The Moth Radio Hour: Late Night Release Date: April 15, 2025
Host: Sarah Austin Janess
Introduction
Sarah Austin Janess sets the stage for an evening dedicated to nocturnal tales—stories that unfold under the cover of darkness, exploring the adventures, mishaps, and profound moments that occur when the world sleeps.
1. Gary Daniel: A Year-Long Surprise
Timestamp: [02:34]
Gary Daniel, a high school senior from the Bronx, shares his daring attempt to surprise his crush. Inspired by his mother's cautionary advice—"nothing good happens after midnight"—Gary embarks on a cross-state journey to New Jersey, driven by youthful infatuation.
Key Points:
- The Bold Move: Gary decides to travel alone without a clear plan, relying on his school Metro card to cover bus fare.
- Challenges Faced: Navigating a massive bus terminal without a charger proves difficult as his phone dies, leaving him stranded.
- Human Connection: An unexpected conversation about telepathy with a fellow passenger provides a fleeting moment of connection amidst his panic.
- Realization and Reflection: Lost and hungry, Gary questions the wisdom of his actions but perseveres, ultimately reaching his crush's neighborhood.
- Outcome: Despite facing rejection, Gary's persistence leads to a prom date, proving his stunt wasn't entirely in vain.
Notable Quote:
“Love is really blind because it makes you think that you can do things that you never thought you would do. Crazy things.” — Gary Daniel [10:15]
Advice: Gary advises against risking one’s safety for affection, suggesting instead to muster the courage to express feelings directly. “If they reject you, the right person will come at the right moment.” [11:00]
2. Otis Gray: Serving Up a Storm
Timestamp: [12:19]
Otis Gray, a server with a background in sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design, delves into the chaotic life of waiting tables. His passion for providing exceptional dining experiences is tested during a particularly tumultuous shift.
Key Points:
- Love for the Job: Otis finds joy in enhancing patrons' dining experiences, despite the reliance on tips and constant demand for efficiency.
- Challenging Situations: From handling difficult customers to unexpected incidents, Otis navigates a night filled with high-stress moments.
- The Breaking Point: A disgruntled, intoxicated woman becomes the focal point of chaos when her specific wine order leads to a personal confrontation.
- Creative Resolve: In an attempt to salvage the situation, Otis employs his limited wine-selling skills to diffuse the tension, ultimately leaving the restaurant empty-handed but with a sense of accomplishment.
Notable Quote:
“You can tell a lot about people by how they treat restaurant servers.” — Otis Gray [19:30]
Outcome: Otis’s experience underscores the importance of empathy and resilience in service roles. His reaction to adversity highlights the thin line between maintaining professionalism and personal boundaries.
3. Molly Kendall: The Naked Surprise
Timestamp: [25:19]
Molly Kendall recounts two intertwined late-night escapades in New York City, each testing her limits and sense of courage.
A. Missed Ferry and Karaoke Nights
- Early Adventure: During the Moth’s first US main stage tour, Molly and her colleague Gita miss the last ferry from Bainbridge Island, leading them to sing karaoke with local residents to pass the time.
- Community Connection: Their impromptu performance fosters a memorable bond with the island’s tight-knit community.
Notable Quote:
“We sang I got you babe with the rest of the tiny island neighborhood and killed four hours until the ferry started running again.” — Molly Kendall [20:17]
B. Strip House Mishap
- The Grand Gesture: Molly attempts an elaborate surprise for her boyfriend, John, by arriving at a high-end restaurant clad only in snow boots and a trench coat.
- Unexpected Twist: Her plan to reveal her vulnerability falls apart as she finds herself unintentionally exposed, leading to an awkward yet humorous interaction with her partner’s bartender, Bruno.
- Reflection and Growth: Today, Molly embraces motherhood and advises others to opt for simpler, safer ways to express affection—"Sometimes, spring for a cab." [28:37]
Outcome: Molly’s stories illustrate the unpredictable nature of late-night endeavors and the lessons learned through personal mistakes. Her evolution from a misadventurous individual to a grounded mother highlights resilience and personal growth.
4. Devin Elise Wilson: New Year’s Eve Revelations
Timestamp: [33:04]
Devin Elise Wilson narrates her transformative New Year’s Eve encounter that blends self-discovery with vulnerability.
Key Points:
- Preparations and Plans: Amidst a recent breakup, Devin prepares to celebrate alone, embracing her independence.
- Unexpected Connection: At a musical theater sing-along, Devin meets a woman whose presence sparks a deep, albeit unconventional, connection.
- Honesty in Vulnerability: As their interaction intensifies, Devin makes a bold move to disclose her herpes-positive status, fostering an honest and meaningful exchange.
- Emotional Resolution: The night culminates in mutual understanding and acceptance, allowing Devin to begin the new year with a sense of self-affirmation.
Notable Quote:
“I'm proud of me for allowing myself to live fully despite fear.” — Devin Elise Wilson [39:56]
Outcome: Devin’s story emphasizes the power of honesty and the importance of confronting personal fears to forge genuine connections.
5. Flash Rosenberg: An Accidental Miracle
Timestamp: [44:01]
Flash Rosenberg shares a surreal experience that transcended her artistic pursuits, culminating in a literal life-saving moment.
Key Points:
- Innovative Teaching: Flash describes her unique class, "Underground Einstein on the D Train," which combines art and observation games in the subway environment.
- Performance and Identity: Through her comedy and artistic endeavors, Flash explores themes of identity and purpose.
- The Fall: After a late-night performance, Flash accidentally falls onto subway tracks, leading to unconsciousness and a seemingly forgotten presence.
- Rescue and Revelation: Rescued by a vigilant waiter, Robert, Flash learns the profound impact one can have by simply being present—echoing her grandfather’s legacy of heroism.
- Philosophical Insight: The incident reinforces Flash’s reflections on existence and the importance of being present, as inspired by her rabbi’s teachings and family wisdom.
Notable Quote:
“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.” — Flash Rosenberg [56:14]
Outcome: Flash’s experience underscores the interconnectedness of life and the unforeseen ways in which our stories intertwine with others, leading to moments of profound realization and gratitude.
Conclusion
Sarah Austin Janess wraps up the episode by reflecting on the shared nocturnal journeys, emphasizing the transformative power of late-night experiences. Each storyteller's narrative underscores themes of courage, resilience, honesty, and the unexpected connections that flourish when the world is quiet.
Final Thoughts: The episode "Late Night" brilliantly captures the essence of nocturnal adventures, illustrating how darkness can be a backdrop for profound personal growth and memorable encounters. Through heartfelt storytelling, The Moth invites listeners to explore the uncharted territories of their own night-time experiences.
For More Stories and Photos: Visit themoth.org to view prom photos, Molly’s karaoke night, Flash’s subway incident, and Devin’s New Year’s Eve memory.