The Moth Radio Hour: Breasts, Burials, and Cake
Episode Overview Released on September 23, 2014, "Breasts, Burials, and Cake" is an evocative episode of The Moth Radio Hour hosted by Sarah Austin Janess. This episode weaves together three deeply personal narratives that explore themes of health, loss, and resilience. The storytellers—Amy Cohen, Isaiah Owens, and Greg Wallach—share their unique journeys, offering profound insights into their lives' most challenging moments. This summary delves into each story, highlighting key discussions, emotional turning points, and memorable quotes to provide a comprehensive understanding for those who haven't listened to the episode.
1. Breasts: Amy Cohen’s Journey with BRCA1
Narrator: Amy Cohen
Location: In Harm’s Stories about Danger
Timestamp Notable Quotes:
- [05:00] Amy Cohen: “I have so many irrational fears, I don't know where to begin. My fear is that I'm going to develop more irrational fears.”
- [15:06] Amy Cohen: “I love having bigger boobs. I love it.”
Summary: Amy Cohen begins her story candidly, addressing her crippling fears stemming from a family history riddled with breast cancer. At 38, she discovers she carries the BRCA1 gene mutation, which dramatically heightens her risk—up to an 86% likelihood of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. Amy recounts the emotional turmoil that follows her diagnosis, characterized by relentless anxiety and obsessive self-examinations, even during social gatherings like dinners with friends ([05:00]).
Faced with the stark options of aggressive monitoring or a prophylactic mastectomy, Amy grapples with the fear of the unknown and the potential loss of her body image. She draws strength from her sister, a survivor who had undergone a double mastectomy seven years prior, and her mother's resilient spirit. Amy reflects on her mother's radical double mastectomy in the early '70s, highlighting the profound impact of familial legacy on her decision-making process.
Choosing to proceed with surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Amy describes her experience attending a reconstruction seminar, where the overwhelming presence of women who had battled breast cancer shifted her perspective. A pivotal moment occurs when a woman at the buffet table affirms Amy's decision by declaring, “plenty of fat” ([13:21]). This affirmation solidifies Amy’s resolve to undergo the operation.
Post-surgery, Amy experiences an unexpected personal renaissance. Contrary to fearing body hatred, she discovers newfound confidence and joy in her improved body image. She humorously recounts negotiating with her plastic surgeon for larger implants, leading to a lighthearted exchange with her father at Starbucks about “keeping up” with her changed appearance ([15:07]). This transformation not only alters her physical self but also enhances her emotional resilience. Amy concludes by acknowledging the shared resilience gene within her family, emphasizing that her strength defines her life moving forward ([18:39]).
Memorable Quote:
"I'm still very proud of how I gained my rack. I talk with women all the time and I've been felt up all over town." – Amy Cohen ([18:39])
2. Burials: Isaiah Owens’ Path as a Funeral Director
Narrator: Isaiah Owens
Location: Growing up in Branchville, South Carolina
Timestamp Notable Quotes:
- [19:27] Isaiah Owens: “Life, no matter how long you live, is just like a vapor. It appears for a moment and then it disappears.”
- [35:52] Isaiah Owens: “The spirits of those people who have gone on before, along with the spirits of the people that are alive, make me strong and it restores my soul and it restores us.”
Summary: Isaiah Owens shares his lifelong connection with death and funerals, tracing back to his childhood in Branchville, South Carolina. From the tender age of five, Isaiah found solace and fascination in burying things, a behavior that set him apart and led to his isolation within his family. His childhood friend, Aunt Genia, played a pivotal role in nurturing his passion, participating in his many “funerals” for objects like a torn toy wagon ([20:39]).
Tragedy strikes when Aunt Genia passes away, plunging Isaiah into deep grief and contemplating his purpose. His resolve strengthens as he pursues formal education in funeral service, graduating at 18. Despite initial family rejection, Isaiah establishes himself as a funeral director, deeply committed to honoring his deceased clients with dignity and respect.
Isaiah recounts the emotional weight of conducting his sister Maxine’s funeral, highlighting the complex dynamics of family relationships and loss. The experience underscores his belief in love and community support during mourning. A defining moment occurs when Isaiah stays overnight with his family and community members by Maxine’s casket, transforming his perception of death from a solitary journey to a collective remembrance filled with love and support ([30:31]).
Additionally, Isaiah touches upon the cultural and spiritual aspects of funerals, emphasizing how they serve as a bridge between the living and the spirits of those who have passed. His dedication is further illustrated through his involvement in recording gospel music and his elaborate plans for his own funeral, reflecting his deep-seated faith and desire to leave a lasting, meaningful legacy ([33:11]).
Memorable Quote:
"The spirits of those people who have gone on before, along with the spirits of the people that are alive, make me strong and it restores my soul and it restores us." – Isaiah Owens ([35:52])
3. Cake: Greg Wallach’s Encounter and Resilience with Cerebral Palsy
Narrator: Greg Wallach
Location: Denver, Colorado
Timestamp Notable Quotes:
- [38:04] Greg Wallach: “You close your eyes, you take a deep breath, and you say, may I feel like I feel when I'm about to eat cake.”
- [53:12] Greg Wallach: “This is what it's about. These are the moments where we find our faith in the joy of the anticipation of the moment.”
Summary: Greg Wallach’s narrative interlaces humor and poignancy as he navigates life with cerebral palsy. Living in Los Angeles and working as the host of Eat Your Word at the Standard Hollywood, Greg employs resilience and a positive mindset to manage daily challenges. He begins by sharing a humorous yet insightful encounter at Magnolia Bakery in Denver, where a stranger without teeth offers him life advice: “Pick three things you can do really well every day and then just let the rest go” ([38:04]).
This advice becomes Greg’s mantra, guiding him to focus on writing, maintaining friendships, and personal hygiene—simple yet profound actions that anchor him amidst the chaos of city life. His story takes a heartfelt turn when his friend Karen faces heartbreak after a breakup with a gay Elvis impersonator. Greg recounts supporting Karen through her emotional turmoil, leading them on a journey south to seek solace and healing ([38:31]).
During their trip, Greg experiences a bizarre yet enlightening confrontation at a Southern Baptist church, where church members attempt to "heal" him of perceived flaws. Despite the unsettling encounter, Greg’s resilience shines through as he maintains his agency and offers humorous reflections on his experience ([20:39]). This episode encapsulates his ability to find humor and strength in adversity, reinforcing the importance of self-acceptance and the simple joys symbolized by “cake.”
Greg’s story culminates in a profound realization about faith and the pursuit of happiness. He emphasizes that life’s meaningful moments often lie in embracing anticipation and finding joy in small pleasures, such as enjoying a piece of cake. His mantra, “may I feel like I feel when I'm about to eat cake,” serves as a metaphor for seeking happiness and peace amidst life’s unpredictability ([53:12]).
Memorable Quote:
"These are the moments where we find our faith in the joy of the anticipation of the moment." – Greg Wallach ([53:12])
Conclusion
"Breasts, Burials, and Cake" masterfully intertwines themes of health struggles, the inevitability of loss, and the pursuit of joy through resilience and personal growth. Amy Cohen’s battle with genetic predisposition to breast cancer, Isaiah Owens’ dedication to honoring lives through funerals, and Greg Wallach’s humor-infused resilience against cerebral palsy collectively paint a vivid picture of human fortitude. Each storyteller not only shares their personal hurdles but also highlights the universal quest for meaning, connection, and happiness.
Overall Memorable Quote:
"I thought about how, you know, in addition to the BRCA1 gene mutation, we share another gene, and that's the gene that tells you not to pity yourself and to deal with things in your own way, which in my case meant saying, it only took me 40 years to become a blonde with big boobs." – Amy Cohen ([15:07])
This episode serves as a testament to The Moth’s mission of sharing authentic, transformative stories that resonate deeply with audiences, fostering a sense of shared humanity and understanding.