The 10 Best Episodes of The Moth Radio Hour
The Moth, started in 1997, is a non-profit dedicated to the art of unscripted, first-person storytelling. Their legendary live shows take place in the United States and around the world. In 2009, the group launched The Moth Radio Hour to share these nonfiction stories more widely. The Moth podcast is full of people — including celebrities like Malcolm Gladwell — telling their own stories in front of a live audience — exploring everything from love to food to work and belonging. For the most interesting tales, check out this list of recommendations from the Podyssey community.
Last Updated: Aug 20th, 2021
1) The Moth Radio Hour: Food, Glorious Food
This hour’s four stories are all about food, but they are bound to leave you thinking about bigger themes like love, gratitude, and what it really means to be successful. One woman shares her experience using food to meet the love of her life, another tells the story of how she was born with severe anemia and went on to produce a bean that could help other women suffering from the condition. In one particularly heartwarming story, an immigrant from Bangladesh tries pizza in America for the first time, precipitating a small act of humanity. And finally, a former Vogue editor tells a tale of missing ashes and smoked salmon.
essedee recommended:
After reading both of the books, I felt an immense need to hear more stories! Always a lovely bunch of moving and heartwarming people and th...Show More
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.2) All Together Now: Fridays with The Moth - Maurice Ashley
Maurice Ashely is a kid from Jamaica who longed to move to the America of his dreams. When he finally joins his mother in the States, he finds that reality isn’t quite meeting up to expectations and starts doubting the move. But his grandfather has some wise words for him that he never forgets. We won’t ruin the ending of this episode, but you can be sure that Maurice takes his grandfather's words to heart and defies all odds. This coming-of-age story is definitely one of The Moth podcast’s best episodes of all time.
3) International Women's Day 2020: Carol Spencer
In this special International Women’s Day episode, Carol Spencer tells the story of how she became a fashion designer for Barbie, a job she held for 35 years. She shares behind the scenes stories about some of Barbie’s most famous designs, and explains how she fought for Mattel designers to have recognition for their work. It is a story about perseverance, the power of fashion, and fighting to be taken seriously as a woman.
aliceko recommended:
LOVED THIS EPISODE. The Moth needs to create better titles and descriptions to make episodes sounds enticing. Carol Spencer broke all gender...Show More
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.4) Veterans Day 2019: Rick Carrier
This week, we're honoring all of our veterans with a story from renaissance man, Rick Carrier, who tells us what it was like to be in the Army in the first wave of D-Day. The Moth would like to thank ...Show More
jhawthorne recommended:
I should have listened to this a long time ago. But I love this man's story and voice. Perfect
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.5) The Moth Radio Hour: Gang Initiations, My Way and the KKK
In this hour, stories from author Malcolm Gladwell (Outliers, Blink, The Tipping Point) about a wedding prank gone horribly wrong; an African-American home care attendant caring for a dying Klansman; ...Show More
jenobrien recommended:
Enjoyable episode. I listened with my teenage son and he liked it as well. Loved the raw emotions and grit of the first storyteller, and I...Show More
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.6) The Moth Radio Hour: Live from Dayton
A special live edition of The Moth, brought to you from the Victoria Theater in Dayton, Ohio. Conscious uncoupling, a livestock auction, new perspectives, and Darth Vader. This hour is hosted by Dame ...Show More
7) The Moth Radio Hour: Skin Tight Genes
In this hour, stories from the double helix -- genetic makeup, inherited disease, and family secrets. It's all in the DNA. This hour is hosted by Moth Artistic Director Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio...Show More
8) The Moth Radio Hour: Family, Neighbors and Extraordinary Proof
In this episode we travel to Chicago, the Navajo Nation in Arizona, and then end the hour on the sidelines of the Tour de France. A man struggles with his unruly neighbors, an artists shares memories ...Show More
mochromatic recommended:
Three very different and exceptional Moth stories. This episode was an instant favourite.
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.9) The Moth Radio Hour: Letting Go
In this hour, stories of shedding the past and looking towards the future; from fashion faux-pas to exoneration. This hour is hosted by Moth Senior Director, Jenifer Hixson. The Moth Radio Hour is pro...Show More
jangiesen recommended:
Three great stories. The last one about a wrongly convicted man that find some peace
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.10) The Moth Radio Hour: Phone Call, Flamenco, Surprise Party
A call to a hotline, a rabbi caught speeding, a rookie reporter, a swim test, an unwanted surprise party and an obsession with Flamenco. Storytellers: Auburn Sandstrom, Tere Negrete, Daniel Judson, Ra...Show More
stuart22787 recommended:
The "Phone Call" is one of the best podcasts of all time IMHO, a tearjerker
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.