Podcast Summary: The Moth – "What Goes Up" by Katherine Russell Rich
Introduction
In the episode titled "What Goes Up," Katherine Russell Rich shares a captivating and emotionally charged true story that delves into themes of love, adventure, and tragedy. Delivered live in New York City in September 2003, Rich's narrative takes listeners on a rollercoaster of experiences that intertwine her personal life with unforeseen events.
A Life on Track and the Catalyst for Change
Kathryn Russell Rich begins by painting a picture of her life before the pivotal events of her story. "[00:02:31] 'So until several years ago, I was on this straight ahead trajectory. I was first a magazine editor, then I was magazine writer and I only dated tortured magazine writer guys. And in short, I owned a lot of black and I was beginning to feel like a cliché.'"
Feeling stagnant and clichéd in her career and personal life, Rich sought a dramatic change. Her opportunity arose when The Times sent her to India, igniting a newfound passion for studying Hindi. Her enthusiasm is evident as she states, "[00:03:15] 'I fell madly in love with the weirdest thing and it was I fell in love with like studying Hindi.'"
Determined to embark on this new journey, Rich planned to immerse herself in learning Hindi, intending to spend a year in India. This decision marked the beginning of her transformative adventure.
An Unexpected Night Out and a Chance Encounter
As Rich prepares to leave for India, her friends organize a farewell dinner in the East Village. The evening takes a dramatic turn when a distressed customer at the restaurant, a junkie who has overdosed, causes concern. Rich recounts, "[00:04:10] 'The waitress says, what do I do? And we said, you have to call the police... [00:04:30] 'She does, and we're eating, and a troop of the most gorgeous firemen come walking in.'"
Amid the chaos, a group of attractive firemen enter, sparking flirtatious interactions. Despite her natural shyness, Rich decides to seize the moment, hoping to break out of her comfort zone before her departure. "[00:05:05] 'I find myself going, why don't you join us? And he goes, why don't you go on a date with me? And I go, all right.'"
A Romantic Evening Turned Comedic Mishap
Rich’s date with Fireman Pete Sapienza begins promisingly, filled with engaging conversations and shared laughter. She vividly describes their connection: "[00:06:00] 'We are making out. We are having such a good time. I've never acted like this in my life.'"
However, the evening takes an unexpected and humorous turn when Pete attempts to showcase his fireman credentials by bringing her to the fire station. Their adventurous spirit leads them to Zeckendorf Towers, where they attempt to make out in an elevator using a fire key. Rich narrates the ensuing chaos: "[00:07:45] 'We sneak by the guard, we go up. The fire key doesn't get us out... If I could stop the elevator, would you make out with me in the elevator? Like, you bet.'"
Their escapade is abruptly interrupted when the security system triggers an emergency lockdown, and security personnel confront them. Rich humorously details the confrontation: "[00:09:20] 'He's from New York. So what does he do? He bluffs. And every time they say anything, he goes, what do you mean?'"
Ultimately, Pete and Rich are forced to flee, leading to a high-stakes chase back to her apartment with police sirens blaring. The tension peaks as Pete insists she let him in: "[00:10:50] 'He grabs my hand and we run through the crowd... Now you gotta let me in.'"
Tragic Aftermath and Emotional Turmoil
Shortly after their tumultuous evening, tragedy strikes. Rich receives devastating news about the September 11 attacks, which profoundly impacts her and Pete. She reflects on the sudden death of Pete during the attacks, connecting back to their brief but intense relationship: "[00:12:30] 'He was getting raffled off on dates... 92 of his friends were killed, including everybody we met.'"
The emotional weight of losing Pete, coupled with the chaos of the attacks, leaves Rich grappling with grief and disbelief. She expresses her struggle to reconcile her past self with the person she became through these experiences: "[00:13:10] 'I was so far out of my safety zone, and I was having the best time... I slipped back into my old ways and I actually can't believe I did either.'"
Reflection and Closure
Kathryn Russell Rich concludes her story by reflecting on the profound changes and the lasting impact of that fateful period in her life. She acknowledges the surreal nature of her experiences and the emotional journey that followed: "[00:13:35] 'I don't think I would believe it, except I have proof.'"
Key Takeaways and Notable Quotes
-
Embracing Change: Rich's decision to study Hindi and travel to India marked a significant turning point in her life, highlighting the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone.
-
Unexpected Connections: Her chance encounter with Fireman Pete underscores how fleeting moments can lead to profound personal experiences.
-
Resilience Amid Tragedy: The tragic loss of Pete in the September 11 attacks serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Notable Quotes:
- "I feel like I had to shake my life up." ([00:02:45])
- "We are making out on an elevator. 11:30 on Saturday night." ([00:07:20])
- "I was so far out of my safety zone, and I was having the best time." ([00:13:25])
Conclusion
Katherine Russell Rich's "What Goes Up" is a compelling narrative that intertwines personal ambition, romantic adventure, and the profound impact of unforeseen tragedy. Her storytelling captures the essence of The Moth's mission to share authentic, transformative human experiences, leaving listeners both moved and inspired.
About the Speaker
Kathryn Russell Rich resides in Manhattan and is the author of her second book, "Dreaming in Coming Awake in Another Language," set to be published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in July. Her storytelling prowess shines through her engaging and heartfelt narratives, making her a memorable contributor to The Moth Podcast.