The Moth Radio Hour: Pole Vaulting, Comedy, and the Congo
Released on June 2, 2015
Host: The Moth

Episode Overview

In this compelling episode of The Moth Radio Hour, listeners are taken on a journey through four diverse and heartfelt stories. Presented live, these narratives explore themes of motherhood, ambition, humanitarian work, and the complexities of race in comedy. Each storyteller shares personal insights and transformative experiences, offering a blend of humor, vulnerability, and profound reflection.

1. Annie Corzin: Navigating Motherhood and Tradition

Annie Corzin opens the episode with a poignant story about her relationship with her son, Jonathan. She recounts the challenges of raising a single child without siblings and the unconventional approach they took in celebrating his coming of age.

"It's the cruel catch 22 of parenthood. Your main instinct as a mother is to hold your child as close to you as possible. The problem is that your main job as a mother is to prepare your kids to separate."
— Annie Corzin (05:19)

Annie describes how their alternative bar mitzvah, devoid of traditional religious ceremonies, initially alienated Jonathan. However, as he grew older, the shared interests they cultivated helped mend their bond. The narrative culminates in Jonathan's traditional, large-scale wedding, which Annie feared would distance him further. Contrary to her anxieties, the wedding became a joyous celebration that strengthened their relationship.

"All the things I worried about, the formal attire, the huge crowd, the Jewish stuff, turned out to be all the things I loved most about the wedding."
— Annie Corzin (16:48)

Notable Insight: Annie emphasizes the balance between instilling personal values and respecting a child's independent choices, highlighting the evolving dynamics of parent-child relationships.

2. Matthew Dix: The Trials of High School Pole Vaulting

Matthew Dix shares his humorous and introspective journey as a high school pole vaulter grappling with ego and team dynamics. Faced with the pressure to perform, Matthew details the competitive tension between himself and his teammate, Jack Daniels.

"In pole vaulting is a lot of waiting. You wait to vault, and so they need to let you know because there's donors like Jimmy who aren't paying attention."
— Matthew Dix (20:44)

Despite Matthew's initial desire to overshadow Jack to gain recognition, the story takes a revealing turn when their team's overwhelming victory renders his efforts unnoticed. This experience teaches him valuable lessons about self-perception, team camaraderie, and the pitfalls of seeking validation through competition.

"You don't get attention in life by being the best of the rest. You really need to be the best of the best."
— Matthew Dix (26:54)

Notable Insight: Matthew's story underscores the importance of intrinsic motivation over external validation and the complexities of individual ambition within team settings.

3. Richard Matthew: Balancing Humanitarian Work and Family

Richard Matthew delves into the emotional and ethical dilemmas of working in war-torn regions like the Congo. As a social scientist focused on environmental conflicts, Richard faces the constant threat to his safety and the impact of his work on his family life.

"Am I taking on risks that might impose huge costs on my family, and am I doing it irresponsibly?"
— Richard Matthew (38:55)

His encounter with a resilient Congolese woman whose husband never returned from a refugee crisis serves as a catalyst for deep self-reflection. This moment forces Richard to confront the potential consequences of his dedication to humanitarian efforts and the fear of leaving his family vulnerable.

"I have to choose the right words for this kid. I didn't want to screw it up and say the wrong thing and have the kid get sort of more anxious."
— Richard Matthew (37:45)

In the end, Richard finds solace and affirmation in his son's view of him as a hero, reinforcing his commitment to continue his work despite the inherent risks.

Notable Insight: Richard's narrative highlights the personal sacrifices and moral responsibilities faced by those in humanitarian roles, balancing global impact with familial obligations.

4. Hari Kondabolu: Confronting Race in Comedy

Comedian Hari Kondabolu presents a raw and candid account of his experiences navigating race and identity in the stand-up comedy scene. Performing primarily for predominantly white audiences, Hari encounters frequent heckling rooted in racial prejudices.

"I was so angry, like, why do I have to be targeted just because I'm brown?"
— Hari Kondabolu (49:20)

His stint at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival becomes a focal point, where a misunderstanding with a heckler leads to an outburst that Hari later regrets. Through this incident, he explores the challenges of addressing sensitive topics like racism within the framework of comedy, questioning the boundaries of free expression and audience engagement.

"And look, yeah, what you said was wrong, and it was awkward, but it was real, right? It was honest."
— Hari Kondabolu (52:15)

Notable Insight: Hari's story emphasizes the delicate balance comedians must maintain when tackling societal issues, and the personal toll of confronting audience biases in real-time.

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth Radio Hour masterfully intertwines stories of personal growth, familial bonds, societal challenges, and the pursuit of purpose. Each storyteller offers a unique perspective, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the broader human condition.

For more stories and to explore additional content, visit themoth.org.