The Moth Radio Hour: "Blue Men, Psychopaths, and a Bad Date"

Release Date: July 7, 2015
Host: Kathryn Burns, Artistic Director of The Moth

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Moth Radio Hour, host Kathryn Burns guides listeners through three riveting true stories: an insider’s perspective on the iconic Blue Man Group, a neuroscientist’s unsettling discovery about his own brain, and a comedian’s disastrous foray into the New York City dating scene. Each narrative delves deep into human experience, showcasing moments of vulnerability, self-discovery, and unexpected twists.

1. Life Behind the Blue Mask: John Grady’s Blue Man Group Journey

Storyteller: John Grady
Timestamp Highlight: 04:00 - 15:03

John Grady, a former member of the renowned Blue Man Group, shares his eight-year journey performing in New York City. He paints a vivid picture of the group’s unique theatrical experience:

"There are three bald guys on stage. They're all dressed in black with shiny blue latex paint on their faces and heads... We don't speak, we don't talk. But it was a great job to have." (04:08)

Grady discusses the exhilarating yet monotonous nature of continuously performing the same act for years, leading to a struggle against complacency. His story peaks when he recounts an emotionally charged performance where an audience member, selected as a "feast guest," revitalizes the show by bringing genuine warmth and spontaneity:

"She brought that innocence, this childlike innocence, that ability to remain present and be honest and fearless... And she brought the show alive again." (14:30)

This interaction not only reignites Grady’s passion for the performance but also underscores the profound impact an individual can have on a collective experience.

2. Unveiling the Psychopath Within: James Fallon’s Scientific Revelation

Storyteller: Dr. James Fallon, Neuroscientist
Timestamp Highlight: 17:11 - 36:27

Dr. James Fallon narrates his groundbreaking yet personal journey into the neuroscience of psychopathy. Initially dedicated to studying brain chemistry and disorders, Fallon’s research takes an unexpected turn when he begins analyzing PET scans of serial killers. His discoveries lead him to a shocking self-realization:

"I looked at it and it was me." (15:03)

Fallon reveals that his brain scans exhibited similar patterns to those of psychopathic killers, raising questions about his own nature. He delves into his family history, uncovering a lineage marked by violence, including infamous relatives like Lizzie Borden:

"They murder their own people. You know, they don't murder outside the family." (34:38)

This revelation forces Fallon to confront his lack of empathy and emotional connection with close ones, despite being a loving husband and father. In an effort to mitigate these traits, he embarks on a self-imposed cognitive therapy, striving to act more compassionately even if he doesn't inherently feel it:

"If I treat the people close to me with caring, with being a good companion and a good friend... maybe just acting them out would be a good place to start." (35:28)

Fallon’s introspective journey raises profound questions about the interplay between genetics, behavior, and identity.

3. When Comedy Meets Chaos: Rachel Dratch’s Dating Disaster

Storyteller: Rachel Dratch, Comedian and Former Saturday Night Live Cast Member
Timestamp Highlight: 37:32 - 52:07

Rachel Dratch recounts her challenging venture into the dating world post-Saturday Night Live. Transitioning from casual, comedic interactions to genuine romantic pursuits in New York City, Dratch faces a series of misadventures:

"I decided to try dating in New York. Now, I had never actually really been on a real date before." (37:32)

Her first attempt leads to a back injury just days before a highly anticipated date, reminiscent of a painful experience from her SNL days:

"I had to walk home like this, you know, like an old lady." (45:00)

Undeterred, Dratch meets Brent (referred to as Steve for the story), only to discover unsettling red flags, including his excessive drinking and bizarre fascination with cannibalism:

"Have you ever wondered what it'd be like to taste human flesh?" (48:12)

This culminates in a harrowing realization that her back injury spared her from an even more disastrous relationship, reinforcing her decision to prioritize her well-being over the pursuit of romance.

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth Radio Hour masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes with broader themes of identity, human connection, and self-discovery. Whether it's the silent storytelling of the Blue Man Group, the neuroscientist uncovering unsettling truths about himself, or the comedian navigating the treacherous waters of dating, each story offers profound insights into the complexities of human nature.

Notable Quotes:

• John Grady (04:08): "Once you do your first show, you're just like, ah, I can't wait for the next one and the next one..."
• James Fallon (15:03): "I looked at it and it was me."
• Rachel Dratch (48:12): "Have you ever wondered what it'd be like to taste human flesh?"

For More Stories:

All stories featured in this episode are available on the iTunes Store. To share your own story, visit themoth.org.