The Moth The Moth

Looking in the Mirror: The Moth Podcast

Sep 25, 2026 · 18m

Summary

This episode features two stories centered on self-reflection and transformation. Phineas Knowles shares his nervous experience of his first shave as a 29-year-old trans man undergoing puberty, guided by a video call with his brother. Esther Ncumi recounts her childhood in Kenya, where she defied her mother’s emphasis on education by self-piercing her ears to fit in with peers. Both narratives explore the tension between societal expectations and personal identity, concluding with the storytellers’ current lives and reconciliations.

Topics discussed

Moth Mainstage Tour: Tightrope Sponsor: Alma Therapy Sponsor: Wayfair Introduction: Mirrors and the Magic Mirror Story: Phineas Knowles on his first shave Phineas Knowles: Post-story reflection Sponsor: Seed DS-1 Probiotic Sponsor: Square for Business Story: Esther Ngumi on ear piercing Esther Ngumi: Story conclusion Outro, credits, and production team Sponsor: VistaPrint Sponsor: AutoTrader
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