The Moth Podcast Episode Summary: "Adam Wade: Development & Jonathan Ames: The Duel"
Introduction
In the January 5, 2009 episode of The Moth, listeners are treated to two captivating true stories that showcase the bravery and creativity of live storytelling. Hosted by Dan Kennedy, this episode features Adam Wade’s "Development" and Jonathan Ames’ "The Duel." Both stories delve into personal journeys filled with ambition, rivalry, and unexpected twists, providing rich insights into the human experience.
Adam Wade: Development
Adam Wade opens his story with a nostalgic recount of his leap of faith moving from his hometown in New Hampshire to the bustling metropolis of New York City. At [03:04], he shares, “I went to New York, New York City. And for a year and a half, every other week, I sent a resume to the NBC page program. Never heard back. And then I got a call and I had two interviews. I said I was determined, considerate and hard working. And I became an NBC page.”
Wade details his experiences within the NBC page program, highlighting the competitive environment and the camaraderie with his peers. He humorously recalls his assignment with Conan O’Brien, where he forged memorable connections with the crew. A standout moment occurs at [07:26], when Wade describes the aftermath of his impish prank: “The camera guys and the sound guys, they wrote, dear Conan, I've been pissing in your coffee for the past eight weeks. Go fuck yourself. And I put it under his door. Conan didn't like that, but he did weave it on his, like, little desk. It was nice.”
The climax of Wade’s story revolves around his heartfelt return to his hometown to develop the photos he took during his NBC days. At [07:26], he shares a moment of awkward nostalgia: “And Linda Winters sat behind me in homeroom. She was in high school. She wouldn’t give me the time of day. And I would always turn around and pass her back. Hi, Linda.” This encounter leads to unexpected revelations about his photos, which Wade humorously discovers contain inappropriate images, prompting his reaction: “I ripped up the photos. I put them in the glove compartment... What am I going to do?”
The story concludes with Wade reflecting on his tenure at NBC and the lasting impressions of his experiences, encapsulating the blend of humor and humility that defines his journey.
Jonathan Ames: The Duel
Jonathan Ames transitions into a dramatically different narrative centered around his time as a sophomore at Princeton University. Starting at [10:29], Ames sets the stage by explaining his role as a fencing team captain: “In 1984, I was a sophomore at Princeton and I was one of the captains on the fencing team.”
Ames provides an engaging primer on fencing, distinguishing between the three weapons: foil, epee, and saber. He humorously demonstrates with the saber, saying, “the saber is a slashing weapon. And the whole target area is everything above the hips, including the head and the arms. And so you make cutting motions like that and you slash across the body and it's very dynamic.”
Central to Ames’ story is his intense rivalry with Russell Wilson, the top saber fencer at Columbia University. At [19:17], he describes the pivotal fencing match: “I had been fencing him all through high school. I'd been fencing him at Junior Olympics. He was always beating me.”
The tension peaks during the duel, where Ames narrates his strategic yet emotional battle to defeat Wilson. A notable moment occurs when Ames, caught in a moment of vulnerability, describes his inner turmoil: “My inner loser was asserting itself. You know, my whole Oedipal upbringing...” This introspection adds depth to the high-stakes duel.
The climax arrives as Ames recounts his unexpected victory: “Boom,” [19:17] he exclaims, detailing the final touch that wins him the bout. His triumphant yet chaotic reaction—“I parried him. It was beautiful. It was delicious...” [19:17]—captures the exhilaration and release of overcoming a long-standing challenge.
Ames concludes with a reflection on the lasting impact of this victory and its place in his life narrative, blending humor with a sense of accomplishment.
Conclusion
This episode of The Moth masterfully weaves together two distinct yet equally compelling narratives. Adam Wade’s story of ambition and humorously tangled nostalgia contrasts sharply with Jonathan Ames’ intense and introspective recounting of athletic rivalry and personal growth. Both storytellers exemplify the essence of The Moth: sharing genuine, unfiltered stories that resonate with audiences through their honesty, humor, and humanity. Whether aspiring to make it in New York City or striving for victory on the fencing strip, Wade and Ames invite listeners into their worlds with eloquence and emotional depth, making this episode a memorable exploration of personal triumphs and trials.