The Moth Radio Hour: The Love Hurts SLAM
Release Date: March 25, 2025
In this heartfelt episode of The Moth Radio Hour, titled "The Love Hurts SLAM," host Jennifer Hickson delves into the multifaceted nature of love, exploring its capacity to heal, heal, and sometimes hurt through a series of compelling personal stories. Partnering with various local media outlets, the episode showcases five distinct narratives that embody the theme "Love Hurts," each illustrating different dimensions of love’s challenges and triumphs.
1. Andrew Brown: Turning Resentment into Love
Boston Story Slam Dr. Andrew Brown opens the session with a story of mistaken identity and lingering resentment. At an awards ceremony, his name, Andrew Brown, was incorrectly announced as Andrea Black, a mistake that fueled his bitterness for years. This long-held grudge surfaces years later when Andrew meets Andrea Black on the dating site Plenty of Fish. Instead of rekindling old grievances, their encounter blossoms into a heartfelt marriage.
Notable Quote: "For years, I carried this hate in my heart for this Andrea Black." – Andrew Brown [05:43]
Andrew reflects on overcoming past misunderstandings: "We have gotten over that hurdle. Sometimes it's a problem, but for the most part, I think we're doing all right." [09:06]
2. Josh Arnold: Embracing Truth in Love
Kentucky Story Slam Josh Arnold shares his unsettling experience during an altar call at a small-town church. As someone with a disability, he felt misjudged when the congregation assumed he needed help, leading to an uncomfortable and invasive moment. Instead of succumbing to their assumptions, Josh chose to speak his truth, asserting his independence and challenging the congregation’s preconceived notions.
Notable Quote: "The biggest way to show somebody love is to tell them the truth, even when they need to quit." – Jennifer Hickson [17:37]
Josh emphasizes the importance of honesty in relationships: "Whether or not it sounds polite and sweet, the biggest way to show somebody love is to tell them the truth, even when they need to quit." [17:37]
3. Daisy Rosario: Building Bonds Through Loss
New York City Story Slam Daisy Rosario narrates her emotional journey of meeting her estranged brother for the first time at their father's funeral. Raised apart and unfamiliar with each other's lives, the initial meeting is fraught with awkwardness and familial expectations. However, shared grief and newfound connections help Daisy and her brother forge a strong sibling bond, highlighting the unexpected ways love can emerge from loss.
Notable Quote: "We couldn’t be happier to find each other." – Daisy Rosario [36:42]
Daisy reflects on their developing relationship: "For two people that didn't actually grow up anywhere near each other, genetics are a pretty amazing thing." [36:42]
4. Gary Sizer: Legacy of Love and Logic
Asheville Story Slam Gary Sizer pays tribute to his stepfather, Dale, whose unwavering love and logical demeanor profoundly influenced Gary’s upbringing. Growing up in a chaotic environment, Dale’s embrace of the Star Trek character Spock—known for his emotional restraint and logic—provided Gary with a stable male role model. Gary recounts Dale’s disciplined approach to life and his final, heartfelt message that intertwines love with the lessons of Spock.
Notable Quote: "Always remember that Spock was also half human. I love you, Dale." – Gary Sizer [47:48]
Gary describes Dale's lasting impact: "Dale had all these wonderful collections and we would spend hours in the basement together... We often argued the merits of who was cool, Spock or Commander Data." [39:44]
5. Antoinette Thorne: Forgiveness and Self-Love
New York City Story Slam Antoinette Thorne bravely shares her experiences as a transgender woman navigating life in a small, judgmental town. Confronted by her father’s inappropriate behavior, Antoinette chooses the path of forgiveness over vengeance. Her story is a powerful testament to personal strength, resilience, and the transformative power of love and acceptance.
Notable Quote: "I have only room in my heart for forgiveness. I love you, Daddy." – Antoinette Thorne [54:32]
Antoinette emphasizes her journey toward self-acceptance: "I couldn't let my heart be filled with anger for this man. There’s only room in my heart for one thing for him, and that's forgiveness." [54:32]
Conclusion: Healing Through Shared Stories
Throughout the "Love Hurts SLAM," each storyteller offers a unique perspective on love's ability to cause pain and foster healing. From overcoming long-held resentments and embracing truth, to building unexpected familial bonds, honoring influential figures, and choosing forgiveness, these stories collectively highlight the enduring resilience of the human spirit. Jennifer Hickson concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to share their own "Love Hurts" stories, reinforcing the universal journey through love's trials and triumphs.
Final Reflection: "Love hurts, but also heals." – Jennifer Hickson [56:53]
For more inspiring stories and to view photos from the event, visit themoth.org.