RISK! Podcast Episode Summary: Holiday Stories #2
Release Date: December 19, 2024
Host: Kevin Allison
Introduction: Revisiting Beloved Holiday Narratives
In this special holiday episode of RISK!, host Kevin Allison takes listeners on an emotional journey through some of the most poignant and heart-wrenching true stories shared by the RISK! community. Premiering originally in December 2012, "Holiday Stories #2" delves deep into personal experiences that intertwine the magic and complexities of the holiday season.
Steve Spatucci: "Taking it to the..." [06:14 – 20:53]
A Childhood Crisis of Belief
Steve Spatucci opens the episode with his tumultuous experience as a child grappling with the existence of Santa Claus. At six years old, Steve begins to question the reality of Santa, influenced by his older siblings' dismissive remarks and the adult behaviors he observes.
"I started to come to the conclusion that Santa Claus might not exist." [06:30]
Determined to confront his parents’ portrayal of Santa, Steve devises a plan to expose the myth. Using his access as his father’s department manager at a local department store, he secretly takes apart action figure heads to use as leverage. His encounter with the store's Santa becomes a turning point, leading to a silent and strained family dynamic.
"There was a moment of silence. I remember a few women who worked for my father... my mother looked disgusted." [11:50]
This revelation marks the end of his belief in Santa, leaving a lingering sense of disillusionment during the festive season.
Storyteller: A Diverging Path of Family and Faith [12:40 – 20:53]
Navigating Family Expectations and Personal Identity
Another compelling narrative unfolds as the storyteller reflects on growing up in a traditional, military-influenced family with rigid expectations. As the only member pursuing higher education, the storyteller experiences deep-seated conflicts, particularly highlighted during the "infamous breakfast table incident" when confronting her brothers' offensive language.
"After that incident, we just decided there are certain things that we will not talk about as a family in order to maintain some kind of civility." [18:10]
The story crescendos with a profound moment of connection with her brother Derek, who returns from Afghanistan visibly changed by his experiences. Despite their differences, the siblings find common ground in their shared trauma, reaffirming the unbreakable bond of family amidst personal and ideological divides.
"We just felt everything that will always connect us, no matter what." [19:55]
Elna Baker: "For the Lover Nubbins" [26:22 – 41:08]
A Nightmarish Job at FAO Schwartz
Elna Baker recounts her unsettling tenure as a toy demonstrator at the iconic FAO Schwartz store in New York City. Assigned to promote the eerie "Lee Middleton doll collection," Elna and her colleagues engage in a disturbing routine of simulating adoptions with lifelike, weighted baby dolls named Nubbins.
"Nubbins wasn't up for adoption, he didn't even have an incubator. He was kept in a cupboard, which was so disturbing because he looked realistically dead." [35:10]
The facade of a joyful holiday shopping experience hides a darker reality as Elna narrates the psychological toll of her work environment. The climax of her story reveals the horrifying aftermath of her colleagues' disappearances, leading to a haunting realization of the true cost behind the store's glamorous exterior.
"So I realize that he has just been adopted... I can't let him go to this horrible family." [40:05]
Michelle Carlo: "The Gift" [52:07 – 53:57]
A Silent Sacrifice and Lasting Memory
Though briefly mentioned, Michelle Carlo's story titled "The Gift" is highlighted as a touching account featured in her memoir, Fish out of Agua. It parallels themes of loss, memory, and the enduring impact of personal connections during the holiday season.
"Next week, we will bring you more. This is a song by a band called How to Throw a Christmas Party." [51:25]
Closing Reflections: The Essence of Holiday Stories
Kevin Allison wraps up the episode by underscoring the profound and varied nature of the shared stories. From childhood innocence lost to the deep scars of war and the haunting echoes of past jobs, each narrative offers a unique lens through which to view the complexities of the holidays.
"In this episode, we have several stories from Risk fans who wrote into us... [Christine's story] is truly extraordinary." [02:53]
As the episode concludes with a melodic song, listeners are left contemplative about the often-hidden struggles and triumphs that make the holiday season a time of both joy and introspection.
Notable Quotes:
- "I have never really been kissed on the lips by a boy before. So I just... I float up the five flights of stairs to the apartment." [25:22 – 26:22]
- "So ayy, what do you notice is that she doesn't understand, being told about PTSD right away?" [20:53]
Conclusion
"Holiday Stories #2" of the RISK! podcast masterfully blends humor, sorrow, and raw honesty, offering listeners a heartfelt exploration of personal narratives that resonate deeply during the holiday season. Through Steve Spatucci’s disillusionment with Santa, Elna Baker’s eerie workplace experiences, and Michelle Carlo’s silent sacrifices, the episode encapsulates the multifaceted nature of human experiences during one of the most emotionally charged times of the year.