The Moth Podcast Episode Summary Episode: George Plimpton & Isabel Connelly
Release Date: March 15, 2016
Host: Dan Kennedy

Introduction

In this episode of The Moth, host Dan Kennedy welcomes listeners to two compelling true stories shared by esteemed storytellers George Plimpton and Isabel Connelly. The episode delves into themes of resilience, the power of human connections, and personal transformation.

Story 1: George Plimpton – "A Night at Elaine's"

Timestamp: [03:25] – [12:01]

Overview:
George Plimpton, a renowned journalist and the first editor-in-chief of The Paris Review, recounts a profound experience that underscores the impact of mentorship and serendipitous encounters in the literary world.

Key Points:

• Passion for Fireworks: Plimpton begins by drawing a parallel between writing and fireworks, highlighting the visible appreciation that fireworks garner, unlike the often unnoticed efforts of writers. ([03:40])

  "The marvelous thing about fireworks, particularly for writers, is that when you write, there's very, very rarely any acknowledgement that you've written anything."

• The Brooklyn Bridge Incident: He narrates an event during the Brooklyn Bridge's 100th anniversary fireworks display where he observes a mysterious message: "you've come a long way, baby. Now let's see you fly." This sparks a reflection on struggling writers seeking recognition. ([04:30])

• Meeting Mr. Spinelli: Plimpton shares an anecdote about being auctioned as a prize for an evening, leading to his encounter with Mr. Spinelli and his wife. Spinelli, a writer whose work hadn't been accepted, hoped this meeting could catalyze his career. ([05:15])

• Elaine's Restaurant: To assist Spinelli, Plimpton takes him and his wife to Elaine's, a famed literary restaurant. There, they meet literary giants like Norman Mailer, Kurt Vonnegut, and Tom Wolfe. This network of influential writers transforms Spinelli's confidence and aspirations. ([07:50])

  "Mr. Spinelli was beside himself. Completely different, man. He changed from this nervous pool player into this gigantic figure."

• Outcome: Two months later, Spinelli's novel gets accepted by Houghton Mifflin, a testament to the evening's profound impact. ([11:45])

Notable Quote:

"We embark on a high-wire act of shared experience which is both terrifying and exhilarating." – George Plimpton (Contextual reflection on the Moth experience)

Story 2: Isabel Connelly – "Facing the Beat"

Timestamp: [12:22] – [18:43]

Overview:
Isabel Connelly shares a deeply personal and harrowing experience from her childhood, battling a severe heart condition. Her story is one of fear, vulnerability, and the enduring strength that emerges from facing life-threatening challenges.

Key Points:

• Early Fears: At six years old, Isabel was already grappling with fears of kites, balloons, mythical figures like Santa Claus, and distrust of strangers. This set the stage for her terrifying ER experience. ([12:30])

• Initial ER Visit: Isabel and her mother visit the emergency room due to Isabel's rapidly beating heart. Miscommunication about her condition leads to confusion and fear. ([13:15])

  "Isabel, when this happens, you need to find an adult immediately and get to the ER."

• Second Episode: Later, while at a friend's house in San Francisco, Isabel's heart rate spikes dangerously to 360 beats per minute. The frantic rush to the ER and the labyrinthine parking situation amplify her distress. ([14:00])

• Medical Intervention: In the ER, Isabel faces the intimidating process of medical procedures. The detachment and urgency of the doctors heighten her anxiety until a team of specialists intervenes successfully. ([15:45])

• Operation and Recovery: She undergoes an ablation, one of only three procedures of its kind for her age group globally. The success of the operation not only normalizes her heart but also instills a newfound assertiveness. ([17:10])

  "I'm no longer that little kid who's afraid to say how they're feeling. I call people out on their shit."

Notable Quote:

"If doctors can save me once, I really believe that they can save me again." – Isabel Connelly ([17:50])

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth masterfully juxtaposes two life-altering stories that highlight the intertwining of personal struggles and the support systems that facilitate growth and healing. George Plimpton's tale emphasizes the unforeseen ways mentorship can alter a writer's destiny, while Isabel Connelly's narrative showcases the resilience forged through confronting life's most daunting challenges.

Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity and the pivotal moments that define our journeys.

Final Notes

• Host's Background: Dan Kennedy, author of Loser Goes First and Rock On: An American Spirit, brings warmth and insight to the storytelling sessions.
• Production Credits: Produced by Mooj Zaidie with recordings supervised by Paul Ruest at Argo Studios in New York City.
• Support: The episode acknowledges contributions from sponsors like Groons, Stamps.com, and others, though these sections were omitted from the summary per instructions.

Recommendations for Non-Listeners

For those who haven't listened to this episode, tuning into The Moth offers a unique opportunity to experience authentic, heartfelt stories that resonate on a universal level. Whether you're a veteran writer or someone who has faced personal trials, these narratives provide both inspiration and solace.