Grown, a podcast from The Moth

The Moth has been a storytelling institution for decades, hosting live events where ordinary people tell extraordinary true stories. Grown is their spin-off built specifically around the messy, thrilling, terrifying experience of becoming an adult. Hosts Aleeza Kazmi and Alfonso "Fonzo" Lacayo both came up through The Moth's education program, and they bring a warmth and realness to the show that feels like talking to older siblings who actually get it. Each episode runs about 30 to 37 minutes and features real people telling true stories about moments that shaped them — first heartbreaks, fights with parents, figuring out identity, discovering passions that turned into obsessions, navigating friendships that got complicated. The storytelling quality is noticeably high because The Moth teaches people how to structure a narrative, so even the most painful stories land with purpose and clarity. Season 2 tackled siblings, moral development, societal expectations, and what independence actually looks like when you are still figuring out who you are. The hosts react honestly to each story, sometimes cracking jokes and sometimes getting emotional. Some listeners have noted that Aleeza and Fonzo use a lot of filler words, which can take a minute to adjust to. But that casual delivery is also what makes the show feel authentic rather than polished and performative. With 45 episodes across two seasons and a clean content rating, Grown is a smart pick for teenagers who are starting to realize that growing up is not a straight line. It is messy, funny, and full of surprises — exactly like the stories on this show.