The Moth Radio Hour: Lo and Behold!
Released on October 15, 2024
Host: Michelle Jalowski
Introduction: The Magic of Surprises
In this episode of The Moth Radio Hour, host Michelle Jalowski explores the theme of surprises, both uplifting and heart-wrenching. She delves into personal stories that highlight how unexpected events can profoundly impact our lives, fostering curiosity, wonder, and sometimes, vulnerability.
1. Jessie's Embarrassing Photo Surprise
Storyteller: Jessie (Shared at an open mic in Pittsburgh)
Timestamp: 02:37
Jessie recounts her junior year of college spent in Kathmandu, Nepal, away from her boyfriend in Washington, D.C. To bridge the distance, she secretly took intimate photos with her Nepali roommate and stored them in a hidden folder on her laptop. Intent on making her boyfriend feel closer on his 21st birthday, she sent him the photos online.
Months later, during her family's annual trip to Lost River State Park, Jessie's hidden photos inadvertently became her screensaver, which played during breakfast. The family was stunned when one of her aunts discovered the intimate images, leading to immediate embarrassment and a flood of awkward reactions from relatives.
Notable Quote:
"I put them in the hidden folder. About a week later, his birthday came. I sent him the photos." – Jessie [03:10]
The incident left Jessie feeling mortified for years, causing her to avoid discussing the event. Over time, she learned that storytelling not only preserves memories but also provides emotional distance, allowing her to view the experience with a sense of humor despite lingering embarrassment.
2. Kat's Journey to Reuniting with Her Twin Sister
Storyteller: Kat Powell Hoffman (Shared at a main stage in Portland, Oregon)
Timestamp: 08:06
Kat shares her deeply personal journey as an adoptee from South Korea. Growing up feeling a persistent sense of loneliness and questioning her origins, Kat never imagined she had a twin sister. At 38, she received a life-altering email from her adoption agency informing her that she had a biological family searching for her.
The reunion was bittersweet. Kat met her twin sister, Jin Hee, and their birth mother, Oma, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Despite the joy of meeting her sister, Kat grappled with the pain of lost years and the complexities of newfound family ties. Her relationship with Jin Hee blossomed during subsequent visits to South Korea, where they bonded over shared features and cultural heritage.
Notable Quote:
"I wish we could have grown up together." – Jin Hee [35:28]
Kat reflects on the duality of her family connections—cherishing her adoptive family while embracing her Korean roots. She emphasizes that family is defined by love and connection, not just blood relations.
3. Paul Chin's Unexpected Allyship with the BTS Army
Storyteller: Paul Chin (Shared at a main stage in Canada)
Timestamp: 22:47
Paul, a music producer and DJ, navigates the challenges of releasing his EP "Full Spectrum" amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. When his planned release and subsequent show were derailed by lockdowns, Paul struggled with the uncertainty of his musical career.
In a moment of frustration, Paul engaged in an online debate criticizing an op-ed that accused the BTS fan base of artificially inflating music charts. To his surprise, the passionate response from the BTS Army led to a viral movement supporting Paul’s music. Fans began promoting his work across social media platforms, integrating his songs into BTS playlists and sharing his music enthusiastically.
Notable Quote:
"They send me DMs of people BTS playlists with my songs interspersed within. This one is saying, 'Hey, you should go listen to Take it or Leave it because Desiree's vocals immaculate.'" – Paul Chin [28:15]
This unforeseen support transformed Paul's career, turning him into a folk hero within the BTS community. The BTS Army's dedication highlighted the power of fan communities in shaping music careers, ultimately helping Paul gain the recognition he sought.
4. Kelly's Heart-Wrenching Journey with Assisted Suicide
Storyteller: Kelly Dunham (Shared at a main stage in Grand Rapids)
Timestamp: 36:41
Kelly Dunham delivers a poignant and emotional story about her partner, Heather McAllister’s battle with ovarian cancer. As Heather’s condition worsened, the couple made the difficult decision to pursue assisted suicide in Oregon, where it is legal.
They moved into a vibrant, albeit drafty, converted Hare Krishna temple in Portland, Oregon, affectionately named "the Castle." Surrounded by a supportive community, Kelly and Heather prepared for Heather’s final moments. The day of Heather's assisted suicide was filled with a mix of love, support, and the complexities of saying goodbye to a beloved partner.
Notable Quote:
"When someone you love is dying, you say yes a lot." – Kelly Dunham [47:30]
Kelly describes the chaos and emotional turmoil of the day, emphasizing the importance of accepting help and cherishing every moment. The support from friends and Heather’s resilience provided solace amidst the heartbreak, ultimately teaching Kelly valuable lessons about vulnerability and community.
Conclusion: Embracing the Unexpected
Through these compelling narratives, The Moth Radio Hour underscores how surprises—whether joyous reunions, unexpected support, or profound goodbyes—shape our lives in unforeseen ways. Michelle Jalowski masterfully weaves these stories together, illustrating the delicate balance between anticipation and the raw unpredictability of human experiences.
For More Stories:
Discover more inspiring tales and share your own at themoth.org. Join The Moth community by attending live events or engaging with their stories online.
This summary captures the essence of the "Lo and Behold!" episode, highlighting the transformative power of surprises through the heartfelt stories shared by Jessie, Kat, Paul, and Kelly.