Podcast Summary: The Moth Podcast Episode "Traveling Together"
Introduction
In the August 8, 2025 release of The Moth podcast titled "Traveling Together," host Sarah Austin Janess explores the profound connections forged through travel and shared experiences. This episode features two heartfelt stories that delve into the bonds between family and friends, highlighting how journeys—both literal and metaphorical—shape our lives and relationships.
Story 1: Caroline Connolly's Summer with Lala
Setting the Scene
Caroline Connolly opens her narrative by reminiscing about the summer she spent living with her 75-year-old grandmother, affectionately known as Lala, in Boca Raton, Florida. Describing Boca Raton humorously as a place filled with septuagenarians, Caroline sets a warm and personal tone for her story.
Living Under One Roof
Caroline details the daily routine she established with Lala, emphasizing the unique blend of generational perspectives. She recounts mornings filled with preparing "cafe bustelo" coffee, where Lala adds her secret ingredient of cornflakes to trick her blood sugar levels—a testament to her grandmother's resilience and quirky sense of humor.
Caroline Connolly [03:19]: "This is a recipe she concocted to, quote, trick the blood sugar level test."
Navigating Health and Humor
The narrative takes a poignant turn as Caroline discusses Lala's struggle with diabetes, highlighting the challenges they faced together. Despite dietary restrictions and the reluctance to engage in traditional exercise, Lala finds her own way to stay active—most memorably by "throwing all of that furniture into the pool" as a form of exercise.
Caroline Connolly [08:15]: "We would throw all of that furniture into the pool because that was exercise."
Intergenerational Bonding
Caroline paints a vivid picture of their evenings spent watching movies from Lala's extensive VHS collection, ranging from action-packed Air Force One to the emotionally charged Not Without My Daughter. These moments underscore the deep bond they shared, transcending age differences.
A Memorable Incident
A humorous yet heartwarming incident occurs when Caroline discovers her 12-year-old cousins have submerged Lala's patio furniture into the pool. Expecting anger, she is instead met with Lala's laughter upon seeing the chlorine-enhanced chairs, illustrating her grandmother's enduring spirit and ability to find joy in unexpected situations.
Caroline Connolly [08:15]: "But as she looked from the pool to her white chair, she started laughing because the chlorine from the pool had cleaned that chair."
Legacy of Lala
Caroline concludes her story by reflecting on the lasting impact of her summer with Lala, now 92, who continues to inspire with her vibrant personality and teachings. The summer's shared routines and spontaneous adventures fostered cherished memories that Caroline holds dear.
Story 2: Marjorie Cohen's Friendship with Ruby
A Chance Encounter
Marjorie Cohen begins her story by recounting her initial connection with Ruby, a woman she met while representing her in a wrongful death lawsuit. This professional relationship blossomed into a deep friendship, especially after Marjorie's own mother passed away.
Building a Bond Through Shared Grief
In the wake of their losses, Marjorie and Ruby find solace in each other's company. They bond over watching the first season of Survivor, which serves as both an icebreaker and a poignant metaphor for Ruby's battle with stage four breast cancer.
Marjorie Cohen [16:45]: "We started watching the first season of Survivor on Wednesday nights. It was a great icebreaker for us as friends."
Adventures and Aspirations
Marjorie shares the excitement and uncertainty of planning a trip to Las Vegas with Ruby. Despite Ruby's declining health, their journey becomes a testament to resilience and the pursuit of joy amidst adversity. Marjorie's anticipation of joining as a puppeteer adds a layer of humor and spontaneity to their adventure.
The Vegas Experience
Upon arrival in Las Vegas, Ruby's health visibly deteriorates, yet her spirit remains unbroken. The highlight of their trip is attending a Gladys Knight performance, where Ruby's presence is acknowledged by the performer, creating a memorable and uplifting moment.
Marjorie Cohen [17:40]: "They had a moment. When we came home, Ruby went right into the hospital."
Confronting Loss
The trip culminates in Ruby's passing, leaving Marjorie to grapple with profound grief. She poignantly describes the emotional aftermath, including a breakdown during a hospital visit, emphasizing the depth of their connection and the pain of losing a cherished friend.
Marjorie Cohen [18:30]: "When this started, I was just trying to do what the Jewish people call a mitzvah. I was just trying to be kind to someone."
Reflections on Love and Friendship
Marjorie concludes with a heartfelt message about the complexities of love and friendship. She underscores the importance of reaching out and forming meaningful connections, as these relationships can profoundly impact our lives in ways we might never anticipate.
Marjorie Cohen [18:40]: "If you call them and say, what if I come over and we'll binge watch something on Netflix, you have no idea what you might gain."
Conclusion
"Traveling Together" masterfully weaves two distinct yet thematically connected stories that celebrate the essence of companionship and the transformative power of shared experiences. Through Caroline's intergenerational summer with Lala and Marjorie's profound friendship with Ruby, The Moth episode underscores that the true value of travel lies not in the destinations, but in the people we journey with.
Caroline and Marjorie's narratives offer listeners a blend of humor, sorrow, resilience, and love, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human relationships. These stories serve as a poignant reminder that the memories and bonds we create while traveling together are what ultimately enrich our lives.
Notable Quotes
- Caroline Connolly [03:19]: "This is a recipe she concocted to, quote, trick the blood sugar level test."
- Caroline Connolly [08:15]: "We would throw all of that furniture into the pool because that was exercise."
- Marjorie Cohen [16:45]: "We started watching the first season of Survivor on Wednesday nights. It was a great icebreaker for us as friends."
- Marjorie Cohen [18:40]: "If you call them and say, what if I come over and we'll binge watch something on Netflix, you have no idea what you might gain."
Final Thoughts
The Moth continues to excel in presenting authentic, raw, and moving true stories that resonate deeply with listeners. "Traveling Together" is a testament to the podcast's ability to highlight the profound ways in which our journeys and the people we share them with shape our identities and destinies.
For more inspiring stories and to share your own, visit themoth.org.