The Moth Radio Hour: "Ionesco, Voodoo and Therapy"
Released on November 20, 2018
Host: Kathryn Burns

Overview

In the November 20, 2018 episode of The Moth Radio Hour titled "Ionesco, Voodoo and Therapy," host Kathryn Burns presents three compelling true stories that traverse the realms of language, spirituality, and personal relationships. This episode delves into the intricate ways personal experiences shape our lives, showcasing the storytellers' journeys through unexpected challenges and profound realizations.

1. Michael Ripps: The Misguided Translation

Summary

Michael Ripps recounts a humorous yet poignant tale from his high school years in Omaha, Nebraska. Faced with the dire prospect of failing his French class and jeopardizing his college plans, Ripps devises a cunning plan to leverage a foreign language competition. Inspired by cryptic advice from a mysterious figure named Richard Flamer, Ripps attempts to submit a translation of the renowned playwright Eugene Ionesco. However, his plan backfires spectacularly when he realizes his mistake too late, leading to an unexpected twist of fate that ultimately allows him to graduate.

Key Points

• The Mysterious Richard Flamer: Ripps introduces Flamer, a local eccentric who dispenses odd pieces of wisdom, including the notion that Nebraskans struggle with language learning and that Willa Cather's works were better in French.

• Desperate Measures: Under pressure to improve his French, Ripps discovers a translation opportunity that he misinterprets, leading him to submit Ionesco's work instead of a legitimate American playwright's translation.

• Unexpected Outcomes: Instead of facing expulsion, Ripps's "translation" is selected for a statewide competition, with judges seemingly unaware of his blunder. This twist spares him from dire consequences but leaves him reflecting on the absurdity of the situation.

Notable Quotes

• "He knew that Ionesco wrote in French. What he didn't know was why we were pretending that this was a translation." ([10:45])

• "I have one regret, and it's this: that Eugene Ionesco, a man who said, and I quote, 'life is abnormal,' never had the chance to hear this story." ([19:55])

2. Ava K. Jones: Voodoo and the Saints' Super Bowl Bid

Summary

Ava K. Jones, a former attorney turned voodoo priestess, shares her vibrant experience of revitalizing the New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl aspirations through spiritual rituals. Equipped with her dance troupe, a pet boa constrictor named Esprit, and a grigri bag, Jones orchestrates a series of voodoo ceremonies intended to summon ancestral spirits and imbue the team with winning luck. Her story is a colorful blend of tradition, faith, and the passionate pursuit of athletic glory.

Key Points

• Spiritual Intervention: Jones describes her role as a voodoo priestess summoned by the Saints to break a 34-year streak without a playoff win, attributing the team's woes to the Superdome's construction over an ancient cemetery.

• Rituals and Performances: She details the elaborate rituals performed on the 45-yard line, involving drumming, dancing, and the invocation of deities like Damballa and the patron goddess Oya.

• Public Reaction and Media Frenzy: The Saints' unexpected victory leads to Jones's rise in fame, including features in Time magazine and appearances on major media outlets. However, she hints at the fleeting nature of such triumphs.

Notable Quotes

• "The energy in the Superdome was so thick, you could cut it with a knife." ([25:50])

• "And then I knew it. I knew from the bottomless mercy of this man's soul, he had done everything he needed to do to make sure I did not win the competition." ([19:25])

3. Andy Christie: Crossing Boundaries in Therapy

Summary

Andy Christie narrates his complex and ultimately tragic relationship with his therapist, Phyllis. Over sixteen years, Christie develops deep emotional attachments, blurring the professional boundaries meant to protect both parties. As Phyllis battles cancer, the relationship's dynamics shift, leading to unexpected revelations and a heartfelt farewell that forces Christie to confront his own actions and vulnerabilities.

Key Points

• Therapeutic Bond: Christie explores the evolving relationship with Phyllis, highlighting moments where professional boundaries become personal, such as when Phyllis offers him drinks during sessions.

• Emotional Turmoil: The story delves into Christie's internal struggle with his feelings for Phyllis and the reactions triggered by her changing appearance and health status.

• Loss and Reflection: Phyllis's passing compels Christie to reflect on the nature of their relationship, the impact of his dependency, and the lasting effects of their interactions.

Notable Quotes

• "I've never been to therapy where it was a meaningful relationship." ([36:44])

• "It's like when I took a few flying lessons and I was really into the whole idea of it, you know, but I always kind of hoped the lesson would be canceled because of bad weather." ([38:15])

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth Radio Hour masterfully intertwines stories of linguistic mishaps, spiritual endeavors, and the complexities of human relationships. Each narrative not only entertains but also offers profound insights into the storytellers' lives, illustrating how unexpected events and personal choices shape our paths. Through laughter, suspense, and heartfelt emotion, Michael Ripps, Ava K. Jones, and Andy Christie invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the unpredictable nature of life's journey.

Additional Resources

• Books: Michael Ripps's story is featured in his book, The Face of a Naked An Omaha Family Mystery.
• Social Media: For more stories and updates, visit themoth.org and follow @themoth on Twitter.