Podcast Summary: "Here's Where It Gets Interesting"
Episode: "Welcome to The Moth: The Rest is History"
Release Date: April 3, 2025
Host: Sharon McMahon

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "Here’s Where It Gets Interesting," host Sharon McMahon delves into captivating and lesser-known American stories alongside notable thought leaders. The episode, titled "Welcome to The Moth: The Rest is History," features powerful narratives from "The Moth Radio Hour," showcasing true stories that intertwine history, culture, and personal resilience. Sharon McMahon presents these tales, encouraging listeners to explore the intricate layers of America's past and present through firsthand accounts.

1. Frank Almond and the Lipinski Stradivarius Violin

Story Overview: Frank Almond, Concert Master of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, shares an extraordinary encounter with the Lipinski Stradivarius, a 300-year-old violin crafted by Antonio Stradivari. His journey from discovering the rare instrument to experiencing its theft underscores the profound connection between a musician and his tool of art.

Key Points:

• Discovery of the Violin: In 2008, Frank receives an email about a Stradivarius violin from 1715. Drawn by the detailed information and historical references, he meets the owners in a bank vault in Milwaukee, where he is entrusted with the Lipinski Stradivarius.

• Artistic Transformation: Frank describes the violin's impact on his playing, enhancing his artistic abilities while also highlighting his technical weaknesses. This symbiotic relationship deepens his appreciation for the instrument's legacy.

• Theft Incident: In January 2014, after a concert, Frank's violin is stolen under mysterious circumstances involving a van and a taser. The investigation leads to the identification of the thieves through forensic evidence from the Taser, ultimately recovering the violin.

• Emotional Reflection: Returning the violin, Frank reflects on his fleeting role in the instrument's long history, emphasizing the transient nature of his interaction with such a treasured artifact.

Notable Quotes:

• Frank Almond [02:51]: “This object was capable of maximizing my artistic abilities to a degree I would have never possibly imagined.”
• Frank Almond [17:32]: “The reality is I'm just passing through its life and not the other way around.”

Timestamp Highlights:

• 02:14 - 17:32: Frank Almond's detailed narration of discovering, bonding with, and dealing with the theft of the Lipinski Stradivarius.
• 17:32 - 19:37: Host Meg Bowles provides historical context and background on the violin's storied past, enriching Frank’s personal experience with broader historical significance.

2. Sergeant Savad Johnson’s Heroic Rescue and Tragic Demise

Story Overview: Sergeant Savad Johnson recounts a harrowing firefighting experience in Detroit, highlighting the perilous nature of his duty and the emotional toll it takes. His story exemplifies bravery, quick thinking, and the profound responsibilities firefighters bear. Tragically, Sergeant Johnson's heroism extended beyond this narrative, leading to his untimely death while performing another act of bravery.

Key Points:

• Life as a Firefighter: Savad shares his long tenure with the Detroit Fire Department, detailing intense periods like Devil’s Night in the 1980s and 90s when arson fires were rampant.

• The Critical Rescue: He narrates a specific incident where he enters a blazing house to save an elderly woman trapped by flames. Confronted with life-threatening heat and smoke, Savad's determination to save another person drives him to overcome extreme fear.

• Emotional Struggles: Throughout the rescue, Savad battles internal fears and memories of fallen comrades, illustrating the psychological challenges faced by first responders.

• Successful Rescue and Afterwards: Despite successfully rescuing the woman, the emotional aftermath and ongoing dangers in firefighting resonate deeply with Savad.

Notable Quotes:

• Sergeant Savad Johnson [24:31]: “I thought about my daughter, Kendall. She was 5 at the time. I pictured her smiling at me with her fat cheeks. I could hear her laughing when I tickled her.”
• Sergeant Savad Johnson [38:54]: “That's part of the job that sucks the most. I know we can't save everybody, but we try.”

Timestamp Highlights:

• 23:58 - 38:54: Sergeant Savad Johnson’s detailed account of the intense firefighting rescue, his emotions, and the final outcome of the mission.
• 38:54 - 40:21: A somber update reveals the tragic loss of Sergeant Johnson during a heroic rescue, emphasizing his legacy and impact on both his community and "The Moth" listeners.

3. Henny Lewin’s Holocaust Survival and Enduring Resilience

Story Overview: Henny Lewin recounts her harrowing survival of the Holocaust, providing a poignant glimpse into the atrocities faced by Jews in Nazi-occupied Lithuania. Her narrative is a testament to ingenuity, familial bonds, and the unwavering hope that kept her alive amidst unimaginable suffering.

Key Points:

• Early Life and Ghetto Imprisonment: At just 1.5 years old, Henny's life is upturned when Nazis invade Kaunas, Lithuania. She and her family are confined to a densely packed ghetto, where loss and trauma soon permeate her early years.

• Hiding from Persecution: To protect her from cruel Nazi actions, Henny's parents create a hiding space known as "malina." Here, Henny forms a sibling-like bond with her cousin Shoshana, navigating the dangers of ghetto life.

• Escape and False Identity: Through the brave efforts of a Catholic priest and her father’s resourcefulness, Henny is smuggled out of the ghetto in a suitcase, assuming a new identity to survive.

• Life in Displaced Persons Camp: Post-war, Henny reunites with her family in a refugee camp, where she attends school and rebuilds her life despite the lingering scars of the past.

• Enduring Relationships: Henny maintains a deep, sisterly connection with Shoshana, despite the years and distances separating them, underscoring the lasting impact of shared trauma and survival.

Notable Quotes:

• Henny Lewin [41:01]: “I hate milk to this day.”
• Henny Lewin [41:54]: “Because of the Holocaust, family configurations have changed. But Shoshana and I will remain sisters forever.”

Timestamp Highlights:

• 40:28 - 41:54: Henny Lewin's comprehensive story of survival, from life in the ghetto, through escape, to her new life in a displaced persons camp and eventual immigration, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit amidst severe oppression.

Conclusion

This episode of "Here’s Where It Gets Interesting" masterfully intertwines stories of historical significance and personal triumphs. From the mystical allure of a centuries-old violin and a firefighter's courageous efforts to save lives, to the heartbreaking survival tales of Holocaust victims, each narrative offers profound insights into human resilience and the intricate tapestry of history. Sharon McMahon, through engaging storytelling and thoughtful presentation, invites listeners to reflect on these untold American stories, fostering a deeper understanding of the past's influence on present and future generations.

Additional Resources

For more stories and in-depth explorations of America’s hidden histories, visit themoth.org and follow "Here’s Where It Gets Interesting" on your preferred podcast platform.