Behind the Scenes: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features stories by and about individuals working behind the scenes. It includes a bartender, an almost-cook, and a teacher, with Moth director Jodi Powell as host.

  • Warm Sweater: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast features stories from Kristy Arnett Moreno, Steven Ettinger, and Jonathan Mannheim. Stories include a cancer scare, lessons from a 90-year-old roommate, and a laundry day sweater.

  • Holiday Special 2014: Monkeys, Megachurches, and First Elves: The Moth Radio Hour

    This holiday special from The Moth Radio Hour, originally aired in 2014, includes stories about Christmas decorations at the White House, a neighborhood church, a girl meeting Santa, and a boy's exotic pet. Catherine Burns hosts this episo…

  • Snowed In: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast features stories about the experiences of winter. Topics covered include navigating icy roads and finding warmth with loved ones. It was hosted by Emily Couch.

  • Underpinning: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour, originally aired on December 28, 2021, explores stories of tradition, codes, regulations, and breaking them. It features storytellers Michael Steinberg, Samuel James, and Frimet Goldberger, and is hoste…

  • Crowd Control: The Moth Podcast

    This episode, originally aired on January 31st, 2020, presents stories from crowded places and spaces. It is hosted by Dan Kennedy and features storytellers Tere Figueras Negrete and Adam Wade.

  • Eye Opening Encounters: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features stories about chance encounters and unexpected connections. Stories include learning a lesson in a graveyard, discovering a family secret, a camping trip, and appreciating a younger sibling.

  • Finding Soul: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast, titled "Finding Soul," features stories about connections, bonds, and being present for loved ones. It explores the idea of the soul and what makes an individual unique, as hosted by Suzanne Rust.

  • If the Shoe Fits: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour, hosted by Jenifer Hixson, features stories about footwear. Storytellers include Edgar Ruiz Jr., Satori Shakoor, Isabelle Raphael, Sufian Zhemetov, Stacy Miller, and Munjen Ng, who share personal experie…

  • Making Everything Possible: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast, "Making Everything Possible," features stories hosted by Peter Aguero. Storytellers Peter Aguero, Kahlie Towle, and Tom Rich share personal narratives.

  • The Place to Be: Stories of Belonging: The Moth Radio Hour

    This episode of The Moth Radio Hour features stories about finding community and comfort. Storytellers share experiences of belonging, including connections made through neighbors, church, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show. The episode is…

  • Food Fiascos: The Moth Podcast

    This episode of The Moth Podcast features stories about food mishaps. It includes tales of Thanksgiving food gone wrong, such as tuna sandwiches, an elaborate meal, and macaroni and cheese. The episode is hosted by Chloe Salmon and include…