The Moth Podcast: GrandSLAM Stories with Madison Perry & Jeff Zimmerman

Release Date: February 28, 2011

Host: Dan Kennedy

Introduction

In this episode of The Moth, host Dan Kennedy presents two captivating GrandSLAM stories from award-winning storytellers Madison Perry and Jeff Zimmerman. The GrandSLAM series showcases exceptional narratives from open mic competitions held in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Detroit. Both stories delve into exhilarating personal experiences, blending humor, suspense, and profound reflections on life’s unpredictability.

Madison Perry: "Without a Net" ([03:09])

Madison Perry opens her story with an adventurous spirit, recounting a transformative backpacking trip across Europe with her two best friends, Carney and Kyler. The journey culminates in the famed Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona, Spain, known globally for the Running of the Bulls.

Overcoming Fear and Embracing the Unknown

Madison describes her internal conflict about participating in the dangerous bull run, a tradition she admired since reading Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises in eighth grade. Her hesitation stems from the inherent risks—“I went back and forth about whether I would actually do the running because it's dangerous” ([03:30]).

On the morning of the event, the trio approaches the starting point, marked by narrow cobblestone streets and imposing fences. Unlike the structured safety measures in the United States, there are no warnings or waivers—“You step through that fence, that's it. There's not even a warning sign” ([04:10]). Kyler, undeterred by Madison’s fears, beats her to the punch, plunging into the fray with confidence.

The Thrill of the Run

As the rocket signals the start, chaos erupts. Madison vividly describes the scene: “there's a buzz in the crowd, like just before a fight breaks out... followed by the six gigantic bulls” ([05:00]). The surge of adrenaline is palpable as runners weave through the crowd, narrowly escaping the charging bulls. Madison’s fear transforms into awe as she stands still, mesmerized by the majestic animals passing mere feet away—“they're giant, muscular legs, and the humps were going up and down and their sharp horns” ([07:00]).

Reflections on Bravery and Friendship

After narrowly avoiding the bull’s wrath, Madison and Kyler sprint to the bull arena, their hearts pounding. Reaching safety, they realize the danger was perhaps more psychological than real—“we realize there were no more bulls. We'd been running terrified from nothing” ([08:30]). This realization serves as a metaphor for overcoming personal fears and embracing life’s unpredictable challenges. Madison concludes with gratitude for pushing her limits: “I just keep running... this is awesome. Kyler's like, I'm gonna get some sand. I was like, that's awesome” ([09:00]).

Jeff Zimmerman: "Into the Wild" ([09:56])

Jeff Zimmerman transports listeners to the rugged Australian outback in the summer of 2003, where he worked as an assistant to a kangaroo shooter. Despite not handling firearms himself, Jeff’s role was physically demanding and fraught with unexpected dangers.

Life in the Outback

Jeff paints a vivid picture of his daily life: “we'd hunt at night and I'd stand on the back of a truck as we drove through the bush and spotlight kangaroos” ([10:30]). The relentless environment is challenging, with extreme temperatures and the constant presence of wildlife. His companion, Craig, is a seasoned shooter whose harsh critiques—“bloody useless”—underscore the high-stakes nature of their work.

A Close Call with a Monitor Lizard

One night, a flat tire becomes the catalyst for a life-threatening ordeal. Attempting to fix the tire, Jeff’s jack slips, nearly crushing him under the truck and a severed kangaroo neck stump. In a moment of sheer panic, he reacts instinctively, only to discover the real danger wasn’t what he feared initially. Craig’s reaction to Jeff’s distress—“thought, you know how to change the tire, mate?” ([12:00])—highlights the stark contrast in their survival instincts.

The true threat emerges in the form of a massive racehorse goanna, a monitor lizard attracted to the blood-soaked environment. Jeff’s only pair of pants becomes the lizard’s target, leading to a frantic chase scene. His desperate attempts to reclaim his pants—“whipping books at the thing to run it off” ([15:00])—exemplify the absurdity and danger of his predicament.

Confronting Survival Instincts

The encounter escalates when Craig confronts Jeff about the importance of protecting their campsite from these invasive predators. The tension between them surfaces as Jeff questions Craig’s expectations: “Do I sound like I know about these kind of things?” ([16:30]). This interaction delves into themes of responsibility, preparedness, and the harsh realities of surviving in the wild.

In a climactic moment, Craig demonstrates dominance over the situation, embodying the rugged resilience required to thrive in such an unforgiving landscape. Jeff’s realization of his own limitations juxtaposes Craig’s expertise, offering a poignant commentary on friendship and survival: “you've got to chase them off. And I was like, well, next time...” ([17:00]).

Conclusion

Madison Perry and Jeff Zimmerman deliver enthralling narratives that explore the depths of human courage and vulnerability. Madison’s exhilarating run with the bulls serves as a metaphor for facing personal fears, while Jeff’s harrowing experience in the Australian outback underscores the unpredictability of nature and the resilience required to navigate it. Both stories resonate with the essence of The Moth—authentic, gripping, and profoundly human.

Listeners are left reflecting on their own thresholds for adventure and the ways in which unexpected challenges can lead to moments of profound personal growth and unforgettable memories.

About the Storytellers

• Madison Perry: Growing up in Colorado and residing in Los Angeles, Madison is a writer and comedian who discovered The Moth in New York City. She proudly hosts LA Story Slams and shares more about her work at MadisonPerry.com.

• Jeff Zimmerman: A writer and storyteller, Jeff frequently performs at The Moth Slams in New York. His writing has appeared in Vice magazine and This American Life, and he has a forthcoming story in the anthology Post It Note Diaries. Follow his adventures at andiamnotlying.com.

Closing Remarks

Dan Kennedy wraps up the episode by acknowledging the storytellers and encouraging listeners to seek out their own adventures worthy of a story. Produced by Paul Ruest at Argo Studios in New York and hosted by PRX Public Radio Exchange, this episode epitomizes The Moth’s mission to share genuine human experiences through the art of storytelling.

For more information on The Moth and to attend live events, visit themoth.org.