RISK!

5,269
Arts #56Performing Arts #10

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.

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • DC Pat
    Thank you!!!
    ❤️❤️❤️
  • maria tenta
    regarding the Snowglobe episode
    It is in fact wonderful, but it would be 100 times better if the woman who came in from the blizzard had not been stunningly beautiful. The story would not be so predictable.
  • gone cold podcast
    I looooove this podcast!
    A++++++
  • Brokenboxer
    Awesome story podcast
    I love the podcast. Stories are interesting, and there is such a great variety, they seem to tap into all aspects of life. Today I heard ( 11/8/24) remarks about old people sex. There are a lot of a very fit, very good looking 60 year-olds. Yes, young and hot is everyone’s first choice but keep in mind that some of the most beautiful people don’t know but a bit about how to get the most pleasure out of our bodies. A 60-year-old who is cool and has explored deeply knows a whole lot about how to have great sex. don’t diss it until you’ve tried it! I am transsexual and transitioned over 30 years ago. I’m terrified at the judgment and targeting towards my community. I am also 68. It’s interesting. That young people like to laugh about old people sex. I mean, I get it in teenagers but come on… When you’re 30 or over it’s ridiculous. If we are going to be kind and understanding about ALL communities, how about bringing in that empathy and compassion for us old folks who, many of us are very sexually interested if not active. We already feel crappy about the fact that our bodies are slowly dying on us, so keeping on the shame and embarrassment isn’t helpful. I am more in touch with my sexuality and my ability to give and receive pleasure now that I ever have been in my entire life. just just something to consider folks.
  • Kiki+sandra
    My favorite show
    Risk is my favorite story telling show is emerges you in to the story teller pain, happiness or sadness it really knows how to let people connect to the story
  • morgoon creations
    One of my favorites for sure!
    Sad it took me so long to find this podcast, if you like genuine raw stories told by people you will absolutely love this. So many different types of stories I’d say there has to be at least a couple stories for everyone to enjoy. PLEASE CONTINUE DOING WHAT YOU DO!
  • Spicegirlchili
    Hard to listen to
    Recently stories have been told with Kevin on the audio. He doesn’t need to chime in. It’s cringe to hear the yes and mhmms every second. Doesn’t seem genuine at all. Just let the guest tell the story.
  • Monocazzx
    I used to love her… now I like her
    I used to devour every episode of risk. Weekly since 2014. Now I pick and choose. It’s less risky storytelling these days- storytellers seem afraid to be honest and Kevin seems to feel the need to give warnings or fret over the morality of the storytellers… or worse yet, to pitch life coaching. I’m here for messiness, not perfection. The moral ambiguity lead to curiosity and introspection and appreciation for complexity and that was the amazing thing about this show. This change probably has to do with our current political climate more than the show and isn’t really the shows fault. One other constructive critique- the “interview style” stories are really hard to listen to because of Kevin’s constant interjections “mm!” “Mmhmm!” “Oh yeah!”. I skip every interview style episode. This style is new and is not representative of the show. If you go back to 2014-2019 you’ll get to the good stuff :) But the foundation and spirit is still there and I love Kevin’s heart. I hope the show gets back to its roots soon and that their financial issues resolve so we can focus on the stories.
  • Kate122821
    I love the new "Risk Real" series
    I love risk but can't always play it in the car with my young kids because they repeat everything. " Risk Real" is all the best parts of risk. A huge variety of stories, they're hilarious, sad beautiful and I can't get enough!
  • logzbrown
    🔥🔥🔥
    My new FAVORITE podcast! My absolute go-to and an INSANE amount of material!!
  • Paleo Chef Celeste
    One of my favorite podcasts!
    The music at the end of this week’s story gave me total shivers. Well done! Risk! stories are always fascinating, often funny, sometimes moving, and frequently profound. I listen to a lot of podcasts, and this one stands out as one of the juiciest (Bawdy Storytelling and Savage Lovecast are the other two juicy ones that I click on the second they drop)! I also love Kevin for his vulnerability, lack of pretension, and his act of service getting people’s stories heard. In a world where we are increasingly isolated and we no longer sit around fires telling stories with our tribes every night, this type of work keeps us connected and preserves our humanity. When I have to be alone in the car or at home, storytelling podcasts and Risk! in particular keep me feeling like part of the human family. I like weirdness and queerness and this show provides a double dose most weeks! I feel like I’m with my folks. I love Kevin’s voice (and I find a lot of radio voices irritating). Kevin sounds cheerful and kind and silly and wacky. I’m excited to catch the show in my city and hopefully meet him!
  • feeling the morbs
    Disappointed
    I have been a fan of this show for quite a long time. That is until they decided to push politics and do a show completely revolving around the Democratic Party. This was extremely disappointing. For a show that is struggling and wanting more views, this was absolutely the worst decision for a show. You list my respect as a listener and I am questioning whether to even listen in the future.
  • Cjoyfox
    Long time listener
    This show is such a joy! It has helped me through so many hard times. I’m so thankful for all the laughs and outlandish to relatable stories. Thank you for keeping me company and helping to remind me we are all just human and doing the best we can.
  • mrvacation
    Nope!
    Too gay for me, not my thing.
  • Molino Girl
    Here for the stories
    I enjoy listening to the majority of the stories but the vulgar, weird banter of the host gets old along with the music between stories. Tired of having to scrub past that. I’m here for the stories. I’d give it a higher rating except for that.
  • Kaaattttiiiiieeeeeeeee
    Love it
    Just found this today and I’ve listened to 5 episodes already. Wonderful story telling and a well put together show
  • Four-eyed jessi
    The most compelling podcast I’ve ever followed.
    I stumbled upon “Risk” one day, I was fed up with true crime and listening to celebrities drone on and on about themselves. I needed something with substance, weight; but also lighthearted and funny. Risk has all of those qualities and I absolutely adore this show. Every single episode is captivating on one level or another and I think the host, Kevin Allison, is simply the best part. The end.
  • Amoon97
    Risk makes me a good human
    Risk! Is such a gem. It is my go-to for when I want a podcast that is ALWAYS engaging. It seriously has never let me down. I usually try to extend whatever activity I’m doing so I don’t have to pause the episode 😂 so many different amazing stories from so many different people. Makes me feel like a better human.
  • BrandonSF 415
    Show has gone way downhill
    This was previously my favorite podcast for many years but the show has gone way downhill. Kevin and his team have become obsessed with censorship and only sharing stories that fit their political narrative. They have made everything about politics and their agenda and now if there is something even remotely controversial in a story there has to be a big discussion and disclaimer about it and storytellers morals and values have to be weighed an discussed. This show used to just let storytellers tell their stories and leave it at that but now it’s a constant whine about money and then a political agenda. I’m done with it.
  • Cjs0083
    Love love love Risk!
    Iv been listening since 2016 and this show has gotten me through thick and thin. There a people from all wakes of life that have shared their stories on Risk and to me there is no greater value than putting yourself in other peoples shoes. Having empathy is one of many things we could strive for as a society and this show gives us perspective and therefore creates the opportunities for people to be more understanding. Thank you Risk for all you do! P.s. I love hearing Kevin talk at the beginning and end of the show! He updates us on whats going on behind the scenes and also has created a community for the podcast. Keep it up Kevin!
  • Sunshine Scribe
    Good stories
    This show always has great stories. The only negative is the host's banter and sometimes annoying music. I usually have to skip past an average of eight minutes of annoying yakking before I get to the stories. Otherwise, great great stories.
  • DJDane
    Meh
    Disappointed as this was highly recommended to me. Trite stories that don’t read as believable- maybe loosely based on truth. Some are well told, most too predictable to be engaging.
  • dkniner
    The best
    I started listening to this podcast as background noise when I had a living situation with nothing to listen to or watch. It started out just when I slept. Stories would wake me up and I’d listen. I’ve been through the whole thing on two different platforms a few times now. I’ve actually heard probably 80% of the stories, since many are replayed. I’m about to start this again. I love it, and although Kevin sometimes runs me the wrong way, after giving him a chance, I couldn’t imagine this podcast existing without him. Kevin is this podcast and anyone can tell that he is so well lived in this community. I love this podcast and it has helped me through so much. Don’t ever stop. Please. I love David crab too! Listening to all theses people start young and after ten years they’re still going and I just love new stories from them.
  • cjwilson1952
    Overly political
    Shows no respect politically. Why does politics have to be involved anyways?
  • Genie
    Downhill
    Changing my prior 5 star rating. Skipped over several recent episodes - never done this before. The stories are just not what they used to be.
  • candy_lllll
    This show is such a gift!!
    I’m so grateful to have found this show. I’ve learned so much and have been endlessly entertained by these stories. This show has been excellent company!! Truly a treasure trove of human experiences.
  • Morris012
    Love the stories
    Love the stories but hate that it takes 5-6 minutes to get to the stories!
  • Julia Lechner
    Amazing storytellers
    RISK! never disappoints. So many funny, powerful, vulnerable stories on this podcast. It’s a must-binge!
  • Skip-to-ma-loo
    I’m in love ♥️
    This podcast is my new lover.
  • HereIsJuliette
    The Risk of Risk
    Stop peddling for money like you’re the Jerry Lewis Marathon. OMG. You are spreading yourselves too thin. You’re broke?????? Trouble sleeping. So stressed? Risk is one of the best podcasts out there but no one I know has ever heard of it. Maybe you should put efforts into marketing rather than begging from your audience. Other podcasts are successfully promoting their content (not their workshops, activities unrelated to podcast). Risk the podcast. Just the podcast. Entice your audience with your podcast content, not by peddling and begging.
  • LKayKas
    Wow
    So not funny or even remotely entertaining. How did they do so little with so much?
  • Carla,RD
    Republican Baster is awful
    Personal political commentary ruined this podcast.
  • Toothfae
    Late to the Party
    Where have you been all my life? Taking a deep dive and loving it.
  • livin4dios
    It’s vulgar and honestly not worth your time.
    This show isn’t entertaining. It’s full of cursing and worthless stories.
  • Bbvgakalsfdskskd
    This show lost its balls.
    When this show started I would look forward to it every week. Brazen, erotic, daring and ghastly stories of things one would never tell another soul. The stories had no agenda - they were just mostly FUN. However, especially over the past few years this show has gone woke to the point where I can’t even stand to listen. If you enjoy melancholy stories of victimhood and entitlement or get off on people whining about how they had to overcome micro aggressions than by all means, tune in. The fact that every show starts with an apology for its past content and trigger warning for every single episode should have been a clue. There’s no RISK! involved when your agenda is driven by being politically correct and non-offensive.
  • eyes of mary
    David Byrne
    Kevin, did you and your wonderfully brave guest Regina, know that David Byrne is on the autism spectrum, and I think he identifies as having Asperger‘s. If she and her partner didn’t already know about that, it seems an amazing gift the universe gave them, with that sign. What we mothers need is true honesty from other mothers, if we’re ever to accept ourselves wholly, and how else do you truly get to see the beauty? I loved the story. I think every time I listen to the show my mind is opened a little bit more. (Sometimes A LOT more- I have previously gotten an E-DU-CA-TION!! It is ALWAYS a ride!) Tonight I went from laughing hard alone in my kitchen to your hilarious first guest, to a total heart pause, not knowing where Regina’s story was going to go. Thank you. I just really love your show.
  • AliChiffon
    One of my go-to pods
    I love Risk! so much. Kevin Allison is hilarious and authentic. He is unabashedly himself and has created a space for others to be their authentic selves and tell their stories. I love that anything goes on this podcast. It’s refreshing to hear people talking about things that may be considered taboo, but are *mostly* relatable parts of being human. I also really love the creative songs that sometimes accompany the stories! Keep up the good work!
  • Brenda G. Tamarindo
    My fave pod
    I recommend Risk to everyone I encounter. This podcast is full of authenticity and rawness, I am always moved, sometimes to tears other times to laughter and often to shock! Love all the emotions each episode evokes. Kevin Allison and his team are dynamite!
  • waterbaby92
    Great stories, challenging host
    I would love to give Risk! 5 stars. I value the no limits environment that encourages honest, hilarious, authentic storytelling. Laughing alongside the storytellers in moments of vulnerability as well as revealing the not so shiny aspects of their personality and experience. There are occasional storytellers who strike me as loud, entitled white guys who tell racist, misogynist jokes. Kevin. Many people have said it before but please, for the future of this podcast, limit your introductions. Please have another host read the sponsor messages. I skip every single second of your voice on these recordings and can’t bring myself to listen to your stories which is a shame because I’m sure you have great experiences to share. This is not a personal attack, merely a suggestion to better care for this awesome platform. Let go of the reins and allow someone with a better radio presence to host this show. Perhaps you are a connecter, a weaver of people, and not a host. No shame, just know your lane. Your ratings and listeners will thank you.
  • Slackin an Jackin
    Great from time to time, insufferable host.
    Found out about Risk earlier this year and subscribed after a few episodes. I hit a string of good episodes, with every story being interesting, but eventually I reached some that didn’t really get to any point or fell pretty flat in the end. That’s to be expected though since not every story people tell can be amazing. There’s good variety with drama, comedy, life lessons, etc. And I’ll remember a lot of these for a long time. I can see how these can inspire others to break out and tell their own stories or at least write about them and see if it might help resolve anything. The thing I dislike the most though is the host, Kevin. His voice is constantly going up and down like he’s plastered, and he’ll start laughing for no reason in mid-sentence. On the bright side, he only gets a few minutes of time per episode to introduce and close things. I try to fast forward through his segments because he irritates me so much.
  • AshesOfAdonis
    Sure but how do I farm Australia most efficiantly?
    Imagine my dissapointment when I tuned in. No talk of startegy regarding the early aquisition of Europe , techniques for long term farming in Australia or weather a 3 on 1 going into Congo could ever be called a good idea (hint it is not EVER). I mean it's an o.k. podcast but it aint my RISK!
  • Vegan_Train
    Amazing
    Never fails to entertain, make me laugh, ring tears to my eyes. I love Kevin especially, who brings warmth and depth to every aspect of this show.
  • Dss210
    Amazing
    Kevin is a national treasure!
  • Denver345
    5 Stars
    We love you, Kevin!
  • zxxcb.
    Unfollow
    Kevin I’ve been a RISK listener for 4 years now and for some reason I’ve yet to figure out, the show just’ isn’t for me anymore. I’m more annoyed with the story tellers than routing for them (not good for a comedy show) I do thank you for introducing me to Ray Christen’s stories of his journey. KF- Albuquerque NM
  • Squeeeegeeee
    Risk saved my life
    I’ve been listening to Risk! for about ten years now. I still look forward to each new episode. The host, Kevin, is an amazing human and advocate and really makes the podcast feel like home. Also, he has an outstanding sense of humor and often leaves me laughing out loud. I have struggled with mental illness my whole life and that’s led me to make some less-than-great decisions, especially when I was younger. Listening to Risk! has given me so much insight on the plights of others. This podcast taught me empathy, humility, and the meaning of respect. Through it, I have found my own callings in life and I have found so much strength within that I do not believe would have been possible without this podcast. Simply the best story-telling podcast out there. I love you, Risk!
  • ellieridevanrembrandt
    RAW
    I love this show. It is brave and true. Some episodes make me feel uncomfortable some (very few) have made me feel so uncomfortable that I chose to skip the story. No need to slam the whole show because one persons story makes me cringe. I still appreciate the fearless honesty and Kevin for creating this platform that fosters such raw authenticity
  • Bunny Fontenot
    Yes!
    I like Risk! I love Kevin Allison.
  • Joewess1969
    Love this podcast
    Hey, Kevin I’ve been “binge listening” to Risk for the past month when I discovered it through Chris Ryan aka Tangentially Speaking podcast. Risk! My new favorite podcast… amazing!!! Dude you crack me up and I get a kick out of your antics. It’s comical to me when I’ve heard you say how you’ve had listener complaints about your commentary. For the love of god! Some of the audiences and story tellers are so obnoxious, I’ve had to fast forward. Love you man!!! Keep being yourself.
  • Toaster5
    I can’t express how much I love this podcast
    ABSADOODLE love this podcast. Makes me feel less lonely and connected and I just loveee listening to stories. Thank you all for all you do.
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