High Wire: The Moth Radio Hour

After the loss of her husband, Tiffany McKinney seeks to find joy and healing by joining the Detroit Fly House Circus. She describes her initial experience training on aerial silks as a way to navigate her grief.

Tiffany McKinney recounts her challenging experience taking an aerial circus class, where she struggled with physical limitations but ultimately found a sense of personal triumph and joy. Despite the difficulty, she learned to embrace her own story and find empowerment in the process.

Dave Lara recounts his time serving as a hospital corpsman in Vietnam, where he navigated the challenges of being gay in the military during a period of intense discrimination. He describes finding a sense of community and connection with other gay service members, ultimately forming a supportive group during their R&R in Hong Kong.

Dave Lara recounts his experiences as a sailor during the Vietnam War, focusing on his deep bond with fellow soldiers and the tragic loss of his partner, Matt, at Con Thien. He reflects on the trauma of war and the lasting impact of these events on his life after returning home.

Dave Lara recounts his experience being discharged from the Navy for his sexuality and his subsequent life as an activist for gay rights and veteran support. He reflects on his relationship with a man named Matt and the progress made toward social acceptance.

Martha McBrier recounts her difficult experience working in the Scottish village of Twechar, where she struggled to gain acceptance from the local community. Despite her efforts to organize various programs, she faced consistent rejection and hostility from the residents.

Martha McBrier recounts a humorous and harrowing experience where she impulsively committed to a parachute jump to win over her community. Despite her severe vertigo and a chaotic landing in a Scottish castle, she reflects on the event as a transformative moment of personal growth.

Arshiya Kapadia shares a personal story about her mother's life in India, highlighting her mother's vibrant personality and her secret passion for collecting foreign lipsticks. The narrative explores the cultural context of acquiring these elusive items through relatives living abroad.

Arshiya Kapadia recounts the emotional experience of losing her mother at age thirteen and the profound grief that followed. She shares intimate memories of her mother's habits and her own internal struggle to process death within the context of her faith and family traditions.

Arshiya Kapadia recounts a deeply personal story about overcoming a moment of profound grief and suicidal ideation following the death of her mother. She reflects on her journey from that dark night to her current life in New Jersey, finding healing and identity through the symbolic act of collecting lipstick.

Suzanne Rust explores the profound impact of losing a mother at a young age, drawing on the personal insights of storyteller Arshia Kapadia. The segment reflects on how grief shapes one's approach to life, relationships, and the search for tangible connections.