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The Moth Radio Hour
Sunday at Noon and Wednesday at 8pm on Radio IQ

The Mothis an acclaimed not-for-profit organization dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling. It is a celebration of both the raconteur, who breathes fire into true tales of ordinary life, and the storytelling novice, who has lived through something extraordinary and yearns to share it. At the center of each performance is, of course, the story – and The Moth’s directors work with each storyteller to find, shape and present it.

Moth shows are renowned for the great range of human experience they showcase. Each show starts with a theme, and the storytellers explore it, often in unexpected ways. Since each story is true and every voice authentic, the shows dance between documentary and theater, creating a unique, intimate, and often enlightening experience for the audience.

Moth stories dissolve socio-economic barriers, expose vulnerabilities, and quietly suggest ways to overcome challenges and see with new eyes.

The Moth episodes
  • In this hour, stories of meeting one's idols. A signature turns into a mentorship, a chance to write a song for a revered musician, and heroes within the home. This hour is hosted by Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media, the producer of this show. Storytellers: Valerie Walker has a chance encounter with a life long idol. Songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman makes music with a country music icon. Danny Artese gets not only a signature but a mentor when he attends a book signing. Elyse McInerney learns her hero may be a lot closer to her than she realized. Bassist Christian McBride gets a chance to play with a Jazz legend.
  • In this hour, stories of finding hope, grace, and light during unexpected times and in unexpected places. A bookstore, a high school tournament, and death row. 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: Maniza Naqvi travels across the world to help save a bookstore. Michael Watson yearns to participate in the sports culture in his high school. After her wrongful conviction, Sunny Jacobs tries to make a life for herself on death row. Jitesh Jaggi tries to cure his homesickness with a family recipe.
  • On this episode, a story from our new book, A Point of Beauty. Host: Tiq Milan Storyteller: Shaun Leonardo pursues his dream of becoming a luchador. The Moth’s new book, A Point of Beauty: True Stories of Holding On and Letting Go releases March 19th. Order it here, or wherever you get your books: https://themoth.org/a-point-of-beauty
  • In this hour, stories of female strength and empowerment. Independence at any age, refusing to participate in sexist societal conventions, and the complicated layers of motherhood. This hour is 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: 95 year old park ranger Betty Reid Soskin squares off with an intruder. Purity Kagwiria chooses a name for herself. Timothy Bell discovers that there are more layers to his mother than meets the eye. Musih Tedji Xaviere attempts to get her first novel published. Nya Abernathy discovers who gets lied to the most: pregnant women!
  • When the going gets tough, the tough get going! In this hour, stories of moving through discomfort—grief, revisiting painful history, stepping outside our safe spaces—and how it shapes us. 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: Stephanie Wittels Wach tries to understand her brother's struggle. Wes Hazard takes us behind the scenes of Jeopardy! Introvert Sufian Zhemokov has strict rules about talking to strangers. Brigette Jones is determined to become a tour guide at Belle Meade Plantation.
  • On this episode, two stories from Melbourne, and we’ll reflect on the legacy of comedian and SLAM host Cal Wilson. Host: Chloe Salmon Storytellers: Elizabeth Gray’s son has an interesting first day of school. Cal Wilson is inspired by her five year old son to take swimming lessons. Here’s Cal Wilson’s article about The Moth: https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/the-lure-of-the-moth-mesmerising-stories-from-people-just-like-you-20180315-h0xhl3.html If you’d like to share your own story, or would just love to hear some incredible live storytelling, check out a Story Slam near you: https://themoth.org/events The Moth would like to thank its listeners and supporters. Stories like these are made possible by community giving. If you’re not already a member, please consider becoming one or making a one-time donation today at themoth.org/giveback
  • In this hour, stories of being stuck. Stranded in Las Vegas, a desperate search for a pet sitter, a wreck on the Colorado River, and stage fright on the church pulpit. This hour is 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: Alistair Bane reluctantly attends church as his friend's grandmother's "special guest"... Jon Levin is penniless with a con man in Las Vegas. Noriko Rosted must find a pet sitter for her beloved cat before her trip to Italy. Taylor Tower wonders if her dad is the "right" kind of parent.
  • To err is human—and in this hour, we explore humanity in all its imperfections. Lost baggage, Kool Aid mishaps, and not eating enough fruit. This episode is hosted by Jay Allison, producer of The Moth Radio Hour. Storytellers: Maxie Jones gives in to peer pressure and faces the wrath of his mother. Kate Oliver's determination to impress her partner's family backfires and leaves her in distress. James Fitzgerald is hell bent on watching Power Rangers. At the age of 24, Beau Davis prepares himself for his first airplane journey. Diana Thompson finds herself in a Scottish dancing group, at her mother’s insistence.
  • On this episode, we share two stories all about how hair can connect us. As a note, Imogen Wall’s story talks about someone experiencing the suicide of a loved one, if that subject is difficult for you, you might want to skip that story. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can call 988 in the US for free and confidential support. Host: Marc Sollinger Storytellers: Heather Rae looks to a wayward band of strangers to help get her keys out of the car that is locked and running. Imogen Wall finds connection and comfort in a hair salon. If you’d like to share your own story, or would just love to hear some incredible live storytelling, check out a Story Slam near you: https://themoth.org/events The Moth would like to thank its listeners and supporters. Stories like these are made possible by community giving. If you’re not already a member, please consider becoming one or making a one-time donation today at themoth.org/giveback
  • In this hour, stories of looking backward to forge ahead. Seeking justice for heinous crimes decades old, memories flooding back during a chance encounter, and reconciling darkness during a joyous time. This hour is hosted by The Moth's former Artistic Director, Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Journalist Jerry Mitchell takes on notorious members of the Ku Klux Klan. Reyna Grande finds kinship with a man seeking asylum in the US. In her journey to start a family, Sarah Jane Johnson also finds herself facing her past.