The Moth Podcast: Molly Cameron & Stevie Long – StorySLAM Favorites

Release Date: March 31, 2015

Introduction

In this episode of The Moth podcast, host Dan Kennedy presents two standout stories from their beloved StorySLAM series. StorySLAM events function as open mic nights where storytellers share personal narratives under various themes. This episode features Molly Cameron and Stevie Long, whose compelling stories explore the themes of fame and nerve, respectively. Both narratives offer deep insights into personal growth, societal expectations, and the complexities of human relationships.

Molly Cameron: The Quest for Fame [03:13 – 09:58]

Molly Cameron's Story Summary:

Molly Cameron recounts her experience with the pursuit of fame through her involvement with her best friend Andrea's band, Pretty and Nice. As an avid fan and friend, Molly becomes entangled in the band's creative process, believing that her participation in a photo shoot could catapult her into the limelight.

Key Points:

• Discovery of the Romper: While rummaging through Andrea’s closet, Molly, under the influence of vodka, dons an eye-catching pink and white romper. Andrea, a passionate photographer, captures Molly's spontaneous antics mid-air, leading to a series of adventurous photographs. (03:50)

• Excitement for the Photo Shoot: Two months later, the photos inspire Jeremy, the band’s lead singer, to propose using them as the cover art for their next album. Molly envisions this as her big break into fame, imagining scenarios akin to being featured in Rolling Stone or even landing a movie deal. (05:20)

• The Reality of the Photo Shoot: Contrary to her glamorous expectations, the actual shoot in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint with photographer Brett turns out to be mundane and awkward. The setting shifts from her envisioned white studios to the quiet woods of Prospect Park, where Molly battles performance anxiety in her revealing romper amidst an unglamorous environment. (07:15)

• Aftermath and Reflection: The final photos receive modest attention, contrasting sharply with Molly's initial high hopes. She reflects on the disconnect between her drunken inspiration and the reality of the professional shoot, questioning the pursuit of fame and its true value. (09:00)

Notable Quotes:

• "I just thought it was so hilarious because it was so short that my butt cheeks were just escaping." – Molly Cameron (04:10)
• "This was going to be my big break." – Molly Cameron (06:00)
• "Every time I look at those photos, I just feel awkward all over again." – Molly Cameron (09:30)

Dan Kennedy’s Commentary:

Dan reflects humorously on Molly’s story, noting the contrast between the indie rock aesthetic of the album cover and the awkwardness detailed in Molly’s narrative. He praises Molly’s storytelling for adding depth and humor to what initially appears as a cool album cover, highlighting the layers behind public personas. (09:58)

Stevie Long: Finding Nerve [10:56 – 16:39]

Stevie Long's Story Summary:

Stevie Long shares a poignant story from her childhood that intertwines themes of bravery, identity, and familial relationships. From an early age, Stevie grapples with understanding her own identity, leading to a defining moment of courage when she confronts her father about her sexuality.

Key Points:

• Childhood Incident: At eight years old, during Catholic school programming, Stevie asks her teacher, "How do we know that God has genitals?" This bold question leads to her being escorted out of class, igniting a lasting impact on her confidence and relationship with her father. (11:30)

• Impact on Self-Confidence: The incident causes Stevie to lose some of the self-assuredness she once had, influencing her later struggles with identity and acceptance. (13:00)

• Moving to New Orleans: As an adult, Stevie relocates to New Orleans to work with Habitat for Humanity post-Katrina, where she embraces her true self and realizes her attraction to women. This self-discovery propels her to come out to her father, despite apprehensions. (14:45)

• Confrontation with Her Father: Stevie's attempt to communicate her sexuality to her father is fraught with tension. Her initial approach is confrontational, leading to a heated exchange where she lashes out. Realizing her mistake, she musters the nerve to apologize sincerely, which ultimately strengthens her relationship with her father. (16:00)

Notable Quotes:

• "How do we know that God has genitals?" – Stevie Long (11:15)
• "You're so stupid. I don't know how you could be this naive to not understand that this is important to me." – Stevie Long (15:10)
• "I love you. Please don't say genitals anymore." – Stevie Long’s Father (16:30)

Dan Kennedy’s Commentary:

Dan appreciates Stevie’s story for its vulnerability and the universal struggle for acceptance and understanding within families. He draws parallels between Stevie’s childhood curiosity and her adult journey towards self-acceptance, highlighting the enduring impact of early experiences on personal development. (16:39)

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth podcast beautifully illustrates the intricate dance between personal aspirations and the harsh realities of life. Molly Cameron’s tale underscores the often-unpredictable nature of seeking fame, revealing how perceived opportunities can diverge significantly from reality. Meanwhile, Stevie Long’s heartfelt narrative delves into the courage required to embrace one’s true identity and the complexities of seeking acceptance from loved ones.

Both stories emphasize the importance of authenticity, resilience, and the profound effects of our interactions with others on our self-perception and life trajectories. Through engaging storytelling, Molly and Stevie invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences with fame, identity, and the nerve it takes to navigate both.

For those inspired to share their stories, The Moth encourages participation in their 21 StorySLAM events across various cities. Upcoming shows, including a return to London sponsored by Times Plus on April 13th, offer opportunities for storytellers to connect and share their unique narratives. To learn more or attend a StorySLAM, visit themoth.org.

Additional Information

• Molly Cameron: A writer and performer from the woods of New Hampshire, currently based in Astoria, New York. Her work has been featured on This Recording and Flavor Wire, and she is writing a memoir about a time she broke eight bones.

• Stevie Long: Originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Stevie moved to New Orleans and later to Washington State with her wife. She is pursuing a master's degree in education and is an active host and performer with The Moth.

Thank you for listening to The Moth podcast. We hope these stories inspire you to embark on your own journey of storytelling and connection.