The Moth Radio Hour: Curtain Call
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Host: Sarah Austin Janess

Introduction

In this episode of The Moth Radio Hour: Curtain Call, host Sarah Austin Janess presents three captivating stories from renowned storytellers. The episode delves into themes of identity, acceptance, and personal growth, showcasing the transformative power of storytelling. Below is a detailed summary of each story, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for a comprehensive understanding.

1. Teek Milan: Embracing Identity and Motherhood (00:00 – 12:22)

Overview: Teek Milan shares a deeply personal narrative about his journey as a transgender man and his evolving relationship with his mother, Mary. His story is a poignant exploration of fear, courage, and unconditional love.

Key Points:

• Early Struggles and Concealment (02:05 – 05:30): Teek reveals the internal conflict he faced growing up, hiding his true self from his mother to avoid rejection. At 15, he confesses to his mother, "I'm not pregnant. I'm gay" (02:21), highlighting the fear of losing his mother's support.

• Growing Distance and Realization (05:31 – 08:00): As Teek transitions, he grapples with the strain it places on his relationship with his mother. He admits, "I risk losing everybody in this life that we thought loved us" (05:50), emphasizing the toll of secrecy on his personal life.

• Courage to Reveal True Self (08:01 – 10:45): Encouraged by his girlfriend, Teek decides to disclose his transgender identity and upcoming surgery to his mother. The initial reaction is harsh, with his mother expressing doubt: "I should have never accepted you" (09:15). However, this moment becomes a turning point.

• Reconciliation and Acceptance (10:46 – 12:22): Post-surgery, Teek's mother surprises him by supporting his transition, bringing chocolates and a teddy bear to the hospital (11:00). Their relationship evolves as his mother gradually learns to use his correct name and pronouns, culminating in heartfelt exchanges: "I'm always so proud of you" (12:10).

Notable Quotes:

• "I'm not Ellen, Ma. Okay?" (02:45) – Teek asserting his individuality.
• "I'm yours, and you're still mine." (11:50) – A declaration of enduring love and connection.

2. Amelia Zirin Brown (Rizzo): Navigating Childhood and Self-Expression (16:27 – 31:38)

Overview: Amelia Zirin Brown, known as Rizzo, recounts her experiences growing up in an unconventional family environment and the challenges she faced integrating into mainstream social settings. Her story underscores the importance of authenticity and the impact of supportive relationships.

Key Points:

• Unconventional Upbringing (16:27 – 20:00): Rizzo describes being raised by "theater, dance and art hippies," emphasizing a childhood filled with creativity and non-conformity. She reminisces, "We were raised together, breastfed together" (17:15), highlighting the close-knit and unique family bonds.

• First Day at Brownies and Social Alienation (20:01 – 23:52): Her entry into the Girl Scouts' Brownies exposes her to conventional norms, leading to feelings of isolation. She vividly contrasts her homemade lunches with the store-bought meals of other girls, expressing disappointment: "I wanted nothing more than to taste whatever this rainbow was." (21:30)

• Middle School Confrontation and Self-Acceptance (23:53 – 28:41): In middle school, Rizzo endures bullying from peers Christy and Mindy, who mock her appearance and heritage. This experience forces her to confront her insecurities and ultimately embrace her true self. She narrates, "I stood back, I went and searched out Aurora. I hugged her as tight as I could." (27:00)

• Turning Adversity into Strength (28:42 – 31:38): Rizzo reflects on how these formative experiences propelled her into a life of artistic expression and advocacy. She emphasizes the significance of her friendships and how they sustained her: "Seriously, this is what happens when you tell a child they can be whatever they want to be." (30:30)

Notable Quotes:

• "Dirty girl. We were just wondering if you wanted to see Capri Sun." (22:15) – Illustrating the cruelty of exclusion.
• "I walked into high school wearing combat boots and a Goodwill dress with Aurora and Amber by my side." (28:50) – Symbolizing her embrace of individuality.

3. Doug Wright: A Lifetime of Storytelling and Connection (34:47 – 50:45)

Overview: Doug Wright, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, shares his journey from a young fan of The Waltons to a celebrated writer. His story intertwines personal passion with professional achievement, highlighting the enduring influence of meaningful connections.

Key Points:

• Childhood Obsession and Correspondence (34:47 – 40:00): Doug recounts his childhood fascination with John Boy Walton from The Waltons and his ambitious effort to become pen pals with the actor Richard Thomas. He describes, "I wrote him a letter... It was 22 pages long." (35:45), illustrating his deep yearning for connection and understanding.

• Creating a Personal Shrine and Familial Tensions (40:01 – 43:30): His dedication leads to creating a shrine with photos and letters, causing friction with his older brother. Doug reflects on the challenges of maintaining individuality within a restrictive family dynamic: "I was Selling myself out so hard. At the end of lunch, Mindy and Christy started picking up speed." (42:10)

• Adulthood and Professional Success (43:31 – 48:00): Fast forward decades, Doug becomes a successful writer, mirroring John Boy's path. He shares his transition into adulthood and the fulfillment of his childhood dreams, positioning his professional achievements as extensions of his early passions.

• Meeting Richard Thomas and Full Circle (48:01 – 50:45): Doug's story culminates in his collaboration with Richard Thomas on a play. The emotional reunion underscores the profound impact of his childhood interactions on his adult life: "You're a passionate way to deal with your own frailties, my insecurities... it's how I find community." (49:30)

Notable Quotes:

• "I walked in, it's a sort of blonde rehearsal room." (34:50) – Setting the scene of his pivotal meeting with Richard Thomas.
• "Good night, John Boy. Thanks." (50:30) – A heartfelt closing to his story, symbolizing gratitude and closure.

Conclusion

The Moth Radio Hour: Curtain Call masterfully weaves together stories of personal transformation and resilience. Through Teek Milan, Amelia Zirin Brown (Rizzo), and Doug Wright, listeners are invited to witness the profound journeys of self-discovery and the enduring power of love and acceptance. Each storyteller, with their unique experiences, underscores the universal quest for identity and connection, leaving listeners both moved and inspired.

Additional Information:

• Notable Speakers:

  • Teek Milan: An advocate for equity and inclusion with a widely viewed TED Talk.
  • Amelia Zirin Brown (Rizzo): A Grammy-winning cabaret singer and performance artist.
  • Doug Wright: Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright known for I Am My Own Wife.

• Further Engagement: For more stories and to share your own, visit themost.org. Connect with The Moth on Facebook and Instagram under @mothstories.