Steven Puente & Adam Wade: StorySLAM Favorites

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Steven Puente & Adam Wade: StorySLAM Favorites"

The Moth Podcast
Episode Release Date: June 17, 2013

---

Introduction

In this episode of The Moth Podcast, titled "Steven Puente & Adam Wade: StorySLAM Favorites," listeners are treated to two deeply personal and engaging stories from The Moth's renowned StorySLAM series. Both storytellers, Stephen Puente and Adam Wade, share transformative experiences that delve into themes of confrontation, resilience, and human connection. Their narratives not only entertain but also offer profound insights into navigating challenging situations.

---

Stephen Puente: "A Night in the Bronx"

Timestamp: [03:52] – Stephen Puente begins his story.

Stephen Puente, a licensed social worker from a small coastal town in Northern California, recounts a tense and emotional evening while working as an intern at a methadone clinic in Co-op City, Bronx. His client, Joaquin, a 17-year-old boy struggling academically and socially, unexpectedly attends their appointment—a moment Stephen views as a "victory" ([03:52]).

To celebrate Joaquin's attendance, Stephen suggests going out for ice cream, embodying his commitment to keeping children engaged and connected:
“And I think that this is what New York City needs as kids outside experiencing nature.” ([03:52])

However, their simple outing takes a dark turn when they encounter a group of local youths who seem to mistake Stephen for someone else named Rafi. The situation escalates rapidly as one of the teens pulls out a gun, threatening both Stephen and Joaquin with,
“I'll fucking kill you.” ([08:26])

Amidst the chaos, Stephen attempts to de-escalate the situation using his training in crisis intervention, stating,
“I'm a social worker. I've got a lot of experience in drug addiction and group therapy.” ([08:26])

The confrontation intensifies, forcing Stephen and Joaquin to flee through the streets of Co-op City, culminating in a desperate escape into a nearby mall. There, an elderly couple intervenes, helping them find safety. Reflecting on the ordeal, Stephen imparts a simple yet powerful piece of advice to Joaquin:
“Whatever you do, don't leave the house.” ([11:12])

This poignant conclusion underscores the fragility of trust and the profound responsibility Stephen feels in guiding and protecting his young client.

---

Adam Wade: "The Roast Beef Revelation"

Timestamp: [11:45] – Adam Wade begins his story.

Adam Wade, a native of New Hampshire and an 18-time Story Slam winner, shares a deeply personal experience from his time in Hoboken, New Jersey, during a particularly low period in his life. Facing unemployment and living with a friend amidst a backdrop of stress and uncertainty, Adam seeks solace in a simple joy: making the perfect roast beef sandwich.

With limited funds—"I had $7 in my wallet"—Adam heads to Shoprite to procure his ingredients. His quest for a quality sandwich leads to a series of frustrating interactions with the store's elderly Italian staff.

Waiting impatiently for his turn, Adam observes multiple elderly Italian women consistently cutting in line, each time engaging in prolonged and personal conversations with the deli worker, John. This repeated interruption breeds mounting frustration within him:
“I got 62. I've been waiting here. You let half of Italy cut me.” ([17:54])

Unable to contain his irritation, Adam confronts John, expressing his exasperation:
"And I'm having such a tough time. It just made me feel really good inside." ([17:54])

However, the situation takes a reflective turn when one of the elderly women sternly admonishes Adam:
“Shame on you. Shame on you. John's mother's sick.” ([17:54])

Struck by guilt and empathy, Adam reaches out to John after his shift, leading to a heartfelt conversation where John offers words of encouragement and understanding. This unexpected moment of connection transforms Adam's perspective, highlighting the healing power of empathy and human interaction.

Over time, Adam becomes a regular at Shoprite, building meaningful relationships with the staff and customers alike. His initial frustration gives way to a newfound sense of community and belonging, illustrating his personal growth and resilience.

---

Conclusion

In "Steven Puente & Adam Wade: StorySLAM Favorites," both storytellers deliver compelling narratives that explore the complexities of human emotions and interactions. Stephen Puente's account illuminates the challenges faced by social workers in high-stress environments, emphasizing the delicate balance between authority and compassion. Meanwhile, Adam Wade's story underscores the transformative impact of empathy and personal connections during moments of vulnerability.

Through their authentic and engaging storytelling, Stephen and Adam invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences with confrontation, resilience, and the profound effects of simple acts of kindness. This episode exemplifies The Moth's mission to celebrate the art of storytelling, fostering a deeper understanding and connection among diverse audiences.

---

Notable Quotes:

• “I'll fucking kill you.” — Stephen Puente recounting the threatening encounter with local youths. ([08:26])
• “Whatever you do, don't leave the house.” — Stephen Puente advising Joaquin post-confrontation. ([11:12])
• “I got 62. I've been waiting here. You let half of Italy cut me.” — Adam Wade expressing his frustration at Shoprite. ([17:54])
• “Shame on you. Shame on you. John's mother's sick.” — An elderly Italian woman reprimanding Adam. ([17:54])

---

This episode of The Moth not only entertains but also offers valuable lessons in empathy, patience, and the power of human connection, making it a memorable addition to The Moth's storied collection of personal narratives.

Transcript

[Rosetta Stone Sponsor]

As we approach the end of the year, I'm thinking about the next. Next year is the year I finally make my Spanish better than my 9 year olds. Rosetta Stone is the most trusted language learning program available on desktop or as an app, and it truly immerses you in the language that you want to learn. I can't wait to use Rosetta Stone and finally speak better than my 9 year old who's been learning Spanish in his own way. Rosetta Stone is the trusted expert for 30 years. With millions of users and 25 languages offered spoken Spanish, French, Italian, German, Korean. I could go on fast language acquisition. Rosetta Stone immerses you in many ways. There are no English translations, so you can really learn to speak, listen and think in that language. Start the new year off with a resolution you can reach today. The Moth listeners can take advantage of this Rosetta Stones lifetime membership for 50% off visit rosettastone.com moth that's 50% off. Unlimited access to 25 language courses for the rest of your Life. Redeem your 50% off at rosettastone.com moth today. This is a message from sponsor Intuit TurboTax Taxes was waiting and wondering and worrying if you were going to get any money back and then waiting, wondering and worrying some more. Now Taxes is matching with a TurboTax expert who can do your taxes as soon as today. An expert who gives your taxes their undivided attention as they work on your return while you get real time updates on their progress so you can focus on your day. An expert who will find you every deduction possible and file every form, every investment, Every everything with 100% accuracy. All so you can get the most money back guaranteed. No waiting, no wondering, no worries. Now this is Taxes. Get an Expert now on TurboTax.com only available with TurboTax Live full service real time updates only in iOS mobile app. See guarantee [e-mail] guarantees.

[Dan Kennedy]

Welcome to the Moth Podcast. I'm Dan Kennedy. We have this word from our sponsor. There are probably a bunch of other places you would rather be than at work, right? And then someone tells you, well, there's a bunch of stuff that has to get done. Here's the good news. You can escape the office and still stay connected to your co workers and clients. If you need to share ideas, problem solve or get a project done or something like that, you can use GoToMeeting with HD faces. It's the powerfully simple way to meet and collaborate online. With GoToMeeting. It just takes a click to share your screen and work on documents in real time. And with a webcam, you can turn your online meeting into an HD video conference. You'll see each other face to face. It's just like meeting in person. You can easily launch or join a meeting from anywhere you are, whenever you need to, using your computer, smartphone or tablet. You can even present with your iPad. Now GoToMeeting is convenient, reliable, and it's easy to use. Try GoToMeeting free for 30 days. For this special offer, just visit Got GoToMeeting.com click on the Try it free button and use the promo code MOTH. Remember to use the promo code MOTH. That's GoToMeeting.com GoToMeeting Meeting is believing this week we bring you two stories from our Story Slam series. And as you know, our Story Slams are our open mic storytelling competitions and we've got them in 13 cities across the country. Now, the first story by Stephen Puente was told live at a Moth Story Slam in New York last year. The theme of the night was gangs, cliques and crowds.

[Stephen Puente]

So I'm sitting in my office and I'm waiting for him to show up, but I don't think he's going to show up. It's Joaquin. He's a 17 year old boy in the Bronx and I, I'm working in co op city as an intern as a social worker at a family children's service agency. And Joaquin doesn't really leave the house a lot because he's 17 years old and he still hasn't graduated seventh grade. And I'm kind of thinking, well, maybe he doesn't leave the house often and maybe he's just not going to show up to my appointment. But he surprises me and he shows up and that's kind of a victory for me. And I think, well, let's celebrate. It's during the summer and I think, you know, what's a better way to celebrate than ice cream? And I think I've come from the west coast and there's a little saying out there. It's like leave no child inside, meaning we're going to go outside. And I think that this is what New York City needs as kids outside experiencing nature. But what I don't realize is there's not a whole lot here. So we go outside and there was an ice cream truck around the corner, but it had left. It was late in the evening. So I tell Joaquin, like, let's just go find some ice cream. He thinks I'm weird, but we're getting through It. So we walk around the corner in front of a Jewish guy that cuts meat. I just blanked butcher. Thank you. And we passed a group of kids. And these kids kind of look at Joaquin and kind of give him a nod. And me being from west coast, from a really small town, I'm kind of like. I look at him like, what was that all about? And he's like, I don't know. I'm not from this section. If you're not familiar with Co Op City, there's different sections, and it's in the middle of nowhere. But the 6 train goes out there, and it's just kind of. Just 55,000 people live in 27 buildings, and there's really nothing out there. So I kind of ask them, like, well, I'm not from this section. Like, I don't know what their problem is. So we sit there, and we're contemplating in front of the butcher shop, like, where should we go? Where's ice cream? Should we go to Seatown? And these kids kind of approach us and they go, hey, what's up? And I know they're not talking to me. And so Joaquin's like, nothing, man. He's like, you know. You know Rafi, don't you? And he's like, I don't know. I don't know Rafi. I'm not from here. He's like, no, you know Rafi. I was like, I don't know. You were here last week, right? Friday night? He's like, nah, man, not. It's like, hey, Joaquin, let's just go. Let's just go. Let's walk away. They follow us, and there's five of them, and one of them is a Latino boy who's got a nice, bright pink lapel shirt and a few other black kids. And they look somewhat menacing. And they kind of approach us again. It's like, no, hey, you know Rafi, don't you? He's like, man, I don't know. I'm not from here. And the guy in the pink shirt is kind of clenching his fist, and he starts getting really pissed. And I'm thinking, I'm a social worker. I've got a lot of experience in drug addiction and group therapy. There's a group of us here, and one of the things infusing that crisis intervention kind of put it back to them is like, who's Rafi? Shut up, man. Do you do me? So they keep kind of asking him, and he's like, hey, I'm with my social worker here. And they're like, oh, thank you. They're totally gonna listen to authority now. We don't fucking care, you know, Rafi, you were here last week, weren't you? I was like, dude, Joaquin, let's just go. Let's just walk home. And if you don't know about co op again, I told you that it's kind of this mass space, but it's about a half mile of kind of Nothing. Even though 55,000 people live there. It's about a quarter half mile walk. But let's just go to the stop and the bus stop and maybe we'll catch some public transportation. So he takes his backpack off and we start walking. I kind of diffuse the situation. We're not going to talk about the kids, but we notice as we're getting close to this bus stop, the Latino kid is kind of separated from the other guys and has followed us. And he's kind of running towards us and he starts approaching us and we're like, okay, Joaquin, let's just take care of this. Like, let's just talk to the guy.

[Adam Wade]

So.

[Stephen Puente]

So he comes up and I'm thinking, okay, one on one, I'm much better at this. Lots of training. So we'll just kind of talk this through as rational human beings. Like, there must be a situation where he doesn't know Rafi. He's been mis. Kind of like identified for somebody else. And before I could even talk to him. And I'm in between this kid and my client and his arm swings around and hits my client in the face and his hat falls off. And all of a sudden, now traffic is starting to stop and all the other kids are starting to run up and kind of come after us. I don't really know what to do, but I hear people kind of rolling down the windows like, don't do it. Don't do it. It's not worth it. It's not worth it. And I don't really know what's going on. But now people have separated and the boys have separated because Joaquin, my client, took his backpack off and he has a gun and he says, back off, motherfuckers. I'll fucking kill you. I'll fucking kill you. Stephen, give him a hat. Okay, let's get out of here. So we cross the street and now we're trying to go around. We're now walking and then walking. And he looks at me and he's like, run. And I'm like, okay. We start running. I'm running much faster than him because he's got his pants real Low because he's a gangster. And I'm thinking, the only thing close up next to us is actually the. The mall. And maybe we'll just hang out in Burger King and just like all this can come around, just kind of, like, fizzle out. But we kind of get to the thing and are running through the thing. The kids are chasing us. And we're about to cross into the. The mall, and all of a sudden, a car stops. Boom. Door opens. And they said, get in. I'm like, yes, let's go. I don't know what's going on here, but I jump in. I'm like, joaquin, let's go. Get in. We get in, and there's an old lady and an old man, and he was the butcher. And she was a social worker, and she noticed that I didn't look like I was from around here. And I saw the kids chasing us so that maybe they'd help. So where would you like to go? I said, let's just take Joaquin home. So we drive and we drop him off at the building, and she looks to him and says, joaquin, go upstairs. Don't leave the house. Whatever you do, don't leave the house. And I'm thinking to myself, in all the years of my experience in being in school, but also the years of being an addictions counselor and thinking I can do and have these great, amazing things to say, that was the best advice we can give Joaquin. Just don't leave the house.

[Dan Kennedy]

Steven Fuente comes from a small coastal town in New York, Northern California. He was raised on a blueberry farm, but doesn't like blueberry pancakes. As a licensed social worker, he uses the art of storytelling as therapeutic intervention. He currently works at a methadone clinic in the South Bronx. Okay, the next story you're going to hear by Adam Wade was told live at a moth story slam in New York City in 2011. The theme of the night was anger.

[Adam Wade]

How you doing? My name is Adam Wade. I am originally from New Hampshire. Two years ago, I had the lowest point I had living in New York. At the time, I was living in Hoboken, New Jersey. I hadn't worked for a full year, and I had worked my way up from a basement apartment to an apartment on the third floor. And I had to give it up and move in with my friend Trisha, God bless her, with a lot of cats. And I'm, like, asthmatic. So it was, like the summer, and I'm sitting in there, and she has a place at the Jersey Shore. And this is me and the cats. And I got my air filter and my humidifier going, and I'm not working. I've had interviews. Everybody says I'm a nice guy, but they won't hire me. And I was just so frustrated. And the cable wasn't working. I go, I need to do something to make me happy. And I like roast beef sandwiches. I had $7 in my wallet. I go, I'm gonna go to Shoprite. I'm gonna nice Italian bread. I'm gonna make it myself. And then I'm gonna get a quarter pound of boar's head roast beef, rare. And we're gonna be all set. So I go in and there's one. There's a gentleman. He kind of looks like Eric Roberts from Pope of Greenwich Village. He's working behind the deli, and it's just him, and he's just kind of shaking. And he's waiting on this elderly Italian lady. So he's waiting on, I guess, 61. So I take the number and it's 62. And I'm just waiting there. And she's like, hi, John, how's your mother? And they're talking about his mother. And I'm like, come on. Like, I got absolutely nowhere to go, but I'd like to get my roast beef and my rolling and get out of here. So they're finally done, and I'm like, all right, hey, John, I'll have a quarter pound. And he's like, excuse me. And then this other elderly Italian lady cuts me in line and they say, how's your mother? And she's like, he's off dialysis. And they're going back and forth and I'm like, all right. I mean, I'm a laid back guy, but I just, like, I'm getting there, you know? And so I'm sitting there and she ordered a lot of stuff for a little lady. And so finally. And I'm ready to jump on it. So they say, goodbye, you say, idmi. And I go, quarter part of Boris. And just as I said two, like, there must have been twins. Elderly Italian ladies cut me a line and they order like the whole place. And I'm starting to get pissed off. And like, as I'm going through a lot of opok and yuppies are. They're gathered around, so there's a lot of people now. And they go. And I'm holding on to my number and I'm starting to shake. And so they're like, I tell your mother we said hi. And he's like, I will By Lee's. And then I'm like. And then I just. I go, quarter pound of boar's head right now. And he's like, excuse me, I gotta make a phone call. And I just go, oh, Jesus. Oh, Jesus. And, like, all the yuppies are looking at me like I'm a jerk. And I'm like, jesus, this guy. So he goes, makes a phone call, and. And he's at least five minutes, and he comes back, and I know, okay, there's no. I don't see any elderly Italian ladies. It's just me and the uppies. And I got my number. I'm all set. So he hits the numbers thing, but he hits it twice, and he goes, all right, number 63. And then I just stop. I go, wait a minute. I got 62. I've been waiting here. You let half of Italy cut me. You know what I mean? I'm ready to go. And I go, I want a quarter pound of boar's head rose, and I want it rare. Please, John. And, like, the poor guy, like, I thought he was gonna start crying. He's like, I'm so sorry, sir. I go, don't worry about apologizing. Just get me my meat. So he cuts in, and he's doing it, and he gets in, and I just grab it. And, like, I gotta admit, like, I'm having such a tough time. I felt good at yelling at someone. It just made me feel really good inside. And I'm still shaking, but I feel. So I'm heading to the cash register, and one of the elderly Italian ladies that comes grabs my arm. She goes, shame on you. Shame on you. John's mother's sick. And I'm like. And I just walk. I get my roast beef and I go home. And I'm still shaking. I go. And I get the cats, Scram. And I'm making my sandwich, and I. I can't stop thinking about John's mother. And it's like, the way I am, I'm just sitting there like john's mother, you know? Jesus Christ. This poor guy. I'm okay. I'm not hungry. So I Google Shoprite, Hoboken. And I get on the phone and I go, please, can I have the deli department? John answers. I go, john, it's Adam Wade. And he's like, who? I go, I'm the guy that just came in. They yelled at you at the recorder part. He goes, oh, yes, I remember. And I go, you know, I'm really sorry. And I go through my whole spiel. I'M having a rough summer. And he's just always like, don't worry. You seem like such a nice boy, because you'll get a job. Don't worry. And, like, it made me feel so good. And I'm like, you know, John, how's your mother doing? And he's like, she's off dialysis, but she might go back. And we're going on and on, and it's like. It's like the best, like, 15 minutes of my life. And then he, like. He cuts me short. He's like, you know, Adam, I'd love to keep talking to you. It's been a great conversation, but there's a lot of people here that want their meat and cheese. So for the rest of the summer, I went in three or four nights a week. Some nights I wouldn't even get anything, but I would. Like, I didn't have money to go to bars. I talked to John, see how his mother, he keep the faith. And then I met Wilma that did the samples, and I'd have samples to eat, and then Dorothy at the checkout, 15 or less. And, like, they helped me, you know, And I'm fortunate to say, like, I had a job for a year, a year straight, and. And I just go. I can't go in every night to shop, right? I got a life. But I go in on Saturday afternoons, and it's packed, you know, and it's always really busy. I just get my grape nuts and cranberry juice. But I always. No matter what, I'll always go and say hi to John if he's there. And I'm like, hey, John, how you doing? How's your mother? And she's, like, off dialysis. She's riding a bike. I'm like, that is fabulous. He's like, how's work? I'm like, great. He's like, I knew. Knew you'd be all right. I'm like, oh. And, like, the crowd, you know, they're starting to get annoyed. And then I'm like, all right, John, I'll see you. Have a good day. And he's like, hey, Adam, come here. And I'm like, what, John? He's like, want a quarter pound of boar's head roast beef? I'm like, come on, John. There's a lot of people there. I can't do it, you know? He's like, come on, have a quarter pound of roast beef on.

[Stephen Puente]

All right.

[Adam Wade]

Give me the quarter pound of roast beef, bro. Come on. And I've become one of the old ladies.

[Dan Kennedy]

Adam Wade is originally from New Hampshire. He's an 18 time story slam winner and two time grand slam Champion at the Moth. He's been featured in the New York Times and Time Out Night York. Adam has been heard on NPR's All Things Considered and the Moth Radio Hour. Adam loves the Moth very much and we love you too, Adam. Also, here's something we've got planned for this summer. The Moth main stage is returning to Martha's vineyard on Saturday, August 3rd. That'll be at the Tabernacle. For information on tickets and for all of our upcoming tour stops, visit themoth.org.

[Stephen Puente]

Our podcast host, Dan Kennedy is a writer and performer living in New York.

[Rosetta Stone Sponsor]

And author of the new novel American Spirit. Available now.

[Dan Kennedy]

Thanks to all of you for listening and we hope you have a story worthy week. Podcast audio production by Paul Ruest at the Argo Studios in New York. The Moth Podcast and the Radio Hour are presented by prx, the Public Radio Exchange helping make podcasts public radio more public at prx.

[Adam Wade]

Org.