The Moth Podcast: Apples and Bananas
Date: January 16, 2026
Host: Kate Tellers
Stories by: David Harris Gershon & Holly Rudder
Episode Overview
In this playful and relatable episode, host Kate Tellers presents two real-life stories connected by a theme of fruit—bananas and apples. The episode explores how these simple foods become the centerpieces of unexpected personal blunders, mishaps, and moments of self-discovery. Through humor and humility, both storytellers transform minor embarrassments into memorable tales about the unpredictability of life.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Introduction: The American Dream, Bananas, and Apples
[00:02 – 03:38]
- Kate reflects on the evolving notion of the American Dream and how personal stories, no matter how ordinary, shape our understanding of possibility.
- "Does it even exist anymore? For who? What happens when that dream is dashed or deferred? And what happens when the dream is fulfilled?"
— Kate Tellers [00:34] - Smoothly transitions the episode theme to personal stories about bananas and apples, teasing the upcoming tales.
Story 1: “The Life-Sized Banana Suit” by David Harris Gershon
[03:38 – 08:28]
Setting:
- Athens, Georgia, 1997, during the chaotic Twilight Criterion cycling race.
Key Points:
- David, a college student, is supposed to celebrate Passover with his mother but opts for a night out with friends instead.
- He receives a frantic call from his boss at Ultimate Smoothies, insisting he open the shop late at night.
- On arrival, he discovers his boss’s real intention: David must don a life-sized banana suit to promote smoothies at the busy race.
- Humiliated but coerced, David becomes "Mr. Banana," handing out smoothies and being subjected to public spectacle.
- After his banana-suited promotion, a pair of drunken men attack him, but he’s protected by the thick suit.
- When police offer to let him press charges, David declines, acknowledging his guilt over skipping Passover.
Notable Quotes:
- “So I had never worn a life-size banana suit until the Passover of 1997.”
— David Harris Gershon [03:38] - “You told me to come open up the bar. And you’re here. And he’s like, 'David, this will be opening the bar.'”
— David Harris Gershon [05:48] - “Do you want to press charges?...And I look at the officers and I think about where I’m supposed to be right now and…I say, 'You know what? I think the punishment has already been given.'”
— David Harris Gershon [08:18]
Memorable Moments:
- The reluctant transformation into “Mr. Banana.”
- The absurdity of being attacked but unharmed thanks to a banana suit.
- David’s comic yet poignant realization of self-inflicted penance.
Host Reflection: Bananas in Everyday Life
[08:28 – 09:05]
- Kate shares her personal fondness for bananas and a humorous story about a banana-themed birthday party for her son.
- “We are inexplicably obsessed with bananas. So much so that my son had a banana themed 8th birthday party...”
— Kate Tellers [08:37]
Story 2: “Online Shopping Apple Blunder” by Holly Rudder
[11:19 – 15:21]
Setting:
- London, an uneventful Saturday night, Holly’s apartment.
Key Points:
- Holly orders groceries online, using a single apple as a placeholder to reserve a delivery slot.
- She forgets to update the order before the midnight cutoff and is unable to make changes.
- Sunday morning, she anxiously waits for her delivery—embarrassed as a Tesco deliveryman arrives to hand her a single apple, the only item in her expensive delivery.
- The exchange is awkward, with both Holly and the deliveryman understanding the ridiculousness of the situation.
- Holly vows never to use Tesco’s online shopping again after her “£6.40 apple.”
Notable Quotes:
- “So I just kind of went on there. I picked the first thing that was on my previous delivery, which was single apple, and then I complete my order, I pay for it.”
— Holly Rudder [11:38] - “He’s holding the bag with the apple in it. He’s also holding the receipt and he looks from one to the other a few times and then looks at me and I’m like, hi.”
— Holly Rudder [13:42] - “So I take the apple, he leaves. I’ve never eaten a bit of fruit so completely as my £6.40 apple.”
— Holly Rudder [15:12]
Memorable Moments:
- The buildup of anxiety as Holly waits for her costly, embarrassing delivery.
- The unspoken camaraderie between Holly and the deliveryman as they acknowledge the absurd error.
- Holly’s comedic but heartfelt conclusion about never online shopping again.
Episode Closing & Reflections
[15:21 – 15:39]
- Kate closes by celebrating both stories and wishing listeners fruit baskets “both fresh and full.”
- Brief bio highlights for both storytellers and a plug for future Moth participation.
Notable Quote:
- “Thanks so much for joining us. From all of us here at the Moth, we hope that your fruit baskets remain both fresh and full.”
— Kate Tellers [15:33]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Intro & Theme Setup: 00:02 – 03:38
- Story 1 – David’s Banana Suit: 03:38 – 08:28
- Host’s Banana Anecdote: 08:28 – 09:05
- Story 2 – Holly’s Apple Blunder: 11:19 – 15:21
- Closing Thoughts: 15:21 – 15:39
Tone & Style
The episode maintains The Moth’s hallmark warmth, self-deprecating humor, and celebration of the ordinary. Both stories transform everyday screw-ups into opportunities for connection, laughter, and reflection—offering listeners a fresh take on the “American Dream” through the lens of fruit-driven folly.
For information on live events or to share your own story, visit themoth.org.