The Moth Podcast: “Snowed In” (December 19, 2025)
Main Theme & Purpose
This episode of The Moth Podcast, titled “Snowed In,” brings together true, live-told stories about the struggles and unexpected moments of connection that occur in the midst of winter’s harshest conditions. From highway whiteouts to ski slope mishaps, the episode explores both the misery and the magic of winter—with warmth, humor, and vulnerability.
Key Stories & Discussion Points
1. Surviving a Whiteout
Told by: Cola Rum @ Atlanta StorySlam
Theme: "Elbow Grease"
[02:48 – 08:16]
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Story Overview:
Cola, a Floridian escort driver tasked with delivering new cars across the U.S., shares his trial-by-fire with winter’s dangers on the road. Excited at first to see “a real winter,” he quickly learns that perilous driving through snowstorms is nothing to envy. -
Key Experiences:
- Witnessing 35 cars crash outside Dallas when I-20 iced over.
- Flipping his car outside rural Wisconsin at 2 AM while checking his map.
- Arriving at an abandoned truck stop in Michigan during a storm.
- Becoming an “expert snow driver” in just a month out of pure necessity.
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Central Conflict:
Cola’s most frightening ordeal occurs during a whiteout between Buffalo and Chicago, where the weather changes suddenly, stranding him with only a quarter tank of gas, and the haunting realization that any of his options could lead to freezing to death. -
Notable Moment & Quote:
As a whiteout descends, Cola confesses:“I started talking to God, but I wasn’t praying. I was cussing his ass out.”
(Cola Rum, 06:20) -
Unexpected Rescue:
Just as Cola resigns himself to fate, an 18-wheeler appears, the driver illuminating the back of his trailer so Cola can follow through the storm to safety.
Upon arrival, the anonymous trucker offers a simple but profound gesture:“He gave me the power fist. I stuck my hand out the window and gave him the power fist back.”
(Cola Rum, 07:44) -
Uplifting Conclusion:
Inside the truck stop, a stranger gives Cola a free ticket for a hot shower:“Brother, you look like you just went through a real one. Hell, you need this more than me.”
(Truck stop patron, 08:09)
Memorable Insights:
- Even when you plan and prepare, winter’s unpredictability (and humanity’s) wins out.
- Simple acts of kindness—a guiding truck, a free shower—can become deeply meaningful.
2. A Secret Ski Trip Turns into Unexpected Wisdom
Told by: Melissa Early @ Chicago StorySlam
Theme: "Wisdom"
[11:48 – 17:46]
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Story Overview:
Melissa, a young pastor, is quietly dating another pastor named Cory. She’s determined to shield her personal life from her well-meaning, sometimes nosy congregation. -
Navigating Secrecy:
- Avoids talking about boyfriends to church members at all costs.
- Meticulously plans a covert pre-Christmas ski trip with Cory; only a couple necessary confidantes know her “cover story.”
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Disaster Strikes:
During their last run, Cory takes a bad fall in newly opened powder. As Melissa collects his scattered gear, she realizes it’s serious—Cory has a “spectacular fracture,” requiring emergency surgery in Denver. -
Memorable Moments:
- The chain of urgent calls Melissa makes from the hospital waiting room, including to Cory’s family and her own.
- Wrestling with her secret as she calls Jerry, chair of the church personnel committee, and ultimately decides to come clean about who she’s truly with.
-
Notable Quote:
As Melissa faces her fear of judgment, Jerry responds:“We’ll take everything. Don’t worry about a thing. We’ve got it.”
(Jerry, 16:22) -
Resolution:
Melissa misses church services and returns home full of dread. Instead of judgment, she finds compassion and acceptance from her congregation:“They were just glad I was back, and they were glad that Cory was going to be okay. They cared about him because I did.”
(Melissa Early, 17:30)
Postscript & Insights:
- Post-story, Melissa shares that she and Cory did marry—but later divorced, a change that enabled her subsequent move to Colorado and a renewed embrace of honesty:
“I also don’t try to keep secrets from my church. I’m a better pastor when I let my whole self show up.”
(17:38)
Host Commentary & Connecting Threads
Emily Couch (Host)
[02:07, 08:16, 11:31, 17:46]
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Opening Reflection:
Emily invites listeners to embrace winter’s dual nature—its coziness and its challenges:“The Moth is sharing stories all about the magic and the misery of winter, from traveling down icy roads to finding warmth with your loved ones.”
(Emily Couch, 02:12) -
Personal Memory:
Emily recalls her own Brooklyn childhood memory of sledding during a blizzard:“It was pure magic and I’ve loved snow ever since.”
(Emily Couch, 08:16) -
Closing Note:
The show wraps with a wish for listeners to “stay warm with a good story,” regardless of what the weather brings.
Notable Quotes & Timestamps
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On Divine Negotiations in a Whiteout:
“I wasn’t praying. I was cussing his ass out.”
– Cola Rum, 06:20 -
On Following Hope Through the Storm:
“The back of his trailer lit up with light and I followed him for 20 minutes to a truck stop.”
– Cola Rum, 07:22 -
On Vulnerability and Community Support:
“We’ll take everything. Don’t worry about a thing. We’ve got it.”
– Jerry, as recounted by Melissa Early, 16:22 -
Embracing Authenticity:
“I’m a better pastor when I let my whole self show up.”
– Melissa Early, 17:38
Episode Timeline
- [02:07] Host Emily Couch introduces the winter storytelling theme.
- [02:48 – 08:16] Cola Rum’s harrowing snowstorm drive.
- [08:16 – 11:31] Emily shares a nostalgic snow memory; brief break.
- [11:48 – 17:46] Melissa Early’s secret ski trip and lessons in vulnerability.
- [17:46] Host wraps up with postscript and good wishes.
Tone & Style
The episode blends heartfelt humor, candor, and drama. The storytellers speak with vulnerability and wit, revealing both the dangers and the unexpected delights that the coldest months (and the communities we find there) can offer.
This summary covers all major stories and themes, highlighting quotes and moments that capture the lively essence of The Moth’s signature true storytelling.