The Moth Radio Hour: Caught Off Guard
The Moth
Deep Dive
Why did Aaron feel frustrated during his commute on BART?
Aaron felt frustrated because he had to walk down three flights of stairs with a cane and leg braces, and people were considerately walking at his pace, causing a backup in the stairwell. He felt the pressure of being blamed for the delay.
Why did Aaron snap at the woman who offered to let people pass?
Aaron snapped at the woman because he felt the pressure of the backup and the discomfort of being the cause of the delay. He wanted to be considerate but also needed the space to move more efficiently.
Why did Aaron feel conflicted about his disability and independence?
Aaron felt conflicted because he had worked hard to regain his independence after surgery, but daily challenges like commuting made him question his progress and whether he was doing enough. He also struggled with the perception others had of his disability.
Why did Joel and the mystery skater have an unexpected moment at the Neville Island Rollerdrome?
Joel and the mystery skater had an unexpected moment because Joel was being pushed by the mystery skater, thinking it was his wife Peggy. The moment was intimate and liberating until Joel realized it was a stranger. The mystery skater was enjoying the moment as well, but with full knowledge of the situation.
Why did Michelle and Rebecca's relationship change after their parents' divorce?
Michelle and Rebecca's relationship changed because the divorce forced them to come together and support each other. They realized that their competition was unnecessary and that they could be close without the influence of their parents' favoritism.
Why did Patience Murray feel a profound sense of survival and purpose after the Pulse nightclub shooting?
Patience Murray felt a profound sense of survival and purpose because she survived a mass shooting that killed 49 people. Despite the trauma, she found strength in her resilience and the support of her community. She now focuses on helping others and finding meaning in her survival.
- Commuting challenges faced by a person with a disability
- Unexpected kindness from strangers
- Balancing independence with the need for assistance
- Reflection on the meaning of independence