Podcast Summary: The Moth – "Bye-Bye New York" by Emad Kiyaei

Release Date: January 11, 2019

Introduction to the Episode

In the January 11, 2019 episode of The Moth Podcast, titled "Bye-Bye New York", host Dan Kennedy presents a poignant and personal story by Emad Kiyaei. This episode is part of a special event, the Moth Grand Slam held in Brooklyn, New York, where ten Grand Slam winners compete by sharing new stories under the theme "Lost and Found." Notably, this event featured Emad participating remotely from Cape Town, South Africa, via Skype, marking a first in Moth Grand Slam history.

Event Setup and Host Introduction

Dan Kennedy sets the stage by explaining the unique format of the Grand Slam, highlighting the exceptional participation of Emad Kiyaei:

"This event was a first in Moth Grand Slam history because we had one storyteller who was not live on stage, but joining us from Cape Town, South Africa via Skype Audio." [01:32]

Ophira Eisenberg, the co-host, elaborates on the technical and emotional logistics of including a remote storyteller:

"But we have an exception with the storyteller who won a slam and then he was forced to leave the country because immigration for some nationals has become more complicated." [02:30]

Emad Kiyaei’s Story: From Arrival to Assimilation

Emad Kiyaei begins his narrative by recounting his journey from South Africa to New York 16 years prior, driven by a dream to pursue higher education:

"I yahooed a cheap good university in New York so I can make my dream come true." [04:50]

He describes his naive optimism and the physical and emotional toll of relocating:

"I packed up my small belongings into two suitcases and a backpack and stuffed all of my money, all my savings so I can pay for the cheap tuition in America into my pockets, into my jacket because it was cold winter in Cape Town." [05:07]

Upon arriving at JFK Airport, Emad faces immediate adversity amid heightened security tensions:

"As I approached the immigration officer, I gave him my passport. And he looked at me, he looked at the passport, he looked at me, he looked at the passport. And I will never forget his face or his hands when it started shaking." [06:27]

Emad vividly describes the intense scrutiny and fear during his immigration interrogation:

"I was surrounded by immigration officers, military dogs and people in plain suits, plain clothes, screaming at me, 'Step to the side, sir, step to the side.'" [06:42]

Despite the harrowing experience, a compassionate encounter helps him navigate his first days in New York:

"There was though this African American lady who was cleaning the airport. And God bless her because she gave me such accurate instructions and even took me to catch a bus to Jamaica Station and then the train to stony Brooklyn." [09:00]

Building a Life in New York

Over the next 16 years, Emad establishes a life in New York, cherishing the city as his home:

"New York was my home. Where I first fell in love and first heartache. Where I roamed the city and hustled like everybody else. Where I got my education, my career and my friends who became my family." [09:30]

He reflects on his personal and professional growth, finding love, enduring heartbreak, and building meaningful relationships that shaped his identity.

The Forced Departure: Immigration Policy Changes

Emad’s story takes a tragic turn following political changes and tightening immigration policies in the United States. After a prolonged and hopeful process to obtain permanent residency, his application is abruptly denied:

"Suddenly things had changed and my application was denied. I was given a very small window to pack up my shit and leave United States." [08:50]

Faced with the imminent need to leave, Emad describes the emotional and logistical challenges of uprooting once more:

"It is very difficult to reconcile that my whole life, my most important years have been spent in New York. And to that I want to say that I hope that one day will come and this time will pass." [10:53]

Return to Cape Town: A Complex Sense of Loss and Beauty

Returning to Cape Town, Emad experiences a tumultuous mix of emotions—loss of his home and the beauty of returning to his roots:

"I was sent off and forced out of the country in the dead winter of New York in February and coming to the summer of Cape Town, which is absolutely gorgeous." [10:56]

He acknowledges the pain of leaving New York but also finds solace in the familiar environment of Cape Town:

"But it was a lost and found and loss in a sense because it is very difficult to reconcile that my whole life, my most important years have been spent in New York." [10:56]

Reflections and Hope for the Future

Emad concludes his story with a message of resilience and hope, appreciating the support from civil society and expressing optimism for policy changes:

"I hope that one day will come and this time will pass. And it is incredible the amount of heart outpour and the abilities of civil society to really challenge what has happened in the United States." [10:56]

He extends his gratitude and love to the audience, symbolizing a bridge between his past in New York and his present in Cape Town:

"I give you power, I give you love. And I send you all from the end of the world in Cape Town. And I thank you for allowing me to tell you my story." [10:56]

Grand Slam Outcome and Conclusion

After a heartfelt and compelling performance, Emad is declared the Grand Slam champion, receiving the highest score of the night despite performing from nearly 8,000 miles away:

"And yet the judges gave him the highest score of the night and he pulled out a win at that Grand Slam." [12:09]

Ophira Eisenberg and Dan Kennedy congratulate Emad, acknowledging the difficulty of making a connection under such circumstances:

"Consider how hard it is making a connection with an audience from 20ft away, let alone almost 8,000 miles." [12:21]

The episode closes with encouragement for listeners to share their own stories through The Moth’s Story Slams, fostering a community of shared experiences and storytelling.

Notable Quotes

• Imad Kiyahi: "I'm so sorry that I'm not there in person. You have no idea how much I miss that beautiful city and its smelly subways." [04:16]

• Imad Kiyahi: "It was as if I had found myself again selling or getting rid of everything." [09:50]

• Imad Kiyahi: "But I don't want to end this in a bad note because... there is some beauty of it." [10:53]

• Dan Kennedy: "Hey." [12:12] (Expressing genuine emotion upon hearing Emad’s victory)

Final Thoughts

"Bye-Bye New York" is a moving testament to the immigrant experience, highlighting themes of hope, resilience, and the profound impact of political landscapes on individual lives. Emad Kiyaei’s story not only sheds light on the personal struggles faced by many immigrants but also underscores the universal quest for home, belonging, and the courage to rebuild amidst adversity.

For those inspired by Emad’s narrative, The Moth encourages participation in their Story Slams, inviting individuals to share their own transformative experiences and foster a tapestry of human stories.

Visit themoth.org for more information on programs and live events.