RISK! Podcast Episode Summary: "Gregg Fell into a Crevasse: RISK! Reacts"

Podcast Information:

• Title: RISK!
• Host: Kevin Allison
• Description: If you like The Moth, This American Life, or Snap Judgment, take a walk on the wilder side with RISK! Host Kevin Allison brings you jaw-dropping true stories that people never thought they'd dare to share in public.
• Episode: Gregg Fell into a Crevasse: RISK! Reacts
• Release Date: August 5, 2025

1. Introduction

Timestamp: [00:00 – 02:27]

Kevin Allison opens the episode with his characteristic blend of humor and sincerity, introducing the concept of "Risk Reacts" where he provides instant reactions to stories as he hears them for the first time. He briefly mentions the availability of the video version on YouTube and the audio version on podcast platforms.

Kevin Allison [00:00]: "Risk! Hello, folks. This is Risk, the show where people tell true stories they never thought they'd dare to."

He announces a special guest, Scott Johnson from the "What Was That Like?" podcast, marking the first time he brings a guest to a "Risk Reacts" episode.

Kevin Allison [02:27]: "We'll be right back."

2. Guest Introduction: Scott Johnson

Timestamp: [01:33 – 02:27]

Scott Johnson introduces himself and his podcast, "What Was That Like?", which focuses on conversations with individuals who've experienced extremely unusual events such as plane crashes or animal attacks. He previews the episode featuring Greg, a New York City-based storyteller.

Scott Johnson [01:33]: "Each episode is a conversation with someone who's been through something extremely unusual... the episode we're about to listen to is with my guest, Greg."

3. Greg's Story: Climbing the Glacier

Timestamp: [04:12 – 27:17]

Scott Johnson narrates Greg's harrowing experience of attempting to climb a glacier, which culminates in Greg falling into a crevasse. Greg, an artist specializing in public art commissions, was working in Las Vegas and decided to undertake the dangerous climb as a means to escape his monotonous and unsatisfying work routine.

a. The Decision to Climb Greg explains his motivation, drawing inspiration from the stoic words of Edward Mallory about climbing mountains simply because they are there. Feeling trapped in a repetitive cycle between the casino and the airport, Greg sought solace and adventure in nature.

Greg [05:50]: "I was miserable... So I decided to rent a car, get up early, drive to the glacier, and climb it."

b. The Journey Begins Navigating unfamiliar terrain without a map or proper preparation, Greg describes the challenging ascent, marked by extreme heat and dense pine forests. His overconfidence leads him to underestimate the risks, particularly the thin ice covering the gap he intended to cross.

Greg [07:00]: "I picked the fork that went, ascended more and up and up... but I was so hopelessly unprepared."

c. The Fall into the Crevasse As Greg attempts to cross the gap, an invisible layer of thin ice gives way, causing him to plunge approximately 30 feet into the crevasse. He recounts the immediate physical and emotional turmoil, including severe injuries and the realization of his precarious situation.

Greg [13:11]: "I just fell about 30ft down into this crevasse."

d. Struggle and Survival Trapped and injured, Greg experiences a tumultuous mix of fear, anger, and desperation. Despite being a lifelong atheist, he momentarily prays for help, leading to a surreal encounter with a wounded deer. This encounter becomes a turning point, filling him with gratitude and determination to survive.

Greg [17:16]: "I prayed to God to help me out, which I found kind of... momentary comic relief."

e. Rescue and Reflection Eventually, Greg manages to free himself and stumble back to his car, only to be confronted by other drivers who inform him that there are no glaciers in Nevada—his entire ordeal was a tragic miscalculation. Reflecting on his actions, Greg discusses the importance of preparation and the consequences of his overconfidence.

Greg [27:17]: "And then I thought, maybe you should get a tattoo that says something like, never miss an opportunity to stop and think."

4. Reactions and Discussion

Timestamp: [30:11 – 43:19]

After Greg's intense story, Kevin Allison and Scott Johnson delve into a discussion about the themes and lessons derived from Greg's experience.

a. The ADHD Connection Kevin shares his personal diagnosis of severe ADHD and relates it to Greg's impulsive behavior, highlighting how ADHD can contribute to taking significant risks without adequate planning.

Kevin Allison [30:37]: "I have that ADHD tendency to take a very risky opportunity to just leap into something without having thought it through."

b. The Dunning-Kruger Effect Scott introduces the concept of the Dunning-Kruger effect, explaining how Greg's misplaced confidence led to his perilous situation.

Scott Johnson [33:04]: "He was just full of confidence. Misplaced confidence, unfortunately."

c. Personal Stories Both hosts share their own risky adventures, emphasizing the universal nature of overconfidence and the importance of preparation. Kevin recounts a failed mountain climb in Los Angeles, drawing parallels to Greg's story.

Kevin Allison [33:02]: "I was like, damn near fried and, you know, hobbling... the time to have stopped and thought through this would have been like any time."

d. Storytelling and Relatability The conversation shifts to the art of storytelling, with both hosts appreciating Greg's ability to convey intense emotions and relatable mistakes. They discuss how such stories resonate with listeners by tapping into fundamental human experiences.

Scott Johnson [36:22]: "Greg is a really interesting guy... he can wrap it up in 10 or 15 minutes."

5. Key Insights and Lessons

Timestamp: [27:28 – 42:27]

a. The Importance of Preparation Greg's story serves as a cautionary tale about the necessity of thorough preparation, especially when undertaking risky endeavors. Both hosts emphasize the balance between fearlessness and prudence.

Kevin Allison [25:34]: "You need to get a hold of this desire to run headlong into unknown situations... this could cost your life."

b. Emotional Resilience The episode highlights the spectrum of emotions experienced during crises—fear, gratitude, anger, and self-reflection—and how they shape one's response to danger.

Greg [20:32]: "I'm going to live, I'm going to see my family. Everything is like, everything is great."

c. Storytelling as Catharsis Both Kevin and Scott reflect on how sharing such stories not only entertains but also serves as a means of processing and learning from past mistakes.

Kevin Allison [38:04]: "It's just so funny that he was, like, intent on it being a glacier, which sounds far worse even than a mountain."

6. Conclusion

Timestamp: [43:08 – 50:39]

Kevin Allison and Scott Johnson wrap up the episode by praising Scott's storytelling prowess and Greg's candid recounting of his ordeal. They encourage listeners to share remarkable stories for future "Risk Reacts" episodes and reflect on the shared human experiences that make such narratives compelling.

Kevin Allison [49:25]: "You do such an incredible job of getting such stories that make you feel like you're really there along with them experiencing it."

The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to engage with the podcast through comments and social media, fostering a community around shared stories of risk and resilience.

Kevin Allison [50:36]: "Let us know what you think... Let us know the story title and who the storyteller is, but don't spoil it."

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin Allison [00:00]: "I think I'm drowning. I think this is it."

• Greg [05:50]: "I was miserable... So I decided to rent a car, get up early, drive to the glacier, and climb it."

• Greg [13:11]: "I just fell about 30ft down into this crevasse."

• Greg [17:16]: "I prayed to God to help me out, which I found kind of... momentary comic relief."

• Kevin Allison [30:37]: "I have that ADHD tendency to take a very risky opportunity to just leap into something without having thought it through."

• Scott Johnson [33:04]: "He was just full of confidence. Misplaced confidence, unfortunately."

• Kevin Allison [38:04]: "It's just so funny that he was, like, intent on it being a glacier, which sounds far worse even than a mountain."

Final Thoughts: "Gregg Fell into a Crevasse: RISK! Reacts" is a gripping episode that intertwines a thrilling survival story with introspective discussions on human behavior, risk-taking, and the art of storytelling. Through Greg's experience and the hosts' reflections, listeners gain valuable insights into the fine line between bravery and recklessness, underscored by the universal quest for meaning and adventure.