Summary of "Teri Garr: Wake Up Call" – The Moth Podcast

Introduction

In the December 7, 2009 episode of The Moth podcast titled "Teri Garr: Wake Up Call," Academy Award-nominated actress Teri Garr shares a gripping and personal true story that delves into themes of betrayal, anger, and self-discovery. Recorded live on The Moth's main stage in 2004 during a night themed "La La La: Stories about Los Angeles," Garr's narrative offers a raw and honest portrayal of a tumultuous moment in her life and its aftermath.

The Call That Shattered Trust

At the outset of her story, Garr recounts a harrowing early morning phone call that served as a catalyst for her ensuing actions.

[02:07] Teri Garr: "November 18, 1989. 4:13am, my home in LA. My phone rings and this woman's voice said, is this Terry Garr? And I go, yes, I think so."

The caller reveals that Garr's boyfriend had been unfaithful, sharing details that betray his deceit:

[02:30] Garr: "I threw all of his potted plants in the pool... an aspiring actress took the initiative to look in the glove compartment and see that it was registered to me."

This revelation leaves Garr feeling blindsided and overwhelmed, sparking a sense of betrayal and confusion.

From Betrayal to Action: The Decision to Confront

Garr describes her emotional turmoil and the irrational decisions that follow:

[03:15] Garr: "I was starting to hyperventilate... I thought, I'll just put all these things in a box and I'll take them back to them now because obviously he doesn't need them anymore."

With little premeditation, she includes a hammer among her boyfriend's belongings, setting the stage for her dramatic confrontation.

The Confrontation: Breaking Through

Garr's determination leads her to Bel Air, where she confronts her ex-boyfriend at his residence. The intensity of her emotions is palpable as she describes the chaotic scene:

[05:45] Garr: "I start breaking the windows. Break, break. Crash, crash. Crash, crash."

Despite her aggressive actions, she finds her boyfriend seemingly unaware of her presence until it's too late.

[07:20] Garr: "And when I see him, I come out with some of my best Valley girl talk, which was like, motherfucker, cocksucker, bastard, son of bitch."

This explosive moment underscores the depth of her anger and frustration.

Aftermath: Facing Reality and Shared Anger

Following the confrontation, Garr reflects on the surreal nature of her actions and the lack of immediate consequences:

[09:10] Garr: "I went home and I sat around for a while... some people just said, you know, I'm weeding the lawn, will you call me later."

Her decision to not let the incident derail her life leads her to an art exhibit, where sharing her story becomes a unifying experience with other women who have similarly vented their frustrations against unfaithful partners.

[10:30] Garr: "So then, interestingly enough, all these other women came up to me and started telling me their story."

Reflections on Hollywood and Relationship Dynamics

Garr delves into broader reflections on the nature of relationships within the Hollywood scene, attributing many of her relationship challenges to cultural and familial influences:

[11:15] Garr: "I think in every relationship, after a year or so, everyone gets to the point where they want to kill the other person."

She humorously suggests that raising the windows—both literally and metaphorically—can help release pent-up anger:

[12:00] Garr: "I think I recommend the Windows. That worked for me very well."

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call

Garr closes her story by emphasizing the transformative impact of that night, labeling it a significant "wake up call" that altered her perspective on life and relationships.

[12:25] Garr: "I just thought, I'll never be the same after this. It was a big wake up call, ok?"

Her candid and vivid recounting offers listeners an intimate glimpse into a pivotal moment of vulnerability, anger, and eventual empowerment.

Final Thoughts

Teri Garr's "Wake Up Call" is a compelling narrative that not only entertains but also invites reflection on how individuals cope with betrayal and reclaim their sense of agency. Through her story, Garr highlights the universal struggle of maintaining composure amidst personal upheaval and the importance of finding solidarity in shared experiences.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [02:30] "I threw all of his potted plants in the pool... an aspiring actress took the initiative to look in the glove compartment and see that it was registered to me."

• [05:45] "I start breaking the windows. Break, break. Crash, crash. Crash, crash."

• [07:20] "And when I see him, I come out with some of my best Valley girl talk, which was like, motherfucker, cocksucker, bastard, son of bitch."

• [10:30] "So then, interestingly enough, all these other women came up to me and started telling me their story."

• [12:00] "I think I recommend the Windows. That worked for me very well."

Conclusion

Teri Garr's "Wake Up Call" on The Moth serves as a powerful testament to the human capacity for anger, resilience, and growth. Her story resonates with anyone who has faced unexpected betrayal and underscores the importance of sharing and healing through communal support.