The Moth Podcast: James Brawley – StorySLAM Favorites

Release Date: April 15, 2013

Introduction to James Brawley and StorySLAM

In this episode of The Moth podcast, host Dan Kennedy introduces James Brawley, a seasoned storyteller and a regular competitor in The Moth's StorySLAM events. James is not only a two-time Story Slam winner but also the author of the forthcoming memoir, Life in a Marital Institution, currently under development for television by Meredith Vieira Productions. Additionally, James teaches autobiographical storytelling at Fordham University and has contributed to This American Life.

Story 1: The Freezer Placenta Incident Theme: Cold
Timestamp: [02:17] – [09:33]

James Brawley begins his storytelling with a unique and humorous recount of his family's unconventional experience with his newborn son, Owen's placenta.

Birth and the Placenta Conundrum

James narrates the home birth of his son in 2005, emphasizing the deliberate choice to birth at home. "My son Owen was born at home on purpose," he shares [02:51]. Shortly after Owen's arrival, the placenta needed proper handling. Following the midwife's instructions, James placed the placenta in a rubbermaid bowl and stored it in their freezer.

Susan's Seminary Studies and Ancient Rituals

James's wife, Susan, brings an anthropological perspective to the situation. She had been studying ancient fertility cults, where, unlike in Western patriarchal societies, the placenta held significant spiritual value. "One of the things she studied were ancient fertility cults... believed that the placenta was not medical waste," James explains [03:47]. This belief led Susan to see the placenta as "a kind of soul food that you buried to feed the spirit of your child" [03:49].

The Growing Tension Over the Freezer Closet

Initially grossed out by the idea of storing the placenta, James finds himself increasingly disturbed by its presence in the freezer. "Three years later is just rivetingly, obscenely repellent," he admits [04:18]. The tension reaches a peak when James confronts Susan about disposing of the placenta. "You've got to lose the whole placenta," he insists [04:59]. Susan, however, proposes burying it in Central Park, sparking a dilemma since "burying human remains is illegal in Central Park" [04:59].

A Neighborly Revelation

At a neighbor's birthday party, Susan confides about her copious placentas and her inclination to bury them meaningfully. Here, the narrative takes a comical turn as Susan interacts with another neighbor, Kristen, who has managed to accumulate and even consume multiple placentas. "Men have been destroying civilizations for years, right? Freezers are their way of giving back so that women like me can find meaning," Kristen remarks [08:41].

Clashing Perspectives and Resolution

The confrontation with Kristen's placental consumption forces James to reevaluate his stance. Initially seeing Susan's actions as extreme, James begins to understand the underlying motives and the importance Susan places on the ritual. This realization brings them closer, culminating in a shared moment over pickle juice glasses. "It occurs to me that maybe I'm the one who's been extreme," James concludes [09:33].

Notable Quotes:

• James: "Three years later is just rivetingly, obscenely repellent." [04:18]
• Susan: "Don't use my placenta as a smokescreen, James." [05:00]
• Kristen: "Some women even eat their placentas." [08:41]

Story 2: Swimming Upstream at the Dinner Party Theme: Swimming Upstream
Timestamp: [09:33] – [18:02]

James continues his storytelling with a second narrative that delves deeper into the complexities of marital relationships and societal norms surrounding bodily autonomy.

Harlemville Dinner Party Dynamics

Living in the progressive town of Harlemville, James and Susan attend a dinner party where discussions about placentas take center stage. Susan reveals to their neighbor Joe the ongoing dilemma with Owen's placenta, explaining the challenges they've faced in finding a legal and meaningful way to handle it [10:00].

Joe's Bold Revelation

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Joe, an organic food distributor, admits to having consumed his own placentas. "We ate our placenta. You ate Casey's placenta, Joe," James provokes, only to realize the depth of Joe's commitment. Joe describes the experience vividly: "It was more tender than filet mignon, but not mushy like liver. It was the most delicious meat I have ever eaten" [14:21].

Community and Acceptance

The revelation sparks a mix of shock and admiration among the party attendees. Single moms at the table express varying degrees of willingness to embrace placental consumption, reflecting the community's progressive stance. "It's totally natural. It's the only meat you don't have to kill to eat," Lilia, Joe's wife, comments [14:21].

Susan's Trial and Correction

As Susan attempts to normalize the practice, she grapples with personal embarrassment and the societal implications of her choices. The dialogue highlights the tensions between individual beliefs and community acceptance. "A placenta should be eaten fresh, like she's lived in Harlemville her whole life," Susan reflects on the situation [17:32].

Humorous and Heartfelt Conclusion

James wraps up the story by humorously highlighting the incongruity of his life choices with his new community. The dinner party serves as a microcosm of his broader marital and personal struggles, ultimately conveying a message of acceptance and adaptation. "Maybe I'm just being narrow-minded," he muses, bringing the story to a thoughtful close [17:27].

Notable Quotes:

• Joe: "It was more tender than filet mignon, but not mushy like liver." [14:21]
• Lilia: "It's totally natural. It's the only meat you don't have to kill to eat." [14:21]
• Susan: "A placenta should be eaten fresh, like she's lived in Harlemville her whole life." [17:32]

Insights and Reflections

James Brawley's stories poignantly explore themes of tradition versus modernity, personal beliefs versus societal norms, and the complexities inherent in marital relationships. Through humor and candid reflections, James illuminates the struggles of maintaining individuality while navigating shared life choices.

Conclusion and Upcoming Events

The episode concludes with a brief mention of James Brawley's upcoming book, Life in a Marital Institution, and his role in teaching storytelling. Additionally, listeners are informed about The Moth Main Stage event in Kalamazoo, Michigan, scheduled for May 22nd, presented by Michigan Public Radio. Host Dan Kennedy wraps up by encouraging listeners to embrace their own storytelling journeys.

Final Thoughts

James Brawley's StorySLAM Favorites episode is a compelling exploration of unconventional family dynamics and the humorous trials of modern parenting. His engaging narratives, enriched with witty dialogues and relatable conflicts, offer listeners an entertaining yet thought-provoking experience. Whether you're familiar with The Moth's storytelling format or a newcomer, James's tales provide a captivating glimpse into the extraordinary moments that shape ordinary lives.