RISK! Podcast Episode Summary: “Bad Decisions, Good Stories”
Released June 24, 2025
Introduction
In this captivating episode of RISK!, host Kevin Allison delves into the theme of "Bad Decisions, Good Stories," showcasing true, raw, and transformative experiences shared by his guests. The episode features two poignant narratives from Tata Sharice and Max Langert, both navigating tumultuous periods in their lives that led to profound personal growth. Allison intertwines these stories with his own humorous anecdote, crafting a rich tapestry of human resilience and the impact of making risky choices.
Tata Sharice: “Boost Mode” [03:58 – 18:12]
Tata Sharice opens the episode with a deeply personal story titled “Boost Mode,” recounting her troubled adolescence marked by familial instability and the onset of problematic behavior. At 15, Tata found herself grappling with the absence of her father, who was incarcerated, and her mother's struggle with addiction. These challenges forced Tata into a life marked by frequent relocations and economic hardship, starkly contrasting her earlier childhood of relative comfort.
Her descent into shoplifting began innocently enough, with small items like M&M's and a Pepsi from CVS. “When I was in the store, walking around, I remember walking in feeling nervous, sweating, and my heart was beating a little fast, palms really sweaty,” Tata reflects [08:45]. This initial act of theft, done without necessity, soon spiraled into a habitual behavior, escalating from minor thefts to more significant items like a prepaid cell phone.
Tata’s narrative takes a turning point when her stealing habit leads to a harrowing encounter with law enforcement. “There are sirens outside. There were cops, like five, six cop cars pulling up,” she describes [14:30]. The ensuing chaos at her aunt’s home and the subsequent disciplinary measures imposed by her grandmother mark a pivotal moment. Her grandmother’s tough love and heartfelt advice, “Never obsess over what someone else has. Never be jealous of what someone else has or what they're doing because you don't know how they got it. And always be grateful for what you have because someone always has it worse” [17:45], resonate deeply with Tata. This wisdom becomes the cornerstone of her transformation, steering her away from theft and towards a life of gratitude and purpose.
Notable Quotes:
- “I went from having everything to, you know, hand me downs and goodwill and stuff.” [07:10]
- “I didn't steal for a very long time. I was like, oh, no, this is middle school. I'm like, I'm never stealing again.” [15:00]
- “Never obsess over what someone else has... And always be grateful for what you have because someone always has it worse.” [17:45]
Max Langert: “Best New Face” [22:32 – 42:54]
Max Langert’s story, “Best New Face,” transports listeners into the high-stakes world of Hollywood through the lens of his own ambitious yet tumultuous journey. Fresh out of college, Max’s passion for the entertainment industry led him to seize an opportunity to become an assistant for a man named Oscar, a member of a prominent Hollywood family. Max’s enthusiasm is palpable as he recounts his immediate immersion into the chaotic and caffeine-fueled environment: “I made a pot. He had half, I had half. Then I made another and another and another” [28:10].
Max’s experience is a rollercoaster of ambition, overwork, and blurred professional boundaries. Early into his tenure, Oscar sets strict professional boundaries by addressing Max in an unorthodox manner: “Oscar walks in in his boxers and sits on the edge of my mattress... It has to be 100% professional” [29:54]. This unusual encounter underscores the complexities and power dynamics within the entertainment industry.
As the story progresses, Max details the relentless pace and mounting stress, amplified by Oscar’s erratic behavior and unrealistic expectations. “He was punching the air like a prizefighter, ready to bound on stage,” Max describes during a disastrous comedy gig with a surprise guest appearance by Jerry Seinfeld [39:20]. The climax of Max’s narrative arrives when Oscar’s volatility and the unsustainable work environment push him to his breaking point. Faced with a morally and emotionally taxing situation, Max makes the decisive move to quit, leading to prolonged repercussions including nightmares and the eventual tragic demise of Oscar.
Max reflects on the lessons learned from his ordeal: “I learned a lot about the industry, about business in general, about the benefits of caffeine consumption” [40:30]. Despite the hardships, Max finds solace in his continued passion for playwriting and highlights the importance of surrounding himself with supportive and genuine people.
Notable Quotes:
- “I jumped into action... I put on the only good shirt I had from my job waiting tables.” [25:05]
- “I'm a rock, I remind myself.” [29:54]
- “It's not the perfect Hollywood ending, but it makes me feel good.” [42:20]
Kevin Allison’s Anecdote [42:54 – 45:10]
In a humorous twist, Kevin Allison shares a brief yet amusing story paralleling Max’s experience. He recounts an interview for a personal assistant position with none other than Tim Robbins from The Shawshank Redemption. Allison humorously contrasts his own experience with Max’s, highlighting the unpredictability and often absurd nature of job interviews in high-profile settings. “After I left that interview, I know he very rightfully thought to himself, I'm not gonna hire that guy,” Kevin jokes [43:00], adding levity to the otherwise intense narratives shared earlier.
Conclusion
Kevin Allison wraps up the episode by reflecting on the intertwined nature of the stories presented, emphasizing themes of resilience, personal growth, and the profound impact of making and overcoming bad decisions. He also promotes upcoming online storytelling workshops and encourages listeners to engage with the RISK! community through various platforms.
Closing Remarks:
- “It was kind of last minute that I decided to offer two more online storytelling workshops...” [44:00]
- “But that's Wednesday. And folks, today's the day. Take a risk.” [45:00]
This episode of RISK! masterfully balances humor and heartache, offering listeners an engaging exploration of how our most regrettable decisions can lead to some of our most compelling and transformative stories.