Summary of "O’Grady vs. Cereghino: First-Ever National Story SLAM-Off" Episode of The Moth Podcast
Release Date: November 24, 2008
Podcast Title: The Moth
Host: Dan Kennedy
Episode Title: O’Grady vs. Cereghino: First-Ever National Story SLAM-Off
Introduction
In this special episode of The Moth Podcast, host Dan Kennedy presents the first-ever National Story SLAM-Off, featuring two compelling storytellers: Jim O’Grady from New York and Josh Cheragino from Los Angeles. Both storytellers competed at the annual Mothball event, vying for the title of the Moth Grand Slam Storytelling Championship before advancing to the national stage.
Story 1: Jim O’Grady – "Viva Lamoth"
Overview: Jim O’Grady recounts his adventurous journey as a journalist at Fordham University in the Bronx. His tale intertwines journalistic integrity, campus politics, and a humorous yet poignant exploration of personal identity and the unintended consequences of storytelling.
Key Points:
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Journalistic Encounter:
O’Grady begins by describing his role as a reporter for the student newspaper, The Ram, at Fordham University. He narrates an intense encounter with Dean McGowan, the architect behind a controversial tuition hike policy. [02:21] -
The Pie Incident:
During a confrontation with Dean McGowan, an unexpected event unfolds—a figure affectionately dubbed "Pie Man" assaults the Dean with a cream pie. This dramatic moment becomes a pivotal story for O’Grady, blending reality with creative embellishment. [02:21 - 09:28] -
Creation of Pie Man:
To spice up his reportage, O’Grady invents a character, Pie Man, portraying him as a masked avenger with a quirky Latin catchphrase, "ego sum non an bistia," meaning "I am not an animal." This embellishment captivates readers and ignites campus buzz. [02:21 - 09:28] -
Unexpected Consequences:
The fabricated persona leads to real-life repercussions when "Pieman" nearly surfaces during a campus event, leaving O’Grady grappling with his identity and the blurred lines between his storytelling and reality. [09:28]
Notable Quotes:
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“Reporters call this making shit up, and they recommend against crossing that line.” – Jim O’Grady [04:15]
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“I am not Pai Man. As far as I knew, I had never seen the guy out of costume.” – Jim O’Grady [08:45]
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“She had been flirting with her and with such nuance that there was a question about whether she knew I existed.” – Jim O’Grady [08:45]
Insights: O’Grady’s story highlights the ethical dilemmas journalists may face when balancing factual reporting with creative storytelling. It underscores the impact of narrative embellishment and its potential to blur personal and professional boundaries.
Story 2: Josh Cheragino – "Love Letter from Ventura Jail"
Overview: Josh Cheragino shares a vivid and humorous account of his tumultuous experience with love, incarceration, and poetic expression. His story captures the chaos of youth, the complexities of romantic relationships, and the unexpected friendships formed in the least likely places.
Key Points:
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Youth and Rebellion:
Cheragino introduces himself as a 19-year-old poet from Thousand Oaks, California, whose rebellious streak leads him to petty crimes like stealing a golf cart, culminating in his arrest and subsequent probation. [10:00] -
Love and Consequences:
His romantic pursuit of Karen Johnson, an English major and poetry enthusiast, leads to grand gestures such as stealing roses, resulting in his arrest and a brief stint in Ventura County Jail. [10:00 - 13:50] -
Jail Dynamics:
Inside the jail, Cheragino navigates the perilous environment filled with diverse inmates, including recidivist drunk drivers and outlaw flower thieves. He faces potential violence from a fellow inmate, Little Sleepy, compelling him to channel his fear and longing into poetry. [10:00 - 13:50] -
Unexpected Alliances:
Through his creative expression, Cheragino forms an unlikely friendship with "Junior," a 300-pound Samoan inmate, and gains the respect of "Biker Dan," the head of the Aryan Brotherhood in the jail. These relationships play a crucial role in his survival and eventual release. [10:00 - 16:39] -
Reflection and Growth:
Upon release, Cheragino reflects on his experiences, recognizing the unintended consequences of his actions and the profound impact of his time in jail on his personal and romantic life. [16:39]
Notable Quotes:
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“Why the fuck didn't I just buy the roses?” – Josh Cheragino [12:30]
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“I am so humiliated.” – Josh Cheragino [13:50]
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“If you've got nothing better to do for six to 18 months, you're going to play like Gary fucking Kasparov.” – Josh Cheragino [12:45]
Insights: Cheragino’s narrative delves into themes of love, regret, and redemption. It portrays how youthful impulsiveness can lead to unexpected challenges and how creative expression can forge meaningful connections even in the most adverse circumstances.
Conclusion
The National Story SLAM-Off episode of The Moth Podcast showcases the art of storytelling through the engaging and heartfelt narratives of Jim O’Grady and Josh Cheragino. Both storytellers adeptly blend humor, personal anecdotes, and introspection to convey their unique experiences. O’Grady’s tale underscores the ethical intricacies of journalism, while Cheragino’s story highlights the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity. This episode exemplifies The Moth’s mission to present genuine, live stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
Notable Production Details
- Audio Production: Paul Ruwest at the Argo Network.
- Podcast Sponsorship: LivePerson.com provided sponsorship, emphasizing their world of experts platform.
- Listener Engagement: The episode encourages listeners to engage with the storytellers' performances and share their opinions via email.
Final Thoughts
"O’Grady vs. Cereghino: First-Ever National Story SLAM-Off" is a testament to the power of storytelling in connecting individuals through shared experiences. Whether navigating the corridors of academia or the unpredictable environment of a jail cell, both storytellers offer intimate glimpses into their lives, inviting listeners to reflect, empathize, and find humor in the human condition.