Podcast Summary: The Moth – "Eve Plumb & The Pittsburgh StorySLAM"
Episode Information
- Title: Eve Plumb & The Pittsburgh StorySLAM
- Host: The Moth (Hosted by Dan Kennedy)
- Release Date: December 15, 2015
Introduction
In this episode of The Moth, host Dan Kennedy presents two compelling stories centered around family dynamics, subtly weaving in holiday themes through personal narratives. Notably, the episode features actress Eve Plumb, best known for her role as Jan Brady on The Brady Bunch, sharing an intimate recount of her childhood in show business and the profound impact of her mother's unwavering support.
Story 1: Eve Plumb – A Childhood in the Spotlight
Timestamp: [02:53]
Speaker: Dan Kennedy
Dan Kennedy introduces Eve Plumb, highlighting her iconic role as Jan Brady and teasing elements of her story that encompass love, mortality, and a memorable incident involving fabric softener.
Timestamp: [03:47]
Speaker: Eve Plumb
Eve begins her narrative in 1974 at age 16, shortly after The Brady Bunch had been canceled. Accompanied by her mother on the set of Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, Eve recounts a harrowing experience when a fire breaks out on the soundstage:
"I hear, run for your lives. I say, mom, come on, let's go… and she is dragging the chair with her."
As the fire spreads, Eve and her mother narrowly escape, witnessing the soundstage crumble behind them. This moment marks a pivotal point in Eve's acting career, juxtaposing the dangers of live performances with the innocence of childhood.
Eve delves into her early introduction to acting, beginning at age six with a commercial for Final Touch fabric softener. She shares vivid memories of auditioning, the support of her mother, and the belief in positive thinking:
"Negative thoughts and words were really to be avoided because they might bring those things into your life."
Her childhood was a blend of work and home life, with Eve portraying various characters across numerous TV shows. She reflects on the deep bond with her mother, who not only managed her career but also instilled in her self-confidence and resilience.
A significant turning point occurs when Eve turns 18 during the filming of a TV movie, transitioning from a child actress to an adult performer. This shift signifies the end of her mother's direct involvement in her professional life, a challenging adjustment for both.
Tragically, Eve's mother passes away abruptly just days before her wedding, leaving her devastated. Despite the grief, Eve honors her mother's legacy by proceeding with the wedding, celebrating both her marriage and her mother's memory. She expresses gratitude for the magical childhood she had, shaped by her mother's love and support:
"My only regret is that I didn't get to thank my mom for all the time that she spent with me and all the things that we got to do together to celebrate that."
Timestamp: [15:46]
Speaker: Dan Kennedy
Dan Kennedy summarizes Eve's illustrious career post-Brady Bunch, mentioning her upcoming projects in film and live theater.
Story 2: Jesse – A Moment of Embarrassment in Lost River State Park
Timestamp: [16:21]
Speaker: Dan Kennedy
Transitioning to the second narrative, Dan introduces "Jesse," a storyteller from the Pittsburgh StorySLAM series, who prefers to remain partially anonymous for personal reasons.
Timestamp: [16:21]
Speaker: Jessie
Jessie recounts a distressing incident from her junior year in college while studying abroad in Kathmandu, Nepal. Struggling with long-distance communication, Jessie attempts to bridge the gap with her boyfriend by sending him intimate photos she took using a hidden folder on her computer.
Upon returning home to West Virginia, during a family trip to Lost River State Park, Jessie experiences unexpected embarrassment when her slideshow of Nepal pictures reveals the intimate photos to her relatives. The sudden exposure leads to awkwardness and discomfort among her family members:
"I have never moved so fast in my life... I just wanted to crawl into a hole and never make eye contact with anyone ever again."
Her father's inquiry about the images only deepens her mortification, leading Jessie to distance herself from the incident for years. However, sharing this story with The Moth provides her with a form of catharsis, allowing her to gain perspective and distance from the painful memory:
"While storytelling really does keep you connected to the past, it also has a way of giving you some much needed distance from it."
Jessie concludes by acknowledging the diminished secrecy of hidden folders, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness in digital privacy.
Timestamp: [20:52]
Speaker: Dan Kennedy
Dan notes Jessie's ongoing struggle with fully embracing her story, despite finding some relief in sharing it publicly.
Conclusion
In this episode, The Moth masterfully explores themes of family, identity, and personal growth through the poignant stories of Eve Plumb and Jessie. Eve's tale is a heartfelt tribute to her mother and a reflection on the complexities of growing up in the entertainment industry. Conversely, Jessie's narrative delves into the vulnerabilities and unintended consequences of personal actions in the digital age. Together, these stories underscore the therapeutic power of storytelling and the enduring bonds of family.
Timestamp: [21:22]
Speaker: Dan Kennedy
Dan closes the episode by teasing the upcoming Holiday Special and encourages listeners to engage with The Moth on social media platforms.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
-
Eve Plumb:
- [03:47] "Run for your lives. I say, mom, come on, let's go… and she is dragging the chair with her."
- [03:47] "Negative thoughts and words were really to be avoided because they might bring those things into your life."
- [15:46] "My only regret is that I didn't get to thank my mom for all the time that she spent with me and all the things that we got to do together to celebrate that."
-
Jessie:
- [16:21] "I have never moved so fast in my life... I just wanted to crawl into a hole and never make eye contact with anyone ever again."
- [16:21] "While storytelling really does keep you connected to the past, it also has a way of giving you some much needed distance from it."
Final Notes This episode beautifully encapsulates the essence of The Moth—real, raw, and resonant personal stories that illuminate the human experience. Whether navigating the highs and lows of a childhood in the spotlight or confronting unexpected embarrassment, both storytellers showcase resilience and the enduring impact of personal relationships.