The Moth Radio Hour: When Time Slows Down
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Host: Jodi Powell
Introduction
In this captivating episode of The Moth Radio Hour, titled "When Time Slows Down," host Jodi Powell invites listeners to explore moments when time seemed to suspend, offering profound gifts and insights. Through five compelling true stories, storytellers delve into personal experiences where the perception of time altered, leading to unforgettable revelations and life-changing events.
1. Scott Gravatt: The Story of Buster
Timestamp: 03:15 – 10:06
Scott Gravatt opens the episode with a heartwarming narrative about his son’s unwavering commitment to biking and the eventual acquisition of their beloved car, a 1994 Subaru affectionately named Buster. Scott recounts the challenges of obtaining the car, including the emotional exchange with the seller, Bob, who imparted personal rules that transformed the transaction into a meaningful pact.
Notable Quote:
“Buster doesn’t have a CD player. There’s no 6 CD changer. The AM FM radio doesn’t work very well. Buster only plays one tape.” – Scott Gravatt [09:23]
The bond with Buster deepens as the car becomes a reliable family companion, symbolizing more than just transportation. When Buster goes missing, the emotional turmoil mirrors the loss of a family pet. The reunion with Bob highlights the mutual understanding and the profound impact of Buster on both families.
Notable Quote:
“We don’t call it the car. His name is Buster. Thank you.” – Scott Gravatt [10:06]
Scott concludes his story by sharing the lasting legacy of Buster, emphasizing the importance of relationships and cherished memories.
2. Nemesha Ladva: Navigating Cultural Expectations and Love
Timestamp: 10:54 – 16:57
Nemesha Ladva’s story delves into the challenges of balancing cultural expectations with personal desires. As a daughter of Indian parents with traditional views on arranged marriages, Nemesha navigates her way through unexpected love with David, a man she initially intended to avoid. Her journey from rejection to acceptance highlights the tension between familial obligations and individual happiness.
Notable Quote:
“I thought, oh my God. Because what I perceived was a red church turban with was an authentic Indian turban complimented with some leather wrist bangles and a low cut chiffon blouse with the balloon sleeves...” – Nemesha Ladva [13:48]
Nemesha candidly discusses the stress and anxiety of confronting her parents with her relationship, culminating in David’s proposal—a moment that underscores the complexities of blending tradition with modern love.
Notable Quote:
“And so one day David hears one and he says, Nemesha, you know your mother is choosing to react this way. Choosing what kind of stupid post therapy white man thing is that to say I’m killing my mother with this, with us?” – Nemesha Ladva [16:57]
Her story concludes with a reflection on familial support and the evolving nature of her parents’ acceptance, celebrating her marriage as a harmonious blend of love and cultural identity.
3. Norman Lear: The Legacy of a Sweater
Timestamp: 21:50 – 34:02
Renowned television producer Norman Lear shares a poignant tale from his childhood, centered around his father’s arrest and the subsequent impact on his family. The narrative focuses on a red leather chair used to control an Atwater Kent radio—a symbol of his father’s authority and the family's ordeal.
Notable Quote:
“I believe we are all alone in this world. Whatever our situations are, whatever our families, we are still each of us alone in the world.” – Norman Lear [25:00]
Lear recounts his adulthood, including the creation of his influential film "Cold Turkey" and its lasting effects on his community. The story reaches a touching climax during the film’s 25th-anniversary celebration in Greenfield, Iowa, where a once-brief appearance of a little girl named Amy profoundly affects both Lear and his audience.
Notable Quote:
“When you were in your 10th summer, you were in Woodstock, Connecticut... In that sweater you were more comfortable, more at home, more yourself.” – Norman Lear [34:02]
Lear’s reflection on loneliness, human connection, and the enduring power of storytelling underscores the episode’s theme of time’s influence on meaningful moments.
4. Dylan Killian (Kola Rump): Conversations on a Train
Timestamp: 35:16 – 41:05
Poet and spoken word artist Dylan Killian, also known as Kola Rump, presents a vivid depiction of his experience on an Atlanta train. Engulfed in a heated debate among fellow passengers about the greatest era of hip-hop, Killian observes the generational clash and the fixation on past decades.
Notable Quote:
“I thought, oh my God. Because what I perceived was a red church turban...” – Dylan Killian [35:16]
Through his storytelling, Killian examines themes of nostalgia, identity, and the struggle to stay present amidst a society obsessed with bygone eras. His poetic narrative captures the essence of missed connections and the perpetual search for relevance in a fast-paced world.
Notable Quote:
“When Run DMC was a more influential music group than the Chi Lites, I chose now. Not the now as the next cab over, but the now of Lance, Cleopatra, Malik...” – Dylan Killian [41:05]
Killian’s introspective journey highlights the delicate balance between embracing the present and honoring the past, resonating deeply with listeners contemplating their own relationship with time.
5. Hannah Morris: Archaeology in the Face of Climate Change
Timestamp: 45:29 – 54:41
Archaeologist and singer Hannah Morris shares her profound connection to St. Catherine's Island, Georgia, where she has dedicated her career to preserving historical sites threatened by climate change. Her narrative intertwines personal passion with environmental activism, illustrating the tangible impacts of global warming on cultural heritage.
Notable Quote:
“I realized that I could survive all of that, that I could survive this fear. Ignoring it had once felt like the only way that I could be in the world and love the world.” – Hannah Morris [54:27]
Morris describes the concept of "archaeological triage," a targeted approach to salvaging vulnerable sites before natural forces, exacerbated by climate change, erase them permanently. Her emotional recounting of witnessing the erosion of the 16th-century Spanish mission underscores the urgency of her mission.
Notable Quote:
“For me personally, this means that I'll continue to go down every chance I get to try and save this site and to try and really understand this monster that we've created.” – Hannah Morris [54:41]
Morris’s story is a poignant reminder of the delicate interplay between preservation and destruction, highlighting the resilience and dedication required to protect our historical landmarks in an era of environmental uncertainty.
Conclusion
When Time Slows Down weaves together diverse narratives that explore the multifaceted relationship between humans and the passage of time. From the sentimental value of a family car to the struggles of adhering to cultural expectations, from the lasting impact of childhood experiences to the battle against environmental degradation, each story offers a unique perspective on how moments of slowed time can lead to profound personal growth and societal reflection.
Final Thoughts:
"Stories of people, places, and things cherished. How are you passing time? Is life making stories for you?" – Jodi Powell [56:02]
The episode beautifully encapsulates the essence of The Moth, celebrating the power of storytelling to connect, heal, and inspire.
Additional Information
For more stories and information on this episode, visit themoth.org.