Podcast Summary: RISK! – The Best of Drinking Stories
Episode Details
- Title: The Best of Drinking Stories
- Host: Kevin Allison
- Release Date: March 13, 2025
- Description: In this special episode celebrating St. Patrick's Day, RISK! compiles some of the most memorable drinking stories from past episodes. Hosted by Kevin Allison, the show delves into hilariously tragic, heart-wrenching, and unbelievably real tales of alcohol-fueled adventures.
Introduction and Episode Overview
Kevin Allison opens the episode by highlighting the dual nature of drinking stories—how they embody the good, bad, and ugly sides of both alcohol consumption and St. Patrick's Day celebrations. He also announces upcoming live shows across various cities, inviting listeners to share their own stories for future episodes.
Kevin Allison [02:16]: "Hello folks, this is Risk, the show where people tell true stories they never thought they'd dare to share."
Story 1: "I Love You, Man" by Mather Zickle
Mather Zickle recounts a harrowing experience from his freshman year at New York University (NYU) in the fall of 1988. Living in a dorm near a notorious crack house at the time, Mather felt isolated despite his proximity to the vibrant city life he had always admired.
Early Struggles and Heavy Drinking
Mather describes his initial excitement about studying theater at NYU, juxtaposed with his feelings of loneliness and social anxiety.
Mather Zickle [04:25]: "I wanted to be in New York. I wanted to be studying theater with other people who shared this passion. Yet, somehow I still felt lonely and isolated."
To cope, Mather turned to alcohol, leading to several blackouts where he lost control and memory of his actions. These episodes often resulted in him waking up with unexplained bruises and damaged personal items.
The Fateful Party Night
One night in fall 1988, Mather attends a rare freshman apartment party on the Lower East Side, bringing a fifth of Jack Daniels. Despite being only 18, his youthful appearance allowed him to consume alcohol freely without being carded.
Mather Zickle [10:15]: "I brought a fifth of Jack Daniels... I was high on this cocktail of 15 parts Jack Daniels and one part milk of human kindness."
As the evening progresses, Mather drinks heavily, eventually deciding to leave the party early. On his way out, a homeless man approaches him for change. In his intoxicated state, Mather agrees to let the man join him for pizza at Ray's Pizza on Third Avenue.
Mather Zickle [14:38]: "I trusted him. He seemed wise and resilient... It was like an exchange of holiday brotherhood between strangers."
A Sudden Awakening
The next morning, Mather wakes up in his dorm suite with five other roommates, having no recollection of the previous night. Confusion ensues as his friends express concern over his erratic behavior, recalling incidents like slamming against walls and nearly drowning in the toilet.
Mather Zickle [14:42]: "I was acting so drunk, they thought I was kidding. I almost drowned in the toilet."
When questioned by the dorm security about his friend, Mather realizes he attempted to help a homeless man but now faces the consequences of his actions while intoxicated. Reflecting on this episode, Mather acknowledges the profound impact it had on his life, leading him to abandon drug use.
Mather Zickle [16:37]: "I was saved. I don't do drugs anymore. It took about a year to get over the shock of waking up naked in a stairwell."
Story 2: Carrie Underwood’s Personal Drinking Tale
In a surprising twist, singer Carrie Underwood shares her own personal experience with substance use and the chaos it entailed during her early years in New York City.
Embracing the Party Lifestyle
Carrie moved to New York seven years prior to the episode, immersing herself in a vibrant social scene that unfortunately led to a "mild to moderate cocaine habit" and excessive drinking.
Carrie Underwood [17:45]: "I developed a mild to moderate cocaine habit... I was having trouble finding a boyfriend."
The Naked Stairwell Incident
After a night out where Carrie indulges in both alcohol and cocaine, she finds herself in an alarming situation. Waking up strip-mined in a stairwell, she experiences intense panic and embarrassment.
Carrie Underwood [25:48]: "I was peeing all over my feet, completely naked in the stairwell. I don't talk to God very often, but I did pray at that point and was just sobbing."
Desperate to regain her composure and find her way, Carrie navigates through confusing hallways and attempts to seek help. Her quest leads her to a party where she interacts with a kind stranger who assists her in regaining some semblance of dignity.
Carrie Underwood [26:27]: "She threw me a pair of tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt... Bless her little heart, she just turned around and walked back into her apartment."
Despite the assistance, backtracking reveals that her efforts to contact her significant other result in a comical yet frustrating misunderstanding. Her friends and the police are upset upon discovering her condition, adding another layer of complexity to her story.
Carrie Underwood [29:43]: "There were two policemen and two of my best friends in New York, all just stood in front of the elevator, and they were all absolutely furious."
Reflection and Recovery
Carrie's ordeal serves as a pivotal moment in her life, marking the beginning of her journey away from substance abuse. She candidly admits that overcoming the aftermath took about a year, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and resilience.
Carrie Underwood [16:37]: "I was saved. I don’t do drugs anymore. It took about a year to sort out after that."
Conclusion and Call to Action
Kevin Allison wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to share their own drinking or drug-related stories, regardless of the emotions involved—be it happy, sad, terrifying, or ridiculous.
Kevin Allison [30:04]: "If you have a drinking or drugs story, whether happy, sad, terrifying, ridiculous. Pitch it to us at risk-show.com submissions folks, today's the day. Take a risk."
He underscores the essence of RISK! as a platform for unfiltered and authentic storytelling, urging audience members to embrace vulnerability and share their personal experiences.
Key Takeaways:
- Vulnerability in Storytelling: Both Mather and Carrie highlight the profound personal struggles and vulnerabilities that come with heavy drinking and substance use.
- Consequences of Excess: The episode illustrates how excessive partying can lead to unforeseen and sometimes life-altering consequences.
- Path to Recovery: Despite the chaotic experiences, both storytellers emphasize their journeys towards recovery and personal growth.
- Community and Support: Acts of kindness, whether from strangers or friends, play a crucial role in navigating through crises.
Notable Quotes:
- Mather Zickle [04:25]: "I wanted to be in New York. I wanted to be studying theater with other people who shared this passion. Yet, somehow I still felt lonely and isolated."
- Mather Zickle [16:37]: "I was saved. I don't do drugs anymore."
- Carrie Underwood [25:48]: "I was peeing all over my feet, completely naked in the stairwell."
- Kevin Allison [30:04]: "Take a risk."
Recommendation: For those who appreciate raw and authentic storytelling, "The Best of Drinking Stories" episode on RISK! offers a compelling dive into the personal lives of individuals navigating the treacherous waters of substance use and the quest for belonging.