RISK! Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Not in Hiding Anymore
Date: December 2, 2025
Host: Kevin Allison

Episode Overview

This episode of RISK! centers on the theme of coming out of hiding—choosing vulnerability, honesty, and self-acceptance after a period of shame, pain, or concealment. Host Kevin Allison introduces two true stories: one from Mira Rivera, a participant in one of his online storytelling workshops, and the other from returning storyteller Rachel Ann Warren. Both stories dive deep into raw, rarely discussed aspects of healing: sexual reinvention after divorce and grief (Mira), and overcoming the shame and secrecy of female hair loss (Rachel). The episode is a powerful testament to the community and catharsis possible when people dare to tell their hidden truths.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Kevin Allison’s Introduction

[02:55–08:49]

Kevin shares his excitement about the popularity of RISK!’s online storytelling workshops, emphasizing their diversity and the supportive environment they create.
He introduces the experimental segment—a story recorded (with permission) during a workshop’s Zoom session, showcasing the authentic, safe spaces these gatherings offer.
Notable quote:

"We're creating this especially supportive and caring, positive place where people can improvise, people can share a lot or just a little. People can tell any kind of story, you know, even if you're not quite sure something is by definition a story, you can share it."
—Kevin Allison [06:30]

2. Story #1: “Sexual Healing” by Mira Rivera

[08:49–24:20]

Highlights & Structure

Post-Divorce Despair: Mira’s husband leaves her after 10 years, claiming he’s no longer attracted to her. She is already struggling with her self-image after a miscarriage and fertility issues.
- Quote:
  
  “I wasn't attracted to me either... I left that Denny’s just feeling gut punched and hoping, you know, perhaps there could be a sign of some sort that I could be desirable.”
  —Mira Rivera [09:07–09:30]
Dating App Adventures: Mira rediscovers the dating world via apps, seeking short-term ego boosts but also feeling the sting of rejection and loneliness.
The “Expiration Dating” Fling: She swipes right on a visiting New Yorker. Despite a rocky, awkward start, their brief connection is electric and transformative.
- Humor and Healing: Physical chemistry with her new partner turns into an unexpected path to self-acceptance and healing.
- Memorable comedic moment:
  
  “At one point, I was like, oh, my God. It's like, you're. You're fracking my vagina. Like, what is happening? And then that sent us both into hysterics... ‘I'm gonna thrash your coastline.’ ‘Yeah, you're ruining my whole ecosystem.’”
  —Mira Rivera [16:43–17:11]
Transformation: Mira describes the experience as not just sexual but existential healing, fundamentally different from her marriage. It helped her recover self-love and shake off inherited shame.
- Quote:
  
  "Sometimes healing doesn't come from therapy or from having, like, a closure talk. Sometimes it's just like you're writing some stuff down in an Airbnb and your legs are still shaking and you're relaxed, but you're lighter."
  —Mira Rivera [23:30]
Aftermath: What started as a chance encounter grew into a two-year affair and ongoing creative support for each other.

Notable Timestamps & Moments

[09:07] The gut punch of divorce and self-esteem collapse.
[12:45] Swiping right on the “hot New Yorker”—the beginning of the adventure.
[14:30] Describing the hike and the socially awkward energy.
[17:11] The comic riff about “fracking” as dirty talk.
[18:30] Reflections on her sense of desirability as a plus-size woman.
[21:40] The realization of how much sexual healing she was receiving.

3. Story #2: “Stranded” by Rachel Ann Warren

[30:45–47:21]

Highlights & Structure

The Breaking Point: Rachel confronts herself—and her partner—about her hair loss, which she’d been hiding for years behind wigs and hats.
- Quote:
  
  “It’s because of my hair, isn't it? The reason you’re leaving me is because of my hair.”
  —Rachel Ann Warren [30:51]
Origin of Shame: Her hair began falling out at 19, amid family losses and trauma. She internalized shame—believing if she could just “fix it,” her life would be okay.
The Performer’s Mask: Rachel adapted by creating elaborate drag wigs and costumes for the stage, but lived in fear of being exposed in daily life. Alcohol became her coping mechanism.
A Moment of Reckoning: An incident at Camden Yards—panicking because she couldn’t remove her hat for the national anthem—shows the everyday terror and isolation of living with visible hair loss.
Sobriety and Acceptance: Stop drinking leads Rachel to face the mirror, literally and metaphorically, for the first time.
- Quote:
  
  “I took my hat off in front of a mirror... I had to decide that I was worth it. Worth what? I don't know. But I had to be worth something. And I knew that my hair wasn't going to change, it wasn't going to get better. But I had to get past this thing that was eating me alive.”
  —Rachel Ann Warren [38:35]
Learning Wig Making: Rachel teaches herself to construct realistic wigs—one hair at a time—as an act of reclaiming control and self-worth.
- The journey from costume wigs to professional wig making parallels her path from shame to empowerment.
Helping Others: Rachel’s wig shop has served thousands, including clients facing hair loss at end of life. Her empathy comes from lived experience—she meets clients where they are, acknowledging the reality of their pain and helping them reclaim some peace and dignity.
- Quote:
  
  “When someone comes to see me, I don't pretend that they don't have a problem. I don't pretend that it's no big deal. I didn't notice. I tell them, I see your problem. I have the same problem. I've worked really hard to figure out how to fix it. And I want to help you.”
  —Rachel Ann Warren [46:55]

Notable Timestamps & Moments

[31:00] Rachel’s “mirror confrontation” with her then-boyfriend.
[33:45] The revelation of shame when seeing photos as a singer.
[36:30] The Camden Yards panic moment—what daily life with shame feels like.
[38:35] Choosing worthiness and the start of sobriety.
[43:00] Discovering wig making as a new calling.
[45:10] The story of the funeral wig and helping others reclaim themselves.

Notable Quotes & Moments

Kevin Allison [03:30]:

“If you're afraid that you might be too new, if you're afraid you might be the only person of your race or gender identity or socioeconomic background in the workshop. That's something we can talk about... we're creating this especially supportive and caring, positive place.”
Mira Rivera [16:43]:

“It's like, you're fracking my vagina. Like, what is happening?... ‘I'm gonna thrash your coastline.’ ‘Yeah, you're ruining my whole ecosystem.’”
Rachel Ann Warren [46:55]:

“When someone comes to see me, I don't pretend that they don't have a problem. I don't pretend that it's no big deal. I didn't notice. I tell them, I see your problem. I have the same problem. I've worked really hard to figure out how to fix it. And I want to help you.”

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode balances humor and heartbreak, with both storytellers using wit and vivid, unfiltered details to trace their journeys from isolation to acceptance. Kevin’s hosting style is warm, affirming, and deeply invested in community building. The episode resonates with listeners who may be carrying their own hidden wounds, offering solidarity and a blueprint for finding healing in unexpected places.

Key Takeaways

Healing can look different for everyone: Sometimes it’s a wild night of sexual discovery, sometimes it’s a small physical act of self-acceptance.
Community and sharing are powerful tools: Both stories underscore the necessity of safe spaces—be they a workshop or a wig shop—where honesty isn’t punished but celebrated.
Owning the truth is the biggest risk and greatest liberation: These stories aren’t about overcoming what’s “wrong,” but about living fully and authentically in the face of what hurts.

Additional Resources

Rachel Ann Warren’s wig company: @FrederickWigCo (Instagram)
For info on RISK! workshops or to reach Kevin: kevin@risk-show.com

End of Summary

RISK! Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Not in Hiding Anymore
Date: December 2, 2025
Host: Kevin Allison

Episode Overview

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Kevin Allison’s Introduction

[02:55–08:49]

Kevin shares his excitement about the popularity of RISK!’s online storytelling workshops, emphasizing their diversity and the supportive environment they create.
He introduces the experimental segment—a story recorded (with permission) during a workshop’s Zoom session, showcasing the authentic, safe spaces these gatherings offer.
Notable quote:

"We're creating this especially supportive and caring, positive place where people can improvise, people can share a lot or just a little. People can tell any kind of story, you know, even if you're not quite sure something is by definition a story, you can share it."
—Kevin Allison [06:30]

2. Story #1: “Sexual Healing” by Mira Rivera

[08:49–24:20]

Highlights & Structure

Post-Divorce Despair: Mira’s husband leaves her after 10 years, claiming he’s no longer attracted to her. She is already struggling with her self-image after a miscarriage and fertility issues.
- Quote:
  
  “I wasn't attracted to me either... I left that Denny’s just feeling gut punched and hoping, you know, perhaps there could be a sign of some sort that I could be desirable.”
  —Mira Rivera [09:07–09:30]
Dating App Adventures: Mira rediscovers the dating world via apps, seeking short-term ego boosts but also feeling the sting of rejection and loneliness.
The “Expiration Dating” Fling: She swipes right on a visiting New Yorker. Despite a rocky, awkward start, their brief connection is electric and transformative.
- Humor and Healing: Physical chemistry with her new partner turns into an unexpected path to self-acceptance and healing.
- Memorable comedic moment:
  
  “At one point, I was like, oh, my God. It's like, you're. You're fracking my vagina. Like, what is happening? And then that sent us both into hysterics... ‘I'm gonna thrash your coastline.’ ‘Yeah, you're ruining my whole ecosystem.’”
  —Mira Rivera [16:43–17:11]
Transformation: Mira describes the experience as not just sexual but existential healing, fundamentally different from her marriage. It helped her recover self-love and shake off inherited shame.
- Quote:
  
  "Sometimes healing doesn't come from therapy or from having, like, a closure talk. Sometimes it's just like you're writing some stuff down in an Airbnb and your legs are still shaking and you're relaxed, but you're lighter."
  —Mira Rivera [23:30]
Aftermath: What started as a chance encounter grew into a two-year affair and ongoing creative support for each other.

Notable Timestamps & Moments

[09:07] The gut punch of divorce and self-esteem collapse.
[12:45] Swiping right on the “hot New Yorker”—the beginning of the adventure.
[14:30] Describing the hike and the socially awkward energy.
[17:11] The comic riff about “fracking” as dirty talk.
[18:30] Reflections on her sense of desirability as a plus-size woman.
[21:40] The realization of how much sexual healing she was receiving.

3. Story #2: “Stranded” by Rachel Ann Warren

[30:45–47:21]

Highlights & Structure

The Breaking Point: Rachel confronts herself—and her partner—about her hair loss, which she’d been hiding for years behind wigs and hats.
- Quote:
  
  “It’s because of my hair, isn't it? The reason you’re leaving me is because of my hair.”
  —Rachel Ann Warren [30:51]
Origin of Shame: Her hair began falling out at 19, amid family losses and trauma. She internalized shame—believing if she could just “fix it,” her life would be okay.
The Performer’s Mask: Rachel adapted by creating elaborate drag wigs and costumes for the stage, but lived in fear of being exposed in daily life. Alcohol became her coping mechanism.
A Moment of Reckoning: An incident at Camden Yards—panicking because she couldn’t remove her hat for the national anthem—shows the everyday terror and isolation of living with visible hair loss.
Sobriety and Acceptance: Stop drinking leads Rachel to face the mirror, literally and metaphorically, for the first time.
- Quote:
  
  “I took my hat off in front of a mirror... I had to decide that I was worth it. Worth what? I don't know. But I had to be worth something. And I knew that my hair wasn't going to change, it wasn't going to get better. But I had to get past this thing that was eating me alive.”
  —Rachel Ann Warren [38:35]
Learning Wig Making: Rachel teaches herself to construct realistic wigs—one hair at a time—as an act of reclaiming control and self-worth.
- The journey from costume wigs to professional wig making parallels her path from shame to empowerment.
Helping Others: Rachel’s wig shop has served thousands, including clients facing hair loss at end of life. Her empathy comes from lived experience—she meets clients where they are, acknowledging the reality of their pain and helping them reclaim some peace and dignity.
- Quote:
  
  “When someone comes to see me, I don't pretend that they don't have a problem. I don't pretend that it's no big deal. I didn't notice. I tell them, I see your problem. I have the same problem. I've worked really hard to figure out how to fix it. And I want to help you.”
  —Rachel Ann Warren [46:55]

Notable Timestamps & Moments

[31:00] Rachel’s “mirror confrontation” with her then-boyfriend.
[33:45] The revelation of shame when seeing photos as a singer.
[36:30] The Camden Yards panic moment—what daily life with shame feels like.
[38:35] Choosing worthiness and the start of sobriety.
[43:00] Discovering wig making as a new calling.
[45:10] The story of the funeral wig and helping others reclaim themselves.

Notable Quotes & Moments

Kevin Allison [03:30]:

“If you're afraid that you might be too new, if you're afraid you might be the only person of your race or gender identity or socioeconomic background in the workshop. That's something we can talk about... we're creating this especially supportive and caring, positive place.”
Mira Rivera [16:43]:

“It's like, you're fracking my vagina. Like, what is happening?... ‘I'm gonna thrash your coastline.’ ‘Yeah, you're ruining my whole ecosystem.’”
Rachel Ann Warren [46:55]:

“When someone comes to see me, I don't pretend that they don't have a problem. I don't pretend that it's no big deal. I didn't notice. I tell them, I see your problem. I have the same problem. I've worked really hard to figure out how to fix it. And I want to help you.”

Tone & Atmosphere

Key Takeaways

Healing can look different for everyone: Sometimes it’s a wild night of sexual discovery, sometimes it’s a small physical act of self-acceptance.
Community and sharing are powerful tools: Both stories underscore the necessity of safe spaces—be they a workshop or a wig shop—where honesty isn’t punished but celebrated.
Owning the truth is the biggest risk and greatest liberation: These stories aren’t about overcoming what’s “wrong,” but about living fully and authentically in the face of what hurts.

Additional Resources

Rachel Ann Warren’s wig company: @FrederickWigCo (Instagram)
For info on RISK! workshops or to reach Kevin: kevin@risk-show.com

End of Summary

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Not in Hiding Anymore

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Summary

RISK! Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Kevin Allison’s Introduction

2. Story #1: “Sexual Healing” by Mira Rivera

Highlights & Structure

Notable Timestamps & Moments

3. Story #2: “Stranded” by Rachel Ann Warren

Highlights & Structure

Notable Timestamps & Moments

Notable Quotes & Moments

Tone & Atmosphere

Key Takeaways

Additional Resources

Summary

RISK! Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Kevin Allison’s Introduction

2. Story #1: “Sexual Healing” by Mira Rivera

Highlights & Structure

Notable Timestamps & Moments

3. Story #2: “Stranded” by Rachel Ann Warren

Highlights & Structure

Notable Timestamps & Moments

Notable Quotes & Moments

Tone & Atmosphere

Key Takeaways

Additional Resources