Podcast Summary: The Moth with Angela Lush & TJ McDonald Release Date: August 16, 2016

Introduction

In this episode of The Moth, host Dan Kennedy presents two captivating true stories from Angela Lush and TJ McDonald. The evening's theme revolves around "Firsts," exploring pivotal moments that mark significant beginnings in the storytellers' lives. Both narratives delve into personal experiences that blend humor, vulnerability, and insightful reflections.

Angela Lush: The First Tattoo Debacle Live in Melbourne

Angela Lush, founder and director of Lush Logic, shares her tumultuous journey of getting her first tattoo—a decision driven by her desire to subtly rebel against her conservative upbringing. Her story is a blend of youthful naivety, unexpected challenges, and enduring friendships.

• Planning the Rebellion: Angela begins by recounting her move from a rural area in South Australia to the bustling metropolis of Adelaide at 18. Feeling different from her conservative family, she decides to get a tattoo as a covert act of rebellion. “I thought, what can I do to kind of rebel? But not really rebel my conservative family so that nobody would see.” [02:28]

• Choosing the Masterpiece: She meticulously selects a detailed black-and-white unicorn mural, envisioning it as a lifelong symbol. “I thought, this is something that I could love for the rest of my life. What could possibly go wrong?” [02:50]

• The Tattoo Experience: On her scheduled Monday afternoon, Angela faces unexpected hurdles. The tattoo artist refuses to place the tattoo on her back, citing excessive pain, and instead suggests less conventional spots like her hip or even her buttocks. “He said, you can't have tattoos on your back. So bear in mind this is 20 or so years ago... he said, what about your ass?” [03:20]

• Unwanted Changes: During the session, the artist insists on adding color to her originally black-and-white design, leading to unwanted alterations. Angela describes the moment of realization: “I had discovered, much to my disgust, that my unicorn had no horn. So I had become a person with a horse on their ass.” [08:50]

• Impact on Relationships: The tattoo becomes a litmus test in her personal life, influencing her romantic relationships based on others' reactions to her unexpected "horse." However, Angela cherishes a long-term friend who overlooks her tattoo, illustrating the depth of their bond. “Thank you so much for not mentioning the horse on my ass for the last seven years. Thank you.” [09:14]

Insights: Angela's story highlights the unintended consequences of impulsive decisions and underscores the value of genuine friendships that transcend superficial judgments.

TJ McDonald: The Kiwi Conundrum in America Live in London at Union Chapel, Islington

TJ McDonald, a part-time stand-up comedian from New Zealand, narrates his humorous and eye-opening experiences during his first trip to the United States. His tale navigates cultural misunderstandings, the clash between expectation and reality, and the quirky aspects of American life.

• Dreaming of America: Inspired by shows like The West Wing, TJ becomes enamored with the idea of America, leading him to embark on a solo journey at 27. “I saved up a bit of money, threw on a backpack, and went to the States for three months.” [09:42]

• Cultural Shock: Upon arrival, TJ is disheartened by the casual disregard for facts among Americans, finding his meticulously prepared conversation starters fall flat. “A lot of Americans do not care for facts. A lot of my conversation stars were met with blank looks.” [10:15]

• New York Overwhelm: TJ contrasts the cosmopolitan nature of New Zealand with the overwhelming scale of New York City, where he feels like a "country bumpkin." “In New York, I was a country bumpkin.” [11:00]

• The Great Kiwi Hunt: A standout moment occurs at the Washington D.C. zoo, where TJ fixates on spotting a kiwi—a national symbol of New Zealand. His relentless search becomes a metaphor for his longing and sense of belonging. “We were there for an hour, still no sign of the kiwi. At this point, a mum walked in with her son...” [14:30]

• Realization and Acceptance: The story culminates in TJ's amusement at the American woman's stubbornness and the eventual revelation that the kiwi was temporarily unavailable. He reflects on the absurdity and similarity to life back home. “Standing in a nocturnal house for a crazy long period of time and not seeing a kiwi is like the most New Zealand thing that can ever happen to you.” [16:00]

Insights: TJ's narrative offers a humorous take on cultural dissonance and the universal search for familiar symbols in foreign landscapes, emphasizing resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth masterfully captures the essence of "Firsts" through Angela Lush's ill-fated tattoo adventure and TJ McDonald's cultural escapade in America. Both storytellers illuminate the complexities of personal growth, the unpredictability of life's choices, and the enduring impact of first experiences. Their stories resonate with listeners, offering laughter, empathy, and introspection.

Notable Quotes:

• Angela Lush on Tattoo Planning: “I thought, what can I do to kind of rebel? But not really rebel my conservative family so that nobody would see.” [02:28]

• Angela Lush on Facing the Tattoo Artist's Decisions: “This happens all the time. Just be mature. You're an adult. This is all going to be fine.” [07:10]

• TJ McDonald on American Absurdity: “Only in America could you meet someone who's gone to the moon.” [12:05]

• TJ McDonald on the Kiwi at the Zoo: “Standing in a nocturnal house for a crazy long period of time and not seeing a kiwi is like the most New Zealand thing that can ever happen to you.” [16:00]

About the Storytellers:

• Angela Lush: Founder and director of Lush Logic, Angela specializes in science communication and copywriting, leveraging her experiences to foster meaningful connections through storytelling.

• TJ McDonald: Born and raised in New Zealand, TJ now resides in Crystal Palace with his fiancée. Balancing part-time stand-up comedy with a passion for karaoke and friendships, he brings humor and relatability to his narratives.

Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Moth. We hope these stories inspire you to embrace your own firsts with courage and humor.