Summary of "The Moth Radio Hour: Pagan Fundraisers, Blue Haired Boy, Autism and Oscar"
Episode Title: The Moth Radio Hour: Pagan Fundraisers, Blue Haired Boy, Autism and Oscar
Host/Author: The Moth
Release Date: March 6, 2018
The Moth presents an evocative collection of true, personal stories centered around Michigan's vibrant community. This episode dives deep into themes of self-discovery, faith, resilience, and the complexities of raising children with autism. Through captivating narratives and heartfelt reflections, listeners are invited to journey alongside storytellers as they navigate life's unexpected twists and turns.
Dame Wilburn: Breaking Curses and Finding Love
Timestamp: [02:56] – [16:57]
Dame Wilburn opens the episode with a compelling tale of feeling "cursed to never find love". Her journey begins with a visit to a gypsy fortune teller in Detroit, who ominously declares that Dame and her friend Mark are cursed. Faced with the dire prediction and the fortune teller's exorbitant fee of $5,000 to lift the curse, Dame decides to take matters into her own hands.
Embracing Wicca, Dame immerses herself in learning spellwork aimed at self-acceptance rather than changing the external world. This personal transformation leads her to a pagan fundraiser, where Dame experiences a serendipitous encounter with a woman who becomes her life partner. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Dame shares:
“... I keep looking at her and I'm thinking, yeah, I'm probably gonna have to add lesbian to that list. [...] But the spellwork that I've been doing pops up. [...] 10 years later, I'm not to anything. I am married to that woman that walked across the room.”
— Dame Wilburn [09:15]
Dame's story underscores the power of self-work and openness to love, emphasizing that sometimes, the solutions we seek lie within ourselves.
Community Spotlight: Patty Wheeler
Timestamp: [16:57] – [19:34]
Patty Wheeler, the local story slam producer in Michigan, shares her admiration for Dame Wilburn's dynamic storytelling. Patty highlights Dame's ability to captivate audiences, stating:
“She was so dynamic and so full of life and excitement and everybody was just laughing their heads off and totally attentive at the same time.”
— Patty Wheeler [18:00]
Her dedication to fostering such engaging narratives is evident in her role, ensuring that storytellers like Dame find their voice and audience.
Tina Zimmerman: From Home Mom to Reverend
Timestamp: [19:23] – [36:04]
Tina Zimmerman's narrative is a poignant exploration of personal crisis and spiritual awakening. As a stay-at-home mother of three, Tina grapples with the impending emptiness of her home upon her children's graduation. Her self-doubt about pursuing a ministry role is shattered by a traumatic event: a car accident involving Travis, a young neighbor battling his own demons.
In the aftermath of the crash, Tina experiences a profound moment of clarity:
“I laid my hand on his arm and I said something I had never said before. I said, go to God, go in peace. And at that moment I felt a weight lift off of me. I felt light.”
— Tina Zimmerman [28:45]
This experience propels Tina towards her calling. Ten days after the incident, after years of preparation and self-reflection, she is ordained as a reverend. Tina's transformation exemplifies how personal trials can lead to profound life changes and new purposes.
Autism and Family Life: Stories from Eddie Hayka and Michelle Fecteau
Eddie Hayka: Navigating Life with Autism
Timestamp: [37:12] – [43:26]
Eddie Hayka recounts the challenges and triumphs of raising his son, Sam, who has autism and Tourette's Syndrome. Sam's compulsions range from harmless to dangerous, illustrating the daily struggles and fears parents face:
“Why do you let him do that? Why don't you just tell him to stop?”
— Eddie Hayka [40:38]
One particularly harrowing incident involves Sam attempting to dismantle a fence, mistaking a transformer for a garbage can. Eddie's quick thinking and resilience prevent tragedy, emphasizing the importance of understanding and patience in parenting children with special needs.
Michelle Fecteau: Extending Compassion Beyond Expectations
Timestamp: [44:13] – [52:21]
Michelle Fecteau shares a touching story of compassion and breaking down barriers. When a man named Richard Price, who is deeply affected by the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, seeks her out, Michelle decides to help him despite others' reservations. Her decision to bring Richard into her home reflects a profound empathy and willingness to connect beyond societal judgments.
Culminating in Tina Zimmerman's journey to ministry, Michelle's narrative intertwines with Eddie's, revealing that their son, Sammy, also has autism. This interconnection highlights the shared experiences and support systems within their large family, which now includes 19 children, both biological and fostered.
Behind the Scenes: Producer's Perspective
Timestamp: [53:04] – [53:22]
Patty Wheeler offers heartfelt advice to aspiring storytellers:
“...the audience is there to support you, that they are there because they want to hear sleep stories. And that the second that you get up there and you start talking, you see their faces and you know that it's going to be okay.”
— Patty Wheeler [53:04]
Her encouragement underscores the supportive community that The Moth fosters, making storytelling a courageous and rewarding endeavor.
Conclusion
This episode of The Moth Radio Hour beautifully weaves together stories of overcoming personal curses, embracing faith, and navigating the complexities of raising children with autism. Through Dame Wilburn's journey to love, Tina Zimmerman's path to ministry, and the heartwarming tales of Eddie and Michelle Hayka, listeners are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community support.
For more stories and visual highlights from this episode, visit the Moth website.
This summary captures the essence of the "The Moth Radio Hour: Pagan Fundraisers, Blue Haired Boy, Autism and Oscar" episode, presenting the key narratives and emotions conveyed by the storytellers, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for deeper engagement.