Bearing Witness - Dorothy Parvaz

“This woman doesn’t care what kind of reporter I am or what my stupid little rules are. She wants me to register what is happening to her on the worst day of her life. She wants me to bear witness.”

Photo by Jason Falchook

Bearing Witness

In this hour, stories of mistakes, perseverance, and lessons learned, often the hard way. This hour is hosted by The Moth's Senior Director, Meg Bowles. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Alice Schaffer, a preacher's daughter, grows up in fear of the lessons learned in Sunday school. 

Dawn Ross tries to adjust to life in rural Arkansas.

D. Parvaz, a journalist covering the uprising in Syria, is arrested and imprisoned.

Leland Melvin suffers a devastating injury that cuts short his dream of flying in space.

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Stories in this Episode

06:01
Pete the Leper Pig

by Alice Shaffer

Alice Schaffer, a preacher's daughter, grows up in fear of the lessons learned in Sunday school.

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06:34
Inner Malcolm/Inner Martin

by Dawn Ross

Dawn Ross tries to adjust to life in rural Arkansas.

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15:06
Bearing Witness

by D. Parvaz

D. Parvaz, a journalist covering the uprising in Syria, is arrested and imprisoned.

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12:22
A Moment of Silence

by Leland Melvin

Leland Melvin suffers a devastating injury that cuts short his dream of flying in space.

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Extras From This Episode

Alice Schaffer

Mrh1905 Alice Schaffer Extra 1

Alice (on the left) and her partner, Judy Reagan, on a recent trip to Paris.

D. Parvaz

Mrh1905 D Parvaz Extra 4

​D. Parvaz​ interviewing college students in Kabul.

Mrh1905 D Parvaz Extra 1

​D. Parvaz​ campaigning for the release of colleagues jailed in Egypt.

Mrh1905 D Parvaz Extra 2

​D. Parvaz​ covering elections in Afghanistan.

Mrh1905 D Parvaz Extra 3

​D. Parvaz​ interviewing Masai tribesman in Nairobi.

Mrh1905 D Parvaz Extra 5

​D. Parvaz​ on air at Al Jazeera, discussing Iranian elections.

Leland Melvin

Mrh 1905 Leland Melvin Extra 2

Leland's NASA headshot.

Mrh 1905 Leland Melvin Extra 1

Leland's now-famous NASA portrait featuring his two rescue dogs, Jake and Scout, who he secretly smuggled into NASA for the photoshoot.

The music in this story

  • The Drift - Uncanny Valley
  • Duke Levine - Soft + Jazzy
  • Regina Carter - Mwana Talitambula
  • Andy Summers +Benjamin Verdery - Now I'm Free
  • Bill Frisell - Reflections from the Moon