Suzanne Rust

Welcome to The Moth.

I'm Suzanne Rust.

Nerves, anxiety, that feeling you get when you're standing at the precipice of something big.

Whatever you want to call it, we've all felt it and we've all had to push through it.

On this episode, we'll be visiting two moments of high anxiety, the day of a big work presentation and the day of a high school wrestling match.

So we're wrestling with nerves, both literally and metaphorically.

First up is Chris Bell, who told this story at a Boston Story Slam where the theme was backfired.

Here's Chris, live with the Moth.

That was Chris Bell.

Chris is a storyteller from Boston who finds inspiration in everyday moments as a husband and father.

Whether sharing a personal story or taking long walks through the city, Chris connects with life's simple joys, especially when pizza is involved.

Personally, I don't think anything should come between a spouse and their daily caffeine intake, even with the best of intentions.

Up next, a story about making weight.

Back in a moment.

Welcome back.

Our next story is from Craig Gudorf, who told this at a Twin Cities Story Slam where the theme was stakes.

Here's Craig live at the mall.

That was Craig Gudorf.

Craig is working on his first novel and also performs with an improv troupe called Eaten by Locusts.

He continued wrestling throughout his high school career and was also the intramural heavyweight champ in college.