DeepSummary
This episode of The Moth features stories told by high school students as part of The Moth's education program. The host Julian Goldhagen shares his own embarrassing experience of wetting himself during a music performance in third grade. The students then take the stage to share stories about topics like feeling like the 'stupid girl' due to struggles with reading, navigating their Indian-American identity, a first kiss, baking an apple cake with a grandfather experiencing memory loss, and the challenges of constantly moving to new places.
The stories highlight the students' diverse experiences, from Isabel feeling ashamed of her reading difficulties but finding confidence through art, to Saya embracing her Indian heritage after an incident at a restaurant. David recounts the nervousness around his first kiss, while Luna treasures her tradition of baking an apple cake with her grandfather despite his declining health. Beth talks about isolating herself from forming new friendships after frequently moving around the world.
The Moth's education program aims to give young people a platform to share their stories and gain self-confidence. The host and educators emphasize the importance of listening to youth perspectives and remembering the intensity of adolescent experiences.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The Moth's education program gives young people a platform to share their stories and build self-confidence.
- Storytelling allows students to connect with others and gain empathy for diverse experiences.
- The stories cover a range of themes like academic struggles, cultural identity, relationships, family, and life transitions.
- Listening to youth perspectives is important for understanding the intensity of adolescent experiences.
- Storytelling can be a powerful tool for overcoming isolation and forming meaningful connections.
- Embracing different personalities and comfort levels is valuable for creating an inclusive, supportive environment.
- Shared traditions and bonds with family members can hold deep personal significance.
- First experiences like first loves or kisses can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for young people.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I try to celebrate the clams in the back row the same way I celebrate the julians in the front row, because I think everyone is just doing the best we can.“ by Julian Goldhagen
- “And my first reaction was, oh, my God. Is he gonna be okay? But then my second reaction was, what about the apple cake?“ by Luna Azkuren
- “She laughed it off. Like, we're gonna talk about this later.“ by Saya Shamdasani
- “And as the train is coming, we place a little peck on the side of our lips and the wind from the train hits us and it's magical.“ by David Leffelstad
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Episode Information
The Moth
The Moth
7/2/24
A special live edition of The Moth -- with five stories from a night showcasing the graduates of Moth High School storytelling workshops. Join us to celebrate student stories of first kisses, culture shock, finding a niche, and baking apple cake. This hour is hosted by Moth Teaching Artist Julian Goldhagen, with additional hosting by Moth Executive Producer Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers:
Isobel Connelly grows up feeling like the stupid girl.
Saya Shamdasani feels caught between two cultures.
David Lepelstat is nervous about his first kiss.
Luna Azcurrain and her grandfather create a Thanksgiving tradition.
Beth Gebresilasie tries to protect herself from her family's constant moving.
Podcast: 651