RISK! – Live from Brown/RISD

Podcast: RISK!
Host: Kevin Allison
Date: February 19, 2026
Episode Theme: College students from Brown University and RISD share true stories of risk, vulnerability, and personal transformation.

Episode Overview

This special live episode of RISK! was recorded on the campuses of Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Host Kevin Allison introduces a series of student storytellers who share jaw-dropping, intimate, and emotional stories that encapsulate the core spirit of the show: confronting fears, crossing boundaries, and telling the raw truth.

Kevin gives context about the tradition of college campus shows and highlights the unique bravery of young storytellers—a group unafraid to examine their messy, formative years in front of a live audience.

Key Stories & Segments

1. David Jacobs – “Over the Limit”

Timestamps: [06:48]–[22:42]
Speaker: David Jacobs (Brown Storytellers)

Summary:
David describes the two extremes of his childhood persona: the obedient "30 mile an hour David" and the reckless, explosive "90 mile an hour David." Through a series of vignettes—threatening a peer over library noise, angrily writing an expletive-laden note in second grade, and intimidating a new student out of jealousy—David examines his struggles with temper and self-identity. Facing the consequences of his actions, he reflects on shame, empathy, and the impact of his unchecked rage.

Key Moments & Quotes:

• On dual personalities:
  “There was 30 mile an hour David Jacobs... but then, there was also 90 mile an hour David.” [06:48]
• Kindergarten “library” incident:
  “Scott, shut up or I’ll shove this pencil down your throat.” [07:49]
• Therapist’s advice skepticism:
  “Even at this second-grade age, I knew that this was the biggest bullshit I’d ever heard.” [10:17]
• Confronting the consequences:
  “It was the first time in my life where I was truly embarrassed to be in my own skin. And I could think of no words to defend my actions. That was my mistake.” [22:35]

2. Hanya Ansari – “Street Smarts”

Timestamps: [25:48]–[34:17]
Speaker: Hanya Ansari (RISD student)

Summary:
Hanya recounts a harrowing attempted robbery in her native Karachi. Held at gunpoint in a car, with nothing of material value to offer, she presents her expensive calculator to the assailant, who scoffs at it. In a surprising turn, the gunman asks her to teach him how to use it. An impromptu math and technology lesson briefly bridges the gap between criminal and victim, revealing humanity and a shared desire for knowledge even in danger.

Key Moments & Quotes:

• On survival lessons:
  “One thing that [my uncle] always told me was that you should always have something to give... it’s almost worse if you don’t.” [26:45]
• The surreal moment:
  “He slowly removed the gun from my head... then he turned to me and he said, ‘Teach me how to use this.’” [32:13]
• Empathy and change:
  “Him getting this calculator as a gift from me rather than something that he stole might mean something different.” [33:49]

3. Daisy – Untitled (Polyamorous Love Story)

Timestamps: [34:41]–[46:50]
Speaker: Daisy (RISD student)

Summary:
Daisy shares the emotional rollercoaster of falling into a loving and complex relationship with a couple, Lucy and Forrest. What starts as a thrilling threesome evolves into deep trust, mutual support, and secret-keeping, but is eventually tested by the realities of graduation and impending change. Daisy unpacks themes of stability, vulnerability, and the unique pain and beauty of being the linchpin in someone else’s love story.

Key Moments & Quotes:

• On realizing something deeper:
  “I needed this, because this came at a time when… stability isn’t something I’m really used to… and they did. And they were so good to me… I really started falling in love with the two of them.” [39:18]
• On holding secrets:
  “I became the keeper of these secrets, these secrets of love. I don’t think many people get to experience that.” [42:23]
• The emotional linchpin:
  “This was the one moment that me being the medium of love between them had its biggest significance, because I held her and I… told her, look, all the work he does is for you.” [44:41]
• On letting go:
  “I pulled away from the sex after that. I didn’t want them to fear that I would ever hurt them, because I really wanted them to be together.” [45:17]

Notable Musical Interludes

• Toad the Wet Sprocket – "New Constellation" [23:25]
• Jules Larson and AG – “While We’re Young” [46:47, outro]

Additional Memorable Quotes

• Kevin Allison on campus storytelling:
  “College kids are so… well, they take so many risks and really examine the lives that they're leading.” [04:16]

• David Jacobs’ self-awareness:
  “I'm about as physically intimidating as an Easy-Bake Oven. You could burn yourself maybe a little bit, but that would be the end of the encounter.” [22:26]

Segment Timestamps

• [06:48] – David Jacobs: Over the Limit
• [25:48] – Hanya Ansari: Street Smarts
• [34:41] – Daisy: Polyamorous Love Story
• [46:47] – Closing musical number and final remarks

Takeaways

This episode highlights the intersection of youthful identity, risk, and the search for belonging. Each story is a testament to the intensity and unpredictability of young adulthood. The storytellers move through the shame of past behaviors, the terror and grace found in moments of violence, and the bittersweet beauty of love that refuses easy definition.

Kevin’s closing words sum up the ethos of RISK!:
"Well, with all that said, folks, today's the day. Take a risk." [47:47]

For listeners new to RISK!, this is college storytelling at its rawest, sparkling with humor, pain, honesty, and, above all, courage.