The Moth Podcast: Ivan Kuraev & Dina Pearlman – StorySLAM Favorites
Released May 13, 2013

In this compelling episode of The Moth, storytellers Ivan Kuraev and Dina Pearlman share their unforgettable experiences from Story Slams, captivating listeners with tales of resilience, family bonds, and unexpected twists. Both stories delve deep into personal histories, illustrating the profound impact of family and the unpredictability of life’s events.

Ivan Kuraev: A Grandmother’s Vengeance

Theme: Day of Reckoning
Story told live at the Grand Slam in New York

Ivan Kuraev opens his narrative by painting a vivid picture of his grandmother's tumultuous past. Born in Bashkiriya, central Russia, she endured immense hardships, losing both parents by age three and being thrust into an arranged marriage at sixteen. Ivan recounts her daring escape:

"When that man came close enough to touch her, my grandmother pulled a knife to his throat and said, you come any closer and I'll kill you." (03:45)

This act of defiance set the stage for a life marked by strength and resilience. Moving to Saratov, Ivan spent his summers with his grandmother, who showered him with love—and an abundance of food:

"She fed me dumplings and hand-rolled noodles and soup, and she baked me pies and roasted chicken…" (04:30)

Despite his grandmother's nurturing, Ivan faced bullying from older neighborhood boys. One pivotal moment occurred when he was excluded from entering a fort he had helped build:

"You can't come in. You should turn around and you should leave." (07:10)

Witnessing his grandmother's fury and determination to stand up for him, Ivan describes a dramatic retaliation:

"I see her slip inside the fort… [she] picks up the biggest kitchen knife and… destroys their fort." (07:45)

This powerful act not only defended Ivan’s honor but also imparted a vital lesson about self-respect and familial loyalty. The story culminates with Ivan reflecting on his grandmother's bravery and the lasting impression it left on him.

Dina Pearlman: Misadventures at Bellevue Hospital

Theme: Fish Out of Water
Story told live at the Grand Slam in New York in 2002

Dina Pearlman’s tale transports listeners to her three-year stint as a typist at Bellevue Hospital, juxtaposing her aspirations in acting with the stark reality of her day job. Each morning, Dina combed through Page Six of the New York Post, yearning for connections in the glamorous world of acting:

"I would think to myself, you fool, what are you doing here? If you had any brain in your head, you'd get a job at a place like that." (09:30)

Her routine was further complicated by the chaotic environment of Bellevue, filled with a myriad of characters battling their own demons. One ordinary day took an extraordinary turn when she encounters Antonio Sabato Jr.:

"The elevator doors open to reveal Antonio Sabato Jr… And I wanted to call Somebody’s attention… I want to tell you. Come on, come on, it's a big day here." (10:50)

In a surreal sequence, Antonio mistakenly identifies Dina as someone else, leading to a bizarre interaction reminiscent of a romantic comedy:

"He has lifted me up, Officer and a Gentleman style… I'm floating at a belt and everybody's rooting for me." (12:20)

The story reaches its climax when Dina discovers a newspaper headline linking her to an incident at the China Club:

"March 10, 1999. Friend of Skivvy's model stabbed... brought to Bellevue Hospital." (14:10)

Realizing the mix-up, Dina illustrates the thin line between reality and perception, and how one moment can drastically alter one's life narrative.

Insights and Reflections

Both Ivan and Dina's stories highlight the unforeseen challenges and pivotal moments that shape our identities:

• Family Influence: Ivan’s grandmother embodies unwavering strength, teaching him the importance of standing up for oneself and protecting loved ones.

  "This fort that was built by a bunch of 12-year-old children that she tore down to avenge her grandson… to teach her grandson a lesson of how important it is to stand up for himself." (08:05)

• Navigating Dreams vs. Reality: Dina’s experience underscores the struggles of balancing personal aspirations with the pragmatic demands of everyday life, illustrating how dreams can be both a source of motivation and frustration.

  "I'm the office girl. Like, that's fine. Like from those old movies… Nobody cares who the office girl is canoodling with." (10:00)

Conclusions

This episode of The Moth masterfully intertwines themes of resilience, family loyalty, and the pursuit of dreams. Ivan Kuraev and Dina Pearlman's narratives not only entertain but also offer profound insights into the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity and navigate the complexities of life. Their stories remind listeners of the enduring impact of our actions and the unexpected ways in which our personal histories shape who we become.

For more inspiring stories and to experience the raw emotion of live storytelling, visit The Moth and explore their extensive library of true, personal narratives.