The Moth Radio Hour: "Guts! Courage."
Release Date: December 18, 2018
Host: Kathryn Burns
“Guts! Courage.” explores the multifaceted nature of bravery through a series of compelling true stories. In this episode, storytellers delve into personal experiences where they had to confront fears, take bold steps, and exhibit unwavering courage in the face of adversity. The narratives, rich with emotion and insight, offer listeners a profound understanding of what it means to be courageous.
A.J. Jacobs: The Price of Professionalism
Timestamp: [02:59]
A.J. Jacobs, an author and journalist, recounts his tumultuous experience when tasked with editing a piece for Esquire magazine. Initially, his editor-in-chief, Mary Louise Parker, suggested writing about the life of an ant, a topic he feared would not resonate with their male readership. Seeking to impress his boss, Jacobs proposed an alternative theme, leading Parker to suggest a provocative approach: posing nude for a photo shoot alongside her own essay.
"And I've always felt that exposing my body is a violation. That's an invasion of privacy." [09:45]
Jacobs describes the intense preparation, the discomfort of being in a studio surrounded by professionals, and the awkward interactions with the photographer, Nigel from Scotland. Despite his reservations, Jacobs agrees to the nude shoot to maintain his job and demonstrate solidarity with Parker's vision. However, the outcome is far from what he envisioned. Instead of liberation, Jacobs feels humiliated as his boss plans to use his photo for comedic effect.
"I go over and an assistant says, oh, no, this is not for you. This is for Mary Louise Parker." [14:30]
The article's release garners mixed reactions, with some readers feeling repulsed by his inclusion. Nevertheless, Jacobs appreciates the experience for teaching him about the illusion of control in photography and the importance of setting boundaries.
"Never again have I asked a woman to pose nude. In fact, the very thought of it makes me want to vomit into an Easter egg basket." [15:50]
Alethea Brown: Embracing Identity through Hair
Timestamp: [20:30]
Alethea Brown shares her transformative journey of self-acceptance through her hair. From a young age, Alethea admired a woman with an elongated neck and no hair, inspiring her to embrace her cultural identity by maintaining a "bare head." However, societal pressures and familial expectations led her to experiment with various hairstyles, causing tension within her family.
"If I live to be 50, I want to touch that kind of beauty and cut all my hair off." [20:30]
Struggling with acceptance in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood and facing ridicule for her appearance, Alethea decides to make a definitive change. Encouraged by friends and family, she courageously shaves her head, only to discover that her new look impacts her personal relationships. Her new partner, unable to accept her without hair, ends the relationship, reinforcing the importance of self-love over external validation.
"I'm a barehead woman. And unapologetically, I shave off my head and I unveil and unlock." [26:14]
Alethea's story underscores the significance of staying true to oneself and the courage required to defy societal norms for personal authenticity.
Huang Yu Yang: Perseverance Pays Off
Timestamp: [26:45]
Kwang Yu Yang recounts his childhood ambition to meet his idol, Jackie Chan. Growing up as a Chinese boy in Canberra, Australia, Kwang struggled with feelings of inadequacy and sought acceptance through martial arts inspired by Chan's on-screen prowess.
"I thought, hey, I'm a kung fu master." [26:45]
Determined to secure an autograph and photo, Kwang persuades his parents to take him to a local Chinese restaurant where Chan was rumored to dine. After an hour of futile waiting and mounting anxiety, Kwang feels paralyzed by fear. His parents, traditional and stoic, refrain from intervening, compelling him to confront his fears alone.
"Come on, just grow some balls. Just do it." [33:33]
At the brink of tears, a realization dawns on Kwang about the supportive roles of idols, family, and kind strangers. Just as he succumbs to despair, Jackie Chan himself emerges, fulfilling Kwang's heartfelt wish. This serendipitous encounter imparts a lasting lesson on resilience and the unlikely moments when courage is rewarded.
"There are three people who help us in our lives. Our idols, the people who love us, and the really, really nice people who just want to help." [33:33]
Nisha Coleman: Standing Up in Solidarity
Timestamp: [34:05]
Neisha Coleman narrates a harrowing experience during a bus ride from Montreal to Toronto, where she encounters an aggressive and intoxicated man intent on causing harm. Her initial response mirrors her childhood training to "freeze" during threats, rendering her momentarily paralyzed.
"There are three things you can do. You can fight, you can flee, or you can freeze." [34:05]
As the situation escalates, with the man exhibiting disturbing behavior, Neisha witnesses a young woman beside her intervene. Her ally rejects the aggressor, inspiring Neisha to break her frozen state. Together, their unified stance compels the attacker to retreat and ultimately leads to his arrest by the arriving police.
"I realized it's not just fight, flee, or freeze. There are other options like solidarity." [39:11]
Neisha's story highlights the power of collective courage and the profound impact of supporting one another in crises, transforming her default response from fear to proactive resistance.
Leonard Lee Smith: The Gift of a Grandmother's Love
Timestamp: [40:49]
Leonard Lee Smith shares a deeply personal tale of his grandmother, Granny Smith, whose heartfelt Christmas packages became a beacon of love and resilience during his family's tumultuous relocation from rural Alabama to Southern California. Amidst parental separation and cultural dissonance, Granny Smith's annual shipments provided Leonard and his brother with a tangible connection to their Southern heritage and familial warmth.
"Each Christmas that we spent in California, Greyhound would call and say that our package had arrived." [53:20]
The packages, though modest and packed with homemade treats and practical gifts, symbolized unwavering support and affection. Despite logistical challenges and his mother's skepticism, the contents of the boxes became treasured memories that sustained Leonard through periods of loneliness and cultural adjustment.
"Granny was able to package and ship magic and love." [53:20]
Leonard's narrative illustrates the enduring strength of familial bonds and the subtle yet profound ways in which love and support can provide comfort and resilience during life's transitions.
Conclusion: The Essence of Courage
“Guts! Courage.” presents a tapestry of experiences where individuals confront personal fears, societal expectations, and unexpected challenges. Through their stories, listeners are reminded that courage manifests in various forms—from the boldness to stand up against humiliation, the determination to embrace one's identity, the perseverance to pursue dreams despite setbacks, to the solidarity that emerges in the face of danger. Kathryn Burns masterfully weaves these narratives, offering a nuanced exploration of what it truly means to be courageous.
For More Stories and Insights:
Visit theMoth.org to hear more inspiring tales and explore additional stories from this episode, including photographs and full narratives from the storytellers.