Podcast Summary: RISK! Episode - "School Days"

Introduction In this poignant episode of RISK!, host Kevin Allison delves into the intricate and often tumultuous experiences of school life, highlighting stories that reveal the profound impact of educational environments on personal growth and moral development. The episode, titled "School Days," features compelling narratives from Diana Medina and Ezra Holmland, each offering unique insights into the challenges and triumphs encountered during their academic journeys.

Diana Medina: The Ferris Wheel Project

[00:05]
Diana Medina, a first-generation Mexican American storyteller, poet, and educator from Los Angeles, shares a heartfelt story about a pivotal moment in her seventh-grade math class. Faced with the challenge of participating in an honors math fair, Diana grapples with feelings of inadequacy and unfamiliarity within her new class environment.

Project Initiation and Challenges
Diana recounts partnering with a classmate, Lillian, to create a Ferris wheel model out of Popsicle sticks. Their initial enthusiasm quickly wanes due to procrastination, leaving them hurriedly assembling their project just a week before the fair.
[00:15]
"I mean, it was going way better than I ever imagined."
This quote captures Diana's surprise at the project's unexpected success despite the rocky start.

A Father's Influence
On a stressful Saturday evening, Diana's father, a carpenter who rarely engages with her academic endeavors, steps in to help refine their Ferris wheel. His hands-on approach and resourcefulness transform their crooked initial model into a functional and impressive display.
[07:00]
"He's not a man of many words, but every time we need something, he's like, '¿Cómo lo quieres?' How do you want it?"
This interaction underscores the deep bond and unspoken support Diana shares with her father, highlighting his role as a silent yet pivotal figure in her life.

Project Success and Lasting Impact
Their meticulously crafted Ferris wheel not only wins first place at the math fair but also earns a place of pride in the school's staff meetings and classrooms. This achievement marks the beginning of a series of creations by her father, each tailored to meet the specific needs of Diana and her siblings, symbolizing his unwavering support and love.
[21:50]
"These days I'm very sad that I live nearby him anymore, but I stay in touch with him by calling him whenever I need help with a DIY project."
Diana reflects on the enduring influence her father's craftsmanship has on her life, even as distance separates them.

Melanie Hamlet: A Bonus Story

[28:07]
As a bonus story available to Patreon supporters, Melanie Hamlet shares an intimate glimpse into her relationship with her father. Balancing humor and vulnerability, Melanie recounts the complexities of being her father's confidante, especially as he navigates his own struggles.
[28:55]
"He's kind of fun when he's drunk. And he'd be like, 'But then like sad dad mode...'"
This candid reflection illustrates the nuanced dynamics of familial relationships and the coping mechanisms employed to maintain connection amidst personal challenges.

Ezra Holmland: Jimmy Side Pocket's Junior Class President

[30:14]
Ezra Holmland takes center stage with his gripping narrative, "Jimmy Side Pocket's Junior Class President." Set in Centennial High School, Portland, Oregon, in 1995, Ezra recounts his tumultuous experience as the junior class president confronting serious misconduct within the school's faculty.

The Unveiling of Misconduct
During his junior year, Ezra discovers troubling rumors about his band teacher, Mr. Dyer, engaging in inappropriate relationships with students. Determined to address the issue, Ezra collaborates with friends to produce an underground newspaper titled "The Goons of Hazzard," under the pseudonym "Jimmy Side Pocket."
[35:49]
"I mean, it was going way better than I ever imagined."
Ezra highlights the overwhelming response and support he receives following the publication of his exposé.

Consequences and Media Frenzy
Aztec's bold move leads to immediate repercussions—school suspension, loss of his class presidency, and an onslaught of media attention. Despite initial frustration with the administration's punitive measures, Ezra's actions eventually contribute to uncovering statutory rape charges against Mr. Dyer, vindicating his stance.
[35:54]
"I didn't tell her that we didn't use any math until after the fact."
This admission reveals Ezra's internal conflict and the complexities of seeking justice while maintaining personal integrity.

Personal Turmoil and Seeking Solace
The relentless media spotlight becomes a source of immense stress for Ezra, leading him to retreat into fishing as a form of escape and healing. This period of introspection underscores the emotional toll of standing up against authority and the importance of finding personal peace amidst chaos.
[50:14]
"I found a place where I was so excited every time I showed up. Like a little kid, just giddy."
Ezra emphasizes the therapeutic role that nature and fishing played in helping him regain balance and perspective.

Moral Reflections
Ezra reflects on his actions and their impact, acknowledging both the positive outcomes and his own ethical shortcomings, such as embezzling prom ticket funds. His story serves as a contemplative exploration of morality, responsibility, and the quest for personal redemption.
[50:57]
"I just think I want to go fishing. And I hung up. And that's exactly what I did."
This quote encapsulates Ezra's desire to distance himself from the overwhelming consequences of his courageous act, highlighting the human need for boundaries and self-care.

Conclusion "School Days" presents a tapestry of experiences that navigate the complexities of adolescence, authority, and personal growth. Through Diana Medina and Ezra Holmland's stories, the episode underscores the profound influence of supportive relationships and the resilience required to confront and overcome institutional challenges. Kevin Allison masterfully stitches these narratives together, offering listeners a deeply engaging exploration of the multifaceted nature of school life and its lasting impact on individual identities.

Notable Quotes:

• Diana Medina [00:15]: "I mean, it was going way better than I ever imagined."

• Diana Medina [21:50]: "These days I'm very sad that I live nearby him anymore, but I stay in touch with him by calling him whenever I need help with a DIY project."

• Melanie Hamlet [28:55]: "He's kind of fun when he's drunk. And he'd be like, 'But then like sad dad mode...'"

• Ezra Holmland [35:49]: "I mean, it was going way better than I ever imagined."

• Ezra Holmland [50:14]: "I found a place where I was so excited every time I showed up. Like a little kid, just giddy."

• Ezra Holmland [50:57]: "I just think I want to go fishing. And I hung up. And that's exactly what I did."

Final Thoughts This episode of RISK! invites listeners to reflect on their own school experiences and the lasting effects these formative years can have. Through heartfelt storytelling and authentic emotions, Kevin Allison and his guests create a resonant narrative that celebrates courage, familial bonds, and the pursuit of personal truth.