The Moth Radio Hour: "Surviving Being Human" Release Date: April 24, 2018
In this compelling episode of The Moth Radio Hour, host Meg Bowles delves into the intricate tapestry of human resilience, exploring stories that highlight the challenges, imperfections, and triumphs inherent in the human experience. Titled "Surviving Being Human," the episode features five poignant narratives, each unveiling personal struggles and the indomitable spirit required to overcome them.
1. Cynthia Shelby Lane: Reaching for the Stars Despite Self-Doubt
Speaker: Cynthia Shelby Lane
Timestamps: 03:16 – 09:13
Cynthia Shelby Lane shares her ambitious journey of applying to NASA as a doctor. Battling intense self-doubt, Cynthia procrastinates her application until the last minute, fearing she doesn't belong in the elite astronaut selection process dominated by a "white boys club." Her internal struggle reaches a climax when she worries she won't make the cut, only to receive an initial acceptance call from NASA. Despite enduring rigorous evaluations—including a grueling treadmill test where her heart rate spikes to 220 bpm—Cynthia ultimately receives the heartbreaking news that she wasn't selected. Reflecting on her experience, she emphasizes the importance of combating self-doubt:
“Never sabotage yourself. Never have self doubt be 100% clear. Because I was willing to go and sit on 750,000 tons of TNT and blast my ass off into outer space.”
— Cynthia Shelby Lane [08:14]
2. Lim Sise: Searching for Identity Through Institutional Barriers
Speaker: Lim Sise
Timestamps: 10:36 – 19:31
Lim Sise recounts his harrowing 18-year journey through the foster care system in England. Separated from his Ethiopian mother at birth, Lim struggled with identity and the elusive search for his personal history. After decades of living in foster homes and facing bureaucratic obstacles, he finally gains access to his official files. However, the documents are heavily redacted, offering little insight into his past. The emotional climax occurs when Lim confronts a NASA administrator, reflecting his long-term battle with institutional neglect:
“I was going home and I went back to work and I kept working. And then… My heart rate, I can see it, is 220. My blood pressure's up to 180 over 100. Oh, no.”
— Lim Sise [17:19]
Lim ultimately turns to theater as a means of processing his pain, creating a one-off production that allows him to publicly confront his past and advocate for others in similar circumstances.
3. Natasha Guines: From Escaping a Troubled Past to Empowering Others
Speaker: Natasha Guines
Timestamps: 24:20 – 35:07
Natasha Guines opens up about her tumultuous early adulthood, marked by estrangement from her parents and financial desperation that led her to work as an escort. Her experience in the sex industry left her feeling broken and reliant on alcohol and drugs. Determined to rebuild her life, Natasha pursued education and service, eventually securing a position in Senator Harry Reid's office. However, her past resurfaces when her involvement is exposed online, threatening her career and sense of self.
Faced with the choice to continue hiding or embrace her story, Natasha opts for transparency. She establishes the Her Resiliency Center in Washington D.C., dedicated to supporting vulnerable young women. Her narrative underscores the power of vulnerability and the transformative impact of using personal adversity to foster community and healing:
“I knew it was more important for me to start sharing about these experiences to help other women, prevent them from going down the same path than to keep them inside.”
— Natasha Guines [34:50]
4. Matt Brown: Conquering Embarrassment Through Clowning
Speaker: Matt Brown
Timestamps: 38:13 – 44:20
Matt Brown discusses his lifelong struggle with severe embarrassment and social anxiety, which intensified during his college years. Seeking to overcome his fears and build confidence, Matt takes an unconventional step—becoming a professional clown. Despite his lack of initial enthusiasm for clowns, Matt immerses himself in the role, mastering makeup, balloon animals, and juggling. His first performance is met with ridicule from his roommates, heightening his self-consciousness.
However, during his performance, Matt experiences a transformative moment when a group of children enthusiastically welcomes him, reaffirming his ability to connect and perform despite his fears. This pivotal experience reinforces his understanding that embracing vulnerability can lead to personal growth and unexpected connections:
“There is no way to be cool when you're dressing up as a clown.”
— Matt Brown [44:20]
Ultimately, Matt decides not to continue clowning but carries forward the lessons of courage and self-acceptance into his creative endeavors.
5. Daniel Turpin: The Lingering Shadow of Trauma and Guilt
Speaker: Daniel Turpin
Timestamps: 38:37 – 54:08
Daniel Turpin narrates a traumatic incident where he and his mother are confronted by a robber. Held at gunpoint, Daniel is paralyzed by fear and guilt, feeling he failed to act in protecting his mother. The aftermath of the event leaves him grappling with profound shame and sorrow, questioning his ability to respond effectively in life-threatening situations. Despite his fortunate circumstances—supportive family, successful career, and a loving wife—Daniel is haunted by the memory of his inaction:
“That gun just loaded with a lethal possibility. And the sorrow that I felt, the shame of my inaction. It’s guilt that doesn’t go away.”
— Daniel Turpin [54:08]
He reflects on the necessity of finding personal meaning in such senseless events, emphasizing the human responsibility to create significance from suffering:
“I believe that everything happens. And it's our job as humans to give reason to it. We give meaning to the inscrutable.”
— Daniel Turpin [54:08]
Conclusion
This episode of The Moth Radio Hour masterfully weaves together narratives that underscore the multifaceted nature of human survival. From battling internal demons and institutional barriers to confronting past traumas and overcoming social anxieties, each story illuminates the resilience that defines humanity. Through their authentic and often vulnerable storytelling, the participants offer profound insights into the perseverance required to navigate life's most challenging moments.
For more stories and to share your own, visit themoth.org.