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The Moth
Thursday at 8pm and Sunday at 1pm

Funny. Sad. True. The Moth Radio Hour 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 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.

The Moth Pitch Line invites people to pitch story ideas online or through a toll-free hotline.

Today, The Moth is a nonprofit organization with ongoing programs, all of which contribute their best stories to The Moth Radio Hour: The Moth Mainstage where celebrities appear alongside unique voices from all walks of life; The Moth's StorySLAM competitions, which are open to all and rapidly expanding to cities across the country; and The Moth's community outreach program, MothShop, which brings workshops to people whose stories would otherwise go unheard.

Hugo Kohl Fine Jewelryis proud to sponsor The Moth on WMRA.

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  • In this hour, stories of diving in—whether we want to or not. In a job, in a relationship, or into the unknown. 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:Surgeon Anthony Chin-Quee finds himself in over his head during his first day on call.Despite protests from friends and family, Nancy French marries a man she barely knows.Wilderness guide Monte Montepare takes inexperienced hikers on a glacier expedition
  • On this episode, two stories from the Louisville StorySLAMs. Host: Alex Román Peters Storytellers: Ethan Sweetland-May learns about hunting from his grandfather Trevor Nourse gets lost in a cave 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 shifting perspectives, new outlooks, and realizations that shake our foundations. A mother receives unexpected news, a teen learns the true power of a word, and a prisoner gets a visit from his father. 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: Andrea Collier finds out what happens when her life goes off-script. Damon Young questions his sense of self based on the power of a racial slur. Huwe Burton relies on his father's support while serving time for a crime he didn't commit.
  • In this hour, stories of the things we hold dear—kitchen staples, family heirlooms, and an important soccer ball. 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: Mark Lamb loses a beloved skillet that has been seasoned by generations of his family. Sara Sweet Rabidoux-Kelsey goes to great lengths to obtain a toaster. Trina Michelle Robinson creates her own family heirlooms. As a kid, Viviana Infante is determined to find love. Amana Mbise's life is changed, thanks to a soccer ball.
  • The crack of the bat! The smell of hot dogs! The towering home runs! In celebration of Opening Day, we've got two stories about America's Past-time. Host: Larry Rosen Storytellers: Joseph Gallo learns about his father, and about baseball. Muneesh Jain travels to every baseball stadium in the country. 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 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.