

RISK!
RISK!
If you like The Moth, This American Life or Snap Judgment, take a walk on the wilder side with RISK! Your colorful host Kevin Allison (of the legendary comedy group The State) helms this surprisingly uncensored show where people tell jaw-dropping true stories they never thought they'd dare to share in public. RISK! is hilarious, heart-wrenching and remarkably real. Think you've heard it all? Fasten your seatbelt.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 17, 2025 • 41min
Curious
Stories about people curious about sex or curious about people who are curious about sex!
• See RISK! live in Philadelphia on June 19th, or in New York City on June 26th. Get tickets at risk-show.com/live
• Pitch us your story! risk-show.com/submissions
• Support RISK! through Patreon at patreon.com/risk or make a one-time donation: paypal.me/riskshow
• Get the RISK! Book and shop for merch: risk-show.com/shop
• Take our storytelling classes: thestorystudio.org
• Hire Kevin Allison as a coach or get personalized videos: kevinallison.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 12, 2025 • 31min
The Best of Father's Day Stories #3
To celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, we’ve gathered a couple more classic heartfelt stories about dads.
• See RISK! live in Philadelphia on June 19th, or in New York City on June 26th. Get tickets at Risk-show.com/live
• Pitch us your story! risk-show.com/submissions
• Support RISK! through Patreon at patreon.com/risk or make a one-time donation: paypal.me/riskshow
• Get the RISK! Book and shop for merch: risk-show.com/shop
• Take our storytelling classes: thestorystudio.org
• Hire Kevin Allison as a coach or get personalized videos: kevinallison.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 11, 2025 • 49min
The Luckiest Trans Woman Alive
Kate Bohl, a legendary storyteller, shares her deeply personal journey of coming out as a trans woman in her late 50s, reflecting on a lifetime of feeling out of place. She humorously recounts her transformative moments, like her first experience shopping for a dress and the overwhelming support from friends. The conversation delves into the power of identity and acceptance, tackling societal challenges with laughter and love. Kate also reflects on the complexities of Pride and the importance of activism for trans rights, inspiring listeners to embrace their true selves.

Jun 10, 2025 • 51min
Mommy Issues
Gabi Conti, a writer and executive producer known for her insights on dating, recounts her complicated relationship with her mother, blending humor and vulnerability. Jade Green, a podcaster and writer, shares her experiences with theft alongside her maternal struggles, illustrating the complexities of familial bonds. Both guests explore the ups and downs of motherhood, offering heartfelt anecdotes and reflections on personal growth, while emphasizing the healing power of storytelling.

Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Best of Queer Lives #3
Join Dan Savage, a syndicated advice columnist and host of the Savage Love podcast, as he shares a poignant story from 2014 titled 'The Stranger'. Comedian Marga Gomez brings humor to her tales of love, including a surprising relationship with a much younger woman. Hip-hop artist So Say The Elemental Wizard opens up about his experiences as a gay rapper in New York City, showcasing the intersection of identity and artistry. Each guest brings unique perspectives on love, intimacy, and the vibrant queer experience.

7 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 51min
Fight or Flatline
Larry Dorsey Jr., a talented entertainer and former member of Freestyle Love Supreme, joins RISK! regular Laura House, who shares her poignant story about her fiancé's heart condition. They delve into the emotional whirlwind of navigating healthcare during a crisis and the rollercoaster of anxiety and hope that comes with waiting for critical news. Listeners are taken on a journey through the importance of human connection and resilience during life-threatening situations, all sprinkled with heartfelt humor and reflections.

May 29, 2025 • 2h 37min
Unbreakable, Revisited
Melanie Hamlett, a storyteller and TikTok personality, reunites with therapist and TikTok influencer Ms. Aishia to reflect on their experiences with trauma and empowerment through the lens of women's wisdom. They dive deep into Melanie's 'Unbreakable,' discussing themes of abuse and personal growth. The conversation also addresses the complexities of relationships in the age of social media, the impact of past trauma on love, and the healing power of storytelling as a means to foster community and resilience.

May 28, 2025 • 43min
140 Lbs, Revisited
Susan Lieu, a talented storyteller, writer, and performer, revisits her powerful narrative about her mother's challenging journey from Vietnam to America. She opens up about her emotional struggle following her mother's tragic death due to plastic surgery complications, exploring themes of grief, justice, and the pursuit of forgiveness. Lieu also reflects on her growth as a storyteller and the impact of personal narratives on social change, inviting listeners to connect through their own experiences.

May 27, 2025 • 40min
Losing It
Frank Traynor, a gifted storyteller with a knack for humor, recounts his memorable 'Achilles Cake' tale, exploring the blend of joy and vulnerability in personal narratives. Jonathan Bradley Welch shares his comedic yet poignant experience with tacos, showcasing the lighter side of life's mishaps. Together, they dive into themes of friendship, personal growth, and the power of storytelling to create connections. Their anecdotes reflect on nostalgia, the quirks of growing up, and finding humor amidst chaos.

May 22, 2025 • 46min
What I'm Made Of
Shen Wei, a celebrated artist whose work graces prestigious institutions, shares a powerful story titled 'But Now I See' about transforming his challenging childhood in a Shanghai slum into artistic inspiration. Ed Gavagan, a captivating storyteller, recounts 'Whatever Doesn't Kill Me', detailing his harrowing experience following a violent incident and the resilience it sparked in him. Together, they explore themes of identity, trauma, and the profound impact of art and storytelling in their journeys of healing and self-discovery.


