The Moth Podcast Episode Summary: Episode: Jill Donnelly & Tim Manley: StorySLAM Favorites
Release Date: December 10, 2013

Introduction

In this special episode of The Moth, hosts Jill Donnelly and Tim Manley share their favorite stories from The Moth’s StorySLAM series. These StorySLAMs are unique storytelling events where participants perform spontaneous, themed stories without prior preparation. This episode captures the essence of genuine, heartfelt narratives that explore personal experiences and emotional journeys.

Story 1: Sabotaging Your Favorite Person

Speaker: Jill Donnelly
Location: StorySLAM, Los Angeles
Theme: Sunny
Timestamp: [04:04] – [10:12]

Overview

Jill Donnelly opens her story by discussing the concept of having "favorite people" in one’s life, highlighting her deep admiration for her father. She portrays a close-knit relationship filled with shared interests like Star Trek, Danger Bay, Motown music, and playful family moments.

Key Points & Discussions

• Parental Divorce and Custody: Jill recounts her parents' amicable divorce when she was four, detailing the joys of her time with her father during joint custody weeks.

• Introduction of Stepparent: The narrative takes a turn when her father meets Jean, a woman Jill initially dislikes. She expresses her resistance to their relationship, reflecting common childhood struggles with blended families.

• Attempts to Sabotage the Relationship:

  • Lent Protest: Jill tries to convince her father to give up Jean for Lent, citing it as the "right Catholic thing" despite her Jewish background. [05:45]
  • Wedding Disruption: At her father's wedding, Jill attempts to disrupt the event by acting out during photos, hoping to show her displeasure. [07:20]

• Emotional Realization: Witnessing her father’s joyous first dance with Jean leads Jill to a heartfelt realization. She acknowledges that her father remains the same person she loved, now simply happier.

• Conclusion and Reflection: Jill shares a recent moment where her parents sent her a birthday video, reinforcing the enduring bond and happiness they share. She concludes by understanding that her father’s happiness didn’t mean losing him but rather gaining someone who complements his life.

Notable Quotes

• “I decided to wait until the spring that year. And I sat my dad down and I said, you know, dad, you say for Lent, you should really give up something. Something. I think this year it might have to be Gene.” [05:30]

• “I realized I had lost this great wacky bachelor whose only thing in life was his kids, whose favorite thing in life was his kids. And this time I cried for real watching them dance.” [08:40]

• “What I've realized is I didn't lose my dad. He's always been there. He just got happier.” [10:05]

Story 2: A Child’s Heroism in the Face of Illness

Speaker: Tim Manley
Location: StorySLAM, New York City
Theme: Mothers
Timestamp: [10:51] – [17:53]

Overview

Tim Manley narrates a poignant story from his childhood, detailing his battle with severe illness and the unwavering support of his mother. This tale is a tribute to maternal strength and the profound impact of a parent’s love during times of crisis.

Key Points & Discussions

• Childhood Illness: At six years old, Tim experiences a severe illness characterized by persistent fever and a collapsed lung. Financial constraints prevent immediate medical attention until an aunt assists them financially. [11:10]

• Doctor’s Encounter as a Fantasy Hero: Tim anthropomorphizes his doctor, Dr. Haughtman, turning the medical ordeal into a fantasy battle where he, the hero, combats the doctor's "fire-breathing" threats. This imaginative perspective helps him cope with fear. [12:00]

• Mother’s Role as a Sidekick: Tim emphasizes the critical role of his mother, describing her as his sidekick. Her constant reassurance, humor, and collaborative spirit ("we're all in this together") instill courage in him. [13:15]

• Hospital Experience:

  • Playful Distractions: To alleviate the stress of hospitalization, Tim and his mother invent games like "shoot the rabbits on the wallpaper" using a water gun, turning the sterile environment into a playground. [14:00]

  • Medical Procedures and Support: Faced with the possibility of a biopsy, Tim confronts his fears alongside his mother, ultimately overcoming the medical challenge through a mix of bravery and maternal encouragement. [15:30]

• Emotional Aftermath and Understanding: Reflecting on the experience, Tim gains a deeper appreciation for his mother's resilience and the invisible burdens she carried. He recognizes that his perception of their ordeal as an adventure belied the emotional turmoil his mother endured. [17:20]

Notable Quotes

• “I kind of looked like a frail albino Oompa Loompa. I was sick, and for months I'd had a fever and I'd been coughing like a coal miner.” [11:20]

• “I knew that scary things happen to the hero, but if the hero was courageous, he would be okay.” [12:25]

• “We just left our father. And she would say, but don't worry, you guys. We're all in this together.” [13:10]

• “Everything turned out fine. I didn't have leukemia. Somebody paid all our hospital bills. It was like someone was carrying us.” [16:50]

• “I have absolutely no idea what she went through thinking that her child might die while she was in the hospital.” [17:30]

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth masterfully showcases the power of personal storytelling through Jill Donnelly and Tim Manley’s heartfelt narratives. Jill’s story delves into family dynamics and the complexities of blended families, while Tim’s account celebrates maternal love and resilience in the face of adversity. Both stories highlight the profound human experiences of love, loss, and the enduring bonds that shape our lives. Through authentic and emotive storytelling, listeners are invited to reflect on their own relationships and the pivotal moments that define them.

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