The Moth Podcast Summary: "David Harris-Gershon & Peter Story: StorySLAM Favorites"
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Introduction
Hosted by Dan Kennedy, The Moth presents authentic, live storytelling experiences. In this episode, two storytellers, David Harris-Gershon and Peter Story, share their compelling narratives that were favorites at StorySLAM events. The episode delves into themes of political activism and seizing unexpected opportunities, offering deep insights into human resilience and creativity.
1. David Harris-Gershon: "Fish Out of Water"
Timestamp: [02:57] – [08:56]
David Harris-Gershon opens his story amidst the fervor of the 2008 presidential election in Wilmington, North Carolina. Inspired by Barack Obama's candidacy, David commits to supporting the campaign but faces immediate challenges.
Canvassing Challenges
David describes his initial foray into door-to-door campaigning as an introvert:
"For a natural introvert such as myself, it sounded horrendous... I did not make it past the first three doors." ([03:30])
He recounts encounters that swiftly dampen his spirits:
- A hesitant middle-aged man with a Coors Light and a mousetrap who refuses to engage.
- A cacophony of dogs barking and a crying baby at the second door.
- A nearly naked 20-something holding a potted plant at the third doorstep.
Feeling overwhelmed, David considers alternative methods to support the campaign, leveraging his writing skills but soon realizes the necessity of genuine, real-time interactions to make an impact.
Transition to Online Activism
Determined to find a way, David delves into anonymous online chat rooms using Yahoo Messenger:
"I created some profile like CoffeeDrinker123 and immediately found that of the hundreds of rooms... only one was organized by location." ([05:15])
He targets Ohio voters in hopes of influencing swing states, initiating conversations under the guise of a female persona, "adventurous Jen":
"I put on a pink font, tried to create the literary facade of a bubbly woman... and started my replies." ([06:45])
Building a Virtual Harem
David's strategy involves seductive dialogues aimed at persuading men to register and vote for Obama. While many interactions turn erotic and explicit, he masterfully redirects them towards his political goal:
"If you send me a picture of you voting for Obama, then yes, I will definitely have sex with you." ([07:30])
This tactic prove effective, amassing a group of newly registered voters. However, one interaction stands out—Trent from Akron:
"If you were to die today, would you regret the life you've lived?" ([08:00])
Climactic Election Day
As the election approaches, Trent's enigmatic messages grow more profound, culminating on November 6th with:
"Things are never as they seem. Thank you." ([08:50])
This cryptic message leaves David reflecting on the unpredictability of human connections and the deeper motivations behind his unconventional activism.
2. Peter Story: "Golden Opportunity"
Timestamp: [09:29] – [15:33]
Peter Story narrates a heartfelt tale of love, perseverance, and unexpected fortune centered around a wedding giveaway contest.
The Struggle to Plan a Wedding
In the fall of 2009, Peter and his fiancée Megan grapple with unemployment and financial constraints while trying to plan their wedding. The couple faces the harsh reality that their dreams may not materialize due to limited resources.
Discovering the Contest
Megan discovers the "Southern California $100,000 Dream Wedding Giveaway" on a site called Broke Ass Bride. Initially skeptical, Peter voices his doubts:
"I said, 'listen, I'm a skeptic... it's just not going to happen.'" ([10:15])
Despite reservations, Megan persuades him to enter the contest. They diligently fill out the application, pouring their hopes into the submission amidst over 600 other couples.
The Competition Intensifies
Upon becoming a top 10 finalist, Peter and Megan embark on an aggressive campaign to secure votes. They utilize social media, reach out to estranged family members, and even engage Panic! at the Disco to amplify their reach:
"We got them to put on Twitter to tweet our link to vote... Overnight, we went from hundreds of votes down to hundreds of votes ahead." ([13:00])
However, they face stiff competition from Amber and Tyler—Amber seeking a memorable win, and Tyler, a firefighter battling testicular cancer.
The Final Showdown
The final decision rests at a grand party, but logistical challenges prevent Peter from attending. Ingeniously, Megan creates cutouts of Peter on popsicle sticks, ensuring his presence is felt:
"Even though I wasn't there in body, in every photograph, I'm there in 2D." ([14:20])
During the event, Megan's heartfelt testimony about their relationship melts the audience, while Amber falters under the pressure. The culmination of their efforts pays off when Peter and Megan win the contest:
"We won the whole thing. It was a dream wedding for two kids on unemployment." ([15:15])
A Humorous Twist
Peter concludes with a lighthearted note:
"Amber and Tyler broke up." ([15:30])
This closing remark underscores the unpredictable nature of competitions and relationships, adding a touch of humor to their victorious journey.
Conclusion
This episode of The Moth masterfully showcases two distinct yet equally inspiring stories. David Harris-Gershon's innovative approach to political activism highlights the lengths one might go to support a cause, blending humor with poignancy. Conversely, Peter Story's narrative celebrates love and determination, emphasizing that sometimes, golden opportunities arise when least expected.
Both storytellers illuminate the human spirit's capacity to navigate challenges with creativity and resilience, leaving listeners with memorable insights and heartfelt reflections.
Notable Quotes:
- David Harris-Gershon: "This is no job for somebody like me, but I was still committed." ([04:00])
- Peter Story: "Just enjoy the journey." ([15:20])
About the Storytellers
-
David Harris-Gershon is a blogger for Tikkun Magazine, a freelance writer focusing on Israeli and American politics, and a Jewish day school teacher in Pittsburgh. He authored the memoir "What Do You Buy? The Children of the Terrorist Who Tried to Kill Your Wife," published on September 10.
-
Peter Story is a performer and passionate storyteller based in Los Angeles, married to Megan. He tours the country with a one-man show inspired by Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus. Follow him on social media as @thepeterstory.
This summary captures the essence of the featured stories, providing an engaging and comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.