Summary of "Dinner with Wonder Woman: Adam Linn"

In the "Dinner with Wonder Woman: Adam Linn" episode of The Moth podcast, released on November 23, 2018, Adam Linn shares a deeply personal and humorous story about his unconventional marriage and a memorable Thanksgiving experience. The narrative highlights the complexities of love, cultural differences, and the unexpected challenges that come with blending two distinct lives.

Meeting Juju: An Unexpected Connection

Adam begins his story by recounting the serendipitous way he met his wife, Juju. Contrary to a typical subway encounter, their first interaction was facilitated online. When Adam showed up for their inaugural date, Juju recognized him from her previous observations of him commuting on the A train:

[03:14] Adam Linn: "We actually met online. But when I showed up for that first date, she took one look at me and said, 'Oh my God, you're the guy from the A train.'"

Juju, a dynamic and accomplished woman—trained as a doctor, raised in Brazil, and having built clinics in Mozambique—found Adam, a blind single father working as a waiter in a novelty restaurant, to be a potential "nice boyfriend." Despite Adam's initial doubts about his suitability, their relationship swiftly progressed.

Marriage to Wonder Woman: Balancing Extraordinary Lives

Adam describes Juju as "Wonder Woman," emphasizing her boundless energy and commitment to her work, which often leads her to unexpected places. This extraordinary nature, while admirable, sometimes strains their marriage:

[03:14] Adam Linn: "She’s always flying off somewhere or doing something very unexpected to the point where it can drive me a little crazy."

One poignant example involves Juju's mother visiting from Brazil. Initially expected to stay for ten days, her presence extends to eleven weeks. A pivotal moment arises when Juju mistakenly suspects Adam of infidelity due to repeated mentions of "Rosetta St." in his emails—a confusion stemming from his use of Rosetta Stone language software to learn Portuguese for communicating with her father.

Thanksgiving Chaos: The Frozen Pig Incident

The crux of Adam's story centers around an unconventional Thanksgiving dinner orchestrated to impress his Brazilian father-in-law. With limited culinary experience beyond cooking in the dark (as a waiter at a pitch-black restaurant), Adam decides to prepare a traditional pig roast instead of the typical turkey:

[03:14] Adam Linn: "Thanksgiving is not about turkey, it’s about family. And family is about love. And love is ultimately about change."

Juju's desire for a pig—a nostalgic wish from her childhood—is met with logistical nightmares. Navigating New York City's limited space, Adam secures a frozen 22-pound pig from a butcher shop, leading to a series of comedic yet tense moments:

[03:14] Adam Linn: "I walk into this little old-time vintage butcher shop and I'm, hey, I'm the guy. I'm here for the pig. And the butcher's like, oh, man."

Struggling to transport the massive pig with two young daughters in tow, Adam's attempts result in chaos as he tries to conceal the frozen animal within their Bugaboo double stroller. Upon returning home, complications escalate when the pig catches fire in the oven due to neglected preparation steps, leading to a smoky, disarrayed kitchen just hours before the planned Skype meeting with his father-in-law.

In a frantic effort to salvage the dinner, Adam improvises by resolving to cook the pig despite the mishaps:

[03:14] Adam Linn: "I grabbed a roll of foil and I wrap the pig's head. It's 4 o'clock, it's game time."

Climactic Thanksgiving: Embracing Family Over Perfection

As the Thanksgiving meal unfolds, Adam anticipates disaster. However, Juju's unwavering positivity transforms the chaotic scene into a heartwarming family gathering. She takes charge, maneuvering the computer around the flaming pig and capturing joyful moments with their children:

[03:14] Adam Linn: "Juju, on the other hand, is like this balloon of joy. She is so happy, she's full of light and energy."

The Skype call proceeds with stunning results despite the unconventional centerpiece and the initial turmoil. Adam realizes that the essence of Thanksgiving—family and love—transcends traditional norms and expectations:

[03:14] Adam Linn: "Thanksgiving is not about turkey, it's about family. And family is about love. And love is ultimately about change."

This revelation underscores the importance of adaptability and embracing change within familial relationships. Juju's sacrifices, including relocating from her homeland and adapting to a new culture, highlight the mutual compromises essential to a thriving partnership.

Reflection and Gratitude

In the aftermath of the Thanksgiving debacle, Adam expresses gratitude towards the symbolic pig, acknowledging the lessons learned about love, flexibility, and the true meaning of family:

[03:14] Adam Linn: "So later that night when we were clearing up and I knew no one was around, I brought what was left of the pig out to the kitchen and I kind of leaned into that little aluminum foil wrapped ear and I said, thank you, thank you, thank you, and thank you."

Author's Background

Adam Linn is an accomplished author and essayist, known for his work on family and social justice. His pieces, including "The Blind Man's French Dog Problem" published in The New York Times, showcase his ability to intertwine personal narratives with broader societal themes. Currently residing in Manhattan with his wife Juju, daughters Zoe and Isabel, and their German Shepherd Nadia, Adam continues to explore the challenges of fatherhood, blindness, and personal growth in his upcoming memoir, Showing Up.

Conclusion

Adam Linn's story on The Moth poignantly illustrates the intricacies of blending different worlds through love and commitment. His Thanksgiving experience serves as a metaphor for the larger journey of building a family—highlighting that while perfection is unattainable, the love and adaptability within a family can overcome any obstacle. This heartfelt narrative resonates with listeners, offering both laughter and profound insights into the dynamics of an extraordinary marriage.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [03:14] Adam Linn: "She’s always flying off somewhere or doing something very unexpected to the point where it can drive me a little crazy."

• [03:14] Adam Linn: "Thanksgiving is not about turkey, it’s about family. And family is about love. And love is ultimately about change."

• [03:14] Adam Linn: "I am not going to burn down the apartment. I’m going to thaw it in the sink."

• [03:14] Adam Linn: "We sit down and we start eating and I'm surrounded by languages and my kids are having a great time."

This summary encapsulates Adam Linn's evocative storytelling, capturing the humor, tension, and ultimate warmth that define his experience. For those who haven't listened, it offers a glimpse into the unique challenges and heartwarming resolutions that come with building a diverse and loving family.