Podcast Summary: RISK! - "Love and War"

Release Date: May 6, 2025

Introduction

In the "Love and War" episode of RISK!, host Kevin Allison delves into two profoundly moving and personal stories that intertwine themes of romance, deception, and the turbulent backdrop of military life and the Vietnam War. This episode promises to be a poignant exploration of the complexities of love amidst conflict, offering listeners both heartache and hope through raw, unfiltered storytelling.

Story 1: "What The Blorp?" by Kerry Dougherty

Timestamp: 05:39 - 16:37

Kerry Dougherty shares an intimate and heart-wrenching tale of love, betrayal, and resilience set against the challenging environment of military service. Her story revolves around her relationship with a man she refers to as "Blorpy," a pseudonym she uses to protect his identity.

Meeting Blorpy

Kerry meets Blorpy while working at a honky-tonk steakhouse in Savannah during her college years. Blorpy, a sensitive and handsome Army man preparing to be deployed to Afghanistan, approaches her with genuine interest:

Kerry Dougherty [05:39]: "Hi, I'm Blorpy. I come here a lot. I've always thought you were really pretty, and I was wondering if you would like to get coffee with me tonight."

Initially, Kerry is hesitant due to Blorpy's impending deployment, but they connect over shared interests, including a love for Sheryl Crow and laser tag. Their relationship blossoms as they navigate the uncertainties of military life together.

The First Bombshell

After eight months of a seemingly strong relationship, Blorpy drops a devastating reveal:

Kerry Dougherty [08:45]: "I just found out that I have to go back to Afghanistan for a year. I'm going to tell them I'm gay."

Blorpy confesses that he plans to fabricate his sexuality to avoid another deployment, a decision that deeply hurts Kerry, leaving her feeling betrayed and abandoned just as their relationship was solidifying.

The Aftermath

Kerry receives shocking news from Shmurpy, Blorpy's friend on the base:

Shmurpy [14:50]: "Blorpy isn't living with me. He moved back to Alabama to be with his wife and daughter. He was still married."

This revelation devastates Kerry, leading to an emotional breakdown in her workplace, where her anguish is palpable to everyone around her. Faced with the truth, Kerry contemplates retaliating by exposing Blorpy's deception to the military authorities, risking his career and potentially his freedom.

A Path to Healing

Before she can act on her anger, Kerry's mother intervenes, urging her to forgive and move forward. Choosing not to pursue revenge, Kerry eventually reconnects with Blorpy, only to be met with further deceit when he reaches out for financial help. Rejecting his attempts to exploit their past, Kerry channels her pain into adopting a puppy, finding solace and unconditional love in her new furry companion, Lou.

Kerry Dougherty [15:55]: "I went to a humane society and I took that dirty, dirty revenge money and adopted a three-month-old little mutt puppy. And her name is Lou and she is now 8 years old and to this day she is the best love I've ever had."

Insights and Conclusions: Kerry's story underscores the impact of deception in personal relationships, especially when compounded by external pressures like military obligations. Her journey from love to betrayal and finally to healing illustrates the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding new sources of love and companionship in the aftermath of heartbreak.

Story 2: "Luck of the Draw" by Jim Stevens

Timestamp: 22:59 - 37:38

Jim Stevens recounts his harrowing experience during the Vietnam War draft era, highlighting the sudden and life-altering impact of being drafted despite his initial avoidance strategies.

The Draft Lottery

Working at a liquor store during the peak of the Vietnam War, Jim is engrossed in the draft lottery process. Born on July 25, 1951, his chances of being drafted were slim, as his birthdate was towards the end of the draft pool:

Jim Stevens [24:30]: "I watched until 275. There's no way I'm getting drafted. But, you're number three."

Despite his expectations, Jim's draft number is pulled early, thrusting him into the realities of conscription and war.

A Fractured Relationship with His Father

Jim's relationship with his father, a decorated Navy captain and staunch Republican, is strained. His father's absence during Jim's formative years leaves Jim directionless, indulging in rebellious behavior without guidance. The draft notification deepens this rift, exposing the generational and ideological divides between them.

Facing the Reality of War

As Jim confronts the possibility of being sent to Vietnam, he grapples with the moral and personal implications of war. Witnessing friends suffer severely—losing limbs, battling addiction, or enduring psychological trauma—amplifies his fear and uncertainty about his own future.

A Defining Conversation

On Christmas Eve, Jim has a pivotal conversation with his father, where both express their stances:

Jim Stevens [35:10]: "I'm not going to Vietnam. I don't know how I'm going to get out of it, but I'm not going. I'm not going to kill anybody and I'm not going to risk my life for no good reason whatsoever."

This moment marks a turning point, fostering mutual respect and understanding between father and son, and reshaping their relationship into one of friendship and support.

Graduation and Peace

Jim graduates from college just as the Selective Service draft ends, allowing him to avoid military deployment. Reflecting on his journey, he muses on the cyclical nature of conflict and the importance of personal decisions in shaping one's destiny.

Jim Stevens [36:43]: "When losses and wounds are grievous... Enough fire goes out."

Insights and Conclusions: Jim's narrative delves into the personal turmoil of facing conscription during a controversial war, illustrating the societal and familial tensions that arise in such contexts. His story highlights the significance of personal agency, the transformative power of open communication, and the enduring impact of pivotal life decisions.

Conclusion

The "Love and War" episode of RISK! masterfully interweaves personal stories set against the larger backdrop of military conflict and societal unrest. Through Kerry Dougherty and Jim Stevens' compelling narratives, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between love, duty, and personal integrity. These stories serve as powerful reminders of the resilience required to navigate life's unexpected challenges and the enduring quest for connection and meaning amidst chaos.

For more captivating stories and to experience live shows, visit risk-show.com.