Podcast Summary: RISK! – Episode "Women on Men"

Podcast Information

• Title: RISK!
• Host: Kevin Allison
• Description: RISK! invites listeners to step into a world of uncensored, true stories akin to The Moth and This American Life. Host Kevin Allison encourages storytellers to share jaw-dropping narratives they never thought they'd dare to reveal publicly.
• Episode: Women on Men
• Release Date: December 13, 2024

Introduction and Context

In this special episode of RISK!, host Kevin Allison revisits a beloved episode from December 2012 titled "Women on Men." Allison reflects on how societal perspectives have evolved since the original airing, particularly regarding issues like date rape culture. He introduces Melanie Hamlet, a former storyteller who has since grown into a feminist author and TikToker, illustrating her personal and professional evolution. Allison hints at a forthcoming deeper conversation with Melanie to explore her story, "Fuck or Fight," from a contemporary viewpoint.

Melanie Hamlet: "Fuck or Fight" [07:50]

Melanie Hamlet shares a gripping and raw account of a night in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where her encounter with a man named Dallas evolves into a chaotic confrontation.

Key Points:

• Setting the Scene: Melanie is a ski instructor attending a blowout party predominantly filled with men, particularly rich white guys aiming to live as ski bums.

• Meeting Dallas: She meets Dallas, a quintessential "redneck" from West Virginia, whose exaggerated Southern demeanor immediately amuses her. [08:15]

  "He was like, 'darlin' and 'little lady' and maybe and whatever. Cause that's what Southern men do." – Melanie Hamlet [08:22]

• Escalation: As the night progresses, two men from the party confront Dallas, leading to a physical altercation. Despite the tense situation, Dallas defends himself effectively, showcasing his fighting prowess. [12:05]

  "Dallas has him in one of those, like, homoerotic wrestling holds. He's totally got him pinned." – Melanie Hamlet [16:30]

• Aftermath: Post-fight, Dallas appears vulnerable, seeking Melanie's help for an injured eye. She assists him, and amidst the chaos, Dallas expresses a desire to stay close, blurring the lines between humor and danger. [17:07]

  "Do you mind if I lay next to you?" – Dallas [16:55]

• Moral Dilemma: Melanie grapples with societal expectations of reciprocating men’s kindness with sex, reflecting on the phrase "fuck or fight." Her internal conflict underscores themes of autonomy and societal pressure. [19:17]

  "Maybe I should just cuddle with this guy and whatever." – Melanie Hamlet [19:30]

Notable Quotes:

• "I'm not actually like, attracted to this guy. I just think he's like, hilarious." – Melanie Hamlet [09:45]
• "This is Jackson A Hole. Everyone just gets high and skis all the time." – Melanie Hamlet [13:00]
• "I'm staying away from these guys." – Melanie Hamlet [15:20]

Lillian Devane: "Undercover Love" [33:55]

Lillian Devane recounts a poignant story from her high school years, blending themes of love, regret, and reconciliation.

Key Points:

• Initial Incident: In 1997, as a senior at Mercersburg Academy, Lillian's life takes an unexpected turn when she falls and severely injures her front tooth during a playful interaction with her crush, Patrick. [39:14]

  "I can’t bite into it without bursting into tears." – Lillian Devane [43:10]

• Aftermath and Conflict: The injury leads to a strained relationship as Patrick's father refuses to cover the dental costs, causing a rift between Lillian and Patrick. Legal battles ensue, further deepening the divide. [45:44]

  "We ruined a friendship over a ruined tooth. A fucking tooth." – Lillian Devane [50:21]

• Reconciliation: A decade later, at a high school reunion, Lillian and Patrick unexpectedly reunite. Both express remorse over past actions, leading to forgiveness and the mending of their relationship. [49:00]

  "A mouth is to eat for fun." – Lillian Devane [50:24]

Notable Quotes:

• "I hated Patrick because Patrick stole my perfect teeth." – Lillian Devane [45:43]
• "A mouth is to talk. A mouth is to eat for fun." – Lillian Devane [50:21]
• "A mouth is to laugh, to smile, to kiss." – Lillian Devane [50:24]

Julia Wiedemann: "Life of a Smile" [38:43]

Julia Wiedemann delves into her tumultuous past with a manipulative boyfriend, Ted, and her journey towards self-worth and healthy relationships.

Key Points:

• Toxic Relationship with Ted: Julia describes Ted as charming yet abusive, someone she felt compelled to validate despite his sociopathic tendencies. [20:38]

  "He would strangle me without my permission during sex. The whole package, okay? It was, like, super awesome." – Julia Wiedemann [21:10]

• Seeking Validation: Frustrated by emotional neglect, Julia engages in affairs with more dependable men like Baxter, highlighting her struggle with self-esteem and dependency. [20:56]

  "Do you think he's gonna get fucked. Cause then that's why he got in fight." – Julia Wiedemann [21:10]

• Empowerment and Growth: Julia's realization of her worth leads her to leave Ted and pursue healthier relationships, illustrating the power of self-awareness and personal growth. [33:55]

  "So if ever I have a cage fighter, you know, attack me or whatever, and I need someone to defend my honor in a fuck or fight situation, I'm gonna have to fight the urge to fuck and just say thank you." – Julia Wiedemann [20:38]

Notable Quotes:

• "Weren't in contact that night." – Julia Wiedemann [19:17]
• "I have to hit her. I don't know why." – Julia Wiedemann [69:36]
• "Maybe I should just cuddle with this guy and whatever." – Julia Wiedemann [19:17]

Aubrey O'Day: "Spanx for the Memories" [50:24]

Aubrey O'Day, known for her stint with Danity Kane, shares a hilariously uncomfortable experience involving Spanx during a high-stakes romantic encounter.

Key Points:

• Embarrassing Moment: Aubrey recounts mistakenly leaving her Spanx on during an intimate moment with a celebrity, leading to an awkward and memorable situation. [51:11]

  "Oh, holy fuck, I've never seen Spanx that big in my life." – Aubrey O'Day [53:44]

• Relationship Dynamics: She navigates the complexities of a budding relationship, trust issues, and the pressure to present herself perfectly, ultimately learning to embrace authenticity. [53:41]

  "I don't have to live in my trust issues. I don't have to spend my life constantly trying to hide and lie about who I am." – Aubrey O'Day [69:38]

• Humorous Takeaways: Aubrey uses humor to reflect on the situation, offering relatable insights into the pressures of modern relationships and self-image. [73:21]

  "Spanx do not lie. Men do. Come on with this place for me and time tell the test of pedigree Experience is another woman for me to." – Aubrey O'Day [72:57]

Notable Quotes:

• "Spanx have, like, a little hole because they're difficult to get on and off." – Aubrey O'Day [53:41]
• "Aubrey, you can never trust a woman that wears Spanx because she's already lied to you." – Aubrey O'Day [68:46]
• "Spanx, here we go." – Aubrey O'Day [53:41]

Conclusion and Host’s Remarks

Kevin Allison wraps up the episode by reflecting on the compelling and diverse stories shared by the women, highlighting themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery. He encourages listeners to submit their own daring stories, emphasizing the essence of RISK! as a platform for unfiltered, honest storytelling.

Notable Overall Quotes:

• "If you think you've heard it all, fasten your seatbelt." – Kevin Allison
• "Take a risk. Get your motherfucking hands over here right now." – Kevin Allison

Final Thoughts

"Women on Men" is a captivating episode that delves into the nuanced experiences of women navigating complex relationships, societal expectations, and personal growth. Through vivid storytelling and candid reflections, the episode underscores the importance of authenticity, resilience, and the courage to share one's truth.