RISK! Podcast Episode Summary: "Amazing News! Kevin Teaching Online Storytelling Workshops!"

Episode Details

• Title: Amazing News! Kevin Teaching Online Storytelling Workshops!
• Host: Kevin Allison
• Release Date: March 23, 2025
• Podcast: RISK!
• Description: Hosted by Kevin Allison of The State, RISK! invites listeners to embark on a journey of uncensored and heartfelt true stories. This episode unveils exciting opportunities for aspiring storytellers to learn directly from Kevin through his upcoming online workshops.

1. Exciting Announcement: Online Storytelling Workshops

In this episode, Kevin Allison shares exhilarating news about launching his long-awaited online storytelling workshops. Reflecting on a decade since he last taught an eight-week workshop, Kevin expresses his enthusiasm about returning to his roots and expanding his teaching to a global audience.

“Something that could be a real bright spot this year for both you and me. Something we could do that's super fun and creative and truly meaningful.”
— Kevin Allison [00:00]

Background: Kevin founded the Story Studio in 2009 and has since built a team of exceptional faculty members. However, he acknowledges that he hasn't personally led a workshop in the past ten years, nor has he conducted one online. With plans to relocate to Thailand in August, Kevin sees an urgent window to offer these workshops virtually to accommodate U.S. time zones.

2. Personal Motivations and Challenges

Kevin opens up about his personal circumstances, highlighting financial concerns related to his upcoming move abroad. He emphasizes the importance of financial security before transitioning to a new country amidst uncertain global conditions.

“For the past few months I've been pretty worried because I don't have much of a savings and I don't want to move over abroad, you know, without an emergency backup savings...”
— Kevin Allison [00:00]

Support Options: While Kevin prefers participants to join the workshops to gain value, he offers an alternative for those who wish to support him without attending:

“If you want to donate and you don't want to take a workshop, my Venmo is Evan Allison. I can send you a postcard from Thailand.”
— Kevin Allison [00:00]

Note: "Evan Allison" is likely a transcription error and should refer to Kevin Allison.

3. Workshop Structure and Content

Kevin outlines the comprehensive structure of his upcoming workshops, designed to cater to storytellers of all levels. Each workshop will span eight weeks, with a cap of 15 students to ensure personalized attention.

Key Features:

• Story Development: Participants will workshop two full-length stories akin to those featured on RISK!, one five-minute story, and several short narratives ranging from one to two minutes.

  “Stories that are only a minute or 90 or 120 seconds are pretty crucial.”
  — Kevin Allison [00:00]

• Diverse Story Applications: The workshops will cover a broad spectrum of storytelling applications, including:

  • Stage performances
  • Podcasts
  • Personal anecdotes for dating, networking, job interviews
  • Wedding toasts and eulogies
  • Content for newsletters and social media

• Educational Materials: Kevin plans to provide tailored videos a week before each session, featuring:

  • Lectures on storytelling aspects
  • Q&A segments
  • Brainstorming prompts
  • Story topic inspirations
  • Analysis of favorite RISK! stories

• Interactive Sessions: Weekly meetings will involve group exercises, breakout sessions, and one-on-one Zoom calls to offer personalized support and feedback.

4. Scheduling and Enrollment Details

Kevin proposes three potential start dates for the workshops: mid-April, mid-May, and mid-June. He seeks input from interested participants to determine the most suitable days and times, offering flexibility across:

• Weekday evenings
• Friday afternoons
• Saturday or Sunday mornings

“I could start one in mid April, I could start one in mid May, I could start one in mid June. I could do three of these in this time.”
— Kevin Allison [00:00]

Enrollment Process: Prospective students are encouraged to email Kevin at kevinrisk-show.com promptly, as each class is limited to 15 participants. The workshop fee is set at $500, payable in two installments one month apart if needed.

“You should email me at kevinrisk-show.com right away.”
— Kevin Allison [00:00]

5. Benefits and Goals of the Workshops

Kevin passionately advocates for the transformative power of communal creativity, emphasizing its positive impact on mental health and societal well-being.

“I believe so passionately that this sort of communal creativity is good for your soul, good for your mental health, good for the world.”
— Kevin Allison [00:00]

Inclusivity:

• Open to absolute beginners and seasoned storytellers alike.
• Emphasis on personal growth and overcoming initial insecurities about storytelling abilities.

Final Showcase: Each workshop culminates in a Showcase event, where students can present their stories to friends and family online, celebrating their progress and achievements.

6. Conclusion and Call to Action

Kevin concludes with an urgent and heartfelt call to action, encouraging listeners to seize this opportunity to develop their storytelling skills while supporting his journey.

“Today's the day folks. Take a risk.”
— Kevin Allison [00:00]

Next Steps: Interested individuals should reach out via kevinrisk-show.com to complete the survey, secure their spot, and embark on a creative and enriching storytelling journey under Kevin's guidance.

Final Thoughts

This episode of RISK! not only highlights Kevin Allison's return to teaching but also underscores the significance of storytelling as a medium for personal and communal expression. By offering structured, interactive, and versatile workshops, Kevin aims to cultivate a supportive environment where individuals can enhance their narrative skills and share their unique stories with the world.