The Moth Radio Hour: Astronauts, Family Tree, and Drips
Release Date: September 25, 2018

Hosted by The Moth

Introduction

In this episode of The Moth Radio Hour, listeners are treated to three compelling true stories centered around the theme of "Coming Home." Each storyteller shares deeply personal experiences that explore themes of identity, loss, resilience, and the profound connections that bring us back to ourselves and our loved ones.

1. Andrew Solomon: Embracing His True Self

Timestamp: [03:02] – [16:47]

Summary:

Andrew Solomon recounts his lifelong journey of self-discovery and acceptance of his sexuality. Growing up, Solomon grappled with societal stigma against homosexuality, particularly influenced by the negative portrayal in a Time magazine article. His mother’s recurrent affirmation, "the love you have for your children is unlike any other feeling in the world" ([03:02]), initially provided comfort but eventually became a source of anxiety as Solomon contemplated his desire for children conflicting with his emerging sexual identity.

In his early twenties, Solomon sought to change himself through sexual surrogacy therapy, interacting with unconventional women, including one who revealed herself as a necrophiliac ([07:45]). Despite these efforts, Solomon came to terms with his true identity and embraced his homosexuality, leading to a relationship with John, who had previously been a sperm donor for Solomon’s lesbian friends.

Their relationship blossomed into marriage, culminating in the birth of their daughter, Blaine. Solomon shares a poignant moment from the delivery room at [16:47], expressing a transformative realization: "the love you have for your children is like no other feeling." This experience reinforced his mother's earlier sentiments, blending past anxieties with newfound joy.

Notable Quotes:

• "The love you have for your children is unlike any other emotion in the world." – Andrew Solomon ([03:02])
• "I am who I am, and I want you to stop saying that." – Andrew Solomon ([11:30])
• "I'm a father now. I'm a father." – Andrew Solomon ([16:10])

2. Marika Hughes: Navigating Sudden Loss and Personal Crisis

Timestamp: [18:24] – [32:04]

Summary:

Marika Hughes shares a harrowing experience of coping with the sudden death of her younger brother, Nico, while dealing with an unexpected emergency in her Harlem apartment. Amidst a severe heatwave, a leak caused significant flooding in her home ([20:15]), forcing her to seek refuge with friends and navigate the chaos of repairing her living space.

The tragic news of Nico's death intensified her emotional turmoil. Hughes describes her struggle to process grief while managing the physical crisis in her apartment. She recounts moments of fear and isolation, especially after discovering a decomposed body in her neighbor’s apartment due to the leak ([25:50]).

Through the support of friends and family, Hughes finds the strength to recover and secure a new living space. The story culminates in her moving back to an apartment filled with memories of her loved ones, symbolizing a return home both physically and emotionally.

Notable Quotes:

• "I really thought I was going crazy." – Marika Hughes ([29:00])
• "I'm cursed. I'm cursed." – Marika Hughes ([28:45])
• "I realized, yes, this is where I can live." – Marika Hughes ([31:50])

3. Michael J. Massimino: Adventures in Space and the Power of Camaraderie

Timestamp: [33:13] – [51:11]

Summary:

Michael J. Massimino details his dream of becoming an astronaut, inspired by the camaraderie depicted in the movie The Right Stuff. After persistent applications, he finally joins NASA and embarks on a mission aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.

Massimino describes the intense preparation for the spacewalk, the challenges faced during the mission, and a pivotal moment when a stripped screw threatens to derail the repair efforts. Isolated in the vastness of space, he experiences profound loneliness and the fear of failing to restore the instrument essential for detecting atmospheres of distant planets ([38:20]).

Amidst his struggle, Massimino's colleague Bueno provides moral support from the shuttle's interior, exemplifying the deep bonds formed between astronauts. Their teamwork and mutual encouragement enable them to overcome technical hurdles, successfully repairing the telescope.

Upon returning to Earth, Massimino reflects on the interconnectedness of his support network on the ground, realizing that he was never truly alone despite the immense isolation in space. The mission not only restored the Hubble’s functionality but also deepened his appreciation for the collective effort and friendship that made the success possible.

Notable Quotes:

• "We're out of luck." – Michael J. Massimino ([38:40])
• "This is the view that I imagined in that movie theater all those years ago." – Michael J. Massimino ([49:30])
• "I realized that I never was alone." – Michael J. Massimino ([50:50])

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth Radio Hour beautifully weaves together stories of personal struggle, acceptance, and the enduring power of love and community. Whether it's Solomon embracing his true self, Hughes overcoming personal tragedy, or Massimino conquering the vastness of space with the help of his comrades, each narrative underscores the theme that coming home is not just a physical return but a profound emotional journey.

Additional Information

For more stories from this episode and other incredible tales, visit themoth.org. Discover thousands of true stories that resonate with the human experience, shared live and without notes to captive audiences around the world.