The Moth | The Art and Craft of Storytelling

Roz Chast has loved to draw cartoons since she was a child growing up in Brooklyn. She attended Rhode Island School of Design, majoring in Painting because it seemed more artistic. However, soon after graduating, she reverted to type and began drawing cartoons once again. Her cartoons have also been published in many other magazines besides The New Yorker, including Scientific American, the Harvard Business Review, Redbook, and Mother Jones. Her most recent book is Going Into Town: A Love Letter to New York. In 2014, her graphic memoir about her parents' final years, Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? won the Kirkus Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and was a finalist for the National Book Award.

Moth Storytellers

Swapna Kakani

Daughter of South Indian immigrants, SWAPNA KAKANI was born and raised in Huntsville. She is a graduate of Randolph School, and received her Bachelors in Psychology at University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a motivational speaker in the area of overcoming personal adversity and a health advocate for the rare disease community. Swapna gives inspirational keynotes around the country for the purpose of improving healthcare delivery and the patient experience. Her inspirational life story is one of triumph over chronic illness and of developing individual resilience and self-determination in the face of constant difficulties. This year, Swapna created Alabama Rare, an advocacy coalition for the state’s rare disease community. Storytelling is a key part of Swapna’s keynotes. She is grateful for this inaugural opportunity with The Moth and is excited to share what she loves to do with her hometown.

Moth Stories

Recorded December 12, 2012

Another Saturday Night at the Clam King

by Adam Wade

Adam Wade is an awkward teen who spends every weekend with his adoring grandma and her sister.

Moth Stories

Recorded June 21, 2019

Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?

by Roz Chast

Roz Chast isn't sure where to lay her parents to rest.

Moth Stories

Recorded September 5, 2019

Swing, Lo!

by Zellia Enjoli Tatiana

Zellia Enjoli Tatiana's role of "older sister" gets put to the test.

Moth Stories

Recorded July 13, 2017

Coming of Age

by Swapna Kakani

After her sari ceremony and debutante ball, Swapna Kakani realizes what coming of age really means.

The Moth Radio Extras

Added April 4, 2026

A Place at the Family Table Extras

In this hour, finding one's place among family. Caregivers, care recipients, and stewards of cremains. This episode is hosted by Moth Artistic Director Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

After her sari ceremony and debutante ball, Swapna Kakani realizes what coming of age really means.
Roz Chast isn't sure where to lay her parents to rest.
Zellia Enjoli Tatiana role of "older sister" gets put to the test.
Adam Wade is an awkward teen who spends every weekend with his adoring grandma and her sister.

The Moth The Moth Radio Hour

Added January 25, 2022

A Place at the Family Table

--- This episode is available on your local radio station, on PRX and below via The Moth Player. It will be published on iTunes | Spotify | RadioPublic | RSS on 2/1/2022

In this hour, finding one's place among family. Caregivers, care recipients, and stewards of cremains. This episode is hosted by Moth Artistic Director Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Read the transcript here.

After her sari ceremony and debutante ball, Swapna Kakani realizes what coming of age really means.

Roz Chast isn't sure where to lay her parents to rest.

Zellia Enjoli Tatiana role of "older sister" gets put to the test.

Adam Wade is an awkward teen who spends every weekend with his adoring grandma and her sister.

See Episode

Moth Storytellers

Eddy Laughter

Moth Storytellers

Tia Valeria

Moth Stories

Recorded April 26, 2021

PromNightMare

by Tia Valeria

Tia Valeria Gurtner goes to their high school prom, and finds their mother there too.

Moth Stories

Recorded October 5, 2021

Recognizing My Judaism as a Quakish Kid

by Eddy Laughter

Eddy Laughter connects with their Jewish faith.

The Moth Radio Extras

Added April 4, 2026

The Moth at 25: A Family Legacy Extras

This week, connecting with your faith, and going to prom. This episode is hosted by Jon Goode.

Storytellers: Tia Valeria, Eddy Laughter

The Moth The Moth Podcast

Added January 28, 2022

The Moth at 25: A Family Legacy

Stories about families, faith, and a dress. This week, connecting with your faith, and going to prom. This episode is hosted by Jon Goode.

Storytellers: Tia Valeria, Eddy Laughter

Moth Storytellers

Ross Jessop

ROSS JESSOP is a native Montanan, born and raised in the Bitterroot Valley. As a child, Ross always knew that he wanted to be a cop when he grew up. Ross has been working in law enforcement for the last ten years. He spent his first three years as a police officer for the City of Hamilton. Ross was hired as a deputy for the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office in January 2012. Ross is currently assigned to the K9 Unit, and is also a member of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team (EOD/Bomb Squad). Ross’ work partner and current best friend is his K9, Loki; a Belgian Malinois from Hungary. Ross’ hobbies and interests include learning about ancient civilizations, creating digital artwork, biking, and playing in the dirt. Ross shoots traditional archery and especially loves bowhunting elk in the fall with the bow he built himself. Ross married Leah Pelkey on July 7, 2007. He is the father of three beautiful girls; Charlotte Tennyson, Harper Eliot, and Alice Marie; all named after authors and poets. These three girls are everything that Ross holds dear in life.