I’m always looking for new podcasts to listen to as I’m working and recently, I stumbled upon The Moth as I was tuning into the live stream on WNYC. I haven’t seen it mentioned on any podcast roundups I’ve recently read…so I had to tell you because I think you’ll enjoy it, too.

I tend to prefer podcasts that feel more off-the-cuff because the spontaneity feels more relatable. The Moth is special because it’s completely unscripted — people tell their personal stories live on stage in front of a room full of strangers.

As you can imagine, some of the stories are heartbreaking while others are hilarious. All are true.

Want a warm-up? Listen to Bible Salesmen, Ghosts and Strippers and just try to not get hooked!

After devouring a few dozen episodes, I landed on the ultimate goldmine: a library of a few hundred stories that play automatically when you click the “listen now” button.

After I listened to them all (really!), I started thinking about what the draw was. It was simpler than I realized: our life experiences are what make us each unique. Our stories help define who we are. They’re what people remember long after they’ve met us.

Your stories have power, whether you choose to share them in person, on a blog or on a podcast. Maybe The Moth will inspire you to share yours, whether it’s your first or hundredth time saying it out loud.

Vintage moth illustration via Swallowtail Garden Seeds.