Podcast Summary: RISK! Episode - "Shoulda Seen It Coming"

Introduction

In the July 22, 2025 episode of RISK!, titled "Shoulda Seen It Coming", host Kevin Allison delves into two compelling stories that explore themes of love, loss, and the supernatural. This episode uniquely intertwines personal narratives with elements of mysticism, featuring listeners Jonathan Bradley Welch and Talia Tabin as they share their deeply personal experiences involving mediums and the afterlife.

Story 1: Jonathan Bradley Welch – "The One You"

Jonathan Bradley Welch opens the episode with a heartfelt recount of his tumultuous relationship dynamics and his quest for genuine connection during a challenging period.

• Navigating Post-Breakup Life:
  "I had just gotten out of a long relationship, and my ex and I still lived together. Amicable. It's fine." (04:44)
  Jonathan describes the complexities of remaining friends with an ex-partner, highlighting the strain it places on personal relationships and daily living.

• The Magical Connection:
  "This moment, you know? And he's so kind. He's so kind." (12:15)
  At a Provincetown party in the summer of 2019, Jonathan meets a charismatic man with whom he shares an immediate and intense connection. Their whirlwind romance is portrayed with vivid emotion, encapsulating the excitement and uncertainty of new love.

• The Influence of a Medium:
  "I was gifted a session with a medium. I do believe in the afterlife, but this was my first time speaking to one." (16:30)
  During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jonathan seeks guidance from a medium, hoping to find clarity about his budding relationship. The medium's predictions about his love life set high expectations, which ultimately lead to disappointment when the relationship doesn't materialize as foretold.

• Personal Growth and Realization:
  "Through therapy, I realized that I was looking for a man who would bring me home. That's too big a task for any man to do for anybody." (34:50)
  Reflecting on the experience, Jonathan emphasizes his journey towards self-reliance and the understanding that fulfillment comes from within, rather than relying solely on a romantic partner.

Notable Quote:
"I'm actually way too slutty to be in a monogamous relationship. So, like, that's not gonna work out anyway." (28:40)

Story 2: Talia Tabin – "What Older Brothers Do"

Talia Tabin shares a poignant story about loss, family bonds, and an unexpected encounter with a medium attempting to connect her with her deceased brother.

• Family Tragedy:
  "My brother Jacob died when he was 20 years old and I was 18 years old. That kind of thing can really tear a family apart, but it didn't. It brought us together." (23:34)
  Talia recounts the devastating loss of her brother Jacob and how her family chose to honor his memory collectively, strengthening their familial ties.

• The Medium's Visit:
  "We signed our mom onto the Zoom call, and the medium immediately started with something that only Jacob could know." (26:10)
  During the 20th anniversary of Jacob's death, Talia's family arranges a session with a medium. The accurate revelations made by the medium about Jacob's life provide a sense of closure and connection.

• A Question of Authenticity:
  "Why was Jacob so awful to me? He was, like, the one for me, but here he is saying he loves me the most." (37:50)
  In a subsequent session, Talia confronts conflicting messages from the medium about her brother's intentions and feelings, leading to emotional turmoil and self-reflection about their past relationship.

• Embracing Complexity:
  "There's something beautiful in that he's still having fun, even after 20 years. It's something to cherish, despite the pain." (42:00)
  Talia concludes her story by finding solace in the enduring presence of her brother's spirit, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of their relationship and the comfort it brings.

Notable Quote:
"He died so his brothers could be free. He died so his brothers could be." (40:44)

Host's Reflections and Wrap-Up

Kevin Allison intersperses both stories with his characteristic empathy and humor, guiding listeners through the emotional landscapes shared by Jonathan and Talia. He reflects on the nature of risk in storytelling, emphasizing the courage it takes to reveal one's deepest vulnerabilities.

• Encouraging Storytelling:
  "It's a safe place to take risks and learn to be vulnerable in my storytelling." (20:00)
  Kevin highlights the therapeutic aspect of storytelling workshops, encouraging listeners to share their own experiences.

• Closing Remarks:
  As the episode concludes, Kevin teases upcoming content and workshops, inviting listeners to engage further with the RISK! community.

Conclusion

"Shoulda Seen It Coming" is a deeply moving episode of RISK! that intertwines themes of love, loss, and the supernatural. Through the sincere narratives of Jonathan Bradley Welch and Talia Tabin, listeners are invited to explore the profound impacts of personal connections and the mysteries that lie beyond the tangible world. Kevin Allison masterfully facilitates these stories, offering both comfort and insight, making this episode a standout installment in the RISK! series.

Additional Resources

• Follow the Storytellers:

  • Jonathan Bradley Welch: Instagram - Jonathan B. Welch
  • Talia Tabin: Instagram - Talia Tabin

• Join RISK! Community:

  • Storytelling Workshops: risk-show.com/submissions
  • Become a Member: patreon.com/risk