Suzanne Rust

This is the Moth Radio Hour.

I'm your host, Suzanne Rust, the Moth's curatorial producer.

Sometimes people ask me what moth stories are about.

I tell them they are really about everything and anything, which explains the title of this episode, Punks, Blessings, Burlesque, and Lotus Flowers.

Like this title, moth stories are like life itself, a variety show with every act imaginable.

But what often unites them are common themes, like self-discovery, finding sanctuary, learning to forgive, and acknowledging blessings of different kinds.

Our first story is from Eddie Laughter, who discovers just what she needs in a most unlikely place.

She told this story at our Moth Teacher Institute.

Here's Eddie.

That was Eddie Laughter.

Eddie is a Brooklynite and a student at Smith College, where she studies different forms of storytelling, as well as what the moon looks like in low light pollution.

We're proud to say that Eddie is also one of the Moth's education program alumni teaching interns.

Eddie was just 15 when she attended that concert.

And in case you were wondering, the band was the Screaming Females.

I had to Google them.

They're still one of her favorite groups, and listening to them brings her a lot of joy and comfort.

Here's a taste of their music.

To see photos of Eddie on her way to a Screaming Females concert, go to our web extras at themoth.org.

Next up, a Broadway debut of sorts and a hidden talent when The Moth Radio Hour continues.

This is The Moth Radio Hour.