The Moth Radio Hour: Pleasantly Surprised
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Host: Suzanne Rust

Introduction

Hosted by Suzanne Rust, The Moth Radio Hour explores true, personal stories under the theme "Pleasantly Surprised," showcasing moments that defy expectations in a heartwarming and impactful way. This episode features three compelling narratives: a comedian’s unexpected journey into rodeo life, a white Southerner’s transformation through the Civil Rights Movement, and a late-life romantic reunion that blossoms into a beautiful marriage.

Story 1: Rudy Rush – From Stand-Up Comedy to Rodeo Adventures

Storyteller: Rudy Rush
Location: Players Club, New York
Timestamp: [02:49] - [10:37]

Overview:
Rudy Rush, a Harlem comedian and actor known for hosting Showtime at the Apollo, recounts a serendipitous weekend that transformed his life. After a successful performance opening for Tracy Morgan at Caroline's Comedy Club, Rudy encounters two kind-hearted women visiting New York for the first time. Their friendly interaction leads Rudy to spend the weekend acting as their tour guide. Unexpectedly, one of the women invites him to the Pendleton Rodeo in Oregon—a far cry from his urban life in New York.

Key Moments:

• Invitation to the Rodeo:
  "You have to come out. We do this rodeo every year in Pendleton, Oregon. You have to come." ([06:20])

• Transformation Experience:
  Rudy describes his initial discomfort and subsequent immersion into the rodeo culture, highlighting the welcoming community and the adrenaline rush of being part of rodeo events.
  "I actually happened to be out there during 9/11... The cowboys are coming from the pits and everything like that just to make sure that I got in contact with my family." ([09:45])

• Connection During Tragedy:
  Rudy reflects on how the rodeo community came together during the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, showcasing their solidarity and support.
  "He's from New York, and they knew I was from New York. So they knew I needed help connecting with my family." ([09:30])

Conclusion:
Rudy's unexpected foray into the rodeo world becomes a testament to the power of community and shared experiences, leading him to become a regular participant and cherishing the friendships forged there.

Discussion with Host: Suzanne Rust

Timestamp: [10:37] - [15:06]

Insights:
Suzanne delves into the historical context of Rudy's story, highlighting the often-overlooked presence of Black cowboys in American history. She emphasizes the significance of Rudy's experiences in bridging cultural gaps and fostering unexpected friendships.

Notable Quote:
"What you see and what you've kind of taught in your neighborhood or on TV and things like that. So it was a great experience for me in that respect." – Rudy Rush ([14:50])

Story 2: Bob Zellner – A White Southerner in the Civil Rights Movement

Storyteller: Bob Zellner
Location: Players Club, New York City
Timestamp: [18:55] - [30:33]

Overview:
Bob Zellner shares his unique journey as the first white Southerner field secretary for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) during the Civil Rights Movement. Coming from a family deeply entrenched in the Ku Klux Klan, Bob's transformation is both profound and inspiring.

Key Moments:

• Background and Motivation:
  Bob recounts his upbringing in a fundamentalist, Klan-affiliated family in Alabama and his eventual involvement with SNCC after meeting Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks during his senior year at Huntington College.
  "I was the first white southerner field secretary for SNCC and also one of the last whites in the organization when it became all black in about 1967." ([19:50])

• Mississippi Summer of 1964:
  Bob details the dangerous yet pivotal summer when SNCC organized students to register Black voters in Mississippi, amidst rampant violence and resistance.
  "Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, and Marlon Brando came to Greenwood, Mississippi... it was the beginning of the end of racial segregation at the voting booth." ([25:15])

• Confrontation with Marlon Brando:
  An anecdote about driving Marlon Brando to a rally, highlighting the challenges and camaraderie among activists and celebrities supporting the movement.
  "He said, I have to go to the bathroom... Somebody's right next to me. You're Marlon Brando." ([24:00])

Conclusion:
Bob's involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, despite his family's oppressive background, underscores a personal commitment to justice and equality, facilitated by unexpected allies and his own courage to defy societal norms.

Discussion with Host: Suzanne Rust

Timestamp: [30:33] - [34:12]

Insights:
Suzanne reflects on Bob's remarkable transformation and the historical inaccuracies often portrayed in media regarding the role of white allies in the Civil Rights Movement. She acknowledges Bob's continued activism and his role in preserving democratic values.

Notable Quote:
"Freedom is a constant struggle and democracy is fragile and must be supported and corrected periodically." – Bob Zellner ([30:33])

Story 3: Cynthia Riggs – A Timeless Love Story

Storyteller: Cynthia Riggs
Location: Tabernacle, Martha's Vineyard
Timestamp: [34:43] - [50:40]

Overview:
Cynthia Riggs narrates her profound late-in-life romance with Howie, a man she initially connected with during her college years. Their unexpected reunion after six decades blossoms into a passionate and heartwarming marriage, defying the constraints of time and circumstance.

Key Moments:

• Rekindling Old Memories:
  Cynthia recalls receiving a mysterious package from Howie 62 years after their initial connection, leading to a heartfelt correspondence and eventual meeting.
  "I have never stopped loving you." – Howie ([35:33])

• The Marriage Ceremony:
  Details of their unique wedding, blending different religious backgrounds and celebrating their timeless bond.
  "The wedding was just absolutely perfect... we went into this perfect clinch and the congregation cheered." ([47:20])

• Life Together:
  Cynthia shares anecdotes of their life on Martha's Vineyard, highlighting Howie's gentle affection and their deep emotional connection despite his health challenges.
  "When I think of all the things he gave to me, the best five years of my life." ([49:00])

• Howie’s Passing and Legacy:
  Reflecting on Howie's death and the enduring love they shared, Cynthia emphasizes the continuous impact of their relationship on her life.
  "Life goes on. Howie is still with me... he gave me something I would wish on every one of you, and that is just this steady, passionate, constant love." ([50:00])

Conclusion:
Cynthia's story epitomizes the beauty of unexpected love and the lasting imprint it leaves on one's life, illustrating that genuine connections transcend time and circumstance.

Discussion with Host: Suzanne Rust

Timestamp: [50:40] - [54:46]

Insights:
Suzanne admires Cynthia's open-heartedness and resilience, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and embracing unexpected opportunities for love and growth. She draws attention to Cynthia's multifaceted life, including her writing and gardening, as exemplars of living fully and passionately.

Notable Quote:
"I don't have a hard shell that I built around me after all. Because he really got through that." – Cynthia Riggs ([52:03])

Closing Remarks

Suzanne Rust wraps up the episode by celebrating the diverse and inspiring stories shared by Rudy Rush, Bob Zellner, and Cynthia Riggs. She encourages listeners to visit The Moth website for additional content and to share their own stories, continuing the tradition of connecting through unexpected and enriching experiences.

Key Takeaways

• Unexpected Journeys Lead to Profound Connections:
  Both Rudy and Cynthia's stories illustrate how stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to meaningful and life-altering relationships.

• Breaking Societal Norms for Greater Good:
  Bob Zellner's participation in the Civil Rights Movement, despite his background, highlights the power of individual courage in the fight for justice and equality.

• Enduring Love Transcends Time:
  Cynthia Riggs's reunion with Howie serves as a testament to the timeless nature of true love and its ability to overcome decades of separation.

• Community and Shared Experiences Enrich Lives:
  Each storyteller underscores the significance of community, whether it's the rodeo friends Rudy found, the civil rights activists Bob joined, or the loving community Cynthia built with Howie.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rudy Rush:
  "I never heard this applause at a comedy show ever." ([09:00])

• Bob Zellner:
  "We sang, we laughed. But you know, it was Harry Belafonte who actually summed up the immense experience of that summer." ([28:45])

• Cynthia Riggs:
  "When I think of all the things he gave to me, the best five years of my life." ([49:00])

For more stories and to share your own, visit themoth.org.