Moth GrandSLAMs: Life and Death - Jeff Simmermon

“I just need some grace and patience from the world right now.”

Photo by Jason Falchook

Moth GrandSLAMs: Life and Death

In this episode of The Moth Radio Hour, GrandSLAM stories from around the country: a subway altercation, a child’s view on love and war, an awkward first-year teacher, a widow at The Grand Canyon, a sixth-grade clown and the loved ones left behind after a tragedy.

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Stories in this Episode

05:19
Empathetic Subway Screaming

by Jeff Simmermon

Jeff Simmermon has a run in with a grouchy straphanger on the subway.

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07:14
War and Peace (and Humping)

by Sofija Stefanovic

Sofija Stefanovic has a deep crush on a boy whose family is on the opposing side during the Yugoslavian wars.

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06:53
Teacher Talent Show

by Tim Manley

Tim Manley is failing as an awkward high school english teacher until the school talent show helps him find his voice.

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05:25
Grand Canyon

by Neshama Franklin

Neshama Franklin visits the Grand Canyon with her sister shortly after the death of her husband of 35 years.

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07:03
Juggling and Jesus

by Colin Ryan

Colin Ryan is outed in 6th grade as a member of a Bible clown group. 

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06:32
Deah, Yusor and Razan

by Suzanne Barakat

Suzanne Barakat explains how her brother, his wife and her sister were murdered by their neighbor. 

Please note: This story contains descriptions of racial violence.

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Extras From This Episode

Tim Manley

Tim Manley MRH 1609 Extra 2

Tim, performing at a talent show.

Tim Manley MRH 1609 Extra 1

Tim, at graduation, wearing a tie with all his students' names.

Tim Manley MRH 1609 Extra 4

Tim in the classroom.

Tim Manley MRH 1609 Extra 3

Tim with friends.

Neshama Franklin

Neshama Franklin Radio Extra 3

Neshama and John.

Neshama Franklin Radio Extra 1

Neshema and John.

Neshama Franklin Radio Extra 2

Neshema and John.

Suzanne Barakat

Suzanne Barakat MRH 1609 Extra 1

Suzanne and her brother Deah before his wedding.

Suzanne Barakat MRH 1609 Extra 3

From left to right: Deah, Yusor, Razan.

Suzanne Barakat MRH 1609 Extra 5

Deah and Yusor.

Suzanne Barakat MRH 1609 Extra 2

Deah and Yusor dancing at their wedding.

Suzanne Barakat MRH 1609 Extra 6

Deah and Yusor at their wedding.

Jeff Simmermon

The music in this story

  • The Drift - Uncanny Valley
    Find it on: iTunes Amazon Spotify
  • Chandler Travis - I am Home
  • Chandler Travis - Make The Small Things Pretty
  • Chandler Travis - Coming Home
  • Chandler Travis - All I Wanna Do
  • Chandler Travis - Stuck
  • Chandler Travis - Sad and Lonely