Summary of "Janna Levin: Life on a Möbius Strip" - The Moth Podcast

Introduction

In the episode titled "Life on a Möbius Strip," astrophysicist and author Janna Levin shares a deeply personal and scientifically intertwined story of love, obsession, and the improbable nature of human connections. Delivered live at The Moth in collaboration with the World Science Festival, Levin's narrative seamlessly blends her passion for the cosmos with her tumultuous romantic relationship, illustrating how the lines between personal and professional life can become intriguingly blurred.

Scientific Obsession: The Finite Universe

Levin begins her story by delving into her scientific passion. She references Albert Einstein’s famous quote:

“Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity. And I'm not so sure about the universe.” [03:30]

This sets the stage for her obsession with the concept of a finite universe. She contemplates the possibility that the universe could loop back on itself, much like a Möbius strip, leading to mind-bending scenarios where traveling in a straight line could bring one back to their starting point—Earth itself. This theoretical fixation becomes the metaphorical backbone of her relationship narrative.

Meeting Warren: A Collision of Worlds

Levin introduces Warren, a self-professed obsessive compulsive and a musician from Manchester, whom she meets in a coffee shop near her Berkeley apartment:

"Warren came charging past me the first day I saw him and pinned me with his blue eyes and said, 'You're the astrophysicist.'" [05:00]

Their meeting is instant, albeit unconventional. Warren’s intense personality and unorthodox lifestyle starkly contrast with Levin’s academic and structured existence. Despite Warren not aligning with her ideal traits—lacking basic life skills and being uneducated in conventional terms—Levin finds herself irresistibly drawn to his raw energy and passion.

Life Together in San Francisco and the Move to England

As their relationship progresses, Warren persuades Levin to move in together, an arrangement that brings both joy and chaos. Levin humorously describes their dynamic:

"Warren is just everything I would never want in a man." [07:15]

The couple’s decision to relocate to England for Levin’s fellowship at Cambridge marks the beginning of escalating tensions. Warren, despite hating England, commits to following Levin “anywhere,” highlighting his unwavering, if misguided, loyalty. Their life in Cambridge is fraught with financial struggles and emotional strain:

"Towards the end we were so despondent we would just sit in the dark and I could hear, though not see, Warren say things like, 'At least I don't have to look at the wood chip wallpaper.'" [12:40]

Struggles in Cambridge: The Breaking Point

Levin's work in Cambridge begins to flourish as she transitions from theoretical research to concrete studies on black holes. However, the success contrasts sharply with Warren’s stagnant position, leading to a further emotional disconnect. The relentless English rain serves as a backdrop to their mounting insanity:

“He starts playing these Americana bluegrass tunes over and over again, you know, na na na na na na na. And it's like this manic soundtrack to our mounting insanity.” [15:10]

This period culminates in their mutual realization of the improbability and unsustainability of their relationship:

“We see that we're non viable and unfeasible, which, by the way, Warren can spell those words by then.” [17:00]

Separation and Personal Journey: Rebuilding in London

After six months of relentless tension, Levin and Warren part ways, each seeking solace in their respective obsessions. Levin moves to London, immersing herself in the local community and beginning the arduous process of healing and rebuilding her life. She channels her experiences into writing a book that mirrors her scientific inquiries with her personal turmoil:

“It was like, yeah, I know what you mean. And so it's difficult for me to recount how dark those nights were.” [18:30]

Her dedication to mathematics and the universe serves as both a refuge and a means to diminish the overwhelming importance of her personal struggles.

Reconnection in San Francisco: A Möbius Strip Reunion

Levin's journey takes an unexpected turn when she returns to San Francisco to recuperate after completing her book. During a contemplative walk, she unexpectedly encounters Warren outside their old coffee shop:

“And all of a sudden, announced by the banging on the door, it swings open and deposits Warren in front of me.” [19:10]

This serendipitous reunion rekindles their relationship, defying the odds and mirroring the scientific improbability Levin once examined. Their renewed connection quickly progresses to marriage:

“About a year later, we're married. Our rings, which were made by a friend of ours, are stamped with the words, 'the lyrics, melody and numbers, shapes and rhythms.'" [19:30]

Marriage and Family: The Improbable Testament

Levin and Warren’s marriage culminates in the birth of their son, who possesses dextrocardia with situs inversus—a rare condition where the heart and other organs are mirrored. This miraculous alignment serves as a living testament to the improbability of their union:

“He [Warren] tells me he's so excited because he's never thought he'd ever see anything like this.” [19:50]

Their son embodies the fusion of their disparate worlds—science and music—symbolizing the enduring, albeit unlikely, bond they share.

Conclusion: The Infinite Loop of Love and Science

Levin concludes her story by reflecting on the Möbius strip analogy, suggesting that their relationship, much like the finite universe, loops back upon itself in an endless, improbable cycle. The convergence of their lives, marked by scientific discovery and personal resilience, underscores the intricate and often unfathomable nature of human connections.

Notable Quotes

• Einstein’s Infinity:

  “Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity. And I'm not so sure about the universe.” [03:30]

• Meeting Warren:

  “Warren came charging past me the first day I saw him and pinned me with his blue eyes and said, 'You're the astrophysicist.'" [05:00]

• Relationship Dynamic:

  “Warren is just everything I would never want in a man.” [07:15]

• Struggles in Cambridge:

  “At least I don't have to look at the wood chip wallpaper.” [12:40]

• Realization of Improbability:

  “We see that we're non viable and unfeasible, which, by the way, Warren can spell those words by then.” [17:00]

• Reunion in San Francisco:

  “We just laugh that we're back where we started, on this very spot in San Francisco.” [19:20]

Final Thoughts

Janna Levin's "Life on a Möbius Strip" is a poignant exploration of how personal relationships can mirror the complexities and paradoxes of the universe itself. Through her eloquent storytelling, she invites listeners to contemplate the extraordinary coincidences that bring people together and the scientific marvels that underpin our understanding of existence. This narrative not only highlights the challenges of balancing personal life with professional passion but also celebrates the miraculous intersections that make life profoundly meaningful.