RISK!
Comedy
About
If you like The Moth, This American Life or Snap Judgment, take a walk on the wilder side with RISK! Your colorful host Kevin Allison (of the legendary comedy group The State) helms this surprisingly uncensored show where people tell jaw-dropping true stories they never thought they'd dare to share in public. RISK! is hilarious, heart-wrenching and remarkably real. Think you've heard it all? Fasten your seatbelt.
Episodes
- Live From NYC Podfest 2014
This episode from NYC Podfest 2014 features multiple storytellers. Kevin Allison revisits a past story with a new revelation. Alex Edelman shares an experience at an airport. Chemda recounts her first experience with marijuana. Keith Malle…
- What the Body Keeps
The episode "What the Body Keeps" on RISK! features two stories. Ali Mac's story involves an encounter with Tucker Carlson at the Miami Bitcoin Conference. Gordon Blitz's story, titled "Bonded," covers his experience during the AIDS crisis…
- The Best of Mother’s Day Stories #4
This RISK! episode features two Mother's Day stories. One story describes a child watching their mother battle ALS, while the other is about a woman who adopts a child after the child's mother was killed. This episode contains descriptions…
- The Best of RISK! #35
This episode of RISK! presents two gripping conversations. One story recounts a man\'s survival after being falsely imprisoned in a Philippine jail. The second story details a medical student\'s battle with addiction and grief, and her jou…
- I'm Okay, You're Okay
This episode from the RISK! archives explores the theme of self-acceptance through the personal stories of Joel Kim Booster, Dylan Brody, and Jolenta Greenberg. They share their unique experiences related to self-worth and how external fac…
- Pop Obie’s Vibrator
LeCount Holmes Jr. shares a story about how to love a woman, as taught by his father. The episode explores how this understanding of love was passed down through three generations of men, creating a unique love story.
- The Best of Adventure Stories #3
This episode of RISK! presents two archived adventure stories. One story details a challenging day for a 16-year-old with Tourette syndrome in New York City, and the other describes an unexplained voice heard in a tent in the Grand Tetons.
- Weirdos
In this episode of RISK!, Larry Dorsey Jr. shares a challenging experience teaching a standup comedy class, while Tuesday Thomas recounts her early days in Hollywood, including unconventional encounters with famous figures.
- Today's the Day. Welcome to RISK!
RISK! is a storytelling podcast hosted by Kevin Allison featuring true, unfiltered stories. New episodes are released on Tuesdays, with classic episodes available every Thursday.
- A Hard Landing, Revisited
JP Michael joins Kevin Allison to revisit his popular 2016 story, "A Hard Landing." They discuss his experiences as a caregiver in New York City, his post-story reflection, and new information he recently uncovered about the events.
- Bad Medicine
In this episode of RISK!, three storytellers share personal experiences involving medical struggles and unexpected circumstances. The stories cover a challenging hospital recovery, an unconventional ER visit, and an intense trip to San Fra…
- Backfire
In this episode of RISK!, Nate Runkel and Kelli Dunham share stories about unexpected outcomes. Runkel recounts the fallout from a satirical website he created as a teen, while Dunham reflects on a transformative summer at an evangelical c…
- The Best of RISK! #12
This compilation episode features true stories from guests including Richard Cardillo, Michelle Buteau, Moloch Masters, Tim C., Pollo Corral, and Kevin Allison. The featured stories cover a wide range of personal experiences, from humor an…
- Into the Moving Dark
Annie Carnrike shares her experience of defending herself during a violent confrontation with her cousin, followed by her legal proceedings and time in a maximum-security prison. Her account highlights the challenges she faced as a transge…
- Fighting Back
This episode of the RISK! podcast features two stories of women who fought back after enduring personal trauma. Ellie Jackson discusses processing a past sexual assault, while Liz Stewart shares her experience growing up in an abusive home…
- The Best of RISK! #34
This compilation episode of RISK! features three stories covering topics ranging from a harrowing experience during sex work in Pittsburgh to a frantic creative project and a woman's investigation into her mother's past. The episode includ…
- Impulsive
This episode of RISK! features three stories about impulsive decisions: a woman attending a stranger's wedding, a man from Brooklyn reflecting on his past, and an individual's attempt to retrieve a hairless cat.
- Males of the City: RISK! Reacts
In this RISK! Reacts episode, Kevin listens to Timothy Vaux's story "Males of the City" for the first time. The discussion covers urban adventures, role play, and the unpredictability of a night out.
- Presenting True Crime News: The Podcast
In this episode of RISK!, host Ana Garcia introduces the podcast True Crime News. The show features weekly coverage of true crime investigations, current cases, and scams with insights from experts, law enforcement, and legal professionals.
- Live From Philly 4!
This RISK! episode features live performances from Philadelphia's First Person Arts, featuring storytellers Dawn Jewel Fraser and Katie Samson. The stories explore personal experiences with losing and regaining control, covering topics fro…
- Quid Pro Quo, Revisited
Ophira Eisenberg speaks with Ed G. ten years after he first shared his story on RISK! regarding his experience of child sexual abuse at a Catholic church in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The conversation explores the aftermath of the story, covering…
- Where It Hurts
In this crossover episode between RISK! and The Story Collider, Karen McCaffrey and Mary Cyn share personal experiences regarding the need for compassion and trauma-informed care within the healthcare system.
- Metamorphosis
In this episode of RISK!, Michael McFadden and Adrianne Frost share personal stories regarding their evolving relationships with their bodies. The episode explores themes of masculinity, self-worth, surviving trauma, and self-discovery.
- The Best of Coming of Age Stories #2
Byron Bowers and Amy Salloway share personal stories about their formative years as part of the Best of Coming of Age Stories series. The episode features stories regarding family experiences and growing up.
- Private Parts
Ria Spencer, Mindy Myers, and Josh Connors share personal stories about navigating comfort and experiences within their own bodies. The episode features tales spanning from a childhood haircut to an unconventional kitchen discovery and a r…
- Family Secrets
In this classic episode from 2013, Kitty Hailey, Christine Lee, and Josh Healey share personal stories centered on surprising family circumstances. The narratives include an unexpected experience with medical marijuana, a difficult trip to…
- Catastrophe
In this episode of RISK!, Emma Yarbrough and Joel Gonzalez share personal stories about navigating difficult life experiences and finding personal growth. The episode includes accounts of processing past trauma and managing stress while wo…
- Live from Brown/RISD
This classic RISK! episode from 2013 features true stories shared by students from Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. The episode includes accounts from David Jacobs, Hania Ansari, and D.H. regarding anger management,…
- Lights Off, Pants Down
In this episode of RISK!, David Zellnik shares a personal story with host Kevin Allison about a transformative experience at a gay bar in the early 1990s. Zellnik discusses how this moment helped him navigate his identity and perspective d…
- The Best of Love Stories #4
Reba Sparrow and Smith Galtney present a selection of unusual love stories from the 16-year history of the RISK! podcast. The episode includes stories about overcoming addiction in a marriage and navigating body image through an unconventi…
- Unrequited
In this episode of RISK!, Connor O’Donoghue, JC Cassis, and Jay Michel share personal stories revolving around the themes of crushes and romantic rebounds.
- Live From LA Storytelling Fest
In this episode of RISK!, Brian Finkelstein, Carrie Wade, and Matt Oberg share true stories recorded live at the 2013 LA Storytelling Festival. The performances cover personal experiences with family, disability, and OCD.
- Come and Go
Ezra Holmlund recounts an experience where police mistook him and his brother for intruders in their own home. Sarah Adelman shares her transition from working at a sperm bank to pursuing a career in comedy after being fired for her materi…
- The Riverside, Revisited
In memory of Jan Scott-Frazier, this episode features her 2011 story "The Riverside" alongside a previously unreleased 2021 conversation between Jan and narrative therapist David Newman. The story reflects on her time in Japan and an encou…
- How Can I Tell You?
Stella Mayerhoff and Rebecca Heron share stories about the heavy emotional toll of holding onto difficult truths in personal and professional contexts. The episode explores themes of grief, trauma, and the process of disclosure through the…
- Casualties
In this classic episode of RISK!, Janine Latus, Scott Whitney, and Dan Telfer share personal stories about experiences with madness and trauma. Featured accounts cover religious conflict, grief following a suicide, and the aftermath of a d…
- Sexploration
In this episode of RISK!, Shem, Nonye Brown-West, and JC Cassis share personal stories regarding their discoveries and experiences related to sexuality and health. Topics include feminist literature, historical guides to intimacy, and a pe…
- Live From Chicago!
This classic RISK! episode from 2013 features stories from Chicago told by Stephanie Douglass, Shannon Cason, Lily Be, and Jim Padar. The episode highlights personal accounts ranging from high school misconceptions to a detective's experie…
- Create My Life
Ms. Aishia shares her personal story of navigating an emotionally abusive relationship and a destabilizing virtual romance, detailing her journey toward independence, self-discovery, and rebuilding her life.
- The Best of Funny Stuff #7
This episode of RISK! is a compilation of humorous stories featuring Kumail Nanjiani and Alecia Altstaetter. Nanjiani discusses a painful zipper-related injury, while Altstaetter recounts a disastrous family ferry trip.
- Holiday Blues #3
In this episode of RISK!, Michael J Bennett shares a story about working as a mall Santa, and Jessica Piscitelli Robinson discusses navigating the holidays after her mother suffered a stroke.
- In 2026, Jump In On RISK!
Kevin announces the goals for RISK! in 2026, which include hosting more social events and online activities, along with his upcoming storytelling workshops on January 14 and February 15. Listeners are invited to contact him via email for m…
- How Embarrassing
This episode of RISK! features storytelling performances from Kevin Allison, Jen Bosworth, Donna Steele, and Dare Campbell. Each storyteller shares a personal account centered on the theme of humiliation.
- Hosts with the Mosts
In this episode of RISK!, hosts JC Cassis, David Crabb, and Cyndi Freeman share personal stories from their experiences hosting live shows. The episode includes accounts of an awkward New Year's Eve encounter, a chaotic restaurant experien…
- Holiday Stories Fan Favorites!
This episode of RISK! features a collection of fan-favorite holiday stories from Elna Baker, Kevin Allison, Sarah Long Hendershot, and Kate Bohl. The stories cover experiences ranging from working at a toy store to a blizzard-filled night…
- Holiday Stories #18
In this annual holiday special, Ty Gentile, James Rana, and David Hu share personal stories about their experiences with the winter season. The episode features tales regarding Christmas carols, unconventional Santa gigs, and caring for an…
- Holiday Stories #4
In this classic episode from 2013, RISK! presents holiday stories from Alex Edelman, Jude Treder-Wolff, and Danielle Kramer. The storytellers share personal experiences regarding Christmas traditions, family dynamics, and holiday memories.
- Sex & Supper
Guest host Taj Easton introduces stories from Nikki Bailey and Hana Nobel about messy situations involving food and intimacy. The episode explores themes of self-acceptance, body positivity, and unexpected moments in dating.
- Desire
In this classic episode of RISK!, Amanda Egge and Nayland Blake share personal stories about navigating desire. Egge discusses a complex dynamic with a volunteer cleaner, while Blake recounts an experience at the Black Party in New York Ci…
- We Are Family
Jillian Markowitz shares a story about her turbulent sibling relationship, while David Joseph recounts his childhood experience learning about his uncle's secret life and death from AIDS.