Podcast Summary: RISK! – Episode "Overcoming" (November 5, 2024)
RISK! is renowned for its raw and unfiltered true stories, much like The Moth or This American Life. Hosted by Kevin Allison, this particular episode titled “Overcoming” delves deep into tales of resilience, hope, and the human spirit's capacity to triumph over adversity. Released on November 5, 2024, the episode features two compelling stories that epitomize the theme of overcoming personal and systemic challenges.
Introduction: Embracing Hope Amidst Turmoil
Kevin Allison sets the tone for the episode with a heartfelt monologue reflecting on the national climate during the 2024 election. He shares his personal struggles with anxiety and depression, emphasizing the importance of maintaining hope and compassion in turbulent times. Allison underscores the episode’s theme by stating:
“We can be the change we want to see in the world, and to do that we must hold fast to Hope and faith and love.” [03:31]
He introduces the episode as a collection of stories about being there for one another and staying hopeful, setting the stage for the profound narratives to follow.
Story 1: Mark Sam Rosenthal – "Back it Up and Get a Running Start" [08:30 – 24:22]
Mark Sam Rosenthal recounts a harrowing adventure from 2002 that tested his friendship and survival instincts. Hiking with his best friend Coco and her six-year-old daughter in the Sierra Nevada mountains, they faced a life-threatening situation when the child slipped into a ravine.
Key Highlights:
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The Incident: Rosenthal describes the terrifying moment the child fell, emphasizing the visceral fear experienced:
“There's no sound more terrifying than the scream of a child combined with tumbling rocks and sliding earth.” [00:23]
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The Friendship: He paints a vivid picture of his friendship with Coco, highlighting their shared love for music and the recurring theme of disaster during their travels. This bond becomes crucial in their survival.
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Stranded in Snow: Their Chevy Malibu, humorously nicknamed "uta," gets stuck in an unexpected snow patch on a remote mountain road. Without cell service or proper equipment, they realize they must walk to find help. Rosenthal poignantly reflects on their lack of provisions:
“Our provisions consisted of a granola bar and a half a bottle of wine, and we walked on that road with our spirits high. Because we are stupid. We are so stupid.” [00:06]
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Encounter with the Past: As dusk falls, they stumble upon a spooky scene of shoes hanging from a spruce tree—a haunting reminder of solitude and danger.
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Overcoming Fear: Despite the growing darkness and uncertainty, their determination drives them forward. Singing “Amazing Grace” becomes a spontaneous act of resilience:
“We were just climbing over a landslide, singing Amazing Grace in the dark, like living proof that faith can guide us through the bleakest moments.” [24:22]
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Rescue and Reflection: A compassionate woman rescues them, leading them to safety. Rosenthal’s emotional recounting culminates at a Denny’s, where he experiences a profound moment of gratitude:
“I cried because I was alive, and I cried because I have a best friend, and I cried because I had a cup of coffee. And those are the two most wonderful things in the whole fucking world.” [24:22]
Mark’s story is a testament to friendship, survival, and the unexpected sources of strength that emerge in dire circumstances.
Story 2: Nisa – "Coming to Terms" [32:04 – 47:19]
Nisa shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming sexual trauma and healing her relationship with her past and her mother. Her story is a poignant exploration of the intersections between personal trauma, familial relationships, and self-acceptance.
Key Highlights:
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Struggle with Sexuality: Nisa opens up about her difficulties with sexual intimacy, stemming from a tumultuous relationship with her mother who was a survivor of repeated sexual violence:
“Sex had been a numbers game to me. Kissing all the frogs to get to my prince of coming.” [32:04]
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Mother’s Influence: She delves into her mother’s traumatic experiences and open discussions about sex, which paradoxically both educated and burdened her:
“My therapist let me know that learning about sex for my mother probably affected my sex life.” [32:04]
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Path to Healing: Through therapy and self-reflection, Nisa confronts her conditioned responses to sex, seeking to redefine her experiences on her own terms.
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Reconciliation and Closure: The tragic decline of her mother due to alcoholism and subsequent death adds layers of grief and unresolved emotions. Nisa portrays this period of her life with raw honesty:
“Seeing the first positive expression my mother made was bittersweet, ending shortly after with her passing.” [45:31]
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Empowerment and Acceptance: Returning to a healthy sexual relationship, Nisa experiences a breakthrough moment where she overcomes her long-standing barriers:
“I felt my mom in the room, and I felt literally like her spirit went through me. And I came.” [45:31]
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Advocacy and Hope: Nisa concludes with her advocacy for women in recovery and the need for systemic change in the justice system, sharing her belief in the inherent goodness of people despite past abuses:
“I believe we're more good than we are bad, and that's why we still exist.” [46:41]
Nisa’s narrative is a powerful illustration of overcoming personal trauma through self-awareness, therapy, and embracing one’s own path to healing.
Host’s Reflections and Closing Thoughts
Kevin Allison ties the episode together by reflecting on the strength displayed in both stories. He emphasizes the importance of community and support systems in overcoming personal and societal challenges. Allison also shares listener feedback, highlighting the positive impact of RISK! on individuals striving to change and grow.
He invites listeners to support the show through Patreon to ensure its continuation, allowing more stories of overcoming to be told. Allison closes with an announcement of upcoming live shows and future content, maintaining the episode’s theme of resilience and hope.
Notable Quotes:
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Mark Sam Rosenthal:
“We walked on that road with our spirits high. Because we are stupid. We are so stupid.” [00:06]
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Mark Sam Rosenthal:
“Sometimes you gotta sit by yourself at the counter at Denny's and cry first.” [24:22]
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Nisa:
“I wasn't having hell yes sex. I was trying everything, and I wanted to experience everything. I wasn't honoring what my body really wanted.” [32:04]
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Nisa:
“Today, I believe we're more good than we are bad, and that's why we still exist.” [46:41]
Conclusion
The "Overcoming" episode of RISK! masterfully intertwines two powerful narratives that embody the essence of resilience. Through Mark Sam Rosenthal’s survival story and Nisa’s journey of healing from trauma, listeners are reminded of the indomitable human spirit and the importance of hope, friendship, and self-acceptance in overcoming life's most daunting challenges. Whether grappling with personal fears or systemic injustices, the stories shared in this episode offer profound insights and inspiration for anyone striving to overcome adversity.