Podcast Summary: The Moth – Live from The Cowboy Poetry Gathering

Episode Overview Title: Live from The Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Host/Author: The Moth
Release Date: December 5, 2017
Description: This episode features live storytelling sessions from the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Nevada, showcasing diverse narratives from ranchers, Native Americans, and others. Produced in partnership with the Western Folklife Center, the episode includes heartfelt stories of heritage, struggle, and redemption.

1. Introduction to the Event

Producer: Jay Allison introduces the live event held at the Elko Convention Center, highlighting the collaborative effort with the Western Folklife Center. The event promises a rich tapestry of stories from various backgrounds, including ranchers and Native Americans.

2. Teresa Jordan: Farewell to the Family Ranch

Timestamp: [03:08]

Story Summary: Teresa Jordan shares the poignant tale of selling her family's century-old ranch in Wyoming following her graduation from college. The narrative delves into the profound connection she felt with the land and the immense challenges faced during a severe drought. Teresa recounts the emotional and physical struggles of maintaining the ranch, including her efforts to care for sick calves and keep windmills operational amidst barren landscapes.

Notable Quotes:

• “What I think about is that day that the rain came back. That summer had been so hard… but somehow I had learned to do [everything], and that had to bode well for whatever lay ahead.”
  (Teresa Jordan, [03:08])

Teresa concludes by reflecting on the resilience built through adversity and the enduring memories of her family's legacy on the land.

Background: Teresa is an artist and author, known for works like Cowgirls, Women of the American West, and Riding the White Horse Home. She now resides in southern Utah with her husband, raising Navajo churro sheep.

3. Dame Wilburn: A Multicultural Upbringing and Family Legacy

Timestamp: [15:41]

Story Summary: Dame Wilburn narrates her unconventional childhood split between Macon, Georgia, and Detroit, Michigan. Attending a German Waldorf school, she highlights the cultural contrasts and challenges she faced, especially regarding her family's unconventional livestock farming in an urban setting. Dame recounts the humorous yet heartbreaking experience of receiving her pet pig, Blackie, and the eventual realization of her grandfather's lack of understanding about pets. This revelation leads to her embrace of vegetarianism and a deeper understanding of family dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• “My grandfather's a liar. I was done. I was a vegetarian. I'm not eating no more pig. I'm done.”
  (Dame Wilburn, [21:20])

Dame reflects on how these early experiences shaped her identity and her approach to storytelling.

Background: Dame is a Detroit-based poet, storyteller, and writer, serving as the chief marketing director for Twisted Willow Soap Company.

4. Nestor Gomez: Escaping Civil War and Finding Home in the U.S.

Timestamp: [27:48]

Story Summary: Nestor Gomez recounts his harrowing journey from war-torn Guatemala to the United States as an undocumented immigrant. At 15, he and his siblings embark on a silent, perilous trek across Mexico under the guidance of their father. The journey is fraught with danger, including encounters with immigration authorities and the constant threat of separation from their mother. Nestor details the emotional reunion with his mother in Chicago, emphasizing the profound relief and sense of belonging he felt upon finally being home.

Notable Quotes:

• “As I saw myself surrounded by my siblings and my mother… at that moment, I was finally at home.”
  (Nestor Gomez, [37:58])

Nestor highlights the resilience and familial bonds that sustained him through the ordeal.

Background: Born in Guatemala, Nestor holds the record for the most Chicago Moth Slam wins. He currently lives with his wife and their two pit bulls, Hope and Cosmo.

5. Bobby Wilson: Confronting a Troubled Past and Seeking Forgiveness

Timestamp: [39:38]

Story Summary: Bobby Wilson opens up about his tumultuous relationship with his father, a traditional Dakota man whose mental illness and abusive behavior led Bobby and his family to flee. Years later, Bobby encounters the repercussions of his father's actions when he learns of his father's death before a planned reunion. Grappling with anger and unresolved pain, Bobby confronts his father's legacy by visiting his father's body and engaging in a spiritual ritual at Bear Butte. This act symbolizes his journey towards forgiveness and healing.

Notable Quotes:

• “I can actually see the mental illness that was created by generations of trauma… I leaned down and I told that man, I’m your son. I came here to forgive.”
  (Bobby Wilson, [51:10])
• “We didn’t need protection from monsters anymore because we have each other.”
  (Bobby Wilson, [51:10])

Bobby emphasizes the importance of confronting painful histories to pave the way for a brighter future.

Background: Bobby is a painter and member of a comedy group, deeply influenced by his Dakota heritage and urban upbringing. He resides in Phoenix, Arizona.

6. Conclusion and Reflections

Timestamp: [51:10]

Producer Jay Allison wraps up the episode by highlighting the shared human experiences and the power of storytelling in bringing people together. The live event underscores The Moth's mission to celebrate diverse narratives and foster a sense of community through personal stories.

Final Note: The episode is produced by Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and presented by PRX. It is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, with theme music by The Drift and contributions from Stellwagen Symphonette and Hawk Hearst.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience and Adaptation: Each storyteller illustrates how personal and cultural challenges shape one's identity and capacity to persevere.
• Family and Heritage: The narratives emphasize the significance of family bonds and cultural heritage in overcoming adversity.
• Healing through Storytelling: Sharing personal stories serves as a cathartic process, fostering understanding and healing among individuals.

Notable Highlights:

• Teresa Jordan's reflection on enduring drought and family legacy.
• Dame Wilburn's exploration of multicultural identity and familial expectations.
• Nestor Gomez's escape from civil war and quest for belonging in the U.S.
• Bobby Wilson's confrontation with his father's past and journey towards forgiveness.

Related Resources: For more stories from The Moth Archive, to purchase tickets for future events, or to share your own story, visit themoth.org.