The Moth Radio Hour: All the World’s a Stage
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Host: Meg Bowles
Producer: The Moth

Introduction

In the episode titled "All the World’s a Stage", Meg Bowles invites listeners into a tapestry of personal stories centered around performance, ambition, and the unanticipated moments that define our journeys. The hour-long episode features heartfelt and humorous narratives from various storytellers, including Laura Hitchcock, Jason Meschus, Phil Wang, Ashley Johnson, and Liz Phair. Each story delves into the transformative power of the stage, whether literal or metaphorical, and the profound lessons learned from fleeting moments of vulnerability and triumph.

Laura Hitchcock: A Trumpet Mishap and Family Bonds

Timestamp: [02:39]

Laura Hitchcock recounts a childhood incident that underscores the importance of trust and familial support. At eight years old, Laura’s enthusiasm for learning the trumpet leads to a series of mishaps:

• Trust and Responsibility: Laura borrows her teacher’s trumpet with the promise of taking good care of it, symbolizing a significant gesture of trust at a young age. “I just felt so important because being trusted to do anything when you're 8 years old just still feels like a really big deal.” ([03:10])

• The Mishap: In her zealous effort to polish the instrument, Laura accidentally traps the mouthpiece inside the trumpet, leading to a frantic attempt to retrieve it. “The mouthpiece is still stuck.” ([05:20])

• Family Collaboration: The story highlights her parents’ resourcefulness and the humorous yet critical involvement of her uncle, who suggests using a garden cane to extricate the mouthpiece. “We look so ridiculous.” ([07:15])

• Resolution and Promise: The ordeal concludes with relief and a silent family pact to keep the incident a secret, followed by the parents’ gesture of buying her her own trumpet. “They want to buy me a trumpet of my very own.” ([08:55])

Key Takeaway: Laura’s story emphasizes knowing when to seek help and the enduring support of family in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Jason Meschus: Musical Mentorship and Personal Growth

Timestamp: [08:55]

Jason Meschus shares his journey under the mentorship of an unconventional piano teacher, Carl Lowell, and the profound impact it had on his musical career:

• Initial Aspirations: As a six-year-old, Jason’s desire to play Billy Joel leads him to Carl, who insists he learn musical standards instead. “If you're gonna learn to play piano with me, you're gonna learn the standards.” ([10:11])

• Unconventional Teaching: Carl’s inability to read music compels them to rely on ear training and chord structures, fostering Jason’s deep understanding of jazz and American musical theater. “He couldn’t see very well… we did everything by ear training.” ([10:45])

• Senior Project Triumph: During his senior year, Jason composes and performs a Gershwin medley that profoundly moves both his teacher and himself, culminating in a heartfelt revelation about Carl’s dedication. “Mrs. Lowell said that.” ([14:42])

• Legacy and Continuity: Jason credits Carl with igniting his passion for music, leading him to a career as a national touring children's musician. “I hope that my job helps honor his legacy in this world.” ([15:37])

Key Takeaway: The mentorship of Carl Lowell not only honed Jason’s musical skills but also instilled in him the values of dedication and passion, shaping his future endeavors.

Phil Wang: Childhood Auditions and Embracing Authenticity

Timestamp: [18:30]

Phil Wang narrates his experience auditioning for a school production of Mary Poppins in Malaysian North Borneo, highlighting themes of self-acceptance and resilience:

• Audition Antics: At 11, Phil confidently auditions for the role of Bert but is reassigned to Mr. Banks due to his inability to dance. “Mr. Banks is erudite and mature and, most importantly, stationary.” ([18:51])

• Facing Insecurities: Overhearing his mother’s concern about his lisp forces Phil to confront a personal insecurity, leading to a rigorous self-improvement regimen. “I had to fix it.” ([25:30])

• Performance Day Challenges: Despite overcoming his lisp, Phil’s final performance is marred by technical mishaps, including lip-syncing difficulties, resulting in unexpected humor and audience laughter. “I have a long and vital addiction to laughter.” ([35:03])

• Reflections on Growth: Phil reflects on how this formative experience unleashed his performative spirit, ultimately leading him to a successful career in comedy. “That first theater experience unleashed the performer in him.” ([31:33])

Key Takeaway: Phil’s story illustrates the journey from self-doubt to embracing one’s authentic self, and how early experiences on stage can shape lifelong passions and careers.

Unknown Storyteller: Unexpected Stardom in a Freak Show

Timestamp: [32:50]

An anonymous storyteller shares a quirky experience from their youth involving participation in a 1972 local freak show:

• Impulsive Decisions: With limited funds, the storyteller and their friend Kathleen agree to join a freak show, albeit not exactly as performers. “I can legitimately say I was in a freak show.” ([32:50])

• Role Assignments: The storyteller becomes "Ms. Electric," shocking audience members, while Kathleen is dubbed "Uranium Girl." “We never traded. She's still mad at me.” ([33:53])

Key Takeaway: This brief yet memorable foray into performance underscores the unpredictable nature of childhood adventures and the lasting impressions they leave.

Ashley Johnson: Pursuing an Acting Career Amidst Setbacks

Timestamp: [34:25]

Ashley Johnson recounts her determined pursuit of an acting career, fraught with unexpected challenges:

• Dream vs. Reality: After graduating college, Ashley moves to Los Angeles with hopes of acting but ends up stuck in a corporate job that leaves her unfulfilled. “I'm miserable.” ([34:32])

• Audition Disaster: During a pivotal audition for an agent, her temporary veneer collapses, causing an embarrassing moment on live television. “I was totally numb.” ([35:03])

• Resilience and Realization: Instead of succumbing to embarrassment, Ashley perseveres, recognizing the importance of authenticity and connection in her performances. “If I'm not connected to my instrument or to my band… it's going to be a disaster.” ([42:30])

• Continued Pursuit: Despite setbacks, Ashley remains committed to her craft, eventually finding success in writing and acting. “I didn't belong in this space.” ([41:46])

Key Takeaway: Ashley’s narrative emphasizes the importance of perseverance and staying true to one’s passion, even in the face of public setbacks and personal doubts.

Liz Phair: The Fragility of Performance and Personal Authenticity

Timestamp: [35:03]

Liz Phair shares a poignant story about a live performance that went disastrously wrong, serving as a pivotal moment in her career:

• Career Highs and Pressures: Transitioning from indie success to a major label, Liz faces the demands of pop music, contrasting her authentic artistic identity. “It was sink or swim time for me and I decided to swim.” ([35:03])

• The Rockefeller Center Mishap: While performing “Winter Wonderland,” Liz falls ill and improperly prepares for the live broadcast, leading to a series of errors during her performance. “I lip sync to. I feel a surge of deep satisfaction…” ([35:03])

• Public Humiliation and Reflection: The failed performance exposes Liz’s internal struggle with authenticity versus commercial expectations, ultimately reinforcing her commitment to genuine artistic expression. “I didn’t belong in this space.” ([53:37])

• Legacy and Lessons: Liz concludes that true connection to her art is essential, steering her back to a path of authenticity and creative integrity. “If I'm not connected… it’s going to be a disaster.” ([42:30])

Key Takeaway: Liz Phair’s experience highlights the tension between commercial success and personal authenticity, illustrating the necessity of staying true to one’s artistic vision despite external pressures.

Conclusion

"All the World’s a Stage" masterfully weaves together diverse narratives that explore the multifaceted nature of performance and personal growth. From childhood mishaps and unconventional mentorships to overcoming public failures and embracing authenticity, each story offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs inherent in stepping into the spotlight. Through laughter, tears, and moments of profound realization, this episode celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for self-expression.

For more stories and to explore additional content, visit The Moth website.