The Moth Radio Hour: Freddie Hubbard, Charlie Ravioli, and The Monk

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

Introduction

In this episode of The Moth Radio Hour, host Kathryn Burns presents three compelling true stories that delve into the lives of musicians, writers, and comedians. The narratives explore themes of ambition, childhood imagination, and personal transformation amidst life's adversities.

1. Freddie Hubbard: A Jazz Legend's Influence

Storyteller: Christian McBride
Timestamp: [04:25] – [15:28]

Christian McBride, a renowned jazz bassist, shares his heartfelt story about his early career experiences with the legendary trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. Growing up in Philadelphia, McBride idolized Art Blakey and aspired to join his band. However, his path took an unexpected turn when he crossed paths with Freddie Hubbard.

Key Highlights:

• First Encounter: McBride recounts his first live performance with Hubbard in Columbia, South Carolina, describing it as "the jazz equivalent of James Brown" with Hubbard's electrifying presence and the audience's overwhelming response ([07:21]).

• Struggling for Recognition: Despite playing alongside Hubbard, McBride initially felt unnoticed. He was introduced as the new bass player during a South Shore Jazz Festival gig in Chicago, where Hubbard praised him:
  "[Freddie] says, 'This bass player here, he just turned 18 years old a couple months ago. He don't think I remember, but we played together in South Carolina a few months ago, and he’s playing his ass off tonight.'" ([15:28])

• Enduring Legacy: McBride reflects on the years he spent in Hubbard's band until Hubbard's passing three years prior to the podcast. He expresses profound respect and gratitude:
  "God bless Freddie Hubbard, and thank you." ([15:28])

Notable Quotes:

• "Freddie was very dramatic. He didn't make the rehearsal, didn't make the sound check, just showed up for the gig. So I'm in the dressing room... just shaking in my shoes." ([07:22])

2. Charlie Ravioli: Navigating Childhood and Urban Life

Storyteller: Adam Gopnik
Timestamp: [17:30] – [32:44]

Adam Gopnik, a staff writer for The New Yorker, narrates a poignant story about his three-year-old daughter Olivia and her imaginary friend, Charlie Ravioli. Set against the backdrop of New York City, the tale intertwines family dynamics with the complexities of urban living.

Key Highlights:

• Imaginary Friend Dynamics: Olivia's imaginary friend, Charlie Ravioli, is perpetually "too busy to play," mirroring the parents' own struggles with work and the overwhelming pace of city life:
  "Olivia would be on her cell phone... 'I always get his machine.'" ([18:42])

• Parental Concerns: Gopnik consults his sister, a developmental psychologist, to understand Olivia's behavior, only to find little existing research on such a dynamic, prompting deeper introspection about their family life in NYC.

• Symbolism of Charlie Ravioli: Charlie becomes a representation of the city's relentless spirit and the parents' aspirations to provide a vibrant upbringing for their children amidst personal and societal challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• "Olivia had no life where she was bumping into people, had no life where she was grabbing cappuccinos. She was simply expressing and imitating the world that she heard all around her." ([27:14])

• "Charlie Ravioli... was the prince of our disorder. He was the representative of the spirit of New York, which is always the spirit of attainment." ([27:14])

3. The Monk: A Journey Through Pain and Enlightenment

Storyteller: Mike DeStefano
Timestamp: [35:25] – [52:16]

Comedian Mike DeStefano delivers a raw and emotional narrative about his battle with illness, personal loss, and the transformative encounter with a Tibetan monk. His story is a testament to finding peace amidst chaos and despair.

Key Highlights:

• Health Crisis: DeStefano describes his severe bout with double pneumonia, leading to hospitalization and a series of traumatic events, including his wife Franny's car accident and eventual death:
  "My wife was dying of AIDS... and she was really sick." ([36:17])

• Searching for Peace: In his state of vulnerability, DeStefano seeks solace through Buddhism, leading to an unexpected meeting with a Tibetan monk who performs the ancient practice of Tonglen, which involves exchanging suffering for compassion:
  "He blessed these beads for me... Every time I touched those beads, I thought of him." ([43:38])

• Moment of Transformation: This profound experience alters his outlook, helping him navigate the subsequent loss of his father and his own contemplation of ending his life. The monk's intervention provides him with a semblance of peace and acceptance.

Notable Quotes:

• "I was telling myself, 'God, it's time. I'm done. There is no more, nothing else to live for.'" ([43:38])

• "That's what this whole thing was about. But now I'm a Buddhist for, like, three weeks. I'm gonna fuck the Buddhism." ([43:38])

• "He put his forehead against mine... And I just felt really good and happy, like it gave me a great feeling." ([43:38])

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth Radio Hour masterfully captures the essence of human experience through its diverse storytellers. From Christian McBride's homage to Freddie Hubbard, Adam Gopnik's exploration of childhood imagination in an urban setting, to Mike DeStefano's profound journey through loss and enlightenment, each narrative offers deep insights into personal and emotional landscapes.

Final Quote:

• "To say goodbye to such a vibrant part of my life was the hardest thing I've ever done." – Mike DeStefano ([52:16])

Additional Resources

For more stories and information on the featured storytellers, visit The Moth's Website.