Summary of "It’s Not The Fall That Gets You" by Andy Christie
Introduction
In the episode titled "It’s Not The Fall That Gets You," Andy Christie shares a thrilling and humorous account of his skydiving experience that intertwines elements of midlife crisis, unexpected challenges, and personal growth. Recorded live at The Moth's main stage during a night themed around thriller stories, Andy captivates the audience with his candid storytelling and vivid imagery.
The Leap into Skydiving
Andy begins his story by setting the scene high above Albany on a perfect day for skydiving. He humorously recounts his decision to take up skydiving as a remedy for his midlife crisis, opting for an adrenaline-filled activity over clichéd choices like buying a convertible.
“I didn’t want to be one of those kind of midlife crisis guys who runs out and gets a convertible. Besides, who needs two convertibles?”
— Andy Christie [02:40]
Andy describes his meeting with Annette, the senior instructor at the skydiving academy. Despite being only 19 years old and petite, Annette exudes professionalism and confidence.
“She was like a lowercase 'i' with a smiley face dot for a head, which made me feel like a capital 'O' standing next to her.”
— Andy Christie [03:30]
The Training Begins
Annette begins Andy’s training with what seems like a simplistic exercise on a milk crate, emphasizing the importance of the landing over the fall.
“It’s not the fall that gets you. It’s a sudden stop.”
— Annette [04:15]
This pivotal quote underscores the theme of the story, highlighting that the real danger lies in the abruptness of the landing rather than the act of falling itself. Andy humorously reflects on his limited knowledge of skydiving, realizing the gravity (pun intended) of the situation as he progresses from jumping off a milk crate to higher platforms.
The Leap of Faith
As Andy prepares for the actual jump, his anxiety grows. He describes the intimate and somewhat flirtatious interaction with Annette that leaves him more apprehensive than empowered.
“Between the altitude and the pillow talk, I am basically in a lovesick trance.”
— Andy Christie [07:00]
Despite his fears, Andy makes the leap. Mid-jump, his parachute malfunctions, leading to a moment of sheer terror as he plummets towards the ground without a functioning chute. His instincts kick in, and he instinctively performs a reflexive maneuver to protect himself.
“I’m praying my life doesn’t flash before my eyes and ruin the last couple of minutes I have.”
— Andy Christie [08:30]
Survival and Reflection
Miraculously, the parachute deploys correctly, and Andy lands safely. He returns to the office where Annette is waiting with a complimentary sparkling wine, revealing that the parachute's malfunction was a planned stunt to spike his adrenaline.
“You seem like a cool guy, so I wanted you to have a really awesome jump.”
— Annette [10:00]
Andy grapples with mixed emotions—initial anger and fear give way to realization and gratitude. He reflects on Annette’s earlier joke about the sudden stop being the real danger, concluding that it's the unexpected challenges that truly test us.
“Maybe she's right. I'm not going to stop. That's what kills you.”
— Andy Christie [10:50]
Conclusion
In the end, Andy's experience becomes a metaphor for facing fears and embracing the unexpected. His story is a testament to stepping out of one’s comfort zone and finding resilience in the face of adversity. The episode concludes with Andy’s humorous yet profound resolution to continue skydiving, symbolizing his commitment to living life fully and fearlessly.
“I lock eyes with her and I glare at her and I hope I'm cute when I'm angry and I sign up for another lesson and I drive home with the top down. Thank you.”
— Andy Christie [11:15]
Final Thoughts
Andy Christie's narrative is a blend of suspense, humor, and heartfelt moments that effectively convey the essence of The Moth's storytelling ethos. His ability to intertwine personal anecdotes with universal themes of fear, courage, and personal growth makes for an engaging and memorable story that resonates with listeners.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- “It’s not the fall that gets you. It’s a sudden stop.” — Annette [04:15]
- “I am basically in a lovesick trance.” — Andy Christie [07:00]
- “You seem like a cool guy, so I wanted you to have a really awesome jump.” — Annette [10:00]
- “Maybe she's right. I'm not going to stop. That's what kills you.” — Andy Christie [10:50]
- “I lock eyes with her and I glare at her and I hope I'm cute when I'm angry and I sign up for another lesson and I drive home with the top down. Thank you.” — Andy Christie [11:15]
About Andy Christie
Andy Christie is the co-owner of Slim Films, an illustration and animation studio based in New York. He is also a Moth Grand Slam Champion. For more about Andy, visit andychristi.com.
This summary was crafted based on the transcript of Andy Christie's story from The Moth podcast episode released on November 23, 2009. For more stories and live events, visit themoth.org.