RISK! Podcast Episode Summary: Holiday Stories #3

Release Date: December 26, 2024 | Host: Kevin Allison

Introduction

In this special episode of RISK!, titled "Holiday Stories #3", host Kevin Allison revisits poignant and heartfelt tales originally premiered in December 2015. The episode centers around true stories that delve deep into the complexities of the holiday season, blending humor, emotion, and raw honesty. This installment features two compelling narratives from Mara Wilson and Madison Perry, each offering unique perspectives on family, faith, and personal struggles.

Reconcilable Differences

Speaker: Mara Wilson | Timestamp: [05:47]

Mara Wilson begins her story, "Reconcilable Differences," by reflecting on her childhood aspirations of having a little sister, a wish that came true when her sister Anna was born. The bond between Mara and Anna was profound, filled with joy and sibling camaraderie. However, their lives took a tumultuous turn when their mother passed away from cancer when Mara was eight, fundamentally altering their familial dynamics.

As they navigated through the hardships of losing their mother, Mara recounts how their father remarried a Catholic woman, leading to significant religious and cultural shifts within the family. This change created a rift between the sisters, especially as Mara became an atheist while Anna embraced Catholicism. The tension peaked during the last Christmas Eve before Mara's final year of college when a theological debate erupted between the sisters.

A notable moment occurs when Anna confronts Mara about her belief system:

Mara Wilson (05:47): "And she looked very serious and said, 'What if I could prove it to you?' I said, 'I really don't think you can.'"

This confrontation leads to a strained relationship marked by resentment and misunderstanding, culminating in a deeply emotional experience as they spend Christmas together. Mara describes a poignant scene where Anna, grappling with her faith and their fractured relationship, expresses a desire to bury their beloved dog, Yoko, symbolizing the deeper losses they've endured.

The story reaches its emotional climax as Mara reflects on the enduring love and unspoken bond between the sisters despite their differing beliefs:

Mara Wilson (15:44): "But I don't believe wishes come true anymore. So my sister's beliefs have changed a little in the past few years. She told me that she does believe animals have souls, and she's a vegetarian now. And the thing is, though, that she is still a Christian, she's still a Catholic, I am still an atheist. And her beliefs might change and my beliefs might change, but I don't think we will ever stop trying to save each other."

The Exorcist

Speaker: Madison Perry | Timestamp: [28:57]

Madison Perry shares her story, "The Exorcist," which intertwines health crises and supernatural folklore against the backdrop of the holiday season. Weeks before Christmas, Madison experiences a sudden medical issue—a painful and swollen salivary gland infection. Despite initial reassurances from her doctor, her condition worsens, leading to hospitalization in an intensive cancer ward.

Her hospitalization story is marked by the challenging presence of an elderly patient, Betty Smoke, whose battles with advanced liver cancer create a tense and unsettling environment. Madison describes the emotional toll of being in a cancer ward, emphasizing the loneliness and fear that pervades the space:

Madison Perry (15:44): "Plus, everyone thinks you have cancer. So you have to constantly tell everyone, kind of apologetically, 'Oh, by the way, I don't have cancer,' so that's kind of awkward."

As Madison's own health stabilizes, her interactions with Betty reveal a deep sense of empathy and resilience. The narrative takes a surreal turn when Madison encounters a group of firemen dressed as Santa, delivering a humble candy cane amidst her turmoil, symbolizing unexpected moments of kindness and warmth during dark times.

However, the story reaches its supernatural vein during a turning point at a local party hosted by friends aiming to cheer up one of their own. The friend's unreciprocated love for an ex-girlfriend, Jackie, leads to a desperate and humorous attempt to perform an exorcism using a 72-ounce Big Gulp cup filled with tap water. Madison recounts the chaotic yet heartfelt effort to save her friend's emotional well-being:

Madison Perry (37:29): "There was a moment of calm after that as everyone's like, 'What the fuck just happened?' And she doesn't start smoking or melting or turning into a dragon, but she does that thing like little kids do when they skin a knee, but they need a beat to, like, prepare to scream."

The exorcism attempt, though unconventional and met with skepticism, inadvertently helps the friend break free from his emotional bondage, highlighting the power of friendship and collective effort during challenging times.

Madison concludes her story by reflecting on the symbolic nature of their actions and the lasting impact of their supportive relationships:

Madison Perry (37:29): "He's really appreciated it. And that's how I cured my friend of his heartache in the holidays. Thanks."

Closing Thoughts

Kevin Allison wraps up the episode by emphasizing the significance of storytelling, especially during the holiday season when emotions and memories are particularly heightened. He encourages listeners to engage with the stories and share their own experiences, fostering a sense of community and understanding.

The episode also features brief mentions of other stories and upcoming content, maintaining the show's tradition of blending humor with heartfelt narratives.

Key Takeaways

• Family and Faith: Mara Wilson's story underscores the complexities that differing belief systems can impose on sibling relationships, especially within the context of loss and change.

• Friendship and Support: Madison Perry highlights the lengths friends will go to support each other, even resorting to unconventional methods during emotional crises.

• Holiday Emotions: Both stories capture the multifaceted emotions that the holiday season can evoke, ranging from joy and togetherness to loneliness and confrontation.

Notable Quotes

• Mara Wilson:

  "But I don't believe wishes come true anymore. So my sister's beliefs have changed a little in the past few years."
  [15:44]

• Madison Perry:

  "He's really appreciated it. And that's how I cured my friend of his heartache in the holidays."
  [37:29]

Conclusion

Holiday Stories #3 is a testament to the power of storytelling in navigating personal and familial challenges. Through Mara Wilson and Madison Perry’s narratives, listeners are invited to explore the depths of human emotion, the strength found in relationships, and the enduring spirit of the holidays. This episode of RISK! continues to honor its mission of sharing daring true stories that resonate with authenticity and heartfelt emotion.