Identity, love, loss, and many firsts: ‘Grown, a podcast from The Moth’ shares true stories about growing up
Aleeza Kazmi and Fonzo Lacayo first shared their stories on “The Moth” and graduated from The Moth’s Education Program. Now, the storytellers are co-hosting “Grown,” a series all about getting older. They’re exploring an array of stories from the in-between years: “the nebulous, the liminal, and the just plain weird time between those awkward teenage years and full-on adulthood.”
“Grown” is suitable for listeners age sixteen and up. Tune in for stories celebrating the joys and acknowledging the hardships as storytellers develop in the process. Aleeza and Fonzo share their unique perspectives in episodes that can be streamed in any order. The average release runs less than 30 minutes each, and new episodes will drop every other Wednesday until May 9, 2023.
Listeners will hear true stories recorded live that unpack culture, identities, relationships, secrets, mental health, first crushes, and much more while diving into personal narratives. There are episodes about journeying through adulthood’s milestones such as first jobs, moving away from home, and being on your own for the first time. The podcast will also share interviews, field audio, and journal-style audio entries from youngsters’ experiences.
There are heartfelt stories about dicey situations from school dances, expectations gone awry, loss, first kisses, catching feelings, and wellness journeys. Another episode titled “Search and Rescue” shared stories about intrusive thoughts, rescue dogs, city adventures, and finding a sense of self.
In addition to podcasting, Kazmi is a digital manager at the Center for Reproductive Rights, and her work has appeared in Teen Vogue, as well as in “The Moth’s” book of stories, Occasional Magic. Lacayo graduated from the DreamYard Preparatory School in the Bronx, majored in theater, and was a teaching assistant for “The Moth.”
“Grown” is a must-listen for anyone who enjoys hearing poignant stories firsthand about the human experience. Check out new, biweekly episodes wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.