Podcast Summary: RISK! Episode - "The Walking Wounded"

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Walking Wounded," hosted by Kevin Allison of RISK!, listeners are taken on an emotional and humorous journey through two deeply personal and transformative stories. This episode, released on January 23, 2025, delves into the unexpected challenges and rites of passage that shape our lives. As always, the episode maintains RISK!'s signature blend of hilarity, heartache, and raw honesty, offering listeners a chance to connect with stories they might never have dared to share publicly.

Story 1: "One Time You Know What It Tastes Like" by Candace Guardino

Timestamp: 05:50 - 17:55

Candace Guardino, a talented actress known for her cabaret and multi-character solo shows, opens the episode with her poignant and comedic tale from her middle school days. Her story, titled "One Time You Know What It Tastes Like," revolves around an awkward and unexpected rite of passage—her first period—intertwined with a mishap during a game of freeze tag.

Key Points:

• Middle School Memories: Candace recounts her sixth-grade year at a Catholic elementary school in Staten Island, highlighting the social dynamics and her crush on a classmate named Joey, who resembled her celebrity idol, Danny Tanner from Full House.

• Freeze Tag Fiasco: During a game, Candace enthusiastically participates in freeze tag to impress Joey. Her determination leads her to fall into an unseen well, culminating in her first menstrual experience while stuck.

• Unexpected Social Reaction: The incident becomes a campus-wide event. As Candace is being rescued, her mother arrives, leading to an unconventional celebration of her entrance into womanhood with rosary beads, cards, and gifts.

• Humorous Realizations: Despite the embarrassment and chaos, Candace reflects on her mother's unique way of celebrating milestones, turning an awkward situation into a memorable celebration.

Notable Quotes:

• Candace describes her feelings immediately after falling into the well:

  “And here I am, stuck in a well. It's dirty, it smells, and it's very Silence of the Lambs.” (11:19)

• Her mother's reaction post-rescue adds a humorous twist:

  “Welcome to womanhood, Candace. It fucking sucks.” (17:55)

Insights: Candace's story highlights the vulnerability and humor that accompany significant life events. Her ability to find laughter amidst discomfort exemplifies RISK!'s ethos of sharing genuine and unfiltered human experiences. Additionally, the narrative underscores the importance of supportive relationships, as exemplified by her mother's unconventional celebration.

Story 2: "Bunny" by Dave Hill

Timestamp: 39:00 - 40:05

Dave Hill, a brilliant comedian and friend to the RISK! community, shares his heartfelt story titled "Bunny." While not fully detailed in the transcript, the narrative centers around coping with the loss of a loved one, presumably his mother, and the profound impact it had on his life.

Key Points:

• Confronting Mortality: Dave delves into his struggle with accepting his mother's death, juxtaposing his childhood understanding of death with the painful reality of loss.

• Coping Mechanisms: He explores various methods he employed to cope, including running, therapy, and seeking solace in personal routines.

• Evolving Relationship with His Mother: Through his reflections, Dave expresses a newfound appreciation for his mother, recognizing her unwavering support and the depth of their bond.

• Emotional Realization: The story culminates in a moment of profound clarity, where Dave acknowledges the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones and the enduring nature of familial bonds.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave poignantly reflects on his mother's influence:

  “Sometimes in the darkest moment you can just, you know, bright light will just blind the fuck out of you.” (37:39)

• His final thoughts on the enduring connection with his mother emphasize acceptance and gratitude:

  “And those ended up, you know, I couldn't have planned this in a million years and... call your mother.” (40:05)

Insights: "Bunny" serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of loss. Dave's narrative offers listeners a window into the nuanced process of grieving, emphasizing that healing often comes from unexpected places and personal revelations. His story complements Candace's by showcasing another facet of the human experience—dealing with profound loss and finding a path forward.

Conclusion

"The Walking Wounded" episode of RISK! masterfully intertwines humor with heartache, presenting stories that resonate deeply with listeners. Candace Guardino's hilarious yet touching recount of her first period amidst a school mishap and Dave Hill's introspective journey through grief offer a compelling exploration of personal growth and resilience. Through these narratives, RISK! continues to provide a platform for authentic storytelling, encouraging listeners to embrace their own "risks" and share the stories that define them.

For those who haven't tuned into this episode, "The Walking Wounded" promises a rollercoaster of emotions, laughter, and introspection—truly embodying the spirit of RISK! as a space for unfiltered and transformative storytelling.