The Moth Podcast: National Parks Week Release Date: April 18, 2025
Host: The Moth

Introduction

In honor of National Parks Week, The Moth presents an episode celebrating the diverse and majestic landscapes of America's national parks. From the awe-inspiring vistas of Yosemite and Yellowstone to historically significant sites like Harpers Ferry and Manzanar, this episode features three compelling true stories that highlight the profound connection between individuals and these treasured natural and historical landmarks.

Story 1: Lessons from the Channel Islands National Park

Speaker: Kathy Nikery
Timestamp: [02:00]

Kathy Nikery, an educator and interpretive park ranger at Channel Islands National Park, shares her transformative experience working at the park. Initially unfamiliar with the islands despite living nearby in Los Angeles, Kathy's visits revealed a deep-seated connection to the undeveloped wilderness and its historical inhabitants. She emphasizes the importance of protecting and sharing natural spaces, highlighting how such places belong to everyone and carry stories worth telling.

Notable Quotes:

• "There's something wonderful about places that belong to each and every one of us, places that we have chosen to honor and protect and to share."
  — Kathy Nikery [03:23]

Kathy recounts a powerful personal journey inspired by Yellowstone National Park's 1988 wildfires. Witnessing the natural cycle of destruction and rebirth taught her about resilience and the importance of allowing nature to take its course. She metaphorically relates this to her own life, deciding to leave an abusive marriage and embrace her strength, much like the lodgepole pine that thrives after fire.

Key Insights:

• The natural processes in national parks can mirror personal growth and resilience.
• Protecting and preserving these parks fosters a sense of shared responsibility and community.

Interaction with Park Ranger Sarah Dix

Timestamp: [24:22 – 28:40]

Following Kathy’s story, host Tim Lopez engages in a heartfelt conversation with Sarah Dix, an interpretive ranger at Glacier National Park. Their dialogue underscores the unique bond between park rangers and listeners of The Moth, revealing how storytelling is integral to both professions.

Notable Quotes:

• "We're the storytellers of these places. We love sharing the stories of these places, and so it's cool to hear stories from other people and other places through the Moth."
  — Sarah Dix [28:26]

Sarah recounts an encounter where Tim shared his connection to The Moth during a ranger-led hike, highlighting the podcast’s role in fostering community among those who cherish national parks. The conversation delves into the mutual appreciation between park rangers and The Moth storytellers, emphasizing the power of shared narratives in building empathy and understanding.

Key Insights:

• Storytelling enhances the visitor experience in national parks.
• National parks serve as a backdrop for personal and communal stories, strengthening the bond between people and nature.

Story 2: Resilience and Reinvention in New York City

Speaker: Betty Reed Soskin
Timestamp: [29:07]

Betty Reed Soskin, a revered park ranger from Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California, delivers a riveting narrative of survival and empowerment. At 85 years old, Betty recounts her harrowing experience of being attacked in her home. Through quick thinking and sheer determination, she overcomes the assault, emerging stronger and more resilient.

Notable Quotes:

• "Within every adversity lies the seed of its equal and equivalent opportunity."
  — Kathy Nikery [09:21] (Referenced earlier)

• "That intruder had given me a gift that for the first time in my life I knew that I'd been given, tested, not only survived, but prevailed."
  — Betty Reed Soskin [40:26]

Betty's story is a testament to human strength and the capacity to reclaim one's life amidst chaos. Her experience underscores the themes of vulnerability, courage, and the relentless pursuit of personal freedom. At 103 years old, Betty’s life reflects a legacy of service, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a national park ranger.

Key Insights:

• Personal adversity can lead to profound inner strength and transformation.
• The role of a park ranger extends beyond conservation to embodying resilience and community support.

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments, celebrating the stories shared and the unwavering dedication of national park rangers like Kathy Nikery, Sarah Dix, and Betty Reed Soskin. The Moth emphasizes the fragile beauty of national parks and encourages listeners to visit and cherish these natural and historical treasures.

Final Quote:

• "Let’s visit a national park soon."
  — The Moth Team

Production Credits

• Directed By: Jodi Powell, Sarah Austin Janess, Sarah Jane Johnson
• Produced By: Sarah Austin Janess, Mark Salinger
• Special Thanks To: Odyssey Executive Producer Leah Rees Dennis
• Leadership Team: Sarah Haberman, Christina Norman, J. Jennifer Hickson, Kate Tellers, Marina Clouche, Suzanne Rust, Leeann Gulley, Patricia Urena

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth beautifully intertwines personal narratives with the grandeur of national parks, illustrating how these spaces inspire, challenge, and transform individuals. Through the poignant stories of Kathy, Sarah, and Betty, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the national parks’ role in shaping lives and preserving history.

For more information and to explore the stories in detail, visit themoth.org.