The Moth

The Moth is a community of storytellers producing events across the U.S. in conjunction with NPR. I first heard about “storytelling” and The Moth while listening to Matthew Dicks on The Art of Manliness Podcast. As a retired (failed) stand-up comic, time-crunched (too old) improv theater performer, and someone who simply loves to see live anything (comedy, singing, music, performing), this was a place to flex my inner-performer.

Read all about The Moth here at their website.

For me, this was amazing. There’s storytellers of all shapes and sizes. Of all skill levels. The stories are funny, and heartwarming, and weird and interesting and whether a storyteller is bad or good, all are welcome. Plus, people love to watch and listen. You’d think it would be a room full of a hundred or more people all wanting to get up and tell a story and be the center of attention, but no! You’d be wrong. Most people only want to be entertained for a couple hours as 10 people tell their story.

I’ve attended 8 events. Told stories 4 times. Won once. Yes, there are winners and losers and scoring and judging and if you win a StorySlam, you then compete in a GrandSlam.

My motivation is to tell stories that are important to me. That’s it. And The Moth records them and so below is a permanent record of stories I’ve told and feel proud of, and now I have them forever.

The Joy of Breathing:  My near-death experience also changed my life and reminded me what’s actually important.

Burnt Corned Beef:  My friend Matt died suddenly at the age of 47 while out for a run. When I think of him, I try to remember not to dwell on the bad things, but focus on the good and enjoy the best parts of life.