The Moth Podcast: "Brookie Phipps Williams & Moran Cerf: It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane"

Release Date: September 13, 2010

Introduction

In this episode of The Moth, listeners are treated to two captivating true stories centered around the theme of flight. Brookie Phipps Williams shares a hilariously harrowing encounter with aggressive birds, while Moran Cerf recounts a frantic journey to catch an international flight that takes an unexpected turn. Both narratives are rich with humor, tension, and the unpredictability of real-life events.

Brookie Phipps Williams: A Bird’s Unexpected Attack

Timestamp: [03:04]

Brookie Phipps Williams begins his story with an encounter that combines an awkward social interaction with an intense fear of birds. Walking back from the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics in Santa Barbara with its director, Brookie finds himself in a forced conversation. Suddenly, a bird’s shadow passes over his feet, startling him into a defensive reaction.

Brookie Phipps Williams [03:30]: “I literally dive to the ground, and I'm just laying there.”

Brookie reveals that his fear of birds began two months earlier at a physicists’ camp in Corsica, where a humorous yet frightening incident involved a bird attacking a fellow camper.

Brookie Phipps Williams [04:15]: “He looks up and there's a bird like, three feet from it. It just bashes him in the forehead so much like you guys.”

His story takes a surreal turn when, while enjoying the scenic beauty of a parking lot near cliffs, Brookie develops a rapport with a large bird, engaging in what feels like a friendly exchange. This budding friendship is abruptly shattered when the bird suddenly swoops away, triggering a full-blown panic response.

Brookie Phipps Williams [05:45]: “I'm getting really, really excited because I've developed this rapport with the bird. And we're friends and I'm so, so happy.”

As the situation escalates, multiple birds attack him, leading to a chaotic and humorous chase through the parking lot. Brookie’s friends react instinctively, further heightening the absurdity of the scenario.

Brookie Phipps Williams [07:00]: “It felt like being in this war world, like this war movie.”

In the climax, Brookie finds himself lying in the street next to a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, struggling to reconcile the bizarre events with his typically rational environment. Realizing the awkwardness of explaining his plight, he calmly resumes his walk with the director, leaving the tension unresolved.

Brookie Phipps Williams [07:55]: “We walked back to the physics building and we didn't speak anymore.”

Moran Cerf: The Flight Fiasco to Malta

Timestamp: [08:36]

Moran Cerf, a neuroscientist with an adventurous past as a hacker, shares his tumultuous experience of narrowly catching a crucial flight. Known for his chronic tardiness, Moran humorously outlines his record-breaking near-misses with airplanes.

Moran Cerf [08:45]: “I'm always late to places by a few minutes... but it's not good with airplanes and flights because they always leave right on time.”

Moran’s story reaches its peak when a work emergency forces him to rush from Israel to Rome, and ultimately to Hong Kong, all within a tight timeframe. Exhausted yet determined, he meticulously manages each step to secure his spot on the flight.

Moran Cerf [10:30]: “I run home, pack suitcase, rush to the airport... make it on time.”

However, after landing in Rome and attempting to check into his hotel, Moran discovers a critical error: he has inadvertently arrived in Malta instead of Italy. His conversation with a local cab driver, intended to gather information about Rome, reveals the mix-up.

Moran Cerf [12:15]: “You're in Malta. The plane had a stop in Malta and I just took off, took my suitcase, took a cab and went to the hotel.”

Panic ensues as Moran grapples with the reality of his mishap, fearing the severe consequences in Israel should he miss his flight. The situation is further complicated by the hotel's receptionist confirming that his reservation does not exist in Malta, triggering a national security alert.

Moran Cerf [13:20]: “They went to code red DEFCON 5 because an Israeli 23-year-old guy with only suitcase disappeared from the airplane.”

In a frantic effort to rectify the mistake, Moran races back to the airport, surpassing his previous personal records for timely arrivals. His persistence pays off as he successfully boards the plane, reclaiming his place and preventing a potential international incident.

Moran Cerf [14:50]: “Three minutes, I make it and then, you know, walk back to my seat where they just waited, take back, put my suitcase back on, closing and everyone takes off.”

Conclusion

Both Brookie Phipps Williams and Moran Cerf deliver enthralling stories that highlight the unpredictability of life and the often humorous ways in which unforeseen challenges arise. Brookie’s tale amusingly intertwines personal fears with unexpected wildlife behavior, while Moran’s narrative underscores the high stakes and rapid decision-making required in critical travel moments. Together, these stories encapsulate the essence of The Moth: sharing genuine, unguarded experiences that resonate with listeners through their relatability and wit.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Brookie Phipps Williams [03:30]: “I literally dive to the ground, and I'm just laying there.”

• Brookie Phipps Williams [04:15]: “He looks up and there's a bird like, three feet from it. It just bashes him in the forehead so much like you guys.”

• Brookie Phipps Williams [05:45]: “I'm getting really, really excited because I've developed this rapport with the bird. And we're friends and I'm so, so happy.”

• Brookie Phipps Williams [07:00]: “It felt like being in this war world, like this war movie.”

• Brookie Phipps Williams [07:55]: “We walked back to the physics building and we didn't speak anymore.”

• Moran Cerf [08:45]: “I'm always late to places by a few minutes... but it's not good with airplanes and flights because they always leave right on time.”

• Moran Cerf [10:30]: “I run home, pack suitcase, rush to the airport... make it on time.”

• Moran Cerf [12:15]: “You're in Malta. The plane had a stop in Malta and I just took off, took my suitcase, took a cab and went to the hotel.”

• Moran Cerf [13:20]: “They went to code red DEFCON 5 because an Israeli 23-year-old guy with only suitcase disappeared from the airplane.”

• Moran Cerf [14:50]: “Three minutes, I make it and then, you know, walk back to my seat where they just waited, take back, put my suitcase back on, closing and everyone takes off.”

This episode of The Moth masterfully blends humor with tension, offering listeners a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of everyday life through the eyes of two engaging storytellers.