Summary of "Faye Lane: Fireworks From Above" – The Moth Podcast

Episode Title: Fireworks From Above
Host/Author: The Moth
Guest: Faye Lane
Release Date: February 4, 2013
Location: Portland, Oregon (2011)

Introduction

In the episode titled "Fireworks From Above," Faye Lane shares her transformative journey from a passionate storyteller and performer to a flight attendant. Through her narrative, Faye explores themes of connection, resilience, and the profound impact of human interactions. Her story delves into the challenges of maintaining kindness in a demanding environment and the moments that reignited her dedication to fostering meaningful connections.

Early Life and Passion for Storytelling

Faye Lane begins by reminiscing about her childhood in Texas, where her love for storytelling and performing took root in her mother’s beauty shop.

Faye Lane [03:15]: "What I always wanted as a little bitty girl was to tell stories on the stage because I wanted to be connected to something bigger than myself."

Her early performances involved entertaining customers while they were in the salon, laying the foundation for her desire to connect with others through shared emotional experiences.

Transition to a Flight Attendant Career

About a decade prior to the podcast recording, Faye found herself in New York City struggling to sustain her passion projects financially. A chance encounter with a woman wearing a long silk scarf led her to consider a career as a flight attendant.

Faye Lane [06:45]: "Have you ever thought about being a flight attendant?"

Embracing this opportunity, Faye underwent training with a nascent airline that emphasized exceptional customer service as its core value. Inspired by the founder's vision of restoring humanity to air travel, she quickly rose to become the president of her training class and was awarded the Spirit Award.

Challenges and Emotional Struggles in the Job

Despite her initial enthusiasm, Faye encountered significant challenges in her role as a flight attendant. The job demanded constant availability, leading to physical exhaustion and emotional strain.

Faye Lane [09:20]: "The job was exhausting, physically exhausting... I was either running to get to the airport or waiting for the phone call to run to the airport."

Moreover, Faye grappled with difficult passengers, whose negative behaviors tested her commitment to kindness and professionalism.

Faye Lane [12:10]: "People are mean even when you're smiling in their face, because a lot of times they don't see you. They just see a uniform."

These interactions often left her feeling jaded, questioning whether she could maintain her compassionate approach amidst the daily stressors of the job.

Moments of Insight and Connection

A pivotal moment occurred during a flight when a passenger suffered a heart attack. Amid the crisis, a fellow passenger's distraction highlighted the unpredictable nature of human behavior in stressful situations.

Faye Lane [14:55]: "I learned that people can be cold."

However, another significant encounter with a grieving father revealed the deeper stories behind each passenger, reaffirming Faye's purpose.

Faye Lane [16:30]: "I remembered why I was there and why I was hired... every individual has a story."

This realization reinforced her belief in the power of empathy and the importance of recognizing the unique experiences each person brings aboard her flights.

Conclusion and Reflections

Faye Lane concludes her story by reflecting on the beauty she observes from above despite the hardships of her job. Her appreciation for the world's vastness and diversity serves as a counterbalance to the negativity she encounters.

Faye Lane [17:10]: "I've also seen a lot of amazing, beautiful things from the air, like the Grand Canyon, the northern lights, fireworks from above."

Ultimately, Faye expresses gratitude for her role, acknowledging how it connects her to something greater and allows her to impact others positively.

Faye Lane [17:30]: "I'm making a gratitude list in my head... my job enables me to be part of something bigger than me and to be connected to other people like this. So thank you."

Aftermath and Recognition

Following her impactful storytelling on The Moth stage, Faye Lane's autobiographical solo show, "Beauty Shop Stories," garnered critical acclaim, earning multiple awards and performing globally. Her journey underscores the enduring power of storytelling and the human capacity for kindness amidst adversity.

For more about Faye Lane and her work, visit faylane.com.