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This episode of The Moth explores stories about the strange mess, confusion, and dark humor found in difficult human moments. The guest, Austin Butterfield, shares how losing his office to therapy dogs during a painful breakup and pandemic stress led him to unexpected comforts, including YouTube videos and straight guy soap advertisements. Later, another storyteller, Tori Shineman, recounts sorting through her late partner's belongings with his sister after his sudden death at age 41. Amidst profound grief and heartbreaking sentimental items, they repeatedly stumble upon hidden stashes of adult DVDs, creating surreal moments of comic relief and shared laughter.
The host sets the tone, explaining the bittersweet focus of the episode.
Austin recounts the sudden disappearance of his office and the confusion that follows.
Austin learns his office has been reassigned to therapy dogs, adding absurdity to his crisis.
Austin describes the emotional turmoil of a breakup amid the pandemic while juggling his job.
He humorously orders a soap marketed to straight men, finding a strange comfort in it.
Austin concludes his story, noting how he found positivity amid chaos.
Tori introduces her story about dealing with a loved one’s death and finding levity.
The discovery provides a brief, humorous break in the grieving process.
Tori ultimately chooses to discard the porn while reflecting on remembrance.
The host thanks the storytellers and provides production credits.
Office Replaced by Therapy Dogsstory
The guest discovers that his psychiatric office at the hospital was reassigned to therapy dogs during the pandemic.
Finding Comfort in Kelly Clarksoninsight
While navigating a difficult breakup and job displacement, the guest turns to watching Kelly Clarkson karaoke videos as a coping mechanism.
Targeted Ads During the Pandemicstory
Annoyed by long YouTube advertisements for men's grooming products, the guest eventually gives in and orders the soap as a new form of aromatherapy.
Sudden Loss After 41 Yearsstory
The storyteller shares the tragic and unexpected death of her best friend and partner during the 4th of July weekend.
Finding Porno in Storage Boxesstory
While sorting through her late partner's belongings in his parents' garage, the storyteller and his sister repeatedly discover massive stashes of adult DVDs.
Keeping a Memorable Keepsakestory
After days of sorting boxes and throwing away adult magazines and DVDs, the storyteller secretly rescues one DVD from the garbage bag to keep.
“So, I walk into my office and all of my stuff is gone. And that seemed unusual.”
“And then I found out they gave my office to the therapy dogs. And that sounds funny, mostly because it is, but it's worse because I'm actually an emergency psychiatrist.”
“And I didn't want to like this ad, but then there was like, this funny guy, and I respect comedy.”
“And me and Lauren, like, we are heartbroken.”
On this episode, stories about the mess and confusion of being human - and the dark humor to be found there. This episode was hosted by Jodi Powell. Storytellers: Austin Butterfield discovers that his office has been taken over. Torrey Shineman finds unexpected humor in a moment of grief. Podcast # 995
2,673 words · 4 speakers
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