The Moth Radio Hour
Episode: Behind the Scenes: The Moth Radio Hour
Date: December 30, 2025
Host: Jody Powell
Episode Overview
This special “behind the scenes” edition of The Moth Radio Hour takes listeners beyond the curtain—into restaurants, schools, bars, hospitals, and even avalanche-prone mountain roads—with a series of true stories told live by people who have lived them. The episode explores what happens when regular routines are upended, revealing unexpected bravery, connection, resilience, kindness, and the everyday magic found in being present for one another.
Key Stories & Insights
1. Gretchen Van Esselstyn – “The Hotline” (02:56–08:56)
Story Summary
Gretchen recounts a chaotic night working the salad station in a fine dining restaurant when disaster strikes. After a series of accidents leave her alone in the kitchen, faced with burning proteins and mounting orders, she's forced to step into the role she’s been longing for but never trusted with: the hotline. Amidst the chaos, she takes a moment to carefully craft a salad for a beloved VIP—reminding herself of the beauty and pride in seemingly small victories.
Highlights & Insights
- Vivid Behind-the-Scenes: The often-unseen drama and camaraderie of restaurant crews are brought to life.
- Stepping Up: Even when unprepared, necessity forced Gretchen into the “hero” position—if only briefly.
- Small Triumphs: Her careful construction of the VIP’s endive salad becomes her redemptive moment.
Memorable Quote
“I'm not allowed to touch the stove, but what choice do I have? So I step over Steve's body and over to the hotline, and I start just turning and plating.” – Gretchen Van Esselstyn [05:25]
“I also sent out something so beautiful and delicious and nourishing that she licked the plate clean.” – Gretchen Van Esselstyn [08:50]
Fun Fact
The VIP regular was none other than Rue McClanahan of "The Golden Girls." [09:00]
2. James Gordon – “To Be or Not To Be” (10:19–16:46)
Story Summary
James, a seventh-grade teacher, recounts how one student, Hawkins, challenges him to confront his unfulfilled dream of becoming an actor. Through Hawkins’ ambition and questions, James realizes he has long discouraged himself from acting—until a chance later in life brings the two together on a TV set, each now living the role they once only imagined.
Highlights & Insights
- Teacher Becomes the Student: The story flips the classic “teacher changes a student’s life” trope, emphasizing mutual influence.
- Representation Matters: James reflects on not seeing people like himself in acting roles, a candid nod to systemic barriers.
- Full Circle Reunion: The poignant, equally hilarious and heartfelt, tale closes with their surprise reunion on set.
Memorable Quotes
“I was living daily hypocrisy because I didn’t do what I always told my students: pursuit your dreams.” – James Gordon [14:00]
“The hook is when the student can reach back and touch and influence you, like Hawkins did me.” – James Gordon [16:23]
3. Anastasia Maximenko – “Happy Hour Interrogations” (21:34–27:42)
Story Summary
As a new arrival to the U.S., Anastasia bartends at a Turkish restaurant, subjected to the awkward curiosity and microaggressions of an Arkansas tourist couple. The conversation, colored by post-election tensions, becomes an echo of the repetitive, sometimes demeaning questions she faces as an immigrant. Yet, an unexpected gesture of warmth from the tourist’s wife reaffirms her sense of place and worth.
Highlights & Insights
- Humor Amid Awkwardness: Anastasia pokes fun at herself and her patrons, making the story both insightful and charming.
- Microaggressions & Belonging: She deftly addresses the constant need to 'prove' herself in her new home.
- Human Connection: Even a small touch and a few kind words can have a profound impact.
Memorable Quotes
“He goes, ‘So, where in Russia are you coming from?’ and I go, ‘Oh, I'm really not from Russia. I'm from Kazakhstan, but we speak Russian there.’ And he's like, ‘Hmm, that's where the Pakistan is.’” – Anastasia Maximenko [24:47]
“As an immigrant, there are many moments where you have to prove that you deserve to stay in this country.” – Anastasia Maximenko [26:12]
“‘Real glad you're here.’” – Arkansas tourist’s wife [27:38]
Note:
Anastasia Maximenko passed away in 2024, and is remembered for her heartfelt storytelling and generosity.
4. Nala Summers – “The Birthday Spa” (28:44–34:33)
Story Summary
Nala reflects on the grief of losing her partner Paul, who passed away days before her birthday. In the depths of loss, a surprise gift emerges—a pre-arranged spa day from Paul, meant to make her “believe she got sweet fa just as she asked.” The story is a testament to love, remembrance, and the restorative power of kindness.
Highlights & Insights
- Grief & Love Intertwined: Nala captures the surreal overlaps between grief and celebration.
- Love's Legacy: Even in absence, Paul’s thoughtfulness provides comfort and healing.
- Kindness as Mission: Nala wraps her story into her wider quest to make the world kinder.
Memorable Quotes
“All I could feel was love—like somebody was pouring it over me.” – Nala Summers [30:37]
“Unconditional love is truly the greatest gift that we can give and receive.” – Nala Summers [34:15]
5. Jeremy Gayton – “Avalanche in Jackson Hole” (37:42–50:29)
Story Summary
Jeremy revisits a harrowing childhood ordeal: his family car is buried by an avalanche while en route to a ski day. With his sister seemingly gravely injured and the family in shock, a twist reveals the blood is that of a deer caught in the crash, not his sister’s. The event cements an enduring family resilience and Jeremy’s ongoing love and respect for the mountains that nearly took his life.
Highlights & Insights
- Nature’s Power & Family Strength: The story highlights both the unpredictability of the wild and the steadfastness of home.
- A Hunter’s Insight: Jeremy’s father, using his experience as a hunter, solves the medical mystery in the ER.
- Resilience: The family’s experience is a metaphor for dusting off and carrying on.
Memorable Quotes
“She just never says, ‘Oh, shit.’ My heart began to race. I didn’t know what was going on.” – Jeremy Gayton [38:34]
“Turns out it was another realtor looking to show a house that day. She quickly snapped back to reality, realizing we really need help.” – Jeremy Gayton [42:21]
“Every time I take a piece of cheese out of the fridge, I think about... if you have some moldy cheese, cut off the mold, you can still eat the cheese.” – Jesse Klein, as recounted by Moth crew (54:18)
6. Behind-the-Scenes Moth Staff Reflections (51:45–55:18)
Production Staff Share Favorite Moments
- Katie (Production Coordinator): Cherishes the early hours before showtime, the camaraderie, and quiet excitement. [51:45]
- Noriko Okabe (Audio Engineer): Finds herself swept away by both the technical challenges and the emotion of live stories, delighting in witnessing the audience’s deep engagement. [52:29]
- Joe Del Cento (Videographer): Reminisces about quirky storyteller wisdom that stays with him long after each show. [53:24]
- Peter Cooper (Photographer): Moved by photos of young audience members in awe, and credits his mom’s support for his career. [54:40]
Memorable Quotes
“I love seeing and feeling the sense of oneness, their eyes glued to the storyteller.” – Noriko Okabe [52:55]
“It was some students in the audience... in this state of awe and wonder while they were watching the storytellers.” – Peter Cooper [54:45]
Notable Moments & Quotes With Timestamps
-
Restaurant Chaos & Poise:
“I have a lot of oysters open. I'm still not any good at it, and I'm just shucking oysters... stabbing myself in that part of my hand every fourth time by mistake. Just kind of relishing that pain.” – Gretchen Van Esselstyn [08:30] -
Teacher’s Truth:
“I had lied to him. I didn’t think I could be an actor.” – James Gordon [13:32] -
Bartender’s Candor:
“I'm like, yeah, yeah, yeah, it’s somewhere, somewhere they're close.” – Anastasia Maximenko [25:24] -
Birthday and Loss:
“I just kept thinking, I just want a birthday card from him to come through the front door.” – Nala Summers [32:46] -
Avalanche Realization:
“He picks it up and stares at it for a minute. Then he brings it up to his face and smells it. You guys, he said, this is deer blood.” – Jeremy Gayton [47:29]
The Moth – Enduring Themes
- Resilience and Adaptability: Each story showcases how individuals respond when life veers off script.
- Connection: From restaurant kitchens to mountain roads, the quiet magic of simple compassion shines through.
- The Unexpected Hero: Ordinary people find themselves called to extraordinary moments.
- Behind the Curtain: The episode’s “back of house” focus celebrates both literal and metaphorical unseen labor in daily life and storytelling.
For Further Exploration
- Visit themoth.org for family recipes, story pitches, and behind-the-scenes photos.
- Look up the full staff credits to appreciate those who make The Moth's magic possible.
Whether you’re behind the scenes or standing in the spotlight, The Moth reminds us every true story is worth listening to—and, sometimes, retelling.