Podcast Summary: RISK! Episode 140 Lbs, Revisited

Podcast Information:

• Title: RISK!
• Host: Kevin Allison
• Description: RISK! is an uncensored storytelling podcast where individuals share true, jaw-dropping stories they never thought they'd dare to tell in public. Hosted by Kevin Allison of The State comedy group, the show blends humor, heart-wrenching moments, and remarkable authenticity.
• Episode: 140 Lbs, Revisited
• Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction

In this special revisited episode, Kevin Allison welcomes Susan Liu back to RISK! to reflect on her profoundly moving story, "140 Pounds." Originally shared in 2018, Susan's narrative delves deep into her family's harrowing escape from post-war Vietnam and the tragic loss of her mother due to medical malpractice. This episode not only re-examines the original tale but also explores Susan's journey from storyteller to activist.

Susan Liu's Story: "140 Pounds"

Background and Escape from Vietnam (03:53 - 08:49)

Susan Liu recounts the story of her mother's resilience and heroism. Growing up in the Mekong Delta province of Saukchang, Vietnam, her mother, at the age of 16, had to leave school to support her eleven siblings by selling lotto tickets. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to win enough money to secure passage out of Vietnam amid the chaos following the fall of the country.

Susan Liu (03:53): "She grew up in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam in this small province called Saukchang... she had enough money... to get on a boat and get to a Malaysian refugee camp."

The family faced immense risks escaping communist oversight, leading to a perilous journey where Susan's mother sustained severe injuries from thorns during their escape.

Susan Liu (06:02): "Her shoes started flying off, but she kept running into the darkness... her foot became a bloody mess."

Despite these challenges, her mother persevered, eventually making it to a refugee camp where Susan was born two years later. The family's arrival in America led them to establish a family-run nail business, "Susan's Nails," where each member played a role from a young age.

Conflict and Mother's Tragic Death (08:49 - 17:16)

As the family settled in America, Susan pursued her interests, such as playing the trombone and trying out for volleyball. This pursuit led to a significant family conflict, culminating in Susan's mother suffering a fatal outcome from a botched plastic surgery procedure.

Susan Liu (09:22): "She's in the kitchen, shuffling about... I'm going to volleyball tryouts... I hate you."

Five days after her mother fell into a coma post-surgery, Susan discovered she had died due to complications from a procedure performed by Dr. Frank Thomas, a disreputable plastic surgeon with a history of malpractice.

Susan Liu (16:30): "She died from plastic surgery. She went in for a tummy tuck... the doctor tries to do mouth to mouth... nothing is happening."

Quest for Revenge and Path to Forgiveness (17:16 - 20:22)

Struggling with grief and anger, Susan initially envisioned a detailed plan to seek revenge against Dr. Thomas. However, upon learning of his death, she shifted her focus toward understanding and forgiveness.

Susan Liu (17:14): "And that's been hard to do, but I think I could do that if I could humanize him or get to know him."

She reached out to Dr. Thomas's family, hoping to find closure and rebuild the narrative surrounding her mother's legacy.

Susan Liu (20:22): "I hope we can rewrite the narrative we pass down to future generations, that while we cannot undo the past, the human spirit is capable of forgiveness."

Reflection and Evolution of the Story

Host's Emotional Response (20:22 - 21:08)

Kevin Allison expresses deep emotion upon revisiting Susan's powerful story, highlighting the intricate twists and the profound impact it had.

Kevin Allison (20:22): "Wow. Holy cow... it's so beautiful and almost unbelievable."

Susan and Host Revisit the Story (23:48 - 42:53)

In this segment, Susan Liu and an audience member (who is Susan herself, reflecting on her growth) discuss the evolution of her story since its initial telling. They delve into how her experiences have propelled her into activism, writing a memoir titled The Manicurist Daughter, and performing a one-woman show that spans multiple characters and narratives.

Audience Member/Susan Liu (25:02): "It's cool to see Ernest Susan just first starting out and trying to make my way and get confidence on the stage again."

Susan elaborates on her transition from seeking personal revenge to advocating for medical malpractice reform, successfully influencing legislative changes to increase liability caps for such cases.

Audience Member/Susan Liu (31:14): "I worked with Consumer Watchdog... to change the law, so it would adjust to inflation to $1.3 million."

She discusses her creative journey, balancing storytelling with personal growth, leading to a national tour, a book deal, and ongoing projects.

Audience Member/Susan Liu (35:28): "The Manicurist Daughter. It's my memoir... it's an artifact for my son and all of his cousins and my siblings."

Conclusion

The episode culminates with reflections on the transformative power of storytelling. Susan Liu's journey from a grieving daughter to a multifaceted activist and author underscores the profound impact personal narratives can have on both the storyteller and the audience. Kevin Allison commends Susan's bravery and the depth of her story, encouraging listeners to embrace their own risks and share their truths.

Kevin Allison (44:10): "Because, folks, today's the day. Take a risk."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Susan Liu (03:53): "She had to drop out of high school... to support her eleven brothers and sisters."
• Susan Liu (06:02): "And every step she took, more and more thorns went into her body."
• Susan Liu (09:22): "I hate you."
• Susan Liu (17:14): "It's hard to forgive people and see the good in them."
• Audience Member/Susan Liu (31:14): "I worked with Consumer Watchdog... to change the law."
• Audience Member/Susan Liu (35:28): "The Manicurist Daughter... it's an artifact for my son and all of his cousins and my siblings."
• Kevin Allison (20:22): "It's so beautiful and almost unbelievable."
• Kevin Allison (44:10): "Today's the day. Take a risk."

Final Thoughts

This revisited episode of RISK! offers a deep dive into Susan Liu's compelling narrative, showcasing her resilience and evolution. Through her story, listeners witness the intersection of personal tragedy, familial duty, and the quest for justice and forgiveness. Susan's journey exemplifies the essence of RISK!—sharing authentic, transformative stories that resonate and inspire.

For more stories like Susan's, visit risk-show.com and consider submitting your own tale of bravery and truth.