The Moth Podcast: "Lauren Slater: Digging Out"

Episode Information:

• Title: Digging Out
• Host/Author: The Moth
• Storyteller: Lauren Slater
• Release Date: May 20, 2013
• Location of Storytelling: Boston, 2007
• Theme of the Night: Out on a Limb

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Moth podcast, Lauren Slater shares a deeply personal and transformative story titled "Digging Out." Performed live in Boston in 2007, Slater intertwines themes of life's fragility, marital challenges, unexpected adversities, and ultimately, reconciliation and resilience. Her narrative offers an intimate glimpse into navigating life's unpredictability while striving to preserve love and hope.

Lauren Slater's Journey

Facing Mortality

Lauren begins her story by recounting a life-altering experience: a breast cancer diagnosis four years prior to the storytelling. She reflects on the universal awareness of mortality that surfaces sharply during such crises.

"When you realize with a real visceral intensity that your life is going to end and that you're really no more than a series of seconds that are adding up pretty quickly."
— Lauren Slater [04:50]

This diagnosis not only confronted her with the possibility of her own mortality but also reshaped her perspective on life, especially as a parent to a young child. The fear of leaving her child behind serves as a driving force throughout her narrative.

Marital Dreams and Frictions

Amidst her battle with cancer, Lauren's husband, Ben, expresses a long-held dream of moving to Mendocino, California, to become an organic farmer. Initially skeptical, Lauren resists the idea, questioning Ben's capability to undertake such a venture.

"Why did you buy that tractor? Well, it was your stupid idea to go to Mendocino, and that's what got us here to begin with."
— Lauren Slater [10:15]

Despite her reservations, they compromise by purchasing a five and a half-acre plot in southern New Hampshire. The initial excitement of acquiring this idyllic land soon gives way to unforeseen challenges.

Unveiling Hidden Nightmares

As summer progresses, strange occurrences begin to surface on their new land. Lauren observes peculiar phenomena, such as a mysterious glow from a pond that her husband dismisses. More alarmingly, both their dogs and children start exhibiting unusual health issues.

A pivotal moment arrives when Lauren discovers vast amounts of hidden debris beneath the land, revealing that the property was an illegal dumping ground. The revelation leads to a legal quagmire, with the state threatening a $1.5 million lawsuit for cleanup costs.

"Our dream place turned into a nightmare for us. And we were arguing, you know, well, you spent too much money buying furniture."
— Lauren Slater [14:40]

Discovering Tombstones

While navigating the mess of debris, Lauren and Ben stumble upon two unmarked tombstones embedded in the earth. Realizing these are real graves with no identified names, Lauren senses a haunting connection, feeling as though these tombstones are somehow linked to their predicament.

"When we dig up those graves, I'm going to get in one, I'm going to get six feet down, and I'm going to lie there... until I get bored of death."
— Lauren Slater [16:30]

This discovery propels the couple into litigation against the previous landowner, Harold Rideau, who ultimately agrees to take back the trash, alleviating some of their burdens.

Reconciliation and Resolution

In their struggle to clean up the land and salvage their marriage, Lauren proposes acquiring an excavator—a seemingly absurd idea at the time. However, this decision rekindles their connection and teamwork.

"Suddenly it's like we were totally connected and in love again."
— Lauren Slater [15:05]

With the excavator, Lauren and Ben embark on the arduous task of removing the debris themselves, slowly extricating themselves from the financial and emotional mess. This joint effort not only addresses the immediate problem but also mends their strained relationship.

Key Themes and Insights

1. Confronting Mortality: Lauren's cancer diagnosis serves as a catalyst for profound introspection and reevaluation of life's priorities, especially in the context of parenthood.

2. Marital Dynamics: The story highlights the strains that unforeseen challenges can place on a marriage, emphasizing the importance of compromise and mutual support.

3. Unexpected Adversity: The discovery of the illegal dumping ground underscores how unforeseen obstacles can transform dreams into nightmares, necessitating resilience and adaptability.

4. Reconciliation Through Collaboration: Lauren and Ben's decision to tackle the cleanup themselves symbolizes their journey towards reconnecting and rebuilding their relationship amidst chaos.

5. Symbolism of Tombstones: The unmarked graves represent unresolved issues and the weight of past secrets, adding a layer of depth to the narrative.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Lauren Slater [04:50]:

  "When you realize with a real visceral intensity that your life is going to end and that you're really no more than a series of seconds that are adding up pretty quickly."

• Lauren Slater [10:15]:

  "Why did you buy that tractor? Well, it was your stupid idea to go to Mendocino, and that's what got us here to begin with."

• Lauren Slater [14:40]:

  "Our dream place turned into a nightmare for us. And we were arguing, you know, well, you spent too much money buying furniture."

• Lauren Slater [15:05]:

  "Suddenly it's like we were totally connected and in love again."

• Lauren Slater [16:30]:

  "When we dig up those graves, I'm going to get in one, I'm going to get six feet down, and I'm going to lie there... until I get bored of death."

Conclusion

Lauren Slater's "Digging Out" is a poignant narrative that traverses the tumultuous journey of facing mortality, marital strain, unexpected environmental hazards, and the ultimate redemption found through perseverance and partnership. Her story encapsulates the essence of The Moth's mission to share authentic, raw human experiences, offering listeners a relatable and inspiring testament to overcoming life's dire challenges.

About Lauren Slater: Lauren Slater is an accomplished author, known for her candid and introspective storytelling. With accolades including a National Endowment for the Arts grant and a Knight Science Fellowship at MIT, Slater continues to explore the depths of human experience through her writing and performances.

This summary captures the essence of Lauren Slater's storytelling on "Digging Out," providing an immersive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.