The Moth Podcast: Timeless Love

Release Date: February 14, 2025
Host: Kate Tellers

Introduction: Exploring the Spectrum of Love

Host Kate Tellers opens the episode by setting the stage for a Valentine's Day celebration of "Timeless Love." She introduces the theme by delving into the nuances of first loves, enduring romances, and fleeting passions. Emphasizing the diverse experiences of love, Kate invites listeners to reflect on their personal journeys of affection and connection.

Story 1: Tate Russell - Navigating First Love in the Spotlight

Tate Russell, an admission counselor at Case Western Reserve University and singer with the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, shares a poignant tale of young love intertwined with high school theater drama.

Key Highlights:

• The Casting Dilemma ([02:40]): Tate recounts the anxiety of being cast as Harold Hill in the school’s production of The Music Man. The predicament deepens when he discovers that his ex-girlfriend, Marion Peru, is cast as the love interest.

  "I see my name right at the top of that list. I've been cast as the gregarious confidence trickster Harold Hill, the lead in The Music Man. But that's not the bad part. Right underneath my name, next to Marion Peru, the love interest, is the name of my ex-girlfriend." ([02:50])

• Strained Relationships ([04:15]): Despite initial tensions, Tate attempts to mend fences by reaching out to Marion. Their rehearsal process surprisingly fosters a cooperative relationship, culminating in a memorable on-stage performance where they choreograph their own dance.

  "We were getting past this animosity that we once had. And so shortly before one of our performances, I went up to her and I said, like, hey, I've been having a really great time working with you on this show." ([06:20])

• Emotional Turmoil ([07:45]): Tate faces a heartbreaking moment when Marion declines his hopes for a renewed friendship, leading him to perform while grappling with internal conflict.

  "I am fuming and upset on the inside, but, you know, on the outside, I've got to, you know, sell trombones to the people of River City, Iowa... And I have to seduce the town librarian, who just so happens to be my ex-girlfriend." ([07:50])

• Conclusion ([08:30]): The story concludes with Tate acknowledging that while their professional collaboration was successful, their personal relationship could not be salvaged.

  "We were better actors than we were friends."

Kate Tellers’ Reflection ([08:30]): Kate provides background on Tate, mentioning his achievements and inquiring about the possibility of reconnection with his ex. Tate confirms that they did not rekindle their relationship post-show and have since parted ways amicably. Kate also shares listener stories about first love, enriching the episode with diverse perspectives.

Listener Stories: First Loves Across Generations

The episode features a collection of heartfelt anecdotes from listeners, each recounting their unique experiences with first love.

1. 14-Year-Old’s Crush ([09:46]):

   "When I was 14 years old, I set my eyes on my friend's older brother who looked just like Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and that was sort of it for me. I was smitten."

2. 16-Year-Old’s Exchange Student Romance ([09:46]):

   "At 16 I fell for a dashing German exchange student. Although our subsequent long distance odd hours AOL instant messenger relationship didn't pan out, it did spark love of foreign language travel and finding familiarity and love in different cultures."

3. Non-Romantic Love ([10:07]):

   "Not romantic love, but the moment I saw my baby sister in my mother's hospital bed, she was so small and so pink and I was filled with more love than my 7-year-old heart knew how to deal with."

4. Childhood Friendship ([10:19]):

   "My first love was a childhood friend that I grew up with. Our parents were friends and although it never bloomed into anything, we shared Italian ice under the canopy of a tree covered park on dusty red soil in the summer heat on my sixth birthday in Italy and I still remember that day 42 years later."

5. First Broadway Crush ([10:37]):

   "So for my eighth birthday my parents took me to see my first Broadway show. It was the musical Oliver and the lead was this actress singer by the name of George Brown. And I was smitten and I swore during the curtain call that she was looking right at me and I dreamt about her for weeks."

6. Kate Tellers’ Own Story ([11:01]):
   Kate shares her personal experience of an innocent, reciprocal love during college that ultimately led to friendship despite unrequited romantic feelings.

   "He performed my wedding as well as my sister's and my father's second wedding and we both consider each other to be one of the great love stories of our lives."

Kate encourages listeners to share their own love stories through The Moth’s story slams, fostering a community of shared experiences.

Story 2: Steve Glickman - The Depths of Lifelong Commitment

Steve Glickman, a retired software engineer and digital literacy teacher from Chicago, presents a deeply moving narrative about familial love and the complexities of caring for aging parents.

Key Highlights:

• Returning Home ([13:56]): Steve moves back in with his parents to support them as his father battles dementia and his mother experiences a nervous breakdown.

  "A year ago, I moved back in with my parents. The occasion was that my mom had a nervous breakdown because she was overwhelmed caring for my dad who has dementia." ([14:05])

• Coping with Dementia ([15:30]): He describes the challenges of his father’s deteriorating condition, including memory loss and frequent wanderings, which strain the family dynamic.

  "He cannot remember what day it is. He can't remember what he had for lunch or if he had lunch. He wanders off and gets lost." ([15:45])

• Family Dynamics and Discovering the Truth ([17:10]): Through a conversation with their doctor, Steve and his mother realize that his father is suffering from Alzheimer’s, not just general dementia, which brings a deeper understanding of his condition.

  "My mom looks at the doctor and she says, you don't know he has Alzheimer's. There is no test." ([19:00])

• Preserving Parental Relationship ([19:30]): Faced with the dilemma of possibly sending his father to a memory care facility, Steve fears it would devastate his parents' long-term relationship. Determined to keep them together, he seeks in-home care.

• Finding Acceptance ([19:56]): After initial resistance, the family hires Kelsey, a caretaker who gradually becomes an integral part of their lives, allowing Steve to regain his personal stability while ensuring his parents remain united.

  "In a year now, and Kelsey is a part of our family. I'm glad I was able to keep my parents together. They can have their sexy time whenever they want." ([20:25])

Kate Tellers’ Reflection ([20:35]): Kate provides additional context about Steve’s life post-story, including his ongoing efforts to support his parents and the progression of his father's condition. She highlights the enduring love and commitment Steve has for his family, underscoring the episode’s theme of timeless love.

Conclusion: Embracing Love in All Its Forms

Kate Tellers wraps up the episode by celebrating the varied dimensions of love showcased through the stories of Tate, Steve, and the listeners. She emphasizes the importance of cherishing love in its many manifestations, whether it be first infatuations, enduring partnerships, or sacrificial familial bonds. Encouraging continued storytelling, Kate invites listeners to participate in future Moth events, fostering a shared appreciation for the universal experience of love.

Notable Quotes:

• Tate Russell ([02:50]):

  "I see my name right at the top of that list. I've been cast as the gregarious confidence trickster Harold Hill, the lead in The Music Man."

• Tate Russell ([07:50]):

  "I am fuming and upset on the inside, but, you know, on the outside, I've got to, you know, sell trombones to the people of River City, Iowa... And I have to seduce the town librarian, who just so happens to be my ex-girlfriend."

• Steve Glickman ([14:05]):

  "A year ago, I moved back in with my parents. The occasion was that my mom had a nervous breakdown because she was overwhelmed caring for my dad who has dementia."

• Steve Glickman ([19:56]):

  "In a year now, and Kelsey is a part of our family. I'm glad I was able to keep my parents together. They can have their sexy time whenever they want."

Additional Information:

For more storytelling events, listener participation, and to share your own love stories, visit The Moth. Follow The Moth on TikTok and Instagram @OSStories for updates and community stories.

This summary captures the essence of "Timeless Love" by highlighting the main stories, key moments, and emotional depth conveyed by the storytellers. By focusing on the core narratives and significant quotes, the summary offers a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.