A few months back I posted a story by Ed Gavagan from The Moth Podcast. “Drowning on Sullivan Street” explained to us how a city could save a man’s life. The story I’m posting today is also from The Moth Podcast and is told by Comedian Mike Destafano. It is entitled “The Junkie & The Monk.” The Cure For Your Ales attempts to bring you questions, stories, allegories, and answers in regards to feeling better and moving on. Here we will explore spirituality in attempt to find some peace in a world that can really beat you bloody sometimes.

One of the things I’ve most enjoyed while being in a car so much lately is listening to podcasts rather than my usual music playlists full of Wutang Clan and leaked copies of new Dr. Dre songs. “This American Life” hosted by Ira Glass makes running from state to state a lot more surreal. “My Secret Public Journal” by Mike Birbiglia makes me reflect on the most awkward and amazing moments in my life. “Learn Spanish Now” makes me learn Spanish now.

Recently my tour partner, Alvin Lau, put me on to podcasts from www.themoth.org. The Moth is a a not-for-profit storytelling organization. The art of story telling without notes on stage is not far from what I do as a performance poet and sometimes the stories embody themes that run parallel to our mission here at The Cure For Your Ales.

One of these stories is that of Ed Gavagan entitled, “Drowning on Sullivan Street”. It is a true story of a Wyoming man, a gang, and the city that saved him. I felt like I needed to share it here and after listening you’ll know why…