Podcast Summary: RISK! Episode "Coming Back to Life"

Release Date: November 19, 2024

Introduction: Embracing Hope and Community

Host: Kevin Allison

In the opening segment, Kevin Allison sets a heartfelt tone for the episode titled "Coming Back to Life." Reflecting on the tumultuous period following the 2024 election, Kevin shares his personal struggles with anxiety and the solace he finds in community and inner resources. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and joy during challenging times, encouraging listeners to connect with one another and engage in acts of kindness.

Notable Quote:
"In tough times, one of the most revolutionary things you can do is to still have hope and joy."
(00:03:05)

Kevin also highlights the transformative power of the RISK! community, noting how the podcast has helped listeners broaden their perspectives and foster empathy. He calls for stories that embody resilience, empathy, and community support, inviting listeners to submit their own experiences.

Story 1: "Love in the Time of Toilet Paper"

Speaker: Cindy Ettler

Cindy Ettler narrates a poignant and supernatural tale titled "Love in the Time of Toilet Paper," recounting her experiences with her late husband, Herbie Plush. Their 58-year marriage was marked by love, challenges, and memorable quirks—one being Herbie's compulsive buying of bulk items like toilet paper, a habit stemming from his childhood scarcity.

After Herbie's sudden death due to a heart complication, Cindy begins experiencing visions of him, particularly his fixation on ensuring they never run out of essentials. These apparitions, initially dismissed by her therapist as hallucinations, lead Cindy to question her own mental state. However, realizing the depth of Herbie's influence and their enduring bond, her behavior changes—she continues the bulk purchases as a way to honor his memory.

Notable Quotes:
"He wasn't there, but he was everywhere. I missed his smell, his touch, my leg finding his in the night."
(00:15:28)

"Maybe my husband knew I was taking care of myself. I would have enough."
(00:19:22)

Cindy's story beautifully illustrates the lingering presence of love and the ways in which grief can manifest, blending humor and heartache in a relatable narrative.

Story 2: "Tony"

Speaker: Mark Redmond

Mark Redmond shares a deeply moving memoir about his friendship with Tony, a troubled youth he met while volunteering at Covenant House in Times Square in 1981. Covenant House, then a sanctuary for homeless teenagers, was vastly different from its current incarnation, located amid the seedy backdrop of the era.

Assigned as Tony's counselor, Mark quickly forms a bond with him despite warnings from a senior counselor about Tony's involvement in drugs. Their relationship faces numerous challenges as Tony repeatedly cycles in and out of juvenile detention centers due to his struggles with addiction. Mark remains a steadfast presence in Tony's life, sending letters and support, symbolized humorously by packets of Little Debbie's cupcakes.

Years of persistence culminate in Tony's sobriety journey, where he acknowledges the pivotal role Mark played in his recovery during a 12-step meeting. Their friendship endures beyond Tony's addiction battles, evolving into a meaningful connection that includes Tony's daughter and his entrepreneurial endeavors.

Notable Quotes:
"If you just breathe and drop down out of my worrying mind and tap into some deeper place in me, there's always a part of me. It's kind of like the roots of a tree, just quietly holding my being somewhere inside of me."
(00:07:05)

"When you run out of toilet paper the next time, I bought a case of it and the vision stopped."
(00:19:23)

Mark's narrative delves into themes of redemption, the impact of unwavering support, and the complexities of human relationships. His recounting of Tony's journey from addiction to fatherhood underscores the profound difference one person can make in another's life.

Conclusion: Building a Supportive Community

Host: Kevin Allison

Kevin Allison wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of community support and shared stories in fostering resilience and hope. He promotes upcoming initiatives, including social events, fundraising trips, and the storytelling school, inviting listeners to engage and contribute to the RISK! community. Kevin emphasizes that through connection and mutual support, individuals can navigate and overcome the adversities they face.

Notable Quote:
"Change happens when real people get real with each other, when people can get off their phones and really see and hear one another."
(00:25:00)

He also highlights opportunities for listeners to participate in workshops focused on well-being practices, such as meditation and journaling, further encouraging personal growth and collective strength.

Key Takeaways:

• Hope and Resilience: Both personal introspections by Kevin and the stories shared by Cindy and Mark emphasize the enduring human capacity to find hope and rebuild after significant losses or challenges.

• Community and Connection: The episode underscores the vital role of community support, whether through personal relationships, shared experiences, or collective initiatives.

• Unwavering Support: Mark's story of his friendship with Tony illustrates how consistent support and belief in someone's potential can lead to transformative outcomes, even amidst recurring struggles.

• Honoring Memories: Cindy's narrative highlights the ways in which we honor and remember loved ones, integrating their legacies into our own lives as a source of strength and continuity.

Final Thoughts

"Coming Back to Life" is a testament to the power of storytelling in healing and connecting individuals. Through heartfelt narratives and reflective insights, RISK! delivers an episode that not only entertains but also inspires listeners to cherish their communities, support one another, and maintain hope in the face of adversity.

For those who haven't listened, this episode offers a rich blend of humor, emotion, and profound life lessons, making it a valuable addition to the RISK! repertoire.