The Moth Radio Hour: Leaving, Loving & Coming Home – Detailed Summary

Released on February 7, 2017

Introduction

In this poignant episode of The Moth Radio Hour titled "Leaving, Loving & Coming Home," host Meg Bowles explores the intricate connections people have with the concept of home. Through four compelling true stories, listeners journey through experiences of searching for belonging, fleeing from familiar places, and ultimately finding a sense of place and community. Each storyteller delves into personal narratives that highlight the universal human desire to find or redefine what home means to them.

1. Suzie Ronson: From Suburban Hairdresser to Rock and Roll Icon

Timestamp: 02:32 – 16:26

Background Suzie Ronson recounts her unexpected journey from a modest upbringing in Bromley, Kent, to becoming part of David Bowie’s legendary Ziggy Stardust era. As a young hairdresser with humble aspirations, Suzie’s life took a dramatic turn when she met Mrs. Jones, David Bowie’s mother.

Key Points

• Early Life and Aspirations: Suzie describes her ordinary childhood, marked by parental expectations and the cultural shifts of the swinging 60s. Struggling with self-image and academic performance, she pursued a career in hairdressing.

  Quote: “I wasn’t good at school and I didn’t like school. So when I was 15, I joined Evelyn Padgett College of Hair and Beauty in Bromley to study hairdressing.” [07:00]

• Meeting David Bowie’s Mother: While working at Evelyn Paget School, Suzie befriends Mrs. Jones, David Bowie’s mother, who often talks about her son’s artistic pursuits.

  Quote: “I didn’t realize until one day she said, 'Space Oddity,' and I looked at her and thought, 'Are we talking about David Bowie?'" [09:45]

• Joining the Ziggy Stardust Tour: Suzie’s opportunity arises when Angie, David’s wife, seeks a hair appointment. Her creative skills earn her a spot on the tour, leading her into the vibrant world of rock and roll.

  Quote: “I was so relieved. I’d done it, standing up. I was probably a million miles from where I had been before.” [14:10]

• Life on Tour: Suzie shares vivid memories of touring with David Bowie, witnessing his transformation into Ziggy Stardust, and the highs and lows of life on the road. Her role as both hairdresser and confidante provided a unique perspective on Bowie’s ambition and creativity.

  Quote: “We even did Top of the Pops, David played 'Starman,' and during the chorus, he draped his arm around Mick Ronson’s shoulders. I think it shook Britain to the core.” [15:30]

• Personal Transformation: The experience profoundly changes Suzie, enhancing her confidence and leading to personal relationships, including her marriage to guitarist Mick Ronson.

Insights and Conclusion Suzie’s story embodies the theme of leaving one’s comfort zone to embrace transformative experiences. Her journey highlights how unexpected opportunities can redefine one’s sense of self and home.

2. Dennis Repp: Walking Dog Lake to a Forever Home

Timestamp: 18:00 – 36:26

Background Dennis Repp shares his heartfelt experience volunteering at a dog shelter following a personal breakup. His dedication to a particularly challenging dog, Lake, leads to a profound connection and a journey of healing.

Key Points

• Post-Breakup Volunteering: After a sudden breakup, Dennis seeks solace in volunteering at a local dog shelter, dedicating more time than required to help the animals.

  Quote: “I was walking several dogs, just walking them, giving them a little break, getting them out of the shelter, exercising them.” [20:15]

• Meeting Lake: Lake, a beautiful yet aggressive dog, remains at the shelter for over two years due to his inability to connect with potential adopters.

  Quote: “Lake was one of our favorites. Everyone who worked there loved this dog.” [24:00]

• Adopting Lake: Determined to give Lake a home, Dennis adopts him despite the challenges, capturing the emotional moment of Lake finally finding a family.

  Quote: “Lake finds it very comfortable. Thank you.” [35:45]

• Emotional Journey: The process of helping Lake transition from the shelter to his new home mirrors Dennis’s own journey of moving forward after his relationship ended.

  Quote: “What a transformation Lake had. Everyone who overlooked him for two years, they're all suckers.” [34:50]

Insights and Conclusion Dennis’s narrative illustrates how caring for another being can aid in personal healing and redefine one’s sense of responsibility and love. His bond with Lake symbolizes the enduring human capacity for empathy and commitment.

3. Jonah Lehrer: From Acclaimed Writer to Private Redemption

Timestamp: 23:22 – 37:37

Background Jonah Lehrer delves into his painful fall from grace after fabricating quotes in his writings. His story is an introspective look at ambition, failure, and the journey toward personal redemption through fatherhood.

Key Points

• The Scandal: Lehrer recounts the moment he learned of his fabrications involving Bob Dylan quotes, marking the end of his successful writing career.

  Quote: “I knew right away that my career was over.” [25:30]

• Personal Consequences: The scandal strains his marriage and custody of his children, forcing him to confront his shortcomings as a father and partner.

  Quote: “I told her [wife], I wasn’t worthy of her and never would be. But she stayed.” [30:50]

• Rediscovering Fatherhood: Lehrer turns to his children for solace, finding unexpected joy and redemption in his role as a father despite the daily challenges.

  Quote: “I settled on this narrative for all the wrong reasons. I chose it mostly because it sounded like something I should say.” [34:10]

• Healing Through Family: Engaging in playful interactions with his children helps Lehrer rebuild his sense of self and find meaning beyond his professional identity.

  Quote: “My family taught me about love, and that has been my great consolation.” [36:00]

Insights and Conclusion Jonah Lehrer’s story underscores the themes of loss and recovery, highlighting how personal relationships and responsibilities can offer profound avenues for healing and self-discovery. His transformation from a disgraced writer to a devoted father illustrates the resilience of the human spirit.

4. Abin Kucha: From Refugee to Finding Home in America

Timestamp: 38:58 – End

Background Abin Kucha narrates her harrowing journey from war-torn Sudan to the United States, detailing the struggles of adapting to a new life while carrying the trauma of her past.

Key Points

• Life as a Refugee: Abin describes the constant fear and instability of living in refugee camps, fleeing violence, and the loss of her husband and daughter.

  Quote: “I walked the entire eastern continent of Eastern Africa with these children. I am sleeping because I hadn’t slept for eight years.” [45:15]

• Arrival in America: The moment she arrives in Portland, Maine, with her children marks a bittersweet transition from relentless survival to the challenges of settling into a new culture.

  Quote: “When she left me, we had never been in an apartment before. So this apartment was different to us. It was a place to call home.” [41:50]

• Accidental Fire Alarm Incident: A misunderstanding during her first night in America leads to a moment of panic, symbolizing the lingering trauma from her past experiences.

  Quote: “We went to the apartment to our little boys. I thought about everything my children had gone through.” [43:30]

• Building a New Life: With the help of social services and community support, Abin begins to forge a semblance of normalcy, enrolling her children in school and adapting to American life.

  Quote: “In Minnesota, my children had their first opportunity to go to school. I managed to enroll them and buy them school clothes and supplies.” [44:20]

• Cultural Identity and Acceptance: Abin reflects on the cultural differences between her village in Sudan and life in America, emphasizing the importance of community and finding support among her tribe.

  Quote: “With the help of social services, we were able to move to Minnesota. My children would never walk 200 miles again.” [47:10]

Insights and Conclusion Abin Kucha’s story is a testament to resilience and the enduring quest for home amidst displacement. Her journey illustrates the complexities of adapting to a new environment while retaining cultural identity and the pivotal role of community support in finding a new sense of belonging.

Conclusion

"Leaving, Loving & Coming Home" masterfully weaves narratives of departure, connection, and return, illustrating the multifaceted nature of home. Whether it’s Suzie’s unexpected leap into the world of rock and roll, Dennis’s dedication to a once-overlooked dog, Jonah’s quest for redemption through fatherhood, or Abin’s struggle to find stability after fleeing war, each story underscores the profound impact of leaving behind the familiar to embrace new beginnings. The episode eloquently captures the essence of home as both a physical place and an emotional state, shaped by relationships, personal growth, and the relentless search for belonging.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Suzie Ronson: “I wasn’t good at school and I didn’t like school. So when I was 15, I joined Evelyn Padgett College of Hair and Beauty in Bromley to study hairdressing.” [07:00]

• Dennis Repp: “Lake was one of our favorites. Everyone who worked there loved this dog.” [24:00]

• Jonah Lehrer: “I knew right away that my career was over.” [25:30]

• Abin Kucha: “I walked the entire eastern continent of Eastern Africa with these children. I am sleeping because I hadn’t slept for eight years.” [45:15]

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Moth Radio Hour poignantly explores the universal themes of leaving, loving, and coming home. Through deeply personal stories, listeners gain insight into the diverse ways individuals navigate the complexities of finding and redefining their sense of home amidst life's unpredictable journeys.

For more stories and to explore the episodes, visit themoth.org.