POW x The Moth: Where Stories Spark Change

Photos by Sam Ferguson

At The Moth, storytelling isn’t just entertainment—it’s a catalyst for empathy, connection, and transformation. Protect Our Winters shares this philosophy, and stories are at the heart of how we inspire climate action.

Earlier this spring, POW staff and Athlete Alliance captains participated in a storytelling workshop organized by MothWorks, The Moth’s professional development arm. Through a combination of reflection, story prompts, and group sharing, participants explored how personal experience can be a powerful tool for building empathy and sparking change.

“The Moth workshop helped me think about the way storytelling can be the most impactful way to spur connection in people,” said Barry Wicks, POW’s Bike Alliance Captain. “It makes me feel like my adventures and time spent outside can travel beyond just myself.”

Based in New York City, The Moth is a nonprofit organization best known for its live storytelling shows. In these shows, people from all walks of life share true, personal stories on stage without notes. The organization also brings its craft into workplaces and communities across the country through MothWorks, helping professionals, activists, and changemakers learn to tell stories that resonate.

According to MothWorks Senior Manager Anna Roberts, all great stories have one essential ingredient: change. “The storyteller is impacted by events from the beginning to the end of the story,” she explained. “It could be a big, life-altering shift or something small, like a new perspective or a change in how they see themselves.”

That thread of transformation is woven through every story POW Alliance members share—whether in the halls of Congress or on the global stage. From Olympian and World Champion Nordic skier Jessie Diggins, reflecting on the shrinking snowpack she trains on, to professional climber Sasha DiGiulian and snowboarder Bea Kim speaking at the United Nations about climate change reshaping their seasons, these stories resonate because they’re rooted in personal experience and spoken with vulnerability.

What matters most is that the storyteller cares deeply and is willing to be vulnerable. “That’s what gives the story its magic on stage—you can feel that it’s important to them,” said Roberts.

But the power of a story doesn’t stop with the person telling it—it reaches the people listening, too. When someone shares openly about how an experience shaped them, it can spark something in us: a new perspective, a deeper understanding, or a shift in how we see the world. Wednesday Derrico, Project Manager at MothWorks, emphasized how that exchange creates space for empathy.

“Listening to someone else’s personal story is an opportunity for empathy,” she said. “And empathy can activate people—it helps them break out of their traditional role or routine and see the world differently.”

Equally important is the role of truth, not necessarily factual accuracy, but emotional honesty.  The Moth is not a journalism organization; it’s about telling a story that feels true to the person sharing it.

“Even if someone has a counter-narrative,” said Roberts, “when they hear someone speak honestly, they start to see their perspectives and biases a little differently, whether it’s an audience or just one person listening.”

These emotional shifts were palpable in the workshop with POW. Roberts recalled how each story, though personal and often unrelated to climate work, revealed a shared sense of purpose. 

“Even when the stories had nothing to do with work, you could see what drew people to this mission,” said Roberts. “There was a real alignment of values—empathy, connection, a deep love of the outdoors, and care for family and community, which was beautiful.”

For both storyteller and audience, the impact can linger. “We hope people leave feeling slightly altered,” said Roberts. “And that the storyteller feels seen and heard—and encouraged to keep sharing.”

So, what advice does the MothWorks team have for anyone wanting to tell their story? 

“Let go of the idea that it has to be perfect or polished,” Roberts said. “The magic often lies in the messiness.” 

Derrico agreed: “There’s a beauty in raw honesty and just putting yourself out there, even if you’re not sure where the story will go or all the things that will come out of your mouth. There’s built-in authenticity in that, and that’s such a key ingredient to great storytelling.”

At POW, we know that scientific facts and data matter, but it’s stories that move people. They’re how we find common ground across differences, inspire action, and keep our love for the outdoors at the center of the climate conversation. Thanks to the team at The Moth, we’re more equipped than ever to share those stories well.

To share your story, attend a Moth event in person! Prepare yourself with these Moth Storytelling Tips & Tricks. Spark inspiration with The Moth Podcast, Story Library, or YouTube Channel.

Author: Stacie Sullivan

Stacie always knew she wanted to pursue a career in the ski industry from a young age, having first clicked into skis at the age of 4 and writing her 8th grade career project on being a professional skier. While her dreams of becoming a professional athlete didn’t quite pan out the way she planned at […]