The Moth Podcast: Steve Zimmer & Sara Peters – GrandSLAM Close Calls

Release Date: November 22, 2010
Host: Dan Kennedy
Episode Theme: GrandSLAM featuring runner-up stories from New York Grand Slams

Steve Zimmer: Navigating Neighborhood Tensions

Recorded Live at the Moth Grand Slam in May 2010 | Theme: Big Breaks

Steve Zimmer opens his narrative by painting a vivid picture of his childhood neighborhood in Niles, Illinois. He describes the uniformity of the backyards, all measuring exactly 30ft by 40ft, highlighting the Dwyer family's standout backyard with its pool and elevated wood deck. Zimmer shares his childhood mischief of spying on neighborhood parties by crawling beneath the Dwyers' deck, emphasizing the underlying tensions in a community plagued by a recent crime wave.

Key Points:

• Introduction to the Neighborhood: Zimmer recounts the onset of burglaries following his family's move into a crime-ridden area, framing the Dwyers as the focal point of both popularity and suspicion.
• Family Dynamics: He delves into his parents' struggles with fitting into the community, leading to the formation of a Family Neighborhood Watch to cope with the stress and fear induced by the burglaries.
• Climactic Night: The tension culminates one warm summer night when Zimmer and his brother witness suspicious activity at the Dwyers' house, prompting them to alert their parents and, subsequently, the police.
• Resolution and Aftermath: The police intervention leads to the arrest of several teenagers, including the Dwyer siblings, effectively ending the burglaries and altering the family's standing in the neighborhood.

Notable Quotes:

• "Sometimes, when the Dwyers have a pool party, I'll sneak through a gap in the fence and crawl undetected underneath the deck and I can look up through slots in the wood and spy on people at the party." [02:02]
• "My little brother is more deeply affected. He'll get up in the middle of the night and just stare out the window at the street for hours." [05:15]
• "We're the weird family you don't fuck with." [09:30]

Conclusion: Zimmer's story encapsulates the complexities of suburban life, where outward appearances often mask deeper societal issues. The resolution not only restores safety but also redefines Zimmer's family's identity within the community.

Sarah Peters: A Moment of Crisis and Clarity

Recorded Live at the Moth Grand Slam in July 2010 | Theme: Point of No Return

Sarah Peters shares an intensely personal experience centered around a health scare that initially leads her to believe she might be facing a life-altering decision. The narrative is interwoven with her love for the video game "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," which serves as a metaphorical backdrop to her emotional journey.

Key Points:

• The Health Scare: Peters describes discovering what appears to be severe internal bleeding, prompting a visit to the doctor where she anxiously awaits a diagnosis.
• Misinterpreted Pregnancy Test: She reveals that the initial positive pregnancy test leaves her in emotional turmoil, anticipating the difficult choice of abortion despite her pro-choice stance.
• Ultrasound Experience: The ultrasound, however, dispels her fears, indicating that her situation was a miscarriage, not an ongoing pregnancy, leading to unexpected relief.
• Emotional Aftermath: Despite the positive news, Peters grapples with lingering feelings of guilt and loss, reflecting on the conversations she had fabricated with her non-existent baby.
• Coping Mechanism: She concludes by finding solace in her love for the game she cherishes, which helps her process the complex emotions stemming from the ordeal.

Notable Quotes:

• "I have bled through my panties, through my jeans, through the quilt, through the sheet and onto the mattress." [09:58]
• "I have always been pro choice, but I had never thought that would be my choice." [12:45]
• "I slink out of the room key, which is glorious, and begin the wait." [14:20]
• "In the crushing depression that follows, I cling to and complete the legend of the ocarina of time and I weep." [15:10]

Conclusion: Peters' story delves deep into the emotional labyrinth of anticipating a life-changing medical diagnosis. It highlights the profound impact such experiences have on personal identity and relationships, ultimately finding a path to healing through cherished memories and passions.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Moth masterfully presents two compelling narratives that explore themes of community dynamics and personal crisis. Steve Zimmer's recounting of childhood fears and neighborhood upheaval contrasts with Sarah Peters' intimate exploration of medical anxiety and emotional resilience. Both stories, rich with personal insights and evocative storytelling, exemplify the essence of The Moth's mission to share authentic, lived experiences.

About the Speakers:

• Steve Zimmer: A seasoned storyteller with 12 Moth slams under his belt, including a grand slam victory in 2009. Zimmer has been sharing his stories since 2006, bringing humor and depth to his recounting of life's challenges.

• Sarah Peters: Residing in New York City with her husband, Peters writes about overcoming unemployment with optimism on her blog, Happy in Hooverville. Her storytelling blends personal struggle with reflective humor, anchored by her enduring love for classic video games.

For more captivating stories and to pitch your own, visit themoth.org.