RISK! Podcast Episode Summary
Title: The Top Gun of Getting Mugged: RISK! Reacts
Host: Kevin Allison
Release Date: May 14, 2025

Introduction to RISK! Reacts

In this episode of RISK! Reacts, host Kevin Allison introduces the format where he listens to a storyteller's true and daring tale for the first time and shares his immediate reactions. The featured story is by Adam Selbst, originally presented at the Artichoke Storytelling Series in Brooklyn, New York, in July 2021.

Adam Selbst’s Story: The Top Gun of Getting Mugged

[01:46] Adam Selbst:

Adam Selbst begins his narrative with a humorous yet poignant reflection on his unique talent: being exceptionally good at getting mugged. He shares, “I have been mugged more than anybody else I have ever met. Don't. No, don't feel bad. Because here's the thing. I'm really good at it. Everyone's good at something.” Adam’s knack for attracting muggers is portrayed with self-deprecating humor, highlighting his perceived vulnerabilities.

He recounts a particularly intense mugging incident:
“I was just coming back from a really terrible date. So, you know, I hit the cash machine. Worst block in my neighborhood. Was just lurching home when somebody came up behind me and put me in some kind of really cool kung fu grip...” [07:05]

In a desperate bid to defend himself, Adam attempts an unconventional fighting style—biting his assailant.
“What you’ve missed is, biting someone is there's no take backs. Biting someone is... If you choose to bite another human being with your actual teeth, you are agreeing to take whatever comes next.” [09:15]

As the situation escalates, Adam humorously describes attempting to “swallow his arm whole” like a snake, only to backtrack and release him under threat of being stabbed.
“...this is not in my skill set. But I had made a choice and I was committed...” [11:30]

Adam concludes his story by sharing another mugging experience involving a confrontation over an insult to the mugger’s mother, demonstrating a surprising moment of moral stand that momentarily deters the attacker.
“She must be very disappointed in you... you were killing your mother.” [12:10]

Despite these daring attempts, Adam humorously admits that his efforts didn’t always pay off, recounting a subsequent mugging by younger teens where he ultimately lost his wallet and phone.
“Two weeks later I was accosted by a pack of ten twelve year old boys and beat the shit out of me and took my wallet.” [13:13]

Kevin Allison’s Reactions and Reflections

[13:13] Kevin Allison:

Kevin reacts to Adam’s story with a mixture of amusement and admiration, dubbing Adam “the Top Gun of getting mugged.” He connects Adam’s narrative to his own background in comedy and personal experiences, sharing a related sketch from his time with The State comedy group:
“Barney McMakin's whole thing in my sketch was teaching you how to stay safe out on the streets of New York City by acting like a complete and total lunatic.” [14:00]

Kevin emphasizes the storytelling elements present in Adam’s account, such as split-second decisions and high stakes, which make the story engaging and ready to captivate listeners.
“Decisions, decisions are always so revealing of character, and none are more just like surprising than split second decisions...” [15:12]

He further illustrates his points by sharing his own experience of being mugged in New York City:
“I was listening to a podcast... a guy walks up and just hits me in the face. And a friend of his grabs my phone... instinctually I just held on like it was life or death to that fucking phone.” [16:30]

Kevin also recounts a friend’s traumatic experience involving a prop knife during a mugging, highlighting the unpredictable nature of such confrontations.
“A friend of mine back when I was in college... he had a big ass knife as a prop... he was mugged and used it.” [19:00]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

[20:46] Adam Selbst:
[20:48] Kevin Allison:

Kevin wraps up the episode by appreciating Adam’s willingness to share his extraordinary and humorous experiences despite their harrowing nature. He playfully teases Adam about a stain on his shirt, adding a light-hearted touch to the intense storytelling.
“I cannot believe that Adam would appear on stage with a stain on his shirt... we give Adam shit for it all the time.” [14:30]

He encourages listeners to engage with the RISK! community by sharing their own captivating stories and hints at the potential for surprise story selections, fostering an interactive and inclusive environment.
“Let us know what you think... you can always find us on social media, including YouTube, RiskShow, and always on our website.” [21:00]

Key Takeaways

• Humor in Adversity: Adam Selbst uses humor and self-deprecation to narrate his repeated encounters with muggers, making a grim subject both entertaining and relatable.

• Unique Storytelling: The blend of absurdity (attempting to swallow a mugger’s arm) with genuine peril creates a compelling and memorable narrative.

• Host’s Personal Connections: Kevin Allison effectively ties Adam’s story to his own experiences and creative background, enriching the listener’s understanding and engagement.

• Engaging Format: The RISK! Reacts format provides a fresh perspective, allowing the host to interact dynamically with the storyteller’s account, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.

Notable Quotes

• Adam Selbst:

  • “I have been mugged more than anybody else I have ever met. Don't. No, don't feel bad. Because here's the thing. I'm really good at it.” [02:10]
  • “What you’ve missed is, biting someone is there's no take backs...” [09:15]

• Kevin Allison:

  • “Barney McMakin's whole thing in my sketch was teaching you how to stay safe out on the streets of New York City by acting like a complete and total lunatic.” [14:00]
  • “Decisions, decisions are always so revealing of character, and none are more just like surprising than split second decisions...” [15:12]
  • “I cannot believe that Adam would appear on stage with a stain on his shirt...” [14:30]

Final Remarks

"The Top Gun of Getting Mugged: RISK! Reacts" is a captivating episode that melds humor with harrowing real-life experiences. Adam Selbst’s extraordinary tales, coupled with Kevin Allison’s insightful and amusing reactions, offer listeners an engaging and thought-provoking narrative on resilience and the unpredictable nature of human interactions in high-stakes situations.

For more stories and episodes, visit risk-show.com or follow RISK! on social media platforms.