The Moth Podcast: Ophira Eisenberg & Brian Babylon: StorySLAM Favorites

Release Date: September 1, 2015

Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Moth podcast, host Dan Kennedy invites listeners into the vibrant world of StorySLAM—a dynamic open mic event held in over 24 cities worldwide. Featuring two standout stories from seasoned Story Slam hosts Ophira Eisenberg and Brian Babylon, this episode delves into the unpredictable and often hilarious moments that define live storytelling. Both storytellers share personal anecdotes that highlight the challenges and triumphs of performing in high-pressure environments, offering insights into the resilience and creativity required to captivate an audience.

Ophira Eisenberg: “Songs” [02:38 - 09:20]

Ophira Eisenberg, a comedian, writer, and host of NPR's Ask Me Another, recounts a formative experience from her fifth-grade musical in Calgary, Alberta. Set against the backdrop of the Canadian Wild West, the musical required students to embody roles such as bandits, sheriffs, and Miss Kitty—the latter being the coveted role of the saloon owner.

Key Points:

• Casting Surprise: Ophira, who neither considered herself a singer nor the prettiest girl in class, was unexpectedly cast as Miss Kitty, the role everyone desired. (02:38)

  "She said the girl with the strawberry blonde hair, Jackie Clark, which made sense because she had beautiful long red hair. I thought, oh, this is it. And then she said, Miss Kitty Ophira Eisenberg. I was like, what?" (02:38)

• Preparation and Anticipation: Excited about her big break, Ophira envisioned herself as a starlet, donning a yellow strapless gown reminiscent of a Las Vegas souvenir doll. The night before the performance, her teacher, Mrs. Rogers, prepared her with hair and makeup, solidifying her transformation into the role.

  "I was like, I'm gonna look just like that girl. The day before the performance, Mrs. Rogers took me aside and said... we're going to do your hair and makeup." (05:10)

• The Performance Misfire: Nervous yet eager, Ophira delivered her lines and sang a song parodying the popular TV show Gunsmoke. However, her performance took an unintended comedic turn, leaving the audience baffled and amused rather than captivated.

  "I'm sitting on a bar in a big yellow dress at 11 years old and this kid is polishing a glass. They cannot believe what they are seeing." (06:51)

• Aftermath and Realization: Post-performance, Ophira confronted the unintended comedic reception, leading to a pivotal moment of self-awareness about her impact on the audience.

  "I saw my mother afterwards and I was like, I thought I was going to be beautiful... she just said, you're quite a comedian." (08:45)

Insights: Ophira's story underscores the unpredictability of live performances and the fine line between intended and received messages. It highlights the importance of adaptability and embracing unintended outcomes in the art of storytelling and performance.

Brian Babylon: “Busted” [09:59 - 15:45]

Brian Babylon, a Chicago-born comic and radio host, shares a thrilling tale from his junior year of high school in the early '90s. Working at the World Music Theater in Tinley Park, Illinois, Brian found himself orchestrating a lucrative yet risky venture that led to an unexpected encounter with his parents.

Key Points:

• The Hustle Begins: Brian secured a summer job at a premier outdoor music venue and quickly realized the potential to maximize earnings by reselling concert tickets for high-demand events like Lollapalooza, Depeche Mode, Janet Jackson, and the Grateful Dead.

  "I would charge, you know, 4, 450 for a group of five or six to put your money together, put on the shirts, you go in, change into the concession chain shirt..." (12:15)

• The LSD Mishap: Amidst his entrepreneurial endeavors, Brian unknowingly applied a "happy face sticker" laced with LSD, leading to acute hallucinations during a sold-out Grateful Dead concert. This triggered panic as he grappled with distorted perceptions and the fear of an impending overdose.

  "I saw like these dolphins dancing back, I remember that they were like, I like, oh man, that ain't even real shit." (14:10)

• Parental Intervention: As Brian spiraled, his parents were alerted to what they believed was his drug overdose. The gravity of the situation intensified when his father arrived from Hyde Park, leading to a tense confrontation about the mysterious source of Brian's substantial cash reserves.

  "My dad had to come from Hyde Park all the way to the South... he's like, where the fuck you get that money from, Brian?" (15:00)

• The Revelation and Reconciliation: Faced with mounting pressure, Brian confessed his ticket reselling scheme, alleviating his parents' fears and ultimately earning their approval.

  "I told him my whole grandiose scheme. So then I look at my father's face. He's like, it turned to a smile. He's like, that's good, Brian." (15:30)

Insights: Brian's narrative illustrates the complexities of teenage entrepreneurship, the unforeseen consequences of risk-taking, and the profound impact of parental relationships. His ability to navigate a potentially disastrous situation with honesty and creativity emphasizes the importance of transparency and adaptability.

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth masterfully showcases the essence of StorySLAM events—unfiltered, authentic, and emotionally charged narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Ophira Eisenberg and Brian Babylon's stories exemplify the transformative power of storytelling, illustrating how personal experiences can pivot unexpected outcomes into memorable lessons. Through humor, vulnerability, and resilience, both storytellers invite listeners to reflect on their own high-wire acts of shared human experiences.

Notable Quotes:

• Ophira Eisenberg:
  "I'm Miss Kitty... and this is going to be my big chance to show everyone that I'm beautiful and I'm a star." (04:50)

• Brian Babylon:
  "This guy is we Huxtable black. I don't know if you know that. Okay? But he flipped into like Good times black." (14:20)

• Dan Kennedy:
  "I cannot say enough good things about. I love this story." (09:32)

About the Storytellers:

• Ophira Eisenberg: A comedian, writer, and host of NPR's Ask Me Another, Ophira is known for her sharp wit and engaging storytelling. Her debut memoir, Screw Everyone Sleeping My Way to Monogamy, offers a deeper dive into her humorous and candid life experiences.

• Brian Babylon: A Chicago-born comic and radio host, Brian is recognized as the self-proclaimed prince of Bronzeville. Recently relocated to Los Angeles, he contributes to the production team of Comedy Central's Why with Hannibal Buress. Brian is a frequent participant on NPR's Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me and stars in Season Three of Inside Amy Schumer on Comedy Central.

For more stories and live events, visit themoth.org.