The Moth Podcast: StorySLAM Favorites Featuring Adam Faure & Carlos Kotkin

Release Date: January 8, 2014

Introduction

In this episode of The Moth podcast, host Dan Kennedy presents two captivating stories from their open mic StorySLAM series: Adam Faure's dramatic account of marital turmoil and emergency intervention, and Carlos Kotkin's inspiring journey from Hollywood assistant to studio executive. Both stories, rich with emotion and personal insights, exemplify the essence of The Moth—true stories told live without notes, fostering a deep connection between storyteller and audience.

Adam Faure: A Night of Turmoil and Redemption Story Delivered in New York City, Theme: Balanced
Timestamp: [04:28] – [10:57]

Adam Faure begins his narrative by setting the stage of a strained marriage exacerbated by the demands of raising young children with minimal sleep. He recounts a pivotal night when his wife experiences a confrontation that spirals into legal trouble.

“I think I'm about to be arrested.”
— Adam Faure [04:35]

Faure describes how a minor accident—his wife’s side view mirror being torn off by another driver—escalates as she confronts the offending party with unexpected force. Her anger leads to her arrest, leaving Faure in a state of confusion and urgency to bail her out.

Key Moments:

• The Incident: His wife’s altercation results in her arrest after she forcibly removes the offending driver’s side mirror and throws it to the ground.
• The Aftermath: Faure’s frantic attempts to reach his wife, his subsequent trip to the precinct, and the bureaucratic hurdles he faces to secure her release.
• Emotional Strain: The story highlights the emotional volatility within their relationship, emphasizing moments like when Faure frantically demands, “Pay for the mirror” ([08:10]).

In the resolution, Faure successfully bails out his wife, only to face a bittersweet moment where she implies that enduring the legal trouble could have been another testament to their relationship.

“I could have done the time.”
— Adam Faure [10:40]

This poignant conclusion underscores the complexities of their relationship and the fine line between frustration and love.

Notable Quotes:

• “I couldn’t remember why we hated each other, but we definitely hated each other.” — Adam Faure [04:40]
• “You haven't lived until you've brought your wife a breast pump and seen her led by you, by two female cops in handcuffs.” — Adam Faure [09:45]

Carlos Kotkin: From Hollywood Assistant to Studio Executive Story Delivered in Los Angeles, Theme: Golden Opportunity
Timestamp: [11:40] – [17:56]

Carlos Kotkin shares his transformative experience working as an assistant for Edgar Scherreck, a seasoned Hollywood producer. Dropping out of college to pursue his artistic ambitions, Kotkin navigates the challenges and unexpected opportunities that come his way.

Key Highlights:

• Starting Out: Kotkin’s initial role involves driving Scherreck around, which inadvertently positions him within the Hollywood elite.

  “Edgar brought me to Macy's and he bought me five suits. My first suits.”
  — Carlos Kotkin [12:15]

• Breaking Perceptions: Through his active participation in script meetings, Kotkin transcends the typical assistant role, leading to a surprising promotion.

  “I wasn’t his assistant. I wasn’t his driver. I was his associate.”
  — Carlos Kotkin [14:30]

• Interview with 20th Century Fox: Kotkin’s impassioned interview process, marked by a spirited debate on the necessity of a degree, impresses the studio president enough to secure a position as a studio executive despite lacking formal higher education.

  “You kind of sound like my mother.”
  — Carlos Kotkin [16:05]

• Navigating the Executive World: Adjusting to his new role, Kotkin deals with the superficial judgments based on his attire and personal vehicle, highlighting the superficial aspects of Hollywood culture.

  “I ran into this casting director... 'Don't worry, Carlos. I won't tell anyone.'”
  — Carlos Kotkin [15:50]

• Choosing Authenticity Over Conformity: Despite the success, Kotkin realizes his true passion lies in creative endeavors rather than the corporate side of the film industry. He chooses to leave his executive position to pursue more fulfilling projects, embracing the essence of a golden opportunity that aligns with his personal values.

  “This opportunity to share with you guys and to express myself more creatively is much more of a fulfilling, golden opportunity.”
  — Carlos Kotkin [17:30]

Notable Quotes:

• “When I was 20 years old, I got a job working as an assistant for an old school Hollywood producer named Edgar Scherreck.” — Carlos Kotkin [11:45]
• “You haven't lived until you've brought your wife a breast pump and seen her led by you, by two female cops in handcuffs.” — Carlos Kotkin [15:55]

Personal Achievements: Carlos Kotkin met his wife at a The Moth StorySLAM in 2010, with the couple welcoming their first child in the summer prior to the podcast’s release. He has since completed a screenplay for an animated feature slated for release later in the year, showcasing his continued commitment to creative expression.

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth beautifully encapsulates the unpredictability of life’s challenges and opportunities. Adam Faure’s story delves into the depths of marital tension and resilience, while Carlos Kotkin’s narrative celebrates seizing unconventional opportunities and following one’s true passion. Both storytellers provide listeners with profound insights into personal growth, the complexities of relationships, and the courage to pursue authenticity.

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

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “I love you. And that means I only hate you 17% of the time.”
  — Adam Faure [04:35]

• “You haven't lived until you've brought your wife a breast pump and seen her led by you, by two female cops in handcuffs.”
  — Adam Faure [09:45]

• “I wasn’t his assistant. I wasn’t his driver. I was his associate.”
  — Carlos Kotkin [14:30]

• “You kind of sound like my mother.”
  — Carlos Kotkin [16:05]

About the Storytellers

• Adam Faure: A novelist with an award-winning debut, Adam’s stories often explore intricate human emotions and relationships.

• Carlos Kotkin: An executive turned screenwriter, Carlos brings a unique perspective from Hollywood’s inner workings to his creative projects.

Produced by Paul Ruest at Argo Studios, New York. The Moth Podcast and the Radio Hour are presented by PRX, the Public Radio Exchange.