RISK! Episode #32: The Best of RISK!

Release Date: April 8, 2025
Host: Kevin Allison
Description: If you enjoy The Moth, This American Life, or Snap Judgment, dive into the unfiltered and captivating world of RISK! Host Kevin Allison invites guests to share their most daring and heartfelt true stories. This episode features powerful narratives from Ezra Holmland, Wanda Wilson Bowser, Larry Dorsey Jr., and Kaley Cuoco, each offering unique insights into personal challenges and triumphs.

1. Ezra Holmland: "Jimmy side Pocket, Junior Class President"

Timestamp: [07:39] – [27:49]

Ezra Holmland recounts his tumultuous junior year of high school in Portland, Oregon, where he served as the junior class president at Centennial High School in 1995. Ezra's story begins with his disinterest in the role, highlighted by his unconventional appearance—a fresh black eye from a punk rock show and a T-shirt emblazoned with "vacuuming sucks." Despite his apathy, Ezra wins the election with a sarcastic speech:

Ezra Holmland: [00:22] "First line of my speech was, most of you know me. Some of you want to beat me up, and I want to be your junior class president. And I won."

As the year progresses, whispers circulate that a band teacher, Mr. Dyer, is engaging in inappropriate relationships with students. To expose this, Ezra collaborates with friends to create an underground newspaper titled "The Goons of Hazard," publishing provocative articles under the pseudonym "Jimmy side Pocket." His bold move results in widespread dissemination of the paper, leading to increased rumors among students:

Ezra Holmland: [13:14] "Oh, he was sleeping with her. Oh, he was fucking her. ... it was going way better than I ever imagined."

Ezra is quickly identified and confronted by school authorities. Despite facing suspension and potential expulsion, the revelations lead to statutory rape charges against Mr. Dyer, vindicating Ezra's actions. The aftermath includes media attention, interviews, and unwanted fame. Ezra reflects on the pressures of sudden attention and the moral complexities of his decisions:

Ezra Holmland: [27:51] "One of my biggest regrets to this day is that lawsuit probably could have paid for college and then some. But I just told her, look, I'm sorry, but I just think I want to go fishing."

Ultimately, Ezra grapples with his own actions, admitting he turned to stealing prom ticket funds as retaliation. He finds solace in fly fishing, which becomes a therapeutic escape from the chaos he created.

2. Larry Dorsey Jr.: "Catfishing with Dad"

Timestamp: [48:11] – [82:32]

Larry Dorsey Jr. shares a provocative and humorous tale of inadvertently "catfishing" his estranged father through online interactions. Growing up with a divorced family, Larry and his brother discover their father using Craigslist to find a suitable partner. Deciding to help, they pose as potential matches—complete with believable profiles and fabricated photos—to engage with him.

The situation escalates as their father, Pancho, becomes genuinely interested, leading to flirtatious exchanges:

Larry Dorsey Jr.: [53:28] "He says, your sons wanted those shoes. And we go, wow, you're such a good dad for buying your sons those shoes. And he goes, well, you know what, I'll buy you those shoes and take you out to dinner."

Their playful deception results in Pancho agreeing to meet the brothers, culminating in awkward confrontations and comedic misunderstandings. Although initially motivated by a desire to assist their father, the boys find themselves entangled in Pancho's complicated personal life, including his interactions with his girlfriend and other local figures.

Larry reflects on the complexities of family relationships and the unintended consequences of their actions. The story highlights themes of identity, familial bonds, and the humorous side of miscommunication:

Larry Dorsey Jr.: [82:32] "I was the only white male. There was one white female. She comes up to me and says, congratulations on your 20th anniversary. I'm like, it's not me, it's him."

Despite the challenges, Larry maintains a meaningful friendship with Pancho, supporting him through personal struggles and celebrating milestones together.

3. Wanda Wilson Bowser: "Christmas at the Park"

Timestamp: [27:49] – [80:57]

Wanda Wilson Bowser delivers a poignant and emotional narrative about her first Christmas without her mother. The story delves into Wanda's complex relationship with her South Korean immigrant mother, characterized by strictness and emotional distance. Growing up in Tennessee, Wanda often felt disconnected from her mother, who showed love through actions rather than verbal affirmations.

After her mother's passing in January 2007, Wanda grapples with profound grief and the loss of future memories they would never create together. Reflecting on the importance of tradition, Wanda recounts how her mother meticulously crafted Christmas celebrations, blending Korean and Southern customs to create a unique and cherished family experience.

During her first Christmas alone in December 2008, Wanda attends a Christmas in the Park event in her town, seeking solace and inspiration to establish her own traditions for her two sons. The experience becomes a catalyst for Wanda to embrace motherhood and honor her mother's legacy by creating magical holiday memories for her children:

Wanda Wilson Bowser: [43:31] "I want to make the holidays as memorable and magical as possible for them. I want them to grow up and remember, like, all through the year."

Wanda emphasizes the significance of empathy and vulnerability, highlighting her journey towards building a loving and supportive environment for her children despite the challenges:

Wanda Wilson Bowser: [82:32] "Beyond the holidays, I will always want my mom, but I live to be the type of mother that will honor the magician that she was."

Her story underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring impact of maternal love, even in the face of loss.

4. Kaley Cuoco: "Bucket List Before Losing Hands and Feet"

Timestamp: [80:57] – [105:06]

Kaley Cuoco shares an intimate and heartfelt account of living with the impending loss of her physical abilities due to her father's quadriplegia—a genetic disease similar to muscular dystrophy. At 17, Kaley learns that she, too, will soon lose the use of her hands and feet. This revelation propels her to create a "bucket list" of experiences she aims to achieve before the disease progresses:

Kaley Cuoco: [101:36] "It's things like bungee jumping, skydiving, falling in love, traveling a foreign country. All things that someday I could look back on and be like, 'Oh, I really did that.'"

Kaley recounts her transformation from a small-town girl working minimum-wage jobs to embarking on adventurous endeavors. Her journey is marked by spontaneous decisions, such as traveling to Mexico with friends and engaging in daring activities like naked bungee jumping—a risky and transformative experience:

Kaley Cuoco: [102:01] "Well, the answer, guys, is always yes. So we make a little deal, and my friends think I am an idiot. And I think I'm so smart because I've agreed to do this jump while the club is closed."

Despite the thrill and personal growth these adventures bring, Kaley also faces challenges, including fears of being followed and confronting unforeseen dangers. Her story is a testament to living authentically and embracing life's moments despite uncertainties:

Kaley Cuoco: [105:02] "I want to make the holidays as memorable and magical as possible for them. I want them to grow up and remember, like, all through the year."

Ultimately, Kaley emphasizes the importance of creating meaningful experiences and cherishing the time she has, reinforcing her commitment to living fully in the present.

Conclusion

Kevin Allison wraps up the episode by highlighting the profound and diverse stories shared by his guests, each navigating personal struggles with courage and creativity. From Ezra Holmland's rebellious high school tactics to Wanda Wilson Bowser's heartfelt journey through grief, Larry Dorsey Jr.'s unconventional family dynamics, and Kaley Cuoco's adventurous spirit in the face of physical loss, this episode of RISK! exemplifies the show's mission to showcase raw and real human experiences.

Notable Quotes:

• Ezra Holmland: [13:14] "Oh, he was sleeping with her. Oh, he was fucking her... it was going way better than I ever imagined."
• Wanda Wilson Bowser: [82:32] "Beyond the holidays, I will always want my mom, but I live to be the type of mother that will honor the magician that she was."
• Kaley Cuoco: [105:02] "I want to make the holidays as memorable and magical as possible for them."

Key Takeaways:

• Courage to Speak Out: Ezra's story underscores the importance of standing up against wrongdoing, even at personal costs.
• Healing Through Tradition: Wanda's narrative illustrates how establishing new traditions can help heal deep emotional wounds.
• Unconventional Family Bonds: Larry's experience highlights the complexities and unexpected connections within family relationships.
• Living Fully Despite Challenges: Kaley's journey emphasizes the value of embracing life's experiences, regardless of impending difficulties.

This episode of RISK! is a compelling collection of stories that inspire, challenge, and resonate with listeners, embodying the essence of taking a walk on the wilder side of storytelling.