Podcast Title: RISK!
Episode: Date Me!
Release Date: December 31, 2024
Host: Kevin Allison

Introduction

In the "Date Me!" episode of RISK!, host Kevin Allison delves into the unpredictable and often humorous world of dating and personal connections. This episode features heartfelt and jaw-dropping true stories shared by Rich Tackenberg and Laura House, both of whom take listeners on their unique journeys through love, friendship, and the risks involved in opening up to others.

Rich Tackenberg's Story: The Wingman

Duration: [07:19] – [22:00]

Rich Tackenberg recounts a memorable New Year's Eve from December 1987, highlighting themes of friendship, courage, and unexpected romantic encounters.

Setting the Scene: Rich sets the stage by describing a tradition among his group of friends, hanging out in Joe's basement near their college years. As the drinking age in New York increased from 19 to 21, the friends contemplated celebrating New Year's Eve in Toronto, where the drinking age remained 19. Rich enthusiastically volunteers to be Joe's wingman, promising to support his friend in making connections.

Key Events:

• The Journey to Toronto: Despite Joe's reservations about the long drive, Rich and his friends embark on the trip, arriving at the Hard Rock Cafe in Toronto just in time for midnight celebrations. Rich describes the excitement of sharing Molson Brador beers legally and engaging in small talk with fellow patrons.

  Rich Tackenberg [09:02]: "We are drinking cold bottles of Molson Brador legally, and we feel invincible."

• Meeting Chrissy Hind and Pat Benatar: The group meets two women at the bar—Chrissy Hind and Pat Benatar. Rich observes Joe's natural charisma as he engages with Chrissy, prompting Rich to support Joe by maintaining a platonic conversation with Pat.

  Rich Tackenberg [11:15]: "Joe was just so natural. He's just talking and so I draft behind him and I'm asking questions."

• Navigating Personal Boundaries: As the night progresses, Rich faces the challenge of balancing his role as a wingman with his own feelings. An unexpected connection develops between Rich and Pat, leading to a series of awkward yet heartfelt interactions.

  Rich Tackenberg [12:45]: "I have just had enough dumb platonic conversation. This night alive for Joe. I am so happy."

• The Unexpected Turn: After moving to Joe and Chrissy's apartment, Rich grapples with the sudden intimacy and the complexity of his feelings. A humorous yet tender moment occurs when Rich salutes Pat, leading to a spontaneous and romantic encounter.

  Rich Tackenberg [19:30]: "If I'm gonna make a move or say something romantic, I've got, like, 10 seconds... I salute her. A full military salute."

Conclusion and Reflection: The story concludes with Rich reflecting on the night's events, emphasizing the importance of supporting friends while also being open to personal growth and unexpected connections.

Rich Tackenberg [21:50]: "I was here for Joe. I promised that I'd be here on that front. I delivered."

Laura House's Story: Wordy, Nerdy, and Sturdy

Duration: [25:31] – [45:07]

Laura House shares her candid and humorous journey through the world of online dating following a sudden breakup, highlighting the challenges of authenticity and vulnerability in forming new connections.

The Breakup and Turning to Dating Apps: At 46, Laura faces the abrupt end of a seven-year relationship. She describes the emotional turmoil of being single later in life and decides to venture into online dating, initially approaching it with skepticism and discomfort.

Laura House [26:10]: "I was devastated and I just, I fell apart."

Early Challenges: Laura discusses the difficulties of creating an appealing online persona, often resorting to dishonesty or superficial traits to attract potential matches. Her initial experiences with dates are marked by awkwardness and mismatched expectations.

Laura House [28:50]: "I always lied on those things or I didn't know what to say to hook them in."

The Decision to Be Authentic: After numerous unsuccessful dates, Laura decides to revamp her dating profile to reflect her true self. She emphasizes honesty over trying to impress, sharing genuine interests and quirks.

Laura House [33:20]: "I would just put a little headline and I would just be like, I don't know guys like Star Wars... Just give up. Trying to impress anybody... I put your worst feet forward."

The Memorable Date: Laura recounts a particularly memorable date at an Old Timey Steakhouse. An incident with a tipping waiter leads to an awkward but bonding moment with her date, who responds with humor and empathy.

Laura House [37:10]: "The waiter... the tray tips and falls and it hits my chest... I'm mortified... and I felt like, I just, I was okay."

Connection and Growth: She shares how her authentic approach led to a meaningful connection with a kind and understanding partner. The story underscores the importance of being genuine and the positive outcomes that can result from taking personal risks.

Laura House [43:00]: "If he was a car, I would have driven him off the lot right that second... We are still laughing, making each other laugh today."

Conclusion and Insights: Laura's story highlights the significance of honesty in forming lasting relationships and the personal growth that comes from embracing one's true self in the dating landscape.

Conclusion

The "Date Me!" episode of RISK! masterfully intertwines stories of friendship, vulnerability, and the courage to take personal risks in the pursuit of meaningful connections. Both Rich Tackenberg and Laura House exemplify the core message of the podcast: stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences. Host Kevin Allison encapsulates this sentiment, encouraging listeners to embrace their own risks in love and life.

As the episode concludes, Kevin extends heartfelt wishes for the new year, emphasizing the value of connections and the importance of supporting one another in fostering peace, love, and hope.

Kevin Allison [43:30]: "Take a risk."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Rich Tackenberg:

   • [09:02] "We are drinking cold bottles of Molson Brador legally, and we feel invincible."
   • [12:45] "If I'm gonna make a move or say something romantic, I've got, like, 10 seconds... I salute her. A full military salute."
   • [21:50] "I was here for Joe. I promised that I'd be here on that front. I delivered."

2. Laura House:

   • [26:10] "I was devastated and I just, I fell apart."
   • [28:50] "I always lied on those things or I didn't know what to say to hook them in."
   • [33:20] "I would just put a little headline and I would just be like, I don't know guys like Star Wars... Just give up. Trying to impress anybody... I put your worst feet forward."
   • [37:10] "The waiter... the tray tips and falls and it hits my chest... I'm mortified... and I felt like, I just, I was okay."
   • [43:00] "If he was a car, I would have driven him off the lot right that second... We are still laughing, making each other laugh today."

Final Thoughts

"Date Me!" serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of relationships and the importance of authenticity. By sharing their personal stories, Rich and Laura inspire listeners to take their own risks, embrace vulnerability, and seek genuine connections in the ever-evolving landscape of love and friendship.