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DateTitreDurée
21 Sep 2021204: The Long Shadow: What if you fought the fire?00:49:57

“You try not to think about the fact that you really think you’re going to die here…that it’s totally out of control.”

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

Episode Summary: On September 11th, 2001, the first female firefighter in the New York City Fire Department confronts the impossible tasks of that day and the skewed narratives that followed.


Today's episode featured Captain (ret.) Brenda Berkman. Since her retirement from the New York City Fire Department in 2006, Brenda serves as a volunteer guide at the 9/11 Memorial, is Vice-President for Programs for the women’s history organization Monumental Women (monumentalwomen.org) and pursues her passion for printmaking, specializing in stone lithography. You can see her artwork at www.brendaberkmanartworks.com.

Twenty Years after the attacks of September 11th changed the world as we knew it, this month the This Is Actually Happening podcast dives deep into the stories of four survivors whose jobs brought them face to face with the unthinkable. For those called to manage an impossible tragedy up close, the events of September 11th represented a uniquely horrifying challenge. Among the harrowing details of that day, in the special series, we explore the long shadows of trauma and resilience that continue to inform the looming uncertainties that remain with us today.

 

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Andrew Waits: http://andrdewwaits.com/

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: terrorism, death, graphic violence, explicit language

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music and Sound Design by: Marcelino Villalpando

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

23 Apr 2024316: What if a masked man appeared at the foot of your bed?00:56:37

Growing up with a narcissistic father, a woman learns to play small, but one night when an unknown masked man enters her room, she faces the worst night of her life, and emerges on the other side with a new found ferocity. 


Today’s episode featured Danielle Leukam. You can learn more about Danielle on her website, danielleleukam.com. And you can find her on Instagram @danielleukam, as well as Twitter and Facebook. You can also learn more about her story in her two memoirs, Four Pounds of Pressure: A Memoir of Rape, Survival, and Taking Back My Power https://amzn.to/3QHxMJW and Another Four Pounds of Pressure: Case Files, Statements, & a Survivor's Redemption https://amzn.to/49I0umr, and lastly, you can check out her novella The First Sister: A Dangerous Bloodline, https://amzn.to/3TjLaXq, as well as the two children’s books she’s authored. Danielle now works full-time at the Mayo Clinic. She is passionate about public speaking, writing, and advocating against sexual violence. And she also the president and founder of a non-profit organization called WISH: We Inspire Survivor Healing. Learn more about WISH on their website WeInspireSurvivorHealing.com


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz


Content/Trigger Warnings: rape, violent assault, child endangerment, gun violence, alcoholism, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrewwaits.com

Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

03 Nov 2020166: What if you didn't have any fear?00:56:03

“The mind almost has to find a way to prove that it’s not real. This cannot be happening.”


Producer: Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: After visiting a psychiatrist for mild anxiety, a young man embarks on a wild spree that will alter the course of his life forever.


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

If you would like to be in direct contact with today’s storyteller for questions or comments, you can email him at aliveandwell11@gmail.com.


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: mania, violent crime, robbery, explicit language


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Union Flow” - Spuntic

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 Sep 2021203: The Long Shadow: What if you were on the 68th floor?00:50:30

“It’s not like there was time to ponder your fate…you just thought, we’re powerless to get out of the building….This is it.”

 

Producers: Whit Missildine

Episode Summary: A Port Authority employee narrowly escapes from the 68th floor after a plane hits the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001, but the most devastating impact comes from the psychological wounds that haunt her life for decades after. 


Today's episode featured Kayla Bergeron. In addition to serving as chief of public and government affairs for The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Kayla has also served in senior roles for the New York State Housing Finance Agency and South Florida Water Management District, the lead agency restoring America's Everglades. 

Kayla currently resides in Suwanne, Georgia and serves as Program Director, and as a Certified Peer Support Specialist -Addictive Disease (C.P.S.- A.D.), for The Connection Forsyth, a 501c3 non profit recovery community organization, based in Cumming, Georgia. Kayla works as a social media consultant for Special Equestrians of Georgia, in Milton, Georgia, also a 501c3 non profit, where she participates in equine-assisted therapy.

Kayla recently started a gofundme for Special Equestrians of Georgia, where she receives equine-assisted therapy for PTSD. Last year, Special Equestrians of Georgia (SEG), based in Milton, GA, had to close down its hippotherapy program due to COVID-19 and safety concerns. As a result, many of the horses had to be rehomed. Currently, SEG provides equine-assisted therapy for teens and adults with mental health challenges, including depression, PTSD, anxiety and trauma. With COVID-19 Delta variant hovering, Special Equestrians of Georgia may be forced to shut down its doors -- for good. It costs approximately $3,000 to fund the program, which includes feeding and special dietary needs, farrier, veterinarian, medicine and facility maintenance. Please help by donating to Special Equestrians of Georgia.

This episode is part of a special, four-part series called The Long Shadow. Twenty Years after the attacks of September 11th changed the world as we knew it, this month the This Is Actually Happening podcast dives deep into the stories of four survivors whose jobs brought them face to face with the unthinkable. For those called to manage an impossible tragedy up close, the events of September 11th represented a uniquely horrifying challenge. Among the harrowing details of that day, we explore the long shadows of trauma and resilience that continue to inform the looming uncertainties that remain with us today.

 

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: violence, sexual assault, injury, terrorism, mention of suicide, alcoholism, addiction, mental illness explicit language

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music and Sound Design by: Marcelino Villalpando

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

21 Feb 2023266: What if you thought everyone was dead?00:53:33

While in the depths of a toxic relationship, a woman begins experiencing a magical, unseen world around her, but on a layover on a flight through LA, the world becomes all too real.


Today's episode featured Kimberly Rose. If you'd like to reach out to her, you can email at contactkimberlyrose@gmail.com, or find her on Instagram at @thefakekimberlyrose.

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Jason Blalock

Editing: Matt Volla

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: substance abuse, mental illness, sexual abuse of a minor, suicide attempt, suicidal ideation, psychosis, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com

 

Show Sponsors: Betterhelp: This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/HAPPENING and get on your way to being your best self.”

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

15 Jun 2021195: What if you never stopped searching?00:55:38

“The not knowing is awful, and it’s awful from day one and it’s awful thirty years later, but every day that goes by you get more and more in reality.”

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Jason Blalock


Episode Summary: Decades after her brother disappeared in the early 1980s, a woman becomes deeply involved in the search for a missing friend.  


Today’s episode featured Sarah Haynes. Somebody out there knows something about her brother Jon Haynes, who went missing in Boulder July 1981 just days after arriving for college. If you know anything, please contact the Boulder police department. There is a $10,000 reward for info leading to his body, his car, or for information about who may have harmed him https://apps.colorado.gov/apps/coldcase/casedetail.html?id=258

 

Sarah’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sarahspitfire 

 

Her animal sanctuary on Maui is called Kitty Charm Farm and the Facebook page is:

https://www.facebook.com/KittyCharmFarm

 

Website for Jason Blalock: https://jasonblalock.com

 

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: missing person, abusive threats, explicit language

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

 

 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

19 Oct 2021208: What if you ran through the pain?00:49:51

“It was like I was in a whole other universe for like five to ten minutes just walking around, like I couldn’t function, I didn’t know what to do.”

 

Today’s episode featured Miles. You can reach out to Miles by emailing him at Miles1357@yahoo.com.

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Jason Blalock


Episode Summary: A man searches for healing after his father, a disgruntled post office worker, falls into a violent downward spiral.


Website for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com

 

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: suicide, mental illness, graphic violent imagery, workplace abuse, sexual harassment, explicit language


Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Cylinder Four/Five” – Chris Zabriskie

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

13 Aug 2019135: What if a minor procedure left you permanently altered?00:43:48

“My personhood had been shattered into a thousand pieces that I and my family were left to pick up one at a time.”

 

Producer: Whit Missildine

Editor: Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: After self-medicating for years to cope with the emotional aftermath of an abusive, religious upbringing, a woman goes in for a minor surgery, and when she emerges, everything has changed.


Today's episode features Olivia Wilder. You can find out more about Olivia in Instagram @oliviaamputeefitness


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: medical trauma, explicit language


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient themes by Nigel Coutinho

Outro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

25 Jul 2024The 82 Percent: Bonus Conversation with Alex Chen00:42:17

In this special bonus episode, Whit Missildine interviews Alex Chen. Alex Chen is the Founding Director of the Harvard Law School LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic and a founding member of Polyamory Legal Advocacy Coalition. In this conversation we discuss the legal and historical roots of the nuclear family, monogamy and the challenges and successes in the fight for rights for diverse family structures. 


Alex is one of the nation’s leading experts in LGBTQ+ civil rights law. He also teaches Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, and the Law at the Law School. Previously, Alexander served as an Equal Justice Works Fellow at the National Center for Lesbian Rights. He also co-drafted AB 2119, a bill that made California the first state to guarantee access to transition-related health care for trans youth in foster care. Alex received his J.D. from Harvard Law School, where he was the first openly transgender editor of the Harvard Law Review. You can find out more about Alex and his work at PLAC at polyamorylegal.org


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits


Content/Trigger Warnings: sexual themes, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening


Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

21 Apr 2020153: What if you wanted to disappear?00:48:32

“I had this secret inside me that I felt was my one and only friend and companion that took me away from all the pain and anxiety that I had moving through my life.”


Producer: Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: A young girl’s world is turned upside-down by the early death of her father, but starving herself to cope with the pain becomes a sinister companion


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: eating disorder, death, domestic abuse, explicit language


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

Outro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

17 Jan 2023261: What if your mother was a victim of a secret government experiment?00:53:08

A woman learns shocking truths about what happened to her mom when she was young, while caretaking her mentally ill father and grappling with revelations that haunt the family forever.  

 

Producer: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Andrew Waits: www.andrdewwaits.com

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse, sexual abuse, explicit language

 

Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

03 Oct 2023292: What if a shocking lie revealed your inner truth?00:45:31

A woman with a severe eating disorder and addiction finds inspiration in the strength of a religious community and a woman who has beaten the odds, but when the illusions begin to crumble, a deeper source of strength emerges. 


Today's episode featured Lindsey Wilder. To contact Lindsey, you can reach out over email at actuallylindsey@yahoo.com. To find out more about Amanda C. Riley, her victims and the many details we couldn't cover on this episode, you can binge every episode of the podcast, Scamanda, produced by Lionsgate Sound, wherever you get your podcasts.


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz


Content/Trigger Warnings:  domestic abuse, sexual assault, self-harm, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, suicide attempt, cancer, medical trauma, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrewwaits.com

Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com/  


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening


Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Union Flow” – Spuntic

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

16 May 2023278: What if you couldn't keep her safe?00:51:26

In the wake of her uncle’s untimely death, a woman bears the brunt of her mother’s long mental health decline, struggling to keep her safe from herself, and in the wake of tragedy, finds a way to help thousands of others like her. 


Today’s episode featured Katrina Brees. You can find Katrina on Instagram @katrinabrees, and if you’d like to find out more about her legislation and donate or support, you can do so on the website www.donnaslaw.com

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Sara Marinelli, Andrew Waits

 

Content/Trigger Warnings:  suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, death, suicide, gun violence, mental illness, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Cylinder Four/Five” – Chris Zabriskie

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

26 Mar 2024312: What if you believed your love could cure him?00:57:21

Finally finding love and marriage after feeling unworthy of romance, a woman develops symptoms of a mysterious and debilitating illness, but in the roller coaster of recovery, her husband’s mental illness creates a new level of chaos. 


Today’s episode featured Marabai Rose. To find out more about Marabai, you can find her on Instagram @marabai.rose, and on her website marabairose.com. There you can find links to her podcast, Badass: Tales of Resilience @badass_tales_of_resilience, which showcases authentic conversations about trauma and resilience. You can also find links to her memoir, Holding Hope: One family’s Odyssey Through Lyme Disease and Psychosis, which dives deeper into many aspects of the story you heard today and more. If you'd like to reach out to her, you can email at contact@marabairose.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/marabai


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Sara Marinelli


Content/Trigger Warnings: medical trauma, domestic violence, severe mental illness, psychosis, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Website for Sara Marinelli: saramarinelli.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Union Flow” – Spuntic

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

07 Sep 2021202: The Long Shadow: What if you ran the ER five blocks away?00:51:46

“The world looks like it’s coming to an end, and another cloud comes over…Everything goes dark, and the world is covered in dust.”

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits


Episode Summary: On September 11th, 2001 an ER Doctor finds himself in charge of the closest emergency room to the Twin Towers.


Today's episode featured Tony Dajer. Tony was born in New York City, grew up in Puerto Rico, and has been practicing as an ER Doctor in New York for 30 years. You can read one of Tony's articles called "Vital Signs" featured in Discover Magazine at www.discovermagazine.com/health/vital-signs-37.

This episode is part of a special, four-part series called The Long Shadow. Twenty Years after the attacks of September 11th changed the world as we knew it, this month the This Is Actually Happening podcast dives deep into the stories of four survivors whose jobs brought them face to face with the unthinkable. For those called to manage an impossible tragedy up close, the events of September 11th represented a uniquely horrifying challenge. Among the harrowing details of that day, we explore the long shadows of trauma and resilience that continue to inform the looming uncertainties that remain with us today.

 

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Andrew Waits: http://andrdewwaits.com/


Special Thanks: To all who helped make this series happen - Ellen Westberg, Andrew Waits, Marcelino Villalpando, Gabriella Quintana, Emily Caldwell, and Jason Blalock.

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: violence, graphic bodily injury, terrorism, explicit language

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music and Sound Design by: Marcelino Villalpando

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

06 Oct 2020163: What if you grew up in a violent gang?00:51:18

“Any sense of identity no matter how fake was better than no sense of identity, yet if I don’t have a sense of identity, then who am I as a person?”


Producer: Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: After tragedy strikes a Vietnamese refugee family, a young man finds his new home in a violent gang, forever marking his life path through acts of destruction and redemption.


Today’s episode featured Quan Huynh. You can read more about Quan’s story in his memoir, Sparrow in the Razorwire - www.sparrowintherazorwire.com. You can also find out more about Quan and

his current work at www.quanxhuynh.com and on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @quanxhuynh


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: murder, gang violence, death, incarceration, explicit language


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Cylinder Four/Five” – Chris Zabriskie

Outro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

13 Aug 2024What if you couldn't stop shining? [Rebroadcast #189]00:47:07

Growing up in a home of abandonment and neglect, a teenager finds a grand, new reality in the rabbit hole of addiction until they can no longer find their way back.


Today’s guest prefers to remain anonymous, but if you’d like to reach out to them, you can email at artichoke.heart456@gmail.com


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits


Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: psychosis, drug use, child neglect, childhood trauma, explicit language


Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

  

Website for Andrew Waitswww.andrdewwaits.com


Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Enter the Lair/Drone” – SkyeVoyager https://linktr.ee/SkyeVoyager

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

13 Apr 2023Point Blank: Inside the Mind of the Rancho Tehama Gunman00:25:51

A special bonus episode featuring a conversation between TIAH host, Whit Missildine and Candice DeLong, host of the brilliant podcast, Killer Psyche, discussing the spree killing in Rancho Tehama, the focus of our Point Blank series. We talk through the many questions surrounding Kevin Jansen Neal, the shooter, as we try to unpack and make sense of what happened. To hear more from Candice DeLong follow Killer Psyche wherever you listen to podcasts: Wondery.fm/TIAH_KPW

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Candice DeLong

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: gun violence, murder, graphic bodily injury, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Connor Sheets

Twitter: @ConnorASeets

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

10 Oct 2023293: What if you believed your son was possessed?00:51:47

A chaotic upbringing leaves a woman with chronic depression, but after the birth of her first child, she enters a new level of chaos from which she struggles to return.  


Today's episode featured Olivia Armond. You can find her on Instagram @the_redheaded_alaskan and on Facebook at facebook.com/olivia.boldt.12


Olivia also wanted to share some links to resources for those needing postpartum support generally and specific resources for postpartum psychosis:


Postpartum Support International (PSI): postpartum.net/

Health Unlocked: healthunlocked.com

Action On Postpartum Psychosis: instagram.com/actiononpp


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock


Content/Trigger Warnings:  domestic violence, domestic abuse, self-harm, suicide attempt, psychosis, post-partum depression, mention of infanticide, mention of murder, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrewwaits.com

Website for Jason Blalock: www.jasonblalock.com

  

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening


Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Cylinder Four” – Chris Zabriskie

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

22 Nov 2022256: What if you prepared your boyfriend's body?00:51:59

After losing her father at a young age, a woman begins apprenticing as a funeral director, but when tragedy strikes again, the loss takes an exponential toll.   

 

Today’s episode featured Kelsie. You can find out more about her on Instagram and Twitch: @HumanPterodactyl


Content/Trigger Warnings:  mental illness, suicidal ideation, suicide, graphic medical descriptions, explicit language

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Jason Blalock

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

13 Sep 2022246: What if you could never be what they wanted?00:45:36

Always feeling she had failed the ideals of her strict Muslim, South Asian family and community, a woman struggles to navigate trauma, shame and self-expression, when unexpected news forces her into a powerful reckoning.


Today‘s episode featured Azzah Ahmad. You can find out more about Azzah by visiting her Instagram page @Lifeazziknowit.


Content/Trigger Warnings:  sexual abuse of a minor, suicidal ideation, explicit language

 

Producer: Whit Missildine, Sara Marinelli

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Sara Marinelli: saramarinelli.com

  

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

09 Aug 2022241: What if you were the other woman?00:50:37

A woman falls deeply in love with a married man in her close friend’s circle, when suddenly an unthinkable event throws everything into question.   

.

.

“Of all the cruel things for the universe to do…Why? Why on earth would the universe do this, and what is this supposed to teach me? What does it mean?”


Today’s guest requested to remain anonymous, but if you’d like to reach out to her, you can email at tues228@gmail.com


Content/Trigger Warnings: graphic bodily injury, explicit language


Producer: Whit Missildine

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry" - Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

09 Jan 2024What if you swallowed 48 bags of cocaine? [Rebroadcast #156]00:47:09

A young man looking for a quick way to get rid of student loan debt gambles with his life and nearly pays the ultimate price.


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.


Producer: Whit Missildine


Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Content/Trigger Warnings: drugs, near death, explicit language


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed:   Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho


Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

22 Mar 2022227: What if you faced a terrifying beast?00:48:08

“What it felt like was - I am absolutely here, but this is not happening to us…This is not happening at all.”

 

Today’s episode featured John W. Evans. John is the author of three award-winning books. His poems and essays appear in Slate, The Missouri Review, ZYZZYVA, Poets & Writers, and have been listed as Notable in Best American Essays. He is the Nancy Draper Lecturer of Creative Nonfiction at Stanford University. His author website is www.johnwevans.com.

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Jason Blalock

 

Episode Summary: A newly married man traveling the world with the love of his life faces unimaginable horror on a hiking trail in Romania.

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: graphic violence, graphic bodily injury, death, animal attack, animal death, explicit language

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Union Flow” – Spuntic

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

04 Mar 2025352: A World Beyond Revenge: What if they got the wrong guy?00:44:37

After an unsuspecting man is brutally beaten in a surprise attack, he faces crippling anxiety, rage and homelessness for decades until he is able to meet the man who harmed him.


This episode is the second in our five part series, “A World Beyond Revenge” featuring five powerful stories of people on both sides of tragic incidents of unimaginable harm who found healing through the groundbreaking process of Restorative Justice. 

 

Today’s episode featured Will Gilluley. If you’d like to reach out to Will, please email him at will.gilluley@icloud.com or find him on Instagram @WhyMeWill


Will’s podcast appearances:

Face to Face with the Man who Kidnapped and Tortured Me

I was Tortured by Kev Lane: Will Gilluley

 

Why Me? are a national charity in the UK, promoting access to Restorative Justice for people affected by crime or conflict. They also support people who have been through the Restorative Justice process to share their stories. If you want to find out more about Restorative Justice, visit their website www.why-me.org. If you want help accessing Restorative Justice in the UK, you can contact them via info@why-me.org. 


LinkedIn: Why me? UK

Instagram: @whymeuk

Facebook: @WhymeUK

Threads: @whymeuk

Bluesky: @whymeuk.bsky.social


Yoana Tchoukleva is an attorney, RJ practitioner, & lecturer at Berkeley Law. She is also a Senior Program Manager at Impact Justice. You can email her at ioanaq@gmail.com. You can reach out to her on Instagram @yoana.tch and on Facebook @""Yoana Tchoukleva"", and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioanatchoukleva/. Please consider donating to Atunse Justice League.  



Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Forrest Chiras


LINK TO OUR LISTENER SURVEY! 

We’ve come up with a short audience survey, which you can find linked in our show notes and in the bio of our Instagram page @actuallyhappening. We’d love to hear your opinions and feedback, and we’d really appreciate your point of view. Link below:


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxV-6qeNAOuIAbBnuSJpoyqE3tlvusxb069dZCUC1RWeLfEg/viewform


 

Content/Trigger Warnings: violent bodily assault, grievous bodily injury, kidnapping, extorsion, living unhoused, drug & alcohol abuse, mental health crisis, emotional distress, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Contacts for Forrest Chiras: On Instagram & Spotify @Stegoforrest

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: ""Illabye"" – Tipper

Music Bed: Re-Entry

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)


Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

21 Nov 2023299: What if your only hope for life was choosing death?00:52:48

Growing up with a controlling and mentally abusive mother, a woman suffers from a severe eating disorder that leaves her hopeless, until she discovers Medical Assistance in Dying, a program in Canada whereby people can receive assistance from a medical practitioner to voluntarily end their life.


Today’s episode featured Agata. If you’d like to reach out to her, you can email at amgawron@shaw.ca


Agata's story came to us by way of Todd Rennebohm. Agata was originally featured on Todd's podcast, Bunny Hugs and Mental health, which focuses on conversations with survivors, professionals and families of those who have lost someone to mental illness and addictions. So please check out Bunny Hugs and Mental Health, and a special thanks to Todd for referring today's guest.


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz


Content/Trigger Warnings: childhood medical trauma, sexual assault, parental abuse, severe eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, suicide attempt, discussion of suicide, death and dying, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: https://www.avivalipkowitz.com/


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening


Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Cylinder Four” – Chris Zabriskie

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

11 Jun 2024323: What if you were suddenly a blank slate?01:01:01

A woman growing up in worn torn Colombia comes to the US and builds a new life, but when she suffers a freak accident and loses her sense of self, a new beginning transforms the scars of her past. 


Today’s episode featured Ingrid Rojas-Contreras. If you’d like to learn more about Ingrid you can find her on Instagram @i__rojascontreras, on Twitter @ingrid_rojas_c and on her website: ingridrojascontreras.com. Ingrid’s memoir The Man Who Could Move Clouds was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and National Book Critics Circle Award, and her debut novel Fruit of the Drunken Tree was the silver medal winner in First Fiction from the California Book Awards. Her essays and short stories have appeared in the New York Times Magazine, The Believer, and Zyzzyva, among others. She lives in California. These books are available wherever books are sold.


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Sara Marinelli


Content/Trigger Warnings: graphic bodily injury, civil war, sexual violence, rape, torture, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Website for Sara Marinelli: saramarinelli.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Cylinder Four” – Chris Zabriskie

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 Mar 2023269: Point Blank #1: What if you pled for your life?00:43:56

After navigating a hardscrabble, working-class life, Troy McFadyen finally settles down with his wife in rural California, when one day driving down the road, they are aggressively T-boned by a stranger, and suddenly find themselves in the middle an unthinkable tragedy.

Today’s episode is Part One of our limited series, “Point Blank,” featuring five stories of people impacted by the spree killing of Rancho Tehama California in 2017. There, a lone gunman killed his girlfriend, then his neighbors and then began a shooting spree, attacking 8 different locations in the span of only 25 minutes, ending at an elementary school, and leaving 6 people dead and 18 wounded. 

This series is co-produced by This Is Actually Happening creator and host, Whit Missildine and Connor Sheets, investigative journalist with the Los Angeles Times, with special thanks to Jason Blalock, and Andrew Waits. To find out more about the shooting, you can read the original article by Connor that inspired the story, titled: “It was California’s forgotten mass shooting. But for victims, the ‘hell’ never ends,” on the latimes.com

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Connor Sheets

Editors: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: gun violence, mass shooting, death, graphic bodily injury, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Connor Sheets

Twitter: @ConnorASheets

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Andrew Waits: www.andrdewwaits.com

 

Show Sponsors: Betterhelp: This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/HAPPENING and get on your way to being your best self.

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music and Sound Design by: Marcelino Villalpando

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

12 Mar 2024310: What if your mother disappeared?00:45:18

After being kidnapped by her mother in a custody battle, a woman finds herself cut off and under the thumb of an abusive stepmother, but after years of chaos and yearning, she finally learns the devastating truth.


Today’s guest requested to remain anonymous, but if you’d like to reach out to her, you can email at cracklinghearth1@gmail.com 


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Sara Marinelli


Content/Trigger Warnings: domestic violence, suicidal ideation, graphic bodily injury, alcohol abuse, murder, death, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Website for Sara Marinelli: saramarinelli.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

02 Feb 2021176: What if you were trapped in a never-ending dream?00:44:54

“I was asleep. Everything I was going through was not real, and it’s just this very convincing feeling that you’re right about this”

 

Producer: Whit Missildine

Episode Summary: A woman develops a severe eating disorder that lands her in intensive psychiatric care, where an extreme treatment program traps her in an alternate reality from which she cannot escape. 

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: mental illness, eating disorder, psychosis, child abuse, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, explicit language

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

02 Jun 2020156: What if you swallowed 48 bags of cocaine?00:45:25

“I had to go through having taken everything away from me to come to the conclusion that … you’ll come back a person that’s wiser and a more full, satisfied human.”


Producer: Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: A young man looking for a quick way to get rid of student loan debt gambles with his life and nearly pays the ultimate price


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: drugs, near death, explicit language


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed:   Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

Outro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

12 Sep 2023289: What if you walked into your high school with a shotgun?01:03:13


After facing abuse at a young age, a man develops a festering, unseen sense of emptiness that finds expression in an act of violence that would haunt him forever.


Today’s episode featured Jon Romano. You can find out more about Jon by following him on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Threads and Snapchat all with the same handle: @JonSeekingPeace. If you’d like to reach out to him directly, you can also email him at JonSeekingPeace@gmail.com


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz


Content/Trigger Warnings:  sexual abuse of a minor, incest, gun violence, suicidal ideation, suicide, school shooting, graphic bodily injury, incarceration, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrewwaits.com

Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com/ 


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening


Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Uncertain Outcomes/Embers” – SkyeVoyager

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

30 Apr 2019131: What if a psychotic break split your life wide open?00:31:57

“I have a fear every single day am I going crazy and I don’t even know it? I didn’t know the things that I was doing and the things that I was saying were so extreme.”

 

Producer: Whit Missildine

Editor: Nigel Coutinho


Episode Summary: After surviving a father whose mental illness consumed the family, a woman spirals down into psychosis and compulsive behaviors, finally leading her on the path to healing.


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: explicit language


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Union Flow” - Spuntic

Outro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

02 Mar 2021180: What if your plane was hijacked?00:39:18

“Time just did not exist, the only thing that existed was decisions.”

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Jason Blalock

 

Episode Summary: A young woman’s first trip to reconnect with her homeland in Ethiopia takes a terrifying turn as hijackers take over an otherwise routine flight

 

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Jason Blalock: www.jasonblalock.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: hijacking, death, gun violence, explicit language

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

15 Feb 2022222: What if you were a stranger in your own home?00:44:25

“If life is so fragile, death can come to you anytime any day in any place.”

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

Episode Summary: A man who always felt like he didn’t belong in his own house wakes up one morning to a surreal tragedy.

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: mental illness, graphic bodily injury, death, description of a corpse, explicit language

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Union Flow” - Spuntic

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

05 Oct 2021206: What if no one believed you?00:50:43

“The best way I can explain how it feels to not be believed is just profound loneliness…To not know where to turn to seek advice or to get a hug, I wouldn’t wish that on anybody.”

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Matt Volla

Episode Summary: After her parents’ divorce a girl’s relationship with her mother tailspins until a shocking accusation throws everything into chaos.


Website for Matt Volla: www.mattvolla.com

 

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus


Content/Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse, parental abuse, mental illness, attempted murder, alcoholism, addiction, explicit language



Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Uncertain Outcomes/Embers” – SkyeVoyager https://linktr.ee/SkyeVoyager

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

08 Jun 2021194: What if you ran but couldn't hide?00:57:38

“It planted a seed in my mind that has never ever gone away even now that people might not be who they say they are.”

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

Episode Summary: A woman is haunted by a relentless threat of danger when her pursuit of safety turns into obsession.


Today’s episode featured Hannah. Hannah is a writer living in California. If you’d like to reach out, you can email her at hannahwrites08@gmail.com

 

Website for Andrew Waits: http://andrdewwaits.com/

 

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse, mention of suicide, mention of murder, criminal activity, sexual assault, explicit language

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Uncertain Outcomes/Embers” – SkyeVoyager https://linktr.ee/SkyeVoyager

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

19 Sep 2023290: What if your husband entered The Void?01:02:51

A woman leaves behind the wounds of her alcoholic father, only to find out that her husband’s addiction is threatening to ruin their family; but when he goes to find healing through a plant medicine ceremony, a shocking, darker truth is revealed.


Today's guest requested to remain anonymous, but if you'd like to reach out to her, can can email at: stilltallnlucky@gmail.com


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz


Content/Trigger Warnings:  alcoholism, domestic violence, sexual assault, mental illness, manic break, bipolar, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com/ 


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening


Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

01 Sep 2020Happenings Vol. 1: No Man's Land01:14:05

Today we launch a new series of bonus content called “Happenings” with three stories of people facing their deepest fears in the unforgiving wilderness of the natural world.


Part 1: What if the desert dried your sorrow?

Part 2: What if the ocean tested your faith?

Part 3: What if a boulder crushed your dreams?


Producers: Andrew Waits, Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: Stranded in a Mexican desert, the ocean waves of Guam, and the sandstone boulders of Utah, three people face their deepest fears in the unforgiving wilderness of the natural world.


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Show Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Andrew Waits Website: andrewwaits.com


Content/Trigger Warnings: near-death experiences, explicit language


Today’s episode features: Tiki Mashy, Greg Barnes, and Shaina Maytum

Tiki Mashy is an owner and operator at Cowboy Up Hanggliding in Wharton, Texas. You can find out more about it at cuhanggliding.com

Greg Barnes currently lives in Guam and works at Castle Zion Church (괌 시온성교회) as the youth / English ministry pastor. He is currently turning his story into a book. Greg welcomes anyone contacting him at gregbarnesguam@gmail.com. That’s barns, spelled Barnes.

Shaina Maytum is a writer living in Colorado. You can read her work at shainamaytum.com


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link https://www.teepublic.com/stores/this-is-actually-happening-store?ref_id=9467 to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho and Ryan Black

Outro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

06 Sep 2022245: What if you were taken to the dark side?00:47:58

A woman struggling to find herself finally discovers a place where she belongs and forms a deep friendship, but when she experiments with a powerful psychedelic the experience reveals more than she bargained for.


Today's episode featured Ash Stryker. You can find out more about Ash and see her illustration and artwork by going to her website: ashstryker.com/

 

Content/Trigger Warnings:  eating disorder, drug use, drug overdose, hallucinations, explicit language

 

Producer: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com/

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

09 Feb 2021177: What if you woke up two months later?00:39:18

“I felt like my brain was in Saran Wrap…you’re just not all there.”

 

Producer: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

Episode Summary: Having adapted to the challenges of growing up with cerebral palsy, a woman is sideswiped into a new life after a crash she can’t remember changes everything.

 

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Andrew Waits: http://andrdewwaits.com/

 

Episode Sponsors: Candid - candidco.com/happening; Upstart - upstart.com/happening


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: car crash, traumatic brain injury, explicit language

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

23 Mar 2021183: What if everyone was watching you?00:49:35

“If you could imagine having thoughts that frightened you, then other times they made you believe things about your perception or what you were seeing weren’t real or distorted…you would do anything to stop it.”

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Matt Volla

 

Episode Summary: After making a successful career and surviving several tumultuous relationships, a woman descends into the darkest depths of severe mental illness

Today’s episode featured Melissa. You can find out more about her on her website, ifnotnowthenwhen.website/, which is still in progress, but which she hopes to create as a resource for others with similar struggles.

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Matt Volla: mattvolla.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: mental illness, suicide attempt, sexual assault, psychosis, explicit language

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Cylinder Four/Five” – Chris Zabriskie

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

06 Jun 2023281: What if you entered the belly of the Narco beast?01:02:38

Escaping the tumult and abuses of his childhood through music, a young man lands a dream gig at a premiere nightclub in Mexico, but when the party’s over, he finds himself inside the underbelly that lurks beneath the glamour. 


Today's episode featured Gladden Rangel. You can find out more about him on Instagram @gladden_sane or on Facebook at Eddie IZM. You can also contact him over email at GladdenRangel@gmail.com


Producers: Whit Missildine, Jason Blalock, Andrew Waits


Content/Trigger Warnings:  domestic abuse, drug use, murder, torture, incarceration, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com

Website for Andrew Waits: andrewwaits.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening


Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: ReEntry by Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

05 Apr 2022229: What if your life unraveled thread by thread?00:47:50

“I felt like I went through a portal into this evil place…and I immediately knew that we were in a whole different world.”

 

Today’s storyteller requested to remain anonymous. However, if you’d like to contact her, you can reach out through email at foundatsea9@gmail.com

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Sara Marinelli

 

Episode Summary: Growing up evangelical in the Purity movement of the 1990s, a woman constructs the ideal life, when piece by piece, her image of family, marriage and her identity begin to be dismantled.

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

  

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Sara Marinelli: saramarinelli.com

Instagram for Sara Marinelli: @saramarinelli1

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, suicidal tendency, explicit language

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Embers/Unknown Outcomes” – SkyeVoyager

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

29 Mar 2022228: What if you grew up with the ghosts of war?00:51:16

“Because so much of my life when I’d seen things happening I’d been told that it wasn’t really happening, I think my brain kind of formed to think that reality was not real.”

 

Today’s guest requested to remain anonymous, but if you’d like to contact her, you can email at: kbojangles5@gmail.com.

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

Episode Summary: A woman struggles to break out of her role caretaking a father who was haunted by his experiences in Vietnam, but when both of their worlds unravel, she must find a new source of strength.  

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

  

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: graphic violence, graphic bodily injury, graphic images of war, rape, mental illness, derealization, suicidal ideation, death, explicit language

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Cylinder Four/Five” – Chris Zabriskie

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

03 Dec 2024342: What if you suffered decades of excessive punishment?00:58:09

After robbing an undercover police officer, a bright, ambitious kid faces a life sentence in prison, and after enduring 31 years of confinement, uses his freedom to help others find theirs. 

 

Today’s episode featured William Palmer. If you want to reach out to him, you can email him at williammpalmer2@gmail.com. If you’d like to Support William's Fight for Justice & Advocacy, please find his GoFundMe here: https://gofund.me/14b9126f

For more information about William’s non-profit, please visit www.lifeafternext.org/home


You can also find William on:

Instagram: @cafe.revolution.podcast

TikTok: @soulbrotha9

LinkedIn: Here


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock 

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: child sexual assault allegation, assault, gunfire, gunshot/bodily injury, racism, incarceration/prison, sodomy, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Website for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Re-Entry

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

09 Mar 2021181: What if you committed a seemingly unforgivable act?00:56:11

“I just kept saying ‘I don’t know, I’m sorry, I don’t know, it’s all my fault. I can’t believe I just did that,’… I’m in disbelief.”

 

Producer: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

Episode Summary: After a traumatic childhood, a young woman spirals into mental illness and in her darkest moment makes an unthinkable decision that will change her family forever

 

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com/



Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: mental illness, alcoholism, self-harm, sexual abuse, rape, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, car accident, near death experience, severe injury, explicit language

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

28 May 2019133: What if your life went up in flames?00:39:37

“All that traumatized people are really looking for is not a fix-it but more like a validation or acknowledgement that it matters.”

 

Producer: Whit Missildine

Editor: Nigel Coutinho


Episode Summary: A woman finally establishes a life for herself after years of caring for her mother’s illness, only to watch her entire life be consumed before her eyes.


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: explicit language


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Wake Up” - Spuntic

Outro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

27 Aug 2019137: What if you were the one to break the silence?00:44:10

“I don’t know what I was thinking but I just kept feeling like the waves of shame because of the shame I made them feel.”

 

Producer: Whit Missildine

Editor: Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: Growing up in a household full of both love and violence in Mississippi, Kiese Laymon struggles with generational trauma, career success, and addiction before finally facing the silences of his past.


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: physical violence, assault, emotional abuse, explicit language


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-entry” – Lee Rosevere

Outro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 Jan 2025345: What if you were a political hostage in Iran?01:08:38

After accidentally crossing the border into Iran on a hike with her friend and her partner, a woman is detained and held for over a year in solitary confinement, awakening to the sobering realities of oppression and the fight for a new path to justice.

Today’s episode featured Sarah Shourd. Sarah Shourd is an award-winning narrative change leader and a somatic coach trained in trauma transformation. She is an author, playwright, trauma-informed investigative journalist, former Stanford John S. Knight Fellow and co-founder of The End of Isolation Tour and Documentary. For over a decade, since being held as a political hostage by the Iranian government, her work has focused on exposing the impact of mass incarceration and using storytelling to promote healing and reimagine justice outside prisons and jails. 

You can contact Sarah at shourdsomatics@gmail.com or on Instagram @SarahShourd. 

You can find out more about Sarah and her work at: sarahshourd.com, shourdsomatics.com, endofisolation.org, sarahshourd.substack.com 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz

Content/Trigger Warnings: SA, divorce, domestic violence/abuse, drug/alcohol use, arrest/prison, solitary confinement, arrest abroad, divorce, explicit language

We’d love to hear your opinions and feedback! Please find the Anonymous Listener Survey link here. Thank you for your efforts. 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

Intro Music: ""Illabye"" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

11 Feb 2020148: What if you killed someone?00:59:42

“We have so much less control than we think we do….Death is really close at hand and we do not do ourselves often any favors by forgetting that.”


Producer: Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: Firmly established in adulthood with a great career behind her and a wonderful life, a woman suddenly finds herself to be an unlikely perpetrator of the most horrible transgression. 


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: death, car crash, explicit language


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Cylinder Four/Cylinder Five” – Chris Zabriskie

Outro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

10 Sep 2019138: What if at three months pregnant your world was turned upside down?00:42:00

“It’s like this weird tunnel of reality collapsing and you want to hold on to where you just were at where none of this happened, but now you have this thing that you have to absorb somehow.”

 

Producer: Whit Missildine

Editors: Nigel Coutinho, Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: A woman is three months pregnant when her husband’s pursuit of a fugitive turns their world upside down.


Today's episode features Shideh Etaat. If you'd like to donate to the GoFundMe page for her husband's recovery, follow the link below. http://bit.ly/shidehgofundme


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: traumatic injury, explicit language


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

Outro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

06 Feb 2024307: What if you fell hard for the scam?01:00:56

A woman growing up in poverty in Jamaica is abandoned by her mother at an early age, and as her story of unworthiness deepens, she falls prey to a cruel world.  


Today’s episode featured Donna Hayes. Donna has written a memoir that includes further details about her incredible journey called These Broken Roads, which you can find on Amazon. You can also find out more about her on her website, donna-hayes.com and learn about her coaching practice at distinguishedcoaching.com. You can find her on social media on Instagram @iamdonna_hayes and if you’d like to reach out to her, you can email her at donna@distinguishedcoaching.com


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock


Content/Trigger Warnings: animal cruelty, parental neglect, domestic violence, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Website for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Union Flow” – Spuntic

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 Jun 2022239: What if a single decision led to a spiral of loss?00:50:32

“Living in a constant state of anxiety does something to you…I’m not able to live, I’m not able to love, I’m not able to thrive.”


Today's guest requested to remain anonymous, however, if you'd like to reach to him, you can email at: k.parker007@live.com.

 

Producers: Whit Missildine

 

Episode Summary: A boy grows up in a household devastated by AIDS, opening a downward spiral of loss and a path of resilience.

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: HIV/AIDS, death, death of a child, murder, graphic violence, drug use, explicit language

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Uncertain Outcomes” - SkyeVoyager

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

09 Nov 2021211: What if you had to let her go to save yourself?00:52:20

“I honestly think that if the mom I grew up with hadn’t given me such a great sense of self-esteem, I don’t think I would have lasted as long under this current strange mother that I was now stuck with.”

 

Today’s episode featured Wren Feeney. Wren lives her life surrounded by pets and people who love her, and yet spends her free time writing horror. If you'd like to read her work, or just reach out and say hi, visit wrenfeeney.com for stories and contact information.

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Jason Blalock

Episode Summary: A woman’s happy childhood with her single mother unexpectedly takes a bewildering, dark turn, leading to a moment that will change everything


Social Media:

This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

Instagram: @actuallyhappening


Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Jason Blalock: www.jasonblalock.com

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: alcoholism, child neglect, sexual solicitation of a minor, suicidal thoughts, suicide, graphic violence, explicit language

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus



Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

18 Apr 2023274: What if you were crushed by 10,000 pounds of stone?00:48:26

Struggling to prove himself and find his identity growing up, a man eventually builds a career and begins occasionally helping out a friend with his granite import business, when one day, the dangers of the job become all too real.


Today's episode featured Mike Wolo. You can find him on Instagram @Titanium_Mike110. You can read more about his story, and see photos on his website TheOtherSideofTheRock.com, and you can email him at TitaniumMike110@gmail.com

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Jason Blalock, Andrew Waits

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: graphic bodily injury, medical trauma, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com

Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Embers/Uncertain Outcomes” - SkyeVoyager

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

12 Apr 2022230: What if you discovered you were the enemy?00:55:35

“It’s just terror, it’s just fear with no object…It’s so purely guttural and instinctive it’s almost like the prey of a tiger…the moment that it knows it’s about to be ripped apart.”


Today's episode featured Neil Woods. You can find out more about Neil by going to neilwoods.net, where you can also find links to his two books: Good Cop, Bad War and Drug Wars, with more about his own experience and about the War on Drugs in Britain. To find out more about his organization, LEAP, or Law Enforcement Action Partnership, go to lawenforcementactionpartnership.org.

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

Episode Summary: Growing up with a sense of heroic duty, a man becomes a cop fighting the drug war, when the sobering realities of his job lead him to profound awakening.

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com


Content/Trigger Warnings: near death, violence, suicide, mention of sexual assault, mention of gang rape, domestic violence, explicit language

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

18 Oct 2022251: What if a false allegation stole what you valued most?00:41:19

A woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder experiences a roller coaster of destroyed relationships and mental storm, but after stabilizing through therapy and medication her mentally compromised mother makes an accusation that cannot be revoked.


Content/Trigger Warnings:  mental illness, domestic abuse, explicit language

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Jason Blalock

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

19 Dec 2023303: What if your brother became a monster?01:00:13

Growing up in a broken home with a loving mother, a woman faces disturbing and routine abuse from her brother, but after it escalates, and the unthinkable happens, the terror never ends. 


Today's episode featured Amy Chesler. To find out more about her and her story, you can find her book on Working for Justice on Amazon. Amy also has her own podcast, What Came Next, which chronicles in greater depth her experiences with the criminal justice system and the media, as well as other firsthand accounts from survivors and advocates throughout history. You can also find her on Instagram @amybchesler, and on her website amybchesler.com.

Working for Justice: https://amzn.to/483m9Ut 

Amy's Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/amybchesler

What Came Next on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/whatcamenext_podcast

What Came Next on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-came-next/id1674051643


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz


Content/Trigger Warnings: sexual assault of a minor, domestic abuse and violence, graphic bodily injury, alcohol and drug abuse, murder, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrewwaits.com

Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com/


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Union Flow” - Spuntic

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

24 Aug 2021200: What if you were consumed by your only cure?00:57:46

“All the reality that I had been putting off, and all of the denial, it all crashed in on me.”

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Jason Blalock


Episode Summary: Growing up in the closet with a mentally ill mother, a man finds his true love, but as their past continues to weigh in, the only remedy he knows threatens to consume everything he’s built.


Today's episode featured Gabriel. Gabriel is now a psychiatric social worker and licensed therapist in Orange County, California. You can find out more about Gabriel on Instagram @gabriel.emmm.

 

Website for Jason Blalock: www.jasonblalock.com

 

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: drug abuse, drug addiction, opioids, overdose, death, suicide, explicit language

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

01 Apr 2025356: What if they stole a year of your life?01:23:45

Abandoned after his parents’ devastating divorce, a neglected teenage son is committed to a psychiatric facility, whose barbaric practices reveal a far more sinister agenda. 

Today’s episode featured Banning Lyon. You can email Banning at banning.r.lyon@gmail.com or contact him on Instagram @banningwrites

You can find out more about Banning, his book “The Chair And The Valley” and how to contact him at banninglyon.com. 

A special thanks to Todd Rennebohm of the Bunny Hugs & Mental Health podcast for referring Banning to us.

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock

Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, familial rejection and estrangement, mention of suicide, psychiatric abuse, death due to past drug use, explicit language

LINK TO OUR LISTENER SURVEY! 

We’ve come up with a short audience survey, which you can find linked in our show notes and in the bio of our Instagram page @actuallyhappening. We’d love to hear your opinions and feedback, and we’d really appreciate your point of view. Link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxV-6qeNAOuIAbBnuSJpoyqE3tlvusxb069dZCUC1RWeLfEg/viewform

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Website for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

Intro Music: ""Illabye"" – Tipper

Music Bed: Cylinder Four

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

07 May 2024318: What if your daughter went missing?00:57:03

A woman spirals into drug use, coping with an abusive childhood, a failing marriage and post-partum depression, but on the road to recovery, her daughter goes missing and a new realm of horror opens. 


Today’s episode featured Misty Watterson and the story of her daughter Allyson Watterson. If you’d like to reach out to her, you can email at mwatterson34@gmail.com. You can also find her on Instagram @wattersonmisty. This episode is the first of a two-part series featuring Misty and her sister Billy Macy.


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits


Content/Trigger Warnings: sexual assault of a minor, domestic violence, drug use, missing persons, death, graphic bodily injury, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Cylinder Four” – Chris Zabriskie

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

28 Jul 2020158: What if you entered The Void?01:07:46

“You try to take off your skin to try to get rid of this voice, and it goes all the way down to the bone.”


Producer: Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: A man suffering the deep generational traumas of poverty, racism, abuse and mental illness finds transformative power in an ancient plant medicine.


Today’s episode featured Dexter L. Booth. Dexter is the author of the poetry collection, Scratching

the Ghost from Graywolf Press, which won the 2012 Cave Canem Poetry Prize, as well as the chapbook Rhapsody from Etchings Press. Booth’s poems have been included in the anthologies The Best American Poetry 2015, The Burden of Light: Poems on Illness and Loss, The Golden Shovel Anthology honoring Gwendolyn Brooks, and Furious Flower: Seeding the Future of African American Poetry. He is a professor in the Ashland University MFA program and a residential faculty member at Paradise Valley Community College where he teaches poetry and English composition. You can find out more about Dexter, his writing and teaching by following him on Instagram@dexter_two_omelettes, or on Facebook or Twitter. You can find his books Scratching the Ghost and Rhapsody on Bookshop.org, Amazon, or wherever books are sold.


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse, mental illness, suicide, explicit language


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Union Flow” - Spuntic

Outro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

24 Sep 2019139: What if your father disappeared?00:49:46

“The worst thing that anxiety does is make you think that you have control to change something, like if I can constantly be in control of everything then nothing bad will happen.”

 

Producer: Whit Missildine

Editors: Nigel Coutinho, Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: A family who for years struggled to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic injury now faces a far more terrifying unknown: the disappearance of their father.


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: missing person, traumatic injury of a child, explicit language


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

Outro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

30 Apr 2024317: What if you found peace in the fog of war?01:00:24

A Thai-Filipino-American man fulfills his life-long dream of escaping his chaotic past and joining the Army, but after lingering scars from multiple deployments to Iraq threaten to destroy him, he finds an unexpected awakening. 


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits


Content/Trigger Warnings: war, graphic violence, murder, graphic bodily injury, suicidal ideation, domestic violence, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Union Flow” – Spuntic

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

22 Jun 2021196: What if you went missing?01:06:42

“It was just full chills over my body, tears in my eyes, it was that moment of I don’t know, I don’t understand, I don’t know.”

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Jason Blalock

Episode Summary: A woman who seeks awakening through myriad healing practices finds her ultimate challenge when she goes missing in a Maui forest.

 

Today's episode featured Dr. Amanda Eller. You can find out more about Amanda by going to AmandaEllerPT.com. You can also find her on Instagram: @amandaeeller

And on Facebook: @amandaeeller. Amanda is currently living on the island of Maui and is offering her healing services to both the local and global community through in-person and online sessions.  

 

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Show Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Jason Blalock: https://jasonblalock.com

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: near death, eating disorder, body dysmorphia, hallucinations, explicit language

  

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

09 Apr 2024314: What if you harbored an unrelenting fury?00:54:17

After losing her entire family at ten years old, a woman’s grief evolves into a self-destructive rage, and as systems of care, punishment and rehabilitation keep failing her, she’s forced to create her own path to healing. 


Today’s episode featured Amy Ronhaar. You can find out more about Amy on her website, www.amyronhaar.com, and you can read more details of her story in her memoir Raising Amy: A Daughter’s Memoir on Book Baby https://store.bookbaby.com/book/raising-amy1 If you’d like to contact her, you can reach out over email at amyaronhaar@gmail.com. Amy’s story was also featured on the podcast Bunny Hugs, by Todd Rennebohm. 


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz


Content/Trigger Warnings: death, domestic abuse, self-harm, suicide attempt, rape, sexual assault, drug use, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Uncertain Outcomes” – SkyeVoyager

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

11 Jan 2022217: What if you saw the face of death?00:53:09

“We are not necessarily who we think we are…There are more paradoxes in life than things that make sense.”

 

Today’s episode featured Kim. You can find out more about her and her writings at her Myth and Medicine blog on Patreon: patreon.com/mythandmedicine

  

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

Episode Summary: From the ashes of her own descent into severe mental illness, a nurse finds resilience to face her job’s gravest challenges.

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com


Content/Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse, self-harm, cutting, suicidal ideation, sexual assault, suicide attempt, drug addiction, COVID death, animal abuse and death, hallucinations of war, abduction, beating and rape, and loss of child, explicit language

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Union Flow” – Spuntic

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 Apr 2023Point Blank: Bonus Interview with Connor Sheets00:28:24

A special bonus episode featuring a conversation between TIAH host, Whit Missildine and Connor Sheets, an investigative journalist with the Los Angeles Times who co-produced the Point Blank series. In this conversation we discuss the origins of the series, how Connor originally got the story, the different storytelling approaches of print journalism and podcasting, the highs, lows and astonishing moments in creating the series.

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Connor Sheets

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: gun violence, murder, graphic bodily injury, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Connor Sheets

Twitter: @ConnorASeets

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 Jan 2020146: What if you thought your mother was a robot?00:46:31

“I completely lost touch with reality. You can’t rely on those around you, and you can’t rely on what’s within you. That’s the most terrifying thing in the world.”


Producer: Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: Struggling to find his identity after college, a man suddenly suffers from panic attack that leads to a terrifying downward spiral. 


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: drug use, mental breakdown, explicit language


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

Outro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

06 Mar 2025Restorative Justice in the UK vs the US: A Conversation with Keeva Baxter00:53:01

As part of our series, “A World Beyond Revenge” on Restorative Justice, today’s episode features Keeva Baxter. She is the Communications and Campaigns Manager at Why Me UK. 


Why Me? are a national charity in the UK, promoting access to Restorative Justice for people affected by crime or conflict. They also support people who have been through the Restorative Justice process to share their stories. If you want to find out more about Restorative Justice, visit their website www.why-me.org. If you want help accessing Restorative Justice in the UK, you can contact them via info@why-me.org. 


LinkedIn: Why me? UK

Instagram: @whymeuk

Facebook: @WhymeUK

Threads: @whymeuk

Bluesky: @whymeuk.bsky.social

To Donate to Why Me? UK: Donate Here



Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: crime, assault, justice, incarceration, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

03 Aug 2021197: What if you died?01:06:21

“That’s me, and I’m dead. But if that’s me, then who am I?”

 

Producers: Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: After surviving a brutal upbringing in the South Bronx, a man finds himself on the other side of death following a minor accident and returns with a profound awakening. 


Today's episode featured Jose Hernandez. You can find out more about Jose and the work he is doing at: https://innerimmersion.org where you can sign up to join the community and participate in the free Monthly conversations, "Evening Joe". To learn more about Jose's art check out his gallery at https://www.josehernandezfineart.com.

You can see Jose featured in the Netflix docuseries, "Surviving Death.” If you're interested in learning more about near-death experiences, Jose will be a featured speaker at the IANDS conference this year. IANDS stands for the International Association for Near Death Studies. He will be presenting "Embracing the Masculine: Helping Men make the Shift into the New Paradigm" with Randy Kolibaba, a highly decorated Canadian RCMP officer. IANDS have arranged to offer Jose and Randy's talk free to veterans so if there is a veteran in your life you think could benefit from hearing this talk, please direct them to IANDS and ask for Diane Cocoran  https://iands.org

 

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: near death experience, domestic abuse, murder, gruesome violence, suicidal thinking, explicit language

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Union Flow” - Spuntic

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

17 Oct 2020Introducing This is Actually Happening00:01:33

The uncanny, extraordinary, true stories of events that have dramatically altered the lives of ordinary people; a son is shot by his own father, a woman's sister develops multiple personalities, a man wakes up in the morgue. These are riveting, moving and often haunting stories that will stick with you long after you listen.

All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are available ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ to access the full This is Actually Happening catalog, along with exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/happening

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

15 Dec 2020172: What if you were lured into an unspeakable hell?00:57:01

“I did have a hard time ever really feeling safe anywhere, and the problem was just that inside of me it wasn’t safe so it didn’t matter where I was.”


Producers: Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: After a brutal rape at age 11, a woman keeps her secret, only to be haunted decades later by events that compel her to confront her deepest fears


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link https://www.teepublic.com/stores/this-is-actually-happening-store?ref_id=9467 to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: rape, sexual violence, psychosis, mental illness, suicidal ideation, homicidal thoughts, explicit language


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

24 Jan 2023262: What if you were mauled by a grizzly bear?00:49:38

While hunting in the Canadian wilderness, a man accidentally comes between a grizzly bear cub and its mother and a terrifying a fight for his life ensues that will change him forever.


Today's episode featured Jeremy Evans. You can find many more details about Jeremy and this story in his incredible memoir, 'Mauled: Lessons Learned from a Grizzly Bear Attack', published by Rocky Mountain Books. To contact Jeremy you can reach out to his Publicist at genevieve@rmbooks.com or contact Jeremy directly at Grizzlydude01@gmail.com

 

Producer: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Andrew Waits: www.andrdewwaits.com

 

Show Sponsors: Betterhelp: This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/HAPPENING and get on your way to being your best self.”

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: very graphic bodily injury, graphic description of blood and medical situations, attempted suicide, violence inflicted on a child, explicit language

 

Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Union Flow – Spuntic

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

04 Jul 2023285: What if your life was not your own?00:56:07

After growing up with a father she could never fully please and a trauma she couldn’t share, a woman is slowly groomed into an underworld of sex work beyond what she bargained for. 


Today’s guest requested to remain anonymous, but if you’d like to reach out to her, you can email at xoxoskye00@gmail.com


Producers: Whit Missildine, Aviva Lipkowitz, Andrew Waits


Content/Trigger Warnings:  rape, domestic abuse, sex work, suicide attempt, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrewwaits.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening


Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

02 Jan 2024What if you rescued everyone to save yourself? [Rebroadcast #198]00:52:20

A woman with severe harm OCD encounters the many faces of death and dying but finds renewal in caring for others and ultimately herself.


Today's episode featured Rachel. You can find out more about her on Facebook at fb.com/RachelHillestad.

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: homicidal thoughts, harm OCD, death, sexual assault, mention of

suicide, suicidal thoughts, explicit language


Producers: Whit Missildine

 

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Cylinder Four/Five” – Chris Zabriskie

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

17 Nov 2020168: What if you believed you were Jesus Christ?00:55:00

“It’s like you’ve lost yourself completely, and you’re basically left in a million different pieces.”


Producer: Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: A woman self-medicating for anxiety and depression spirals into an alternate reality after an other-worldly encounter



Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: psychosis, drug use, demonic themes, explicit language


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

11 Mar 2025353: A World Beyond Revenge: What if you were the common denominator?00:57:46

After committing acts of extreme violence as a teenager, a man is unable to shed his rage and find healing, until he’s able to face the roots of the harm he has caused. 


This episode is the third in our five part series, “A World Beyond Revenge” featuring five powerful stories of people on both sides of tragic incidents of unimaginable harm who found healing through the groundbreaking process of Restorative Justice. 

 

Today’s episode featured Troy Williams. You can reach him through his website for his media company: https://restorativemedia.org/ or on Instagram @troywilliamsjournal


Troy is a Youth Program Development Specialist and Facilitator Trainer for the Victim-Offender Education Group with the Insight Prison Project. He is a member of the Advisory Council for the Alameda County Chief of Probation. Troy is a founder and operator of 4north22, a media production and consulting company that produces transformative stories to produce social change and promote restorative justice.  


Troy empowers at-risk youth and incarcerated individuals through financial literacy and emotional literacy programs, documentary filmmaking, and community advocacy.


Find out more about Troy at https://www.uncommonlaw.org/troy-williams


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock


Content/Trigger Warnings: violent crime including robbery & murder, incarceration including solitary confinement, gang activity, drug selling, racism, explicit language


Thank you to our series collaborators, Why Me? & Yoana Tchoukleva: 

Why Me? are a national charity in the UK, promoting access to Restorative Justice for people affected by crime or conflict. They also support people who have been through the Restorative Justice process to share their stories. If you want to find out more about Restorative Justice, visit their website www.why-me.org. If you want help accessing Restorative Justice in the UK, you can contact them via info@why-me.org. 


LinkedIn: Why me? UK

Instagram: @whymeuk

Facebook: @WhymeUK

Threads: @whymeuk

Bluesky: @whymeuk.bsky.social


Yoana Tchoukleva is an attorney, RJ practitioner, & lecturer at Berkeley Law. She is also a Senior Program Manager at Impact Justice. You can email her at ioanaq@gmail.com. You can reach out to her on Instagram @yoana.tch and on Facebook @""Yoana Tchoukleva"", and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioanatchoukleva/. Please consider donating to Atunse Justice League.  


LINK TO OUR LISTENER SURVEY! 

We’ve come up with a short audience survey, which you can find linked in our show notes and in the bio of our Instagram page @actuallyhappening. We’d love to hear your opinions and feedback, and we’d really appreciate your point of view. Link below:


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxV-6qeNAOuIAbBnuSJpoyqE3tlvusxb069dZCUC1RWeLfEg/viewform


Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Contacts for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: ""Illabye"" – Tipper

Music Bed: Union Flow

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)


Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

08 Nov 2022254: What if your father annihilated the family?01:06:13

A woman grows up in a home chronically terrified by her father’s abuse, but when her parents split and he starts another family, she learns of the true, horrifying danger she was in her entire life.


Today's episode featured Lisa Nikolidakis. You can read much more about this story in her incredible memoir, No One Crosses the Wolf. You can also find out more about Lisa on Instagram @lisanik or on Twitter @lisanikol, and check out her other award-winning essays, at lisanikolidakis.com

 

Content/Trigger Warnings:  domestic violence, sexual abuse, incest, suicidal ideation, eating disorder, self-harm, graphic scrime scene detail, murder, death, explicit language

 

Producers: Whit Missildine

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Uncertain Outcomes” - SkyeVoyager

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

19 Apr 2022231: What if they all betrayed you?00:46:20

“I was just terrified, just the not knowing what was happening or what was even going on in my own body…and I was so confused and hurt and scared.”

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Sara Marinelli

 

Episode Summary: Just before coming into adolescence, a young girl experiences an unspeakable trauma, but a bigger horror begins once she reveals her secret.

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Sara Marinelli: saramarinelli.com

Instagram for Sara Marinelli: @saramarinelli1


Content/Trigger Warnings: rape, sexual abuse of a minor, threats of extreme violence, explicit language

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

05 Dec 2023301: What if you were pulled into the abyss?00:49:09

Growing up with a solid Midwestern childhood, and man discovers the wonders of the Hawaiian ocean, when one day a terrifying encounter changes everything. 


Today’s episode featured Harvey Miller. You can find out more about Harvey on Instagram @mrsharkb8, on TikTok @harveymiller26, or you can contact him over email at mr.sharkb8@gmail.com


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock


Content/Trigger Warnings: death, car accident, near-death, shark attack, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrewwaits.com

Website for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening


Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

04 May 2021189: What if you couldn't stop shining?00:46:47

“That feeling that you get when you find out an important piece of information, that ‘aha moment’ was happening constantly. I felt as if somebody put my brain into a microwave.”

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

Episode Summary: Growing up in a home of abandonment and neglect, a teenager finds a grand, new reality in the rabbit hole of addiction until they can no longer find their way back.

 

Today’s guest prefers to remain anonymous, but if you’d like to reach out to them, you can email at artichoke.heart456@gmail.com

 

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Andrew Waits: www.andrdewwaits.com

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: psychosis, drug use, child neglect, childhood trauma, explicit language

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Enter the Lair/Drone” – SkyeVoyager https://linktr.ee/SkyeVoyager

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

15 Apr 2025358: What if you were recruited to fight an invisible war?00:47:10

A young actor, who seeks a greater purpose, is recruited into a clandestine war for humanity's soul, and is forced to confront his desire for belonging at the cost of his sanity.

Today’s episode featured Max Lebow. You can email Max at tfwpodcastbiz@gmail.com

You can also reach him on his socials: 

  • @thefinalwarpod on Instagram
  • @thefinalwarpodcast on Tik Tok
  • r/finalwarpodcast on Reddit


Max’s own multi-episode podcast, The Final War, can be found on Spotify, Apple and wherever you get your podcasts. 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz

Content/Trigger Warnings: Harvey Weinstein, mention of child moslestation/incest in the context of a play, depression, teen behavioral programs, drug/alcohol abuse, paranoia, explicit language


LINK TO OUR LISTENER SURVEY! 

We’ve come up with a short audience survey, which you can find linked in our show notes and in the bio of our Instagram page @actuallyhappening. We’d love to hear your opinions and feedback, and we’d really appreciate your point of view. Link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxV-6qeNAOuIAbBnuSJpoyqE3tlvusxb069dZCUC1RWeLfEg/viewform

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Union Flow


Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources: 

  • National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

20 Sep 2022247: What if you didn't see the signs?00:50:16

Bill Mitchell built a successful career, marriage and family, but just as his bright and loving daughter graduates from college with big dreams, an unthinkable event irreversibly changes everything. 


Today’s episode featured Bill Mitchell. Bill has a book and podcast, both called When Dating Hurts. You can find out more about Bill, his book and his podcast, all at whendatinghurts.com. You can also find his book on Amazon.


Bill was originally featured on Scott Johnson’s amazing podcast, What Was That Like. If you love This Is Actually Happening, check out What Was That Like, featuring stories from people who have been through something extremely unusual. You’ll hear people talking about being in a plane crash, a mass shooting, a grizzly bear attack, and many more. The guest comes on and tells the details of what happened, first hand. If you like This Is Actually Happening, I know you’ll want to subscribe to What Was That Like. It’s available on any podcast app, or at WhatWasThatLike.com.


If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

 

Content/Trigger Warnings:  domestic violence, graphic bodily injury, murder, death, explicit language

 

Producer: Whit Missildine, Jason Blalock

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Union Flow” – Spuntic

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

20 Jun 2023283: What if you saved your family from annihilation?00:48:19

Grappling with a lifetime of looming abuse from his father and a mother suffering from paralysis, a man decides to cut ties with his parents, only to set in motion a new set of horrors that threaten to decimate his entire family. 


Today’s episode featured Jesse. If you’d like to reach out to him, you can contact at jessefromtiah@gmail.com


Producers: Whit Missildine, Aviva Lipkowitz, Andrew Waits


Content/Trigger Warnings:  domestic violence, domestic abuse of a minor, attempted murder, suicidal ideation, suicide, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrewwaits.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening


Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Cylinder Four” – Chris Zabriskie

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

31 Oct 2023296: What if you were haunted by the living and the dead?00:58:03

Bullied from a young age, a woman’s insecurities lead her to a highly toxic relationship she can’t shake, but when she moves into a new life, an even greater threat lurks.


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz


Content/Trigger Warnings:  bullying, stalking, domestic violence, graphic bodily injury, PTSD, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com/ 

  

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening


Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: ""Re-Entry" – Lee Rosevere

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

23 Jan 2024305: What if you were expected to do no harm?00:48:32

Growing up in a family full of secrets, a woman experiences a complex trauma and buries a secret of her own, but after finding her passion in medicine, she is faced with dilemma that brings everything to the surface. 


Today’s guest requested to remain anonymous. But if you’d like to reach out to her, you can email at v2174359@gmail.com.


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz


Content/Trigger Warnings: sexual abuse, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Uncertain Outcomes” – SkyeVoyager

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

02 Nov 2021210: What if you didn't know where they were taking you?00:56:13

“I kept thinking there’s no way that God is going to let this happen to me…What could I have done in my life to deserve what’s going on right now.”

 

Today’s episode features Jessie Bains. If you’d like to contact her, you can reach out at jbains21@gmail.com.

 

Producers: Whit Missildine

Episode Summary: A woman growing up in a sheltered life with conservative parents is taken from her driveway one night and led into a darkness she never could have fathomed.


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Content/Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, rape, violent sexual assault, graphic violence, graphic sexual imagery, explicit language

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus



Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

02 Apr 2024313: What if you had to find your own salvation?00:52:04

Growing up queer, bullied and abused in a heavily religious community, a man tries and to change his sexual orientation through prayer, but as he pieces his life together and heals past harms, tragedy and misfortune raise more questions than answers.


Today’s episode featured Ransom. If you’d like to reach out to him, you can email at Ransomnotes24@gmail.com


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock


Content/Trigger Warnings: sexual assault of a minor, incest, suicidal ideation, religious trauma, drug use, death, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Website for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Cylinder Four” – Chris Zabriskie

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

27 Feb 2024308: What if they couldn’t wake me up?01:01:08

Soon after returning from a long trip abroad, Whit Missildine, our creator and host of the show, suddenly blacked out and entered a non-responsive seizure state, but as he woke up to a new reality, struggling to put himself back together again, the gifts from the show itself offered exactly the medicine he needed.


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits


Content/Trigger Warnings: seizure, medical trauma, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

28 Feb 2023267: What if you were forced to keep the nanny's secret?00:48:11

Born to an affluent Mormon family, a boy befriends a rotating set of nannies that help raise him and become part of the family unit, but his favorite nanny starts playing games that reveal darker intentions.

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Jason Blalock

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: sexual abuse of a minor, suicide attempt, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com

 

Show Sponsors: Betterhelp: This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/HAPPENING and get on your way to being your best self.”

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Union Flow” - Spuntic

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

19 Mar 2024311: What if you danced for those who couldn’t?00:49:55

An Indigenous woman from the Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation whose grandparents suffered the horrific abuses of the Canadian Indian residential schools finds her own path to healing amidst the ravages of generational trauma on her family and community.


Today’s episode featured Erin Goodpipe. To learn more about Erin and her work, you can find her on Instagram @e_goodpipe. Erin is multidisciplinary artist, educator and researcher involved in a number of media projects, including as a co-host of Treaty Road a television documentary series exploring the history & present day state of the Numbered Treaties in Canada between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples. You can find out more about the project at treatyroad.ca


Erin’s story came to us by way of Todd Rennebohm. Erin was originally featured on Todd's podcast, Bunny Hugs and Mental health, which focuses on conversations with survivors, professionals and families of those who have lost someone to mental illness and addictions. So please check out Bunny Hugs and Mental Health, and a special thanks to Todd for referring today's guest.


Listen to exclusive episodes of This is Actually Happening ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/this-is-actually-happening/ now.


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz


Content/Trigger Warnings: domestic violence, suicidal ideation, graphic bodily injury, alcohol abuse, murder, death, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com


Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: www.avivalipkowitz.com/


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

21 Mar 2023270: Point Blank #2: What if your grandson was orphaned?00:42:49

After losing her daughter to a freak accident, Sissy Feitelberg focuses on supporting her grandson Gage who lives in Rancho Tehama with his widowed father, Danny, but when a shooting spree begins, a deeper horror falls on the family and leaves Sissy to pick up the pieces.


Today’s episode is Part Two of our limited series, “Point Blank,” featuring five stories of people impacted by the spree killing of Rancho Tehama California in 2017. There, a lone gunman killed his wife, then his neighbors and then began a shooting spree, attacking 8 different locations in the span of only 25 minutes, ending at elementary school, and leaving 6 people dead and 18 wounded. 


This series is co-produced by This Is Actually Happening creator and host, Whit Missildine and Connor Sheets, investigative journalist with the Los Angeles Times, with special thanks to Jason Blalock, and Andrew Waits. To find out more about the shooting, you can read the original article by Connor that inspired the story, titled: “It was California’s forgotten mass shooting. But for victims, the ‘hell’ never ends,” on the latimes.com

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Connor Sheets

Editors: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: gun violence, mass shooting, death, child endangerment, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Connor Sheets

Twitter: @ConnorASeets

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Andrew Waits: www.andrdewwaits.com

 

Show Sponsors: Betterhelp: This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/HAPPENING and get on your way to being your best self.”

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music and Sound Design by: Marcelino Villalpando

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

20 Aug 2019136: What if you had to fight for your life?00:40:06

“I did have the feeling that someone was gonna come back and do something horrible again after that.”

 

Producer: Whit Missildine

Editors: Nigel Coutinho, Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: Terra Newell is thrown a nightmare scenario as her mother’s new love life spins out of control, while the ordeal takes on a new life as the centerpiece of the famous Dirty John podcast and TV series.


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: physical violence, assault, emotional abuse, explicit language


Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient themes by Nigel Coutinho

Outro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

02 May 2023276: What if you left your kids held hostage?00:57:29

A woman buries a series of childhood traumas and falls into a chaotic world of drugs and abuse, but when things turn from darkness to horror, she must make split second, life or death decisions that ultimately bring everything to the surface


Today's episode featured Kathy Robertson. You can find out more about her on Instagram @kathyrobertson.homefire. You can also reach out to her over email at homefireartistry@yahoo.com. Kathy also wanted to remind everyone out there, especially if you are currently struggling, that you can text or call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US at the number 988.

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Sara Marinelli, Jason Blalock

 

Content/Trigger Warnings:  domestic violence, sexual abuse of a minor, gun violence, child endangerment, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com

Website for Sara Marinelli: saramarinelli.com

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

12 Nov 2024339: What if someone gave up everything to save you?00:59:22

Haunted by the chaos of her family and teenage years, a young woman finally finds refuge and belonging in a solid new group of friends, but after a camping trip ends in tragedy, she must find a new pathway to acceptance. 

 

Today’s episode featured Kristen Smith. You can reach out to Kristen at 

kristendsmith2@gmail.com or on Instagram @kristendsmith_


You can also find out more about her and what she does at kristendawnsmith.com. 


Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Cathy Sitzes

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: child SA, abuse, teen kidnapping, drowning, death, grief, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Website for Andrew Waits: andrewwaits.com

Website for Cathy Sitzes: cathysitzes.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Uncertain Outcomes

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

28 Mar 2023271: Point Blank #3: What if you shielded your students?00:44:43

Coming from a career in the military, law enforcement and police dispatch, Ken Yuers found his true calling as a teacher for at-risk youth, and eventually landed a job at Rancho Tehama elementary, when one day in 2017, gunshots outside the classroom brought a horror on him and his students that he never imagined.


Today’s episode is Part Two of our limited series, “Point Blank,” featuring five stories of people impacted by the spree killing of Rancho Tehama California in 2017. There, a lone gunman killed his wife, then his neighbors and then began a shooting spree, attacking 8 different locations in the span of only 25 minutes, ending at elementary school, and leaving 6 people dead and 18 wounded. 


This series is co-produced by This Is Actually Happening creator and host, Whit Missildine and Connor Sheets, investigative journalist with the Los Angeles Times, with special thanks to Jason Blalock, and Andrew Waits. To find out more about the shooting, you can read the original article by Connor that inspired the story, titled: “It was California’s forgotten mass shooting. But for victims, the ‘hell’ never ends,” on the latimes.com

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Connor Sheets

Editors: Whit Missildine, Jason Blalock

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: gun violence, mass shooting, death, child endangerment, explicit language

 

Social Media: 

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Connor Sheets

Twitter: @ConnorASeets

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Jason Blalock: www.jasonblalock.com

 

 

Show Sponsors: Betterhelp: This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/HAPPENING and get on your way to being your best self.”

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com

 

Intro Music: ""Illabye" – Tipper

Music and Sound Design by: Marcelino Villalpando

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

20 Oct 2020164: What if a shocking accusation devastated your family?00:53:01

“It’s truly such an indescribable feeling…kind of like the walls are closing in on you, like reality is just collapsing.”


Producer: Whit Missildine


Episode Summary: After a teenage girl begins dating her mom’s student, a shocking accusation leaves a small-town family in ruins.


Today’s episode featured Catherine Cole. You can find out more about her on Instagram @catcole20


Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening


Engage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/


Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 


Content/Trigger Warnings: charges of statutory rape and sexual molestation, domestic abuse, explicit language


Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

Outro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

15 Mar 2022226: What if you had three different faces?00:44:39

“I would look in the mirror and my eyes wouldn’t focus because it was like my brain wasn’t registering that that was me…I literally saw a stranger in the mirror.”

 

Today's episode featured Grace Hartman. You can find out more about Grace on Instagram @graceAhartman or contact her through email at grace@hartman.net.

  

Producers: Whit Missildine

 

Episode Summary: Soon after coming into adolescence, a woman develops flu-like symptoms of an unknown illness that continue to progress until it alters her forever.

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

  

Content/Trigger Warnings: suicidal ideation, severe illness, disfiguration, explicit language

 

Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at https://wondery.com/plus


Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. 

 

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

 

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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