The Moth Podcast Episode: Mischief & Mayhem: Marian Speerless and Anne Wheeler
Release Date: August 24, 2018

Overview

In this episode of The Moth Podcast, host Dan Kennedy presents two captivating true stories under the theme of "Mischief & Mayhem." The first narrative, shared by Marian Spirlis, recounts a childhood mishap on her family's farm. The second story, delivered by Anne Wheeler, delves into a rebellious act fueled by familial expectations. Both stories poignantly illustrate the unintended consequences of youthful actions and the enduring bonds of family.

Story 1: Marian Spirlis – "Accidental Rooster Killer"

Timestamp: [02:12] – [08:58]

Marian Spirlis opens her tale by setting the scene of her childhood during the mid-1940s on a small dairy farm in southeastern Wisconsin. Unlike the stereotypical farmer's daughter, Marian was fond of dresses and preferred cleanliness, earning her the playful nickname "Princess Poo Poo" from her cousins. Despite limited responsibilities on the farm, she had a deep love for the animals, particularly the chickens and ducks she was tasked to care for.

Key Events:

• Imaginative Play: Marian often engaged in imaginative play, inspired by her favorite Western radio shows like The Lone Ranger and admired cowboy Gene Autry. This led her to perform impromptu singing sessions on her family's workhorses.

• The Incident: At seven years old, left alone as her parents attended to farm work with the help of her grandfather, Marian's boredom sparked a tragic accident. After watching a plane dropping bombs in a movie, she decided to emulate the scene by throwing corn cobs at the chickens, mimicking the "bombs away" command.

• Accidental Death: Her playful aggression culminated in the unintended death of her father's prized rooster, Charlie, when the bird was struck by a corn cob and fell lifeless.

Notable Quotes:

• Marian reflects, “So I ran down to him, and I remember shaking him and saying, Charlie, wake up. Wake up. Wake up.” ([04:15])
• She poignantly adds, “The lesson I learned was that everyone makes mistakes. Everyone has accidents, even children.” ([08:30])

Resolution: Marian confides in her grandfather, fearing her father's reaction. Demonstrating profound understanding and compassion, her grandfather helps her conceal the incident, convincing her that her father wouldn't blame her. When confronted by her father about Charlie's disappearance, her grandfather fabricates a story about a weasel, effectively shielding Marian from repercussions.

Insights: Marian's story highlights the innocence of childhood mistakes and the importance of supportive family relationships. Her grandfather's protective actions underscore themes of trust and unconditional love, providing Marian with a sense of security despite the gravity of her accidental wrongdoing.

Story 2: Anne Wheeler – "Strict Diet and Vending Machines"

Timestamp: [09:46] – [14:04]

Anne Wheeler shares a humorous yet poignant experience from her high school years involving her elderly aunt, Honey. During her junior year, Honey suffered a hip fracture, necessitating a stay in a nursing home. Anne, newly licensed to drive, decided to visit her aunt and meet her cousin Terrell.

Key Events:

• Breaking Rules: Upon arrival, Anne wakes Honey, who is eager to "do something" despite the strict protocols of the nursing home. This initiates a series of rule-breaking actions prompted by Honey's craving for cinnamon rolls, which conflicted with her diabetic diet.

• The Cinnamon Roll Caper: Honey persuades Anne to help her retrieve a cinnamon roll from an employee-only vending machine. Ignoring regulations, they search for the machine, interact with unsuspecting nurses, and eventually access the restricted area to obtain the desired treat.

• The Fallout: Anne complies with Honey's request to place the cinnamon roll in her wheelchair bag. Their clandestine snack run is abruptly halted when Anne's cousin Terrell confronts them, leading to Anne's emotional breakdown.

Notable Quotes:

• Anne describes Honey's determination: “We gotta move quickly because Terrell's coming.” ([11:20])
• Reflecting on the aftermath, Anne shares, “I just. I don't feel good. I just want to go. Let's just go.” ([13:00])

Resolution: The incident culminates in a tense confrontation with Terrell, who questions the breach of nursing home protocols. Overwhelmed with guilt and embarrassment, Anne decides to leave, signaling the strained family dynamics resulting from Honey's actions.

Insights: Anne's story illustrates the lengths to which family members will go to seek comfort and normalcy amidst challenging circumstances. The narrative underscores the tension between adhering to strict rules and the human desire for indulgence and rebellion, especially within the constraints of caregiving environments.

Host Commentary

Dan Kennedy provides empathetic reflections on both stories, acknowledging the accidental nature of Marian's actions and empathizing with Anne's predicament. He emphasizes the universal experience of making mistakes and the valuable lessons learned from them.

Notable Comments:

• On Marian's story: “We're very sad that Charlie met such an untimely demise, even if it was accidental. Not blaming Marion. We know it's just an innocent mistake we've all made.” ([08:58])
• On Anne's story: Kennedy shares a light-hearted moment wishing Aunt Honey a happy belated birthday and encourages listeners to engage with local Moth Story Slams.

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth Podcast masterfully weaves two narratives that explore the themes of unintended consequences and familial bonds. Marian Spirlis's heartfelt recounting of her childhood accident and Anne Wheeler's relatable teenage rebellion offer listeners a deep dive into personal histories marked by innocence and the complexity of family relationships. Through these stories, The Moth continues to celebrate the power of storytelling to connect, heal, and impart wisdom.

Connect with The Moth: For more stories and to attend live Story Slams in Milwaukee or New Orleans, visit themoth.org.