Sarah Austin Janess (11:17)

That was Gary Daniel. Gary lives in the Bronx, and he says he spent the past year meditating, studying martial arts, and reading a lot. He's also excited to tell more stories now that we can get back out in the world again. I asked Gary, what advice would you give to people out there who want to surprise their crushes? And he said, do not risk your life to impress someone. It's not necessary. Instead, muster the courage to tell them how you feel directly. If they reject you, the right person will come at the right moment. By the way, Gary and his crush did go to the prom, so his elaborate stunt worked. And to see their sweet prom photo, go to our website, themoth.org up next is Otis Gray with a story that takes place one night in a restaurant just outside of Providence, Rhode Island. Here's Otis live at the mall.

Otis Gray (12:19)

I have a degree in sculpture from Rhode Island School of Design. So naturally, I now have 7 years experience waiting tables. I actually love serving tables. Like, I love giving people an exquisite dining experience. And food has always been a really big thing for me. And you can actually make a ton of money as a server if you have the right job. But there's a catch. All of your money comes completely from tips, which means you have to be intelligent, you need to be efficient, you have to seem happy. And when shit hits the fan, because it always does, you have to apologize. You have to say, I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do for you? And the stuff that you have to deal with as a server is absolutely ridiculous. One time during a busy service, I had a woman pay for a $35 meal completely in change. I had one dude who ate a four course meal alone and refused to pay because the restaurant was just a little too hot. I had a table try to set me up on an actual arranged marriage with their daughter who. Who was there. And you deal with this shit all the time. But all you can do is smile and nod because you need the job. You need to get paid. But I went to art school, so I have this problem with authority, I guess. So when I was in senior of college, Providence, Rhode Island, I got this really cool, great job at a high end Italian restaurant. Killer food, really, really good staff. I was walking out with like over $200 in my pocket every night. They had this rule where if a table didn't finish their bottle of wine, you could cork it and take it home. Great rule. It was awesome. But there's still. You have this job where every night it feels like you're dying a little bit. So one night we're working in the restaurant and I am deep in the weeds. And basically that means that shit has hit the fan. And there is. You cannot make all of your tables happy. It is a triage situation. It is absolute chaos. It's like I'm running around. It's halfway through the night, and out of the corner of my eye, I see this woman come in the door. And I know this woman is going to steer this ship into the iceberg. I see this woman and she is so visibly intoxicated, like, she just reeks 20ft away. She's with two really stylish gay gentlemen that are walking in with her. And she stumbles over the table, barely makes it there. She flops down in the seat, and I'm like, all right, I'm going to deal with this. So I run up and I say, how are you folks? My name is Otis. I'll be your server tonight. These two dudes are very visibly judging me because even though I was wearing my uniform, I guess they could tell I was a slob on the inside. And this woman's like, listen, listen, Oscar, we want bread and olives and we want you to come right back. I'm like, all right, I'm Oscar. Okay, So I go get the bread and the olives and I bring it back. And I'm running around the restaurant and I'm going by her table and she grabs my arm. What you don't do. And I'm like, I'm sorry, miss, how can I help you? She's like, I want to order. I'm like, fantastic, I'll be right with you. And I'm running around because, like, table five needs two packets of Splenda. And table nine kid spilled chocolate milk all over his dad's steak. He's pissed. This woman starts yelling across the entire restaurant, Oscar. And everyone's so furious at Me and her and the whole thing. So I'm like, running over. I'm like, yes, miss, how can I help you? She's like, listen, Oscar, I want this Pinot Grigio because it's from my favorite region, but I don't want to taste any peaches. I'm like, all right, Miss. This particular Pinot Grigio does have notes of peaches in it. Like it says right on the menu, I want this Pinot Grigio, but I better not taste any peaches. And I go and I put the Pinot in and, like, it comes to her table, and I'm running by again, and she grabs my arm again, and she shoves the glass of wine into my face, pours the wine on my uniform. Smell this. What do you smell? Peaches. Peaches. I said I didn't want any peaches. Oscar. Dudes are loving this. They are dying, and the whole restaurant is in flames. And I know that this woman isn't even going to tip me. I'm not going to even. I don't benefit at all from this. And I know I should. I should apologize and say sorry and walk away, but I snapped. And I thought, I'm going to sell this woman the most expensive bottle of wine on the goddamn menu. The bodega name you Malbec, which is a $450 bottle of wine, because I know these two dudes aren't drinking, and if she has another sip, she's going to have to get her stomach pumped. And I am not usually good at selling wine, but for Peach's lady, the shit was on. So I said, miss, if you didn't like that Pinot Grigio, I think I have something that you'll really enjoy. And it was a masterpiece. It was like a ballet. I was like, miss, this Malbec has notes of mocha and dark plum, and you can feel the smoke. And the vines were coddled from a young age by a man named Raphael, who sung the grapes to sleep every night. And since you know your region so well, you'll know that the. The soil in the Rio Negro Valley is exquisite. And these dudes did not see this coming. And she is entranced. And I said, miss, this Malbec is simply an experience. And you seem like the kind of person who knows that life is too short to let these experiences pass you by. Does it take one bottle of the Malbec? Oscar bottle comes to her table, we open it up, and she has a sip, and she passes out on the table her fine gentlemen put her arms over their shoulders and they drag her out the front door. 2:30am that night I leave the restaurant. I made no money. I was exhausted. But I did walk the beautiful streets of Providence, Rhode island, sipping Bodega Namia Malbec straight from the bottle.

Sarah Austin Janess (19:30)

That was Otis Gray. Otis told me, you can tell a lot about people by how they treat restaurant servers. I treat waiters differently ever since I've been one. These days, if I have the luxury of being at a restaurant, I definitely tip extra. Otis hosts a podcast called Sleepy where he reads old books in a soothing voice to help you fall asleep. Because all late nights have to end at some point. After our break, two more late night stories, one risky, one risque. Both take place in New York, the city that never sleeps. When the Moth Radio Hour Continues.

Molly Kendall (20:17)

The.

Flash Rosenberg (20:17)

Moth Radio Hour is produced by Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

Devin Elise Wilson (20:23)

Fans of the Hunger Games, get ready because the story you've been waiting for is finally here. Sunrise on the Reaping, the highly anticipated new audiobook from Suzanne Collins, is now on Audible. Now narrated by Jefferson White, this gripping new chapter follows a young Haymitch Abernathy, long before he became a mentor, facing the brutal reality of the 50th Hunger Games 24 years before Katniss volunteered as tribute, the Quarter Quell changed everything. With twice as many Tributes taken from their homes, fear grips the districts of Ponom, and in District 12, one name is about to become legend. Whether you've been a fan from the beginning or you're just starting your journey, Sunrise on the Reaping brings the world of Ponom to life like never before. Welcome to the 50th Hunger Games. Experience the worldwide bestselling series in a whole new way. Go to audible.com sunrise and listen with the world.

Advertiser (21:19)

Today's show is sponsored by Alma. I know I'm not the only one who turns to the Internet when I'm struggling. It feels like there are so many answers, from how to learn the ukulele to how to improve my mental health. But what I've come to realize is that while I can use the Internet to strum a stunted version of La Vie en Rose, when it comes to taking care of my mind, there's no replacement for real human relationships. But even finding a therapist can feel like an inevitable online black hole. That's why I'm so happy to share that Alma makes it easy to connect with an experienced therapist, a real person who can listen, understand, and support you through your specific challenges. You don't have to be stuck with the first available person. Trust me, it's important to find someone you click with. They can be nice, they can be smart, they can let you bring your Chihuahua. True story. But they also have to be someone who really gets you uniquely. When you browse Alma's online directory, you can filter by the qualities that matter to you. Then book free 15 minute consultations with the therapists you're interested in seeing. This way you can find someone you connect with on a personal level and see real improvements in your mental health with their support. Better with people, better with Alma. Visit helloalma.commoth to get started and schedule a free consultation today. That's hello a l m a.com moth.

Sarah Austin Janess (22:43)

When spring has sprung and IKEA is at your fingertips, reclaim your space fast and find out how convenient shopping IKEA can be. When ordering Ikea, they have the best option for you. Want to turn your patio space into an outdoor oasis? They're on it. Choose from thousands of pickup locations and find a pickup point that's closest to you. No time to pick up before that family barbecue? No problem. Their affordable delivery options are so convenient. When you check out online, you'll actually enjoy the party. Prep shop now and enjoy convenience with a click. Order IKEA online and choose from thousands of pickup locations or or affordable delivery with free shipping on small orders. Over $50 for IKEA family members. Whenever, wherever, however you shop IKEA, they're here to help. This is the Moth Radio Hour. I'm Sarah Austin Jeuness. The stories in this hour are all about nocturnal adventures. Sometimes, when the sun sets, the fun begins. In 2006, during the Moth's very first US main stage tour, my friend and Moth colleague Gita and I took a night off while we were in Seattle to have dinner on Bainbridge island, just off the coast. We took an early evening ferry out to the island. We set our phone alarms before the very last ferry of the night was to leave. Well, Geeta and I had a lot to catch up on and we were laughing and telling stories. Stories. And you know what happens next. We didn't hear the alarm, but we did hear the sound of the ferry horn and we dumped cash on the counter and we went running through the dark Bainbridge island woods and we got to the ferry terminal in time to see the boat leaving. There was one man in the terminal and I said, sir, we missed the boat. And he said, well, all the locals are singing karaoke a across the street. So that's what we did. We went across the street. We sang I got you babe with the rest of the tiny island neighborhood and killed four hours until the ferry started running again. We were exhausted at the Moth the next day, but boy, that was a fun mistake to make. And yes, there's photographic evidence of all of this@themost.org Molly Kendall told our next story at a moth slam in New York, where public radio station WNYC is a media partner. Here's Molly live at the moth.

H (25:19)

About 12 years ago, I moved to New York City. And to this day, I do not know why I did that. But it was an adventure. And to support my adventure, I had to work two, three, however many jobs, running here to there, trying to find my feet on this pulsing, frenetic city. Within the beginning of the time that I was here, I met this man named John. And being a product of someone who was born and raised here, he had a very calm spirit within this craziness that I felt. So he and I started to see each other. One winter night. He invited me over. Of course I'm going to go. And so I opened my closet of really tired old looking clothes. And I think with this like, blast of courage and insanity, screw it, I'm not gonna wear any of these. I'm just gonna wear my snow boots. It's the middle of winter, my snow boots. And I grabbed my old navy all weather camel colored trench coat and I threw that on and I went, yes, every man's dream. And I jumped on the M14D bus and it was empty. And I realized looking at this empty bus full of empty seats, I cannot sit down. The code isn't long enough. And I'm just going to hold this pole and hope that this trip goes really quickly. So I get to his house and he buzzes me up and I go up and I'm thinking, like on the bus I had lost all of my courage. And I thought, like, what am I doing? What am I doing? I am not this kind of person. Whatever that means. I'm not. This is not who I am. And I get to his apartment and I open his door and he's fully clothed, winter jacket on, and he's lacing up his boots. And he's like, you know what? I'm so hungry. Let's go out to dinner. And I said, no, I'm not hungry. And he said, okay, just like, just pizza. And I was like, I hate pizza. No. And he said, sushi. And I was like, nope, I don't. And I just couldn't tell him, like, I Just couldn't tell him what I had done because I was not. I didn't know what I had done. And he's like, all right, you know what? Bruno, this bartender at the steakhouse where we often went to, he's like, bruno's at the bar at Strip House. We're just gonna go there. Don't worry about it. We're gonna have lamb chops. He knew, like, the secret to my heart was lamb chops. And he said, let's go there. And I thought, oh, my God, every time I say no, it gets, like, worse. Like, pizza to sushi to steak. Like, now it's gonna be forever, and I'm naked, and. Okay, let's go. Let's just.

Sarah Austin Janess (28:36)

Just.

Gary Daniel (28:37)

Let's just go.

H (28:38)

And so we go to Strip House, and, like, it's middle of winter, so the beautiful, lovely, sweet coat check lady is like, oh, can I take your coat? And I was like, no. And, okay, so we go. Bruno sees us at the bar, and he's like, oh, John. Molly. Hey, come on, sit down here. I have your places for you. Molly, take off that stupid coat. It looks like you're ready to run away. And I was like, oh, my God, if you only knew. And I thought before. Sit down. Like, this is my chance. This is my chance. I'm just gonna tell him and we're gonna go. Like, I have to get this over with. But I couldn't because I was just too embarrassed. Like, what have I done? And so we sat down, and Bruno said, what would you like to drink? And I was like, what would get me drunk the fastest? So I have the courage to tell him. And I said, a martini. Boom. He makes a martini. It's down, gone. And then he was like, wow.

Devin Elise Wilson (29:28)

Okay.

H (29:29)

Would you like something else? Yeah, just another martini. Another martini. Like, I need to think. I need to think. And he makes the martini. And then, like, the haze of somewhere else, I hear John ordering, like, three or four courses of something or something. And there's, like, a seafood tower involved and, like, lamb chops and truffled creamed spinach and, like, amazingness. But I was just trying to think, like, how do I get out of this? How do I tell him? And I just. I can't get my courage back. The courage that told me, like, just go naked. Like, that courage was gone. And so Bruno was like, no, seriously, take off your jacket. And I was like, you know what? I caught a chill outside. It's cool. I'm fine. And then to help me, Bruno decided to turn up the heat in the bar. Oh my God. No, seriously. Okay, so he turned up the heat of the bar. I'm sitting at the bar, there's like sweat dripping down my face, down into my old navy camel colored all weather trench coat. And I just didn't know what to do. And the lamb chops come out and I want the lamb chops. And I still don't have the courage to say it. And finally John's like, do you want to start with steak or lamb? And I was like, you're talking about steak. And I'm naked. I'm naked. The polyester is now sticking to my body. And we just have to get out of here because I'm naked and he looked at me. I mean, like, we gotta wrap it up. And Okay, I know I'm over time, but I have to tell you guys that that was like 11, 12 years ago. Whatever. Present day we now have a three and a half year old daughter. And I look at her and she's like this demon. Like from the moment that she was born, she's this like tornado in a tiny little thing. And I look at her and I think, like, how do I help mold you into the person you're supposed to be? And I realized that when I was sane, like I am not this person that we don't have control over who we are and what we're supposed to be. And least of all, we don't have control over our kids. But we can be more than we ever imagined. Thanks.

Sarah Austin Janess (31:41)

That was Molly Kendall. Molly lives in New York City with her daughter and their dog Augie. Before the pandemic, she was taking flying lessons. But during the pandemic she's learned to wire, crochet and the art of defrosting a freezer. She said this was her first and last of her intentional naked surprises. And for anyone listening who's considering a stunt like this, Molly says spring for a cab. This infamous night took place at a restaurant appropriately named Strip House in Greenwich Village. And to see a photo of Molly with her daughter at the same restaurant, at the same bar many years later, go to themoth.org Devin Elise Wilson told this next story outside at the beautiful Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn. It was our first in person story, socially distanced show after the pandemic hit. And even though the audience was made up of only 20 folks, the living audience that is, we were all so thrilled to have a night out together. And you can't do a late night show without mentioning sex. So just so you know, sex will be mentioned in this story, here's Devin live at the mall.

Molly Kendall (33:04)

New York City. New Year's Eve 2020 is going to be a great year. With my Hype song out tonight from Rent on Blast Repeat. I get all jazzed up. I do my makeup, my nails. I lotion my entire body and not just the parts visible to the world. I put on a new dress that hugs me in all the right places. And I throw on a big flower that makes me feel like a movie star. I grab a couple of condoms and put them in my bag because you never know and a lady should always be prepared, especially when she feels this good. Just as I'm leaving the apartment, I get a text message. It's from my dad. It says, hey kiddo, there's a saying that some people use. I don't really like it. Here goes. The best way to get over a man is to get under a new one. That's bs. I know you know that. Enjoy your special evening. Now, let's backtrack for a minute here. My boyfriend of four months and I had just broken up the day before. We'd made plans months ago to spend New Year's Eve together in the city at his place, but by the time the holiday came around, we both knew what was coming. There was no spark, and quite honestly, my gut had been trying to tell me for the entirety of the relationship that this just wasn't it. He didn't actually see me, so I was glad for the clean break while simultaneously sad to be alone in the city on New Year's when I realized I could ring it in from my happy place. Marie's Crisis, I knew I was ready for a fresh start. But how could my dad sense my energy from across the country? Though I laughed to myself as me and my Happy New Year headband and my condoms left the house. Marie's Crisis is a musical theater sing along show tune piano bar in the West Village and there is no place like it. It's easy to make friends when you're all singing. Defying Gravity, Circle of Life and Seasons of Love at the top of your lungs. There was one woman in particular who I'd seen there before. She had the voice of a Broadway star. After singing a few songs with each other, she pulled me into her group and we all sang and drank together. A couple hours in, they started talking about kisses. At midnight. She turned to me and said she was kissing a couple other people, but she'd like to kiss me too. I'd never kissed a woman before. I'd always been open to it, but the opportunity had never presented itself so organically. So Midnight comes around 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Happy New Year. No kiss for Devin. 12:05. Still no kiss. She's busy celebrating with her friends, and I'm not the type to tap her on the shoulder like, hi, remember me? So after some high fives and Happy New Year wishes with the random musical theater lovers around me, I slightly disappointed, just keep singing. About 12:15, she turns to me and we lock eyes. And I don't think either of us were expecting that kind of kiss. Fireworks. She pulled back and said, ooh, this might be my favorite kiss of the night. Don't tell the others. I didn't, but they might have guessed, because what we did do was continue to make out shamelessly. At a certain point, she leans in and whispers, do you want to come home with me? I say, yes, followed by, I've never been with a woman before. She says, it's okay, I have. And we keep singing and kissing. She would pop in and out for a smoke break here and there, and when she'd come back in, she'd check, you're still coming home with me. Yeah. I was getting increasingly more nervous, but not because this would be my first time. So on her next break, I thought, okay, let's tell her that we're herpes positive now so that she can make a decision sooner rather than later. So with resolve, I throw my coat over my shoulders and I walk outside. I was expecting to catch her smoking alone, but she was in a group of at least five people and all I heard was, you guys. She said it like 10 times. She's definitely coming home with me. I froze like a deer in headlights. I definitely wasn't supposed to be hearing this. I pivoted on the balls of my feet to avoid the click clack of my heeled boots on the pavement as I tiptoed back into the bar. They were talking about me. I guess they thought I wasn't going to go through with it. Little did they know, me not going through with it was furthest from my mind. Last call. Final song. We hop in a cab, and I am multitasking, enthralled by the feeling of her lips on mine while simultaneously trying to build up the courage. You can do it. Just say it. We're on the west side highway now, about 150 blocks from her place, 100 from mine. Okay, just say it before we pass your place so if she changes her mind, we can make two stops. I allow myself to sink into the unbridled pleasure of us for a few more blocks. Just as I'm coming to the peak of my internal pep talk, she turns to me and says, I should have said something sooner, but my heart is racing. Are you allergic to cats? I respond no with a giggle, and she laughs too. She has unknowingly given me the perfect in. I take a breath and say, speaking of things we should have mentioned sooner. And I tell her. I tell her that I'm herpes positive and this is how it manifests in my body. This is how I manage it and this is what it means for us tonight. As I wait for her response, I'm proud of me for allowing myself to live fully despite fear. She thanks me for my honesty and says this is is worth the risk. And then we talk about her sexual health history too. Finally able to fully relax into us, into our chemistry, our heat, I feel seen in a way that I haven't in a long while. Walking to the train the next morning without tonight still blasting on repeat in my headphones, I can't help but grin as I reminisce about the night before. What a way to ring in the new year. I will save you the play by play, but let's just say I definitely didn't spend that night under a man.

Sarah Austin Janess (39:56)

That was Devin Elise Wilson. Devin is a storyteller, model, and recovering perfectionist. And no, nothing happened between her and the woman in the story after that night. She loves that it was just a moment in time. Devin runs a support group for people who are struggling with the stigma around being herpes positive. She's written a television comedy pilot to help change the narrative around herpes in the media. She wanted to call the TV show Fuck I have Herpes, but Autocorrect changed it to Duck I have Heroes, so she went with that for the title. To see photos of Devin on that fateful night out, go to themoth.org after our break. A late night slip and fall leads to a miracle when the Moth Radio Hour Continues.

Flash Rosenberg (40:48)

The Moth Radio Hour is produced by Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

Sarah Austin Janess (40:55)

I am single and I spend some time each year traveling with the Moth, helping people craft and share stories. And there are times my friends and family get a little worried about me. Whether it's your spouse, your kids, your parents, or even your friends, loving someone means you want to know they're okay. Life360 addresses that anxiety with their location sharing app that puts the real time location of everyone you love right in the palm of your hand. When I'm traveling with the moth Life360 will give my family peace of mind. Life360 even has roadside assistance path and tile trackers for your keys and luggage. So many features to help everyone feel safe. My life 360 Circle is about to include my family and my best friend Erin, and if they're ever curious or worried about me, they can just open the app to see where I am. Get peace of mind in the palm of your hand with Life360. Visit life360.com or download the app today and use Code moth to get 15% off. That's life360.com code moth I travel a.

Devin Elise Wilson (41:57)

Lot for my job and learn fast that the best way to ensure a seamless travel experience is to have the right equipment. Giant tote bag that jumbles all of your items into a tangle? Nope. Suitcase with a broken wheel that catches every third step. Trash. To me, travel accessories that are functional and stylish are worth their weight in gold. So for this travel season, I have my eye on quints for high quality travel essentials at fair prices. They have premium luggage options and stylish tote bags to carry it all. The Italian Suede Shopper Tote is at the top of my wish list. It's the kind of carry on that'll make the flight attendants think, who's this cool seasoned traveler? This is the validation I crave 10,000ft in the air. The best part? All Quint's Items are priced 50 to 80% less than similar brands, cutting out the middleman and passing the savings onto us. For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quint's. Go to quince.com moth for 365 day returns plus free shipping on your order. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com moth moth to get free shipping and 365 day returns.

I (42:59)

Quints.com moth Imagine if you could ask someone anything you wanted about their finances. How much do you make? Who paid for that fancy dinner? What did your house actually cost? On every episode of what We Spend, a different guest opens up their wallets. Opens up their lives, really, and tells us all about their finances. For one week they tell us everything they spend their money on.

Otis Gray (43:24)

My son slammed like $6 worth of blueberries in five minutes.

I (43:28)

This is a podcast about all the ways money comes into our lives and then leaves again. Which of course we all have a lot of feelings about.

J (43:36)

I really want these things.

Advertiser (43:37)

I want to own a house.

J (43:38)

I want to have a child. But this morning I really wanted a.

I (43:41)

Coffee because whatever you are buying or not buying or saving or spending, at the end of the day, money is always about more than your balance.

J (43:50)

Courtney.

I (43:50)

I'm Courtney Harrell, and this is what we spend, listen to, and follow what we Spend An Odyssey original podcast, available now wherever you get your podcasts.

Sarah Austin Janess (44:01)

You'Re listening to the Moth radio Hour. I'm Sarah Austin. Janess. This is an hour all about night owls and what happens after dark. Our final story is also from that night in Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn. It's from Flash Rosenberg. And on this night in the fall of the pandemic, there was a stage set up between the mausoleums, and the moon cut through the darkness. Here's Flash Rosenberg live at the Moth.

J (44:32)

I don't think of drawing and photography, writing or performing as separate disciplines. I do them all. I'm an attention span for hire, and I notice things in order to try to figure out what's going on. So I was pretty excited when I had a chance to invent a class that I could teach at Cooper Union that took place entirely in the subways. The class was called Underground Einstein on the D train. And instead of assignments, which sounded too burdensome, we called what we did noticing games. And, like, imagine you're sitting on the subway seat and you're looking down, and the first game would be like, look at the shoes, guess the face. Look at the face. Guess the shoes. Then we ramp it up a bit for a noticing game called Nuclear Subway. Let's say there's a nuclear accident and the only people left on earth are in this car with you. And you have to pick someone to mate with to continue the human race. Now, this isn't about biology or gender. Just who in this car would you want to get together with to create a new world? Hmm. He's cute, but she's reading. Well, and if your choice leaves the subway, then you have to pick someone else. Sometimes after class, I would stop at Keens, which is a midtown steakhouse around the corner of my loft, so I could write down what I noticed the students noticing during the class. Now, what am I doing at a steakhouse? Well, I'm their pet vegetarian. I would order the side dishes. I would get the. The mashed potatoes, the salad. And once when I was there on a date, the guy observed, this is never going to work out. You cannot even commit to an entree. You're never going to commit to a relationship. He's sort of Right. I mean, I'm not married, I don't have kids. And I didn't think I had a sense of humor until once I read in the New York Times science section that normal adults laugh about 15 times a day. I figured, whoa, I am way over the limit. So every time I laughed, I made a jotting down of what I laughed about in a notebook for two weeks. And huh, turns out I was the one making myself laugh. So I started doing comedy. And one night I was at a club and my great aunt Leah, who was 89 at the time, he'd never seen me perform before, she comes up to me and says, don't let anyone in the family ever make you feel bad because you didn't have kids. Because many people believe that children are the essence of life. She said, I wanted kids too, but it didn't happen. You're like me. And the way I see it, those of us who don't have kids have been given some ability to figure out why we are here. So that gift is a challenge. I was thinking, I've always wondered why I'm here. I mean, since I was age 2 when I was yelling out the 4th floor window from our apartment, why am I here? My mom came in, like, what? Well, I saw those people down on the sidewalk walking around. Why was I in my crib? So one night after class, I didn't go to Keene's, but I ended up going to the Cornelia Street Cafe because I was going to deliver a humorous toast at a little private cabaret show to celebrate a friend's birthday. And I was dressed up. I like to dress up because I'm a pathological optimist. I mean, I'm ready in case something good is going to happen. And I had my distress distinctive coat that I love so much that it looks like yarn that's sort of pressed into it as if somebody scribbled with red, black and gray. And I also think it's nice to dress up because I feel some responsibility in a quiet way to help cheer up New York. Well, the show ended late and I was really tired and I was hungry. And so on my way to the West 4th street subway to catch the uptown F, I stop and I get about a dozen bagels and stick them in my backpack so I can toast one when I get home. And on the way to the subway, I'm thinking, what am I doing? I mean, where's my big project? It just seems like I'm stomping on the ants and not feeding the elephants. I mean is noticing a career. What's the point? So I get out on the subway steps, go through the turnstile, and I wait for the next train. Next thing I see is bright blaring lights right above my face with people in masks wearing blue scrubs looking at me like they're gargoyles and there's tubes in my arms. Where am I? The nurse says you're in the emergency room at Bellevue. She said you fell on the tracks. You fell on the subway tracks? Well, I always thought, what kind of a clueless person falls on the subway tracks? Apparently, me. Well, the doctor assures that I'm fine. I'm going to be okay. Nothing's broken. There's no trauma. My heart is fine. He says, you probably just fainted from exhaustion. You're good to go. But I ask what happened. The nurse says, it's the duty of a hospital to save your life, not your stories. And she hands me a plastic bag that says, personal Belongings. And in it is my beautiful dress. That's all cut up because if you arrive at a hospital unconscious, they cut your clothes off so they don't disturb you in case you have some broken bones. But by some wild luck, they did not cut my great coat. Well, they hand me this triple X size sweats, wheelchair me to the curb, then leave me to fend for myself. I hail a cab, and as soon as I get home, it's like 11:30 in the morning. I call my brother because I didn't want him to worry since I missed our 7:30am Daily call. Hi, Ken. Sorry I missed our call. I was in the emergency room. I fell in the subway tracks, but I'm okay. And my brother says, that is not a logical sentence in the English language. If you think you are okay, you are not okay. And he jumped up from his desk in his office in Wilmington, Delaware, took the next Amtrak train up to New York to take care of me. And his care was a big comfort. But the whole day I had this sort of shiver, chill, fever feeling because I didn't know what happened. It was a mystery. I mean, I have no images. There was nothing that I noticed. Was I pushed? Where did it happen? Who saved me? Scarier than the fall itself was not knowing the story. Well, I figured I'd look online. Surely somebody would have taken a cell phone, snap a woman on the tracks would be more interesting than what you had for dinner. But nothing. Two days later, I get a call from James, the manager at Kean's. How are you? That's strange. I Thought he's never called to find out how I am. James continues, my waiter, Robert, rescued you the other night. Would you like to know the story? Yeah. And so my brother and I go over, sit with Robert, and Robert explains. He says, I had just gotten off of work at 1am and I go racing down the steps to catch the uptown f. And oh, damn, the train is pulling out. I miss it. And so I'm looking down the tracks to see, you know, when the next train might be coming. And I notice in the distance a figure that's sort of unsteady who seems to be trying to navigate around that really narrow part of the subway platform, around the stairs, and suddenly that figure slips and slithers onto the tracks. And then I notice it's your coat. It's you. That's flash. And so he rallies the few stragglers on the platform to come help. He said, the biggest guy jumped down. Somebody was guiding. He was pulling my arms. A woman was on the platform on her cell phone calling 911. The next train is halted. My life is saved. Well, being noticed on the subway tracks is all the celebrity anyone ever needs. Plus, it's like a fashion be noticeable. If I had been wearing my black puff coat, I would have been disguised as camouflaged as debris. I might still be down there. And always carry bagels in your backpack. Gluten saved my life. They were like little life preservers and probably are the reason why my back isn't broken. Then Robert continues to tell the story. He said when you were up on the platform, you were all apologetic. You're saying, I'm fine. I'm going to walk home. I'm sorry to cause you so much trouble. Well, those of you who know me will not be surprised to hear that though unconscious, I was still talking. And then he thought, well, he better be sure that I'm okay before he lets me go. So he asked my name. Got it. And then he asked for my emergency phone number. And somewhere in the befuddlement emergency phone number. I thought of the phone number that I was forced to memorize when I was a child during the Cuban missile crisis. Endicott 89978. Well, the rescuers were much too young to know that used to be what phone numbers were. So he thought, well, something must be wrong with her. So they called an ambulance. I'm never going to be able to thank Robert enough for saving my life. My brother tried. I mean, he took out his wallet and stuck it on the table at King's and said, just Take whatever you want out of it, max out the credit cards. There's nothing that matters more to me. Nothing more valuable than my sister's life. The next morning, I was looking out of my fourth story window, and I was thinking, how does this affect me? How has this changed my life? Well, I do know that why I am here is a question I respect more now. And when I was a teenager, I asked my rabbi Krinsky, why am I here? Meaning, why am I going to Hebrew school for eight years? And the rabbi said, it's not about learning Hebrew. You know. All the Hebrew you needed to know, you learned the first day. I thought, what? Shalom. And I was done. He said, no, no, no, not shalom, but hineni, the Hebrew word for here I am. He said, when you are called upon, when you're, you know, during roll call and you answer to your name, you have agreed to be present. You have the ability to notice what there is to do. And then he went on to say, it's not about prayers either. The way to give thanks for being who you are is that you have to be exactly who you are. And then I thought about what Aunt Leah said after she saw me do that comedy performance. And she said that I fulfilled what my grandfather could only wish for. She said, you know her older brother, my papa, Rosie, he rescued the family. He brought them from Europe to America before the Nazis. But she said he didn't want to be a hero. What he wanted to do was perform on stage in New York City. So he ne nee, here I am.

Sarah Austin Janess (56:14)

That was Flash Rosenberg. Flash draws, animates cartoons, photographs, writes and performs. She says she lives in Harlem with two turtles and infinite questions. To see photos of Flash in her unique coat and with that special waiter from Keens who saw it and saved her life. Plus a collection of games invented by Flash to play on the subway, go to themoth.org we wish you many, many nights to remember. And that's it for this episode of the Moth Radio Hour. We hope you'll join us next time.

Flash Rosenberg (57:03)

This episode of the Moth Radio Hour was produced by me, J. Allison, Katherine Burns, and Sarah Austin Janess, who also hosted the show and directed the stories in the hour along with Jennifer Hickson. Co producer is Vicki Merrick, associate producer Emily Couch. Additional education coaching by Katherine McCarthy. The rest of the Moss leadership team includes Sarah Haberman, Meg Bowles, Kate Tellers, Jennifer Birmingham, Marina Cluce, Suzanne Rust, Brandon Grant, Inga Gladowski, Sarah Jane Johnson, and Aldi Gaza. Most stories are true is remembered and affirmed by the Storytellers. Our theme music is by the Drift. Other music in this hour from Boombox, Tommy Guerrero, Boubacar Treore, Anat Cohen, Jonathan Larson and Klezmer Juice. We receive funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Special thanks to our friends at Audacy, including executive producer Leah Rhys Dennis. For more about our podcast. For information on pitching us your own story and everything else, go to our website themoth.org.

Otis Gray (58:21)

I've been counted out, dismissed, passed over, told I'd never be a golfer with just one arm. But the only thing that feels better than proving people wrong is out driving them. I'm 14 year old golfer Tommy Morrissey and I want to be remembered for.

J (58:35)

My ability as a champion partner of the Masters. Bank of America supports everyone determined to find out what's possible in golf and in life. What would you like the power to do? Bank of America bank of America NA Member FDIC Copyright 2025 bank of America Corporation all rights reserved.