The Moth Radio Hour: The Universe of Impossible Things
Host: The Moth
Release Date: October 24, 2017
The Moth Radio Hour presents an enthralling collection of true, personal stories that delve into the realms of the seemingly impossible. In this episode, titled "The Universe of Impossible Things," host Meg Bowles guides listeners through four captivating narratives that explore moments where reality defies expectation, and individuals confront extraordinary challenges.
1. Daniel Heumann: Chasing Swingers and First Love
Speaker: Daniel Heumann
Live At: The Mall
Timestamp: [02:30 - 07:54]
Daniel Heumann opens his story with a relatable confession:
“I’m 20 and I have never so much as kissed a girl. And people ask me how that’s even possible.”
— Daniel Heumann [02:45]
Struggling with social awkwardness and relying heavily on romantic comedies as his blueprint for interacting with women, Daniel's attempt to emulate movie scenarios leads him to unexpected places—literally and metaphorically. Inspired by the film Swingers, he enrolls in swing dance classes, hoping to mirror the charismatic ease of movie heroes. However, his initial foray is anything but smooth:
“I dance 1, 2, 3, step, step, step. The music comes on. I am off rhythm, I am out of sync, and I am a nightmare for anyone who has to dance with me.”
— Daniel Heumann [05:15]
Despite early setbacks and growing insecurities, Daniel persists. His dedication transforms his awkward steps into confident spins, culminating in a serendipitous encounter with his first love during a social dance. This genuine connection, unscripted and authentic, surpasses any romantic plot he had imagined from the movies.
Key Takeaways:
- The journey from insecurity to confidence through persistence.
- The unexpected beauty of authentic, unscripted human connections.
- Embracing personal growth beyond societal expectations.
2. Kathy Olkin: Mission to Pluto and Overcoming the Impossible
Speaker: Kathy Olkin
Live At: The Moth
Timestamp: [09:13 - 18:41]
Kathy Olkin shares her exhilarating experience as a deputy project scientist for NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto. The narrative unfolds on the Fourth of July, a day she intended to take off but instead witnesses a critical setback:
“My eye immediately went to the message. It said that the spacecraft had gone safe. That’s like the worst possible thing that could happen.”
— Kathy Olkin [09:30]
Faced with the imminent failure of the mission, Kathy and her team enter a high-stakes situation room where decisive action is necessary to recover the spacecraft. The tension is palpable as they grapple with a potential computer failure that threatens to derail their decades-long effort:
“We managed to get the spacecraft back in working order. Everything was going right, and we had four hours to spare. It was outstanding.”
— Kathy Olkin [16:45]
The successful recovery not only salvages the mission but also allows New Horizons to capture unprecedented images of Pluto, transforming it from a distant speck into a vibrant, geologically complex world.
Key Takeaways:
- The resilience and meticulous planning required in space missions.
- The profound impact of overcoming technical crises.
- The awe-inspiring revelations of exploring uncharted celestial territories.
3. Navrit Chola: Surviving a Violent Assault Through Intuition
Speaker: Navrit Chola
Live At: Union Chapel in London
Timestamp: [21:27 - 33:42]
Navrit Chola recounts a harrowing experience of physical assault and her remarkable ability to survive through an elusive internal voice:
“There is a distinction between cautious and being scared out of one's wits. And I’m always on the wrong side of that divide.”
— Navrit Chola [28:15]
After making a late-night phone call from a secluded phone box, Navrit is ambushed by an attacker. In the midst of fear and confusion, an inner voice guides her actions, enabling her to react swiftly and escape:
“I decide I’d rather die. I grab his arms and I use my weight to push him backwards into the door.”
— Navrit Chola [30:10]
Her detailed description, aided by the police's acknowledgment of her precise recollections, highlights the interplay between instinct and learned self-defense techniques. This traumatic event not only tests her physical resilience but also her mental fortitude, ultimately teaching her to trust her inner voice.
Key Takeaways:
- The power of intuition and inner strength in life-threatening situations.
- The lasting impact of traumatic experiences on personal growth.
- The importance of self-defense training and preparedness.
4. Ashok Rama Subramani: Navigating Fear and Legacy
Speaker: Ashok Rama Subramani
Live At: The Moss
Timestamp: [36:07 - 49:40]
Ashok Rama Subramani delves into his lifelong battle with fear, rooted in a traumatic childhood experience involving his father's sudden death. As a mechanical engineering professor, Ashok juxtaposes his analytical mind with the emotional turmoil that has shaped his existence:
“Fear and dread have always been a part of me. And in my worldview, buildings collapse, planes fall from the sky, and the ground just opens up and swallows you whole.”
— Ashok Rama Subramani [40:20]
The sudden loss of his father thrusts Ashok into a patriarchal society's rigid expectations, forcing him to perform death rituals at a young age. This early trauma instills a pervasive sense of fear and an anticipation of impending doom, influencing his adulthood and personal life.
Despite these challenges, Ashok makes a conscious decision to "fake it till he makes it," striving to present a brave front for his children:
“My daughter, she just looks on with fascination at the gears and all that. She simply trusts that I’m going to hold her tight.”
— Ashok Rama Subramani [46:30]
Through this approach, Ashok gradually learns to trust himself and the legacy of his father, finding solace in moments of joy and family milestones.
Key Takeaways:
- The enduring effects of childhood trauma on adult life.
- Strategies for overcoming deep-seated fears and anxieties.
- The importance of presenting strength to support loved ones.
Conclusion: Embracing the Impossible
The Universe of Impossible Things masterfully weaves stories of personal struggle, resilience, and triumph against improbable odds. Each narrative underscores a common theme: the human spirit's capacity to navigate and overcome the extraordinary challenges life presents. Whether it's finding love through dance, saving a celestial mission, surviving an assault, or overcoming lifelong fears, the storytellers exemplify the essence of The Moth's mission—celebrating true stories that inspire and connect us all.
Reflect and Share:
Have you faced a moment where the impossible became possible? The Moth invites you to share your story and become part of this shared human experience. Visit themoth.org to pitch your story and explore more inspiring tales.