Podcast Summary: RISK! Episode – "Losing It"

Release Date: May 27, 2025
Host: Kevin Allison
Episode Title: Losing It

Introduction

In the latest episode of RISK!, titled "Losing It", host Kevin Allison invites listeners to delve into two deeply personal and transformative true stories. The episode promises a blend of humor, heartache, and raw honesty, staying true to RISK!'s reputation for uncensored and jaw-dropping storytelling.

Frank Traynor: "Achilles Cake" [07:06 – 14:57]

Frank Traynor opens the episode with his poignant tale, "Achilles Cake", recounting a childhood experience that left a lasting impact on him.

Summary: Frank reminisces about his best friend, Mariano Bernardi, in Argentina, drawing parallels to the iconic friendship of Bart Simpson and Milhouse from The Simpsons (Frank mentions: "Basically, we became friends at the age of four when we met. I asked him, do you have a best friend already? I've been looking for someone to boss me around, and that's how our friendship was born." [07:14]). Mariano, portrayed as the quintessential prankster, repeatedly sabotages Frank's cherished tradition—his 10th and 11th birthdays.

Each year, Frank's birthday is meticulously celebrated with a soccer-themed cake, symbolizing his love for the sport and the significance of the day to him. However, Mariano disrupts this celebration by mischievously altering the Spanish word for "happy" (feliz) during the birthday song, causing chaos as he blows out Frank's candles [08:55]. This act, while seemingly innocent, triggers a profound sense of insecurity and anger in Frank, highlighting his need for validation and the emotional turmoil stemming from Mariano's relentless pranks.

The culmination of these recurring disruptions leads to an explosive confrontation. Frank's inability to contain his frustration results in him destroying the birthday cake, an act that haunts him for years [12:02]. Despite Mariano's eventual digital redemption attempt—uploading the embarrassing video of the ruined birthday—it fails to resonate with Frank, leaving him grappling with lingering insecurities.

Notable Quotes:

• "Your mouth's saying one thing, but those eyes are saying something else." – Kevin Allison [01:20]
• "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to." – Frank Traynor [13:11]
• "I never found it funny at all." – Frank Traynor reflecting on the viral video [11:19]

Insights: Frank's story delves into themes of friendship, the quest for personal validation, and the long-term effects of childhood experiences on adult self-esteem. It underscores the delicate balance between playful teasing and emotional harm, illustrating how seemingly minor acts can leave enduring scars.

Jonathan Bradley Welch: "Who Likes Tacos?" [19:38 – 40:57]

Jonathan Bradley Welch takes the stage with his evocative narrative, "Who Likes Tacos?", a tale of identity, friendship, and unexpected turmoil.

Summary: Jonathan recounts a pivotal moment from his youth when he navigates the complexities of being a closeted gay teenager in the year 2000. Invited to visit Southern Vermont College in Bennington, Vermont, he embarks on a weekend trip with his best friend, Alex, and her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Lars.

The journey turns tumultuous as Lars, characterized as the quintessential straight, popular guy, disrupts the trip with his incessant talking and reckless behavior. Jonathan describes Lars as "a total jackoff" whose presence becomes increasingly unbearable [25:45]. The tension culminates in a devastating car crash caused by Lars smoking heavily, leading to a shattered wheel and a sense of utter helplessness.

Stranded in a desolate Vermont town with no immediate help, Jonathan faces a severe panic attack, exacerbated by feelings of isolation and fear. The situation forces him to confront his anxieties and the fragility of his carefully guarded identity. In the aftermath, Jonathan and Alex sever ties with Lars definitively, symbolizing a critical step towards self-acceptance and autonomy.

The story reaches its emotional peak when, years later, Jonathan reconnects with Alex to reflect on the incident. Although Lars briefly reappears, the damage is irrevocable, paving the way for Jonathan to embrace his true self and pursue a life that aligns with his authentic identity [33:13].

Notable Quotes:

• "I don't have any money. We don't have cell phones. It's the year 2000 and I'm a twink and I'm alone and I don't know what to do. And it's called Lars." – Jonathan Bradley Welch [00:05]
• "I am not enjoying myself, Lars." – Jonathan Bradley Welch during the confrontation [28:30]
• "You have to challenge them completely." – GM advertisement snippet [02:54] (Note: This quote is part of an advertisement and not directly related to the story.)

Insights: Jonathan's narrative explores the struggle of maintaining one's identity in the face of external pressures and societal expectations. It highlights the importance of supportive friendships and the courage required to break free from toxic influences. The story serves as a testament to personal growth and the resilience needed to overcome deeply ingrained fears.

Host's Closing Remarks

Kevin Allison wraps up the episode by reflecting on the profound stories shared by Frank and Jonathan. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and the courage it takes to share such intimate experiences. Allison also updates listeners on upcoming live shows, Patreon offerings, and coaching sessions, encouraging continued support for the RISK! community.

Notable Quotes:

• "Today's the day. Take a risk." – Kevin Allison [40:57]

Conclusion

"Losing It" is a compelling episode that masterfully intertwines humor with heartfelt vulnerability. Through Frank Traynor's and Jonathan Bradley Welch's stories, listeners are invited to reflect on the complexities of friendship, identity, and personal growth. Kevin Allison's empathetic hosting ties these narratives together, creating an engaging and thought-provoking experience that resonates long after the episode concludes.

Find More:

• RISK! Live Shows: Dates and locations include Washington, D.C. on June 7th, Philadelphia on June 19th, and New York on June 26th. Tickets available at risk-show.com/live.

• Support RISK!: Become a patron at patreon.com/risk or make a one-time donation at PayPal me riskshow.

• Follow Guests:

  • Frank Traynor: franktrainer.com
  • Jonathan Bradley Welch: Instagram – @jonathanb.welch

• Coaching Sessions: Available at kevinalison.com.

Thank you for listening to RISK! Stay tuned for more fearless storytelling.