Summary of "Simon Doonan: The First Elf" – The Moth Podcast

Episode Release Date: December 19, 2011

Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Moth, host Dan Kennedy introduces Simon Doonan, a celebrated creative ambassador of Barneys New York and a prolific columnist. The story, titled "The First Elf," was performed live in 2010 and aligns with the episode's theme of "raised eyebrows," encompassing stories filled with shocks, surprises, and scandals (01:09).

The Unexpected Invitation

Simon Doonan begins his narrative by recounting a life-changing phone call received in January 2009 from Desiree Rogers, the White House’s first female Chief of Staff. Rogers extended an invitation for Doonan to decorate the White House for the holidays.

"I couldn't believe it. I thought, my God, I came to this country when I was 25 years old in the 70s... and now I'm getting a call from the White House," (03:02) Doonan reflects on his journey from an immigrant with humble beginnings to securing a prestigious role at the White House at the age of 57. His excitement is palpable as he envisions creating a magical holiday environment for the First Family.

Embarking on the Decoration Journey

Accepting the role, Doonan dives into the elaborate project of transforming the White House interiors. He and his team discover outdated plastic silver orbs stored from previous administrations, which Doonan finds tacky and unsuitable for a modern aesthetic.

"There are 500 of them. We'll take them all and ship them to community centers all over America," (06:50) he explains, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability and community involvement by repurposing the orbs for creative decoration across the nation.

The project involves over 500 decorated orbs, each reflecting themes such as American monuments, Indian reservations, and even a Mount Rushmore ball featuring President Obama's likeness. These decorations symbolize national pride and the rich diversity of American culture.

Navigating Media Challenges

As the installation date approaches, Doonan and his team face unexpected hurdles related to media attention. A conservative blogger infiltrates the project with an iPhone, capturing images of the creatively decorated orbs. These images are misrepresented on the blogger's website with a headline accusing Doonan of introducing a "communist agenda" into the White House decorations.

"Simon Doonan introduces communist agenda and anti family values into the White House," (12:40) the headline blares, leading to widespread outrage and a storm of online backlash. Doonan receives death threats, revealing the darker side of public scrutiny:

"Somebody should bash your brains out with a baseball bat," (13:30) he recounts the terrifying harassment stemming from the false allegations.

Despite the personal toll, Doonan remains resolute in his commitment to excellence:

"What's important is we knocked it out of the park. The whole White House looked unbelievable," (13:00) he asserts, prioritizing the success of the project over the unfounded criticisms.

Resolution and Reflections

By December 25th, the intense scrutiny subsides, allowing Doonan to reflect on the entire experience. He draws insightful conclusions about human nature and societal dynamics:

"There are really two types of people in the world. Little elves that go around and make everything fabulous... and then there are people who sit blogging and tweeting about the efforts of the first group," (14:00) Doonan muses, highlighting the dichotomy between creators and critics.

He humorously underscores the importance of diversity and creativity in celebrations:

"No holiday is complete without at least one drag queen and a bunch of elves," (14:00) emphasizing the vibrant and inclusive spirit that enriches festive traditions.

Conclusion

Simon Doonan's story, "The First Elf," is a compelling tale of ambition, creativity, and resilience. Through his endeavor to decorate the White House, Doonan not only transformed a historic space but also navigated the complexities of public perception and media misrepresentation. His experience serves as an inspiring testament to the power of dedication and the enduring spirit of artistic expression.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [03:02] "I couldn't believe it. I thought, my God, I came to this country when I was 25 years old in the 70s... and now I'm getting a call from the White House."
• [06:50] "There are 500 of them. We'll take them all and ship them to community centers all over America."
• [12:40] "Simon Doonan introduces communist agenda and anti family values into the White House."
• [13:30] "Somebody should bash your brains out with a baseball bat."
• [14:00] "There are really two types of people in the world. Little elves that go around and make everything fabulous... and then there are people who sit blogging and tweeting about the efforts of the first group."
• [14:00] "No holiday is complete without at least one drag queen and a bunch of elves."

This detailed summary encapsulates Simon Doonan's engaging storytelling, highlighting his remarkable journey, challenges faced during the White House decoration project, and the insightful reflections that conclude his narrative. The inclusion of notable quotes with precise timestamps offers depth and authenticity, making the summary both informative and relatable for those who haven't listened to the episode.