Podcast Summary: RISK! Episode - "Thanksgivings"

Introduction

In the "Thanksgivings" episode of RISK!, hosted by Kevin Allison, listeners are invited to explore heartfelt and transformative Thanksgiving stories that highlight gratitude, personal growth, and overcoming challenges. The episode features two compelling narratives from Mitch Appelbaum and Adam Cook, each shedding light on unique Thanksgiving experiences that left lasting impacts on their lives.

1. Mitch Appelbaum’s Story: "Five Words" [07:27 - 15:59]

Overview: Mitch Appelbaum shares a poignant story about his volunteer work with "God's Love We Deliver," a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering meals to those in need. Over his 30-year commitment, Mitch reflects on the importance of gratitude and the profound moments that reinforced his purpose.

Key Points:

• Volunteering Motivation:

  • Mitch discusses his decision to volunteer, driven by a desire to make a more direct impact on people's lives beyond his well-paying job as a real estate title closer.
  • Quote: "Volunteering improves your soul well-being." [00:05]

• Challenges of Gratitude:

  • Over time, repeated expressions of thanks became monotonous, leading to feelings of emptiness.
  • Quote: "Thank you, you're welcome. It's like empty calories." [07:27]

• The Transformative Encounter:

  • On Thanksgiving, Mitch is assigned to deliver meals in Far Rockaway, a challenging and unfamiliar area.
  • After a series of frustrations, he meets a grateful 90-year-old woman and her five-year-old daughter.
  • The little girl’s heartfelt words leave a lasting impression on Mitch.
  • Quote: "Don't like eye contact. I always look away. But I'll be damned if I'm gonna let this little girl intimidate me." [15:03]

• Impact of "Five Words":

  • The girl's simple message, "Thank you and happy Thanksgiving," profoundly impacts Mitch, rejuvenating his appreciation for the gratitude he receives.
  • Mitch reflects on how this interaction improved his ability to connect and appreciate the thankfulness shared with him.

Notable Quotes:

• "Thank you and happy Thanksgiving." – Little Girl [15:03]
• "That's who I think of." – Mitch Appelbaum [35:03]

2. Adam Cook’s Story: "Rachel" [16:01 - 35:21]

Overview: Adam Cook narrates his tumultuous Thanksgiving experience while serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq. Initially harboring prejudice against the local population, Adam undergoes a significant transformation through an unexpected encounter that reshapes his worldview.

Key Points:

• Army Thanksgiving Traditions:

  • Adam describes the communal and abundant nature of Thanksgiving meals in the military setting.
  • Quote: "Thanksgiving was amazing." [21:06]

• First Combat Tour Reflections:

  • Faced with the harsh realities of war, Adam struggles with his purpose and the mission he’s part of.
  • Quote: "What am I doing here? What have I done all this time in the Army?" [21:15]

• Prejudice and Hostility:

  • Initially, Adam expresses strong negative feelings towards the Iraqi people he encounters, influenced by the stress and environment of war.
  • Quote: "Fuck them. They got to eat in front of me. It's fucking my Thanksgiving." [27:29]

• The Encounter with Rachel:

  • During a delivery, Adam meets a young Iraqi girl named Rachel who greets him warmly, breaking through his prejudice.
  • Rachel’s innocence and genuine gratitude force Adam to confront his biases.
  • Quote: "Thank you and happy Thanksgiving." – Adapted interaction from Mitch’s story [35:06]

• Transformation and Gratitude:

  • Reflecting on a book by Sebastian Younger, Adam realizes the unjust circumstances faced by the Iraqi people and his misplaced animosity.
  • The interaction with Rachel becomes a pivotal moment, leading him to let go of his prejudices and embrace gratitude.
  • Quote: "They were taking care of all the shit jobs. But these people were risking themselves coming on base." [34:57]

• Post-Service Reflections:

  • After retiring from the army, Adam’s journey of self-discovery and community-building leads him to appreciate the true meaning of gratitude.
  • He expresses regret over his past prejudices and honors those who supported the military effort.
  • Quote: "When I sit down for Thanksgiving, that’s who I think of." [35:03]

Notable Quotes:

• "Fuck them. They got to eat in front of me. It's fucking my Thanksgiving." – Adam Cook [27:29]
• "They were burning our shit. They're shoveling rocks...they did not deserve my hate." – Adam Cook [34:57]
• "That was the best thank you I ever got. Thank you." – Adam Cook [35:21]

3. Host Commentary and Engagement [00:00 - 07:27; 16:01 - 18:49]

Gratitude Practices: Kevin Allison emphasizes the importance of gratitude, sharing a practice that involves recalling and savoring moments of gratitude to enhance mental well-being.

• Quote: "Take a moment to pause, breathe and bring back into your memory a time that someone expressed gratitude to you." [03:37]

Community Connections:

• Kevin discusses plans for future workshops focused on well-being and gratitude, encouraging listeners to engage and contribute stories.
• Promotion of Patreon content and upcoming episodes, including a feature on Matthew Dix's Thanksgiving story.

Notable Quotes:

• "We have to keep in mind the importance of gratitude." – Kevin Allison [03:37]
• "Whatever you do, we'll be right back." – Kevin Allison [00:05]

4. Musical and Artistic Contributions

Tobin Mueller’s Cover: Amir El Safar introduces a musical interlude featuring Tobin Mueller's cover of "Thank You for Letting Me Be Myself Again" by Sly & the Family Stone, connecting the theme of gratitude with musical expression.

Amir El Safar’s Record: Amir El Safar shares songs inspired by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Iraq, complementing the episode's focus on gratitude and personal stories.

Conclusion

The "Thanksgivings" episode of RISK! masterfully intertwines stories of personal struggle, gratitude, and transformation. Mitch Appelbaum's heartwarming encounter with a young girl rekindles his appreciation for volunteering, while Adam Cook's challenging military experience leads to profound personal growth and the overcoming of deep-seated prejudices. Through these narratives, Kevin Allison underscores the enduring power of gratitude and its impact on mental health and community connections.

Listeners are left with a renewed sense of appreciation for the everyday acts of kindness and the unexpected moments that can change one's perspective, especially during the holiday season.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• "Thank you and happy Thanksgiving." – Little Girl [15:03]
• "Fuck them. They got to eat in front of me. It's fucking my Thanksgiving." – Adam Cook [27:29]
• "They were burning our shit. They're shoveling rocks...they did not deserve my hate." – Adam Cook [34:57]
• "That was the best thank you I ever got. Thank you." – Adam Cook [35:21]

Final Thoughts: This episode serves as a reminder of the profound impact that gratitude and human connections can have, even in the most challenging circumstances. RISK! continues to offer a platform for honest and transformative storytelling, encouraging listeners to embrace vulnerability and celebrate the moments of thanks in their own lives.