A man shaped by cruelty devotes his life to defending the condemned, discovering that real courage lies not in victory, but in standing beside the most despised.   Today’s episode featured Clive Stafford Smith. If you’d like to reach out to Clive, you can email him at clive@justiceleague.org.uk. You can find Clive on X/Twitter @CliveSS and on Instagram @clivestaffordsmith  To find out more about the work Clive does, visit https://justiceleague.org.uk/.    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock   Content/Trigger Warnings: Child abuse, Child Molestation, Child Murder, Physical violence, Emotional neglect, Execution, Capital punishment, Racism, Racial violence, Torture, State violence, Mental illness, 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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez 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.

A woman, who ignores her instincts, enters a marriage that soon spirals into betrayal and control. When the truth finally comes to light, she must choose between devastation and the chance to reclaim her life.   Today’s episode featured Amy Irvine. If you’d like to reach out to Amy, you can email her at pinkishfx@gmail.com.  You can find Amy on social media @pinkish_7 and/or @pinkish_77 on Instagram  A special thanks to Todd Renenbohm of the Bunny Hugs & Mental Health Podcast for referring Amy to us.  Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz   Content/Trigger Warnings: Child emotional abuse and neglect, Body shaming and eating-related control, Sexual coercion and marital rape, Drugging and sexual assault, Domestic violence and attempted strangulation, Psychological and emotional manipulation, Infidelity and betrayal, Threat to animals, Discussion of multiple victims of sexual assault, Trauma recovery and 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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez 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.

After losing himself to meth and a double life as a federal informant, a man’s world collapses after one of his buyer’s overdoses, and recovery begins as he confronts the child within.   Today’s episode featured Sean Hemeon. His forthcoming memoir, The Good Little Drug Lord, does not yet have a set publication date, but you can follow him for updates. You can email Sean at hemeonauthor@gmail.com. Sean is on Instagram @Sean_Hemeon. Follow his website seanhemeon.com for updates on his forthcoming memoir.  And a special thanks to Todd Renenbohm of the Bunny Hugs & Mental Health podcast for referring Sean to our show. Todd has an 8 part documentary podcast series out on Oct 1 entitled Transgression - My search for the REAL trans agenda in Saskatchewan. You can find out more about this series on instagram @Transgressionseries Check out the trailer here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transgression/id1841926991 Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock   Content/Trigger Warnings: Child sexual abuse / molestation, Physical violence / assault, Homophobia / slurs, Suicide attempt / suicidal ideation, Addiction and drug use, Overdose and death, Parental neglect / emotional abuse / parentification, Moral injury and guilt, Religious trauma, 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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez 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.

When a sudden car crash shatters her world, a woman’s grief and struggle to keep living leads her to an unexpected rebirth of love. Today’s episode featured Polly Vickery. If you’d like to contact Polly, you can email her at pollyvickery81@gmail.com.  Polly is on Instagram and Facebook @PollyVickery     Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Ellen (Elly) Westberg, Aviva Lipkowitz Content/Trigger Warnings: Child death, Spousal death, Graphic accident details,  Medical trauma, Grief and bereavement, Suicidal ideation, Survivor’s guilt, Anxiety/PTSD, explicit language Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening Twitter: @TIAHPodcast   Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com   Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com Website for Ellen Westberg: shedatespodcast.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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez 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) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a prominent life filled with passion and adventure ends with the death of her brilliant but volatile husband, a woman journeys to Guatemala to heal, only to be captured, and her fight to survive transforms her life forever.    Today’s episode featured Brenda Coffee. You can email Brenda at bcoffee@1010parkplace.com. She is on Instagram @1010ParkPlace. Visit her website at brenda-coffee.com. Brenda is the author of MAYA BLUE: A Memoir of Survival, published 05/25, a memoir that reads like a thriller. It is Working Girl meets Taken. A true story of love, cocaine, Big Tobacco, abduction, and survival. Nominated for the 2025 Kirkus Prize and included on Maria Shriver's 2025 Summer Reads list.   Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz   Content/Trigger Warnings: parentification, domestic violence, intimate partner abuse, drug making and using, addiction, gun violence, sexual assault/attempted rape, child exploitation, cancer & illness, death & grief, 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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez 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)   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While hunting in the Canadian wilderness, a man accidentally comes between a grizzly bear cub and its mother, and a terrifying fight for his life ensues that will change him forever. Today we bring you the final episode of our annual 5-week summer rebroadcast series. We will return with all new episodes starting next Tuesday, September 16, 2025 . Today’s rebroadcast episode “What if you were mauled by a grizzly bear?” originally aired as episode 262 on January 24, 2023.    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   Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits   Content/Trigger Warnings: very graphic bodily injury, graphic description of blood and medical situations, attempted suicide, violence inflicted on a child, 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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez 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.

A young woman hungry to explore the world goes on a trip to Tanzania and unexpectedly finds herself caught in an endless cycle of impending doom. Today we bring you the ninth episode of our annual 5-week summer rebroadcast series, airing 2 episodes a week. We will return with all new episodes starting Tuesday, September 16, 2025 . Today’s rebroadcast episode “What if you didn’t sleep for 120 hours?” originally aired as episode 170 on December 1, 2020.     Today’s episode featured Emily Caldwell. You can find out more about her on Instagram @emilycaldwell589 Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits   Content/Trigger Warnings: anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, 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   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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez 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.

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 we bring you the seventh episode of our annual 5-week summer rebroadcast series, airing 2 episodes a week. We will return with all new episodes starting Tuesday, September 16, 2025 . Today’s rebroadcast episode “What if you could never be what they wanted?” originally aired as episode 246 on September 13, 2022.    Today‘s episode featured Azzah Ahmad. You can find out more about Azzah by visiting her Instagram page @Lifeazziknowit Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Sara Marinelli   Content/Trigger Warnings: sexual abuse of a minor, suicidal ideation, 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   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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez 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.

After a woman’s Mormon family falls apart following the death of her father, her mother brings her to a Scientology Center where she leaves everything behind. Today we bring you the sixth episode of our annual 5-week summer rebroadcast series, airing 2 episodes a week. We will return with all new episodes starting Tuesday, September 16, 2025 . Today’s rebroadcast episode “What if you signed a billion-year contract?” originally aired as episode 243 on August 23, 2022.    Today’s episode featured Katherine Mcelhinny. If you’d like to reach out to her, you can email at canadiankat9@icloud.com. She also has a gofundme page. If you’d like to donate to her, you can do so here: https://gofund.me/3ab57d56 Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Sara Marinelli   Content/Trigger Warnings: abuse of a minor, parental neglect, sexual assault, suicidal ideation, 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   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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez 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.

After growing up queer with a complicated father in the 1960s, a man forges his own path, identity and career in the arts, but suddenly, after a routine surgery, he wakes up unable to move.  Today we bring you the fifth episode of our annual 5-week summer rebroadcast series, airing 2 episodes a week. We will return with all new episodes starting Tuesday, September 16, 2025 . Today’s rebroadcast episode “What if you woke up and couldn’t move?” originally aired as episode 242 on August 16, 2022.    Today’s episode featured John Killacky. You can find out more about John by going to johnkillacky.com with links to his book, “because art: commentary, critique, & conversation” as well as links to some of his films. Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits    Content/Trigger Warnings: graphic medical descriptions, paralysis, suicidal ideation, 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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez 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.

A woman who seeks awakening through myriad healing practices finds her ultimate challenge when she goes missing in a Maui forest.

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

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

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.

After being violently attacked outside a bar, a man who spent his life motivated by loneliness and rage, begins forging a new path to peace and healing through Buddhism and awakening to the thread that connects us all.   Today’s episode featured Cesar Cardona. If you’d like to reach out to Cesar, you can email him at cesarspeak6@gmail.com.  Cesar’s socials: IG- @beautyinthebreakpod // @TikTok - Beautyinthebreak   Find out more about Cesar at his website: https://cesarcardona.com/ A special thanks to Scott Johnson, Host of the What Was That Like podcast “real people in unreal situations”: WhatWasThatLike.com, who brought us Cesar’s story.   Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Cathy Sitzes   Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, gang activity, criminal activity including drugs and violence with weapons, racism, brutal assault including kicking & stomping, severe facial injuries in the mouth, punctured organ injury, heavy alcohol use, explicit language   Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening Twitter: @TIAHPodcast   Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com   Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez 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.

Still reeling from an abusive relationship and the loss of her mother, a single woman travels to Mexico, plunging into a whirlwind situationship where nothing is as it seems.   Today’s episode featured Aly. If you’d like to reach out to Aly, you can email her at hello@AlyRice.com. Aly is on Instagram @AlySpeaksUp.  Aly is a certified coach, and host of Sex, Lies & Tacos & This Could Get Messy podcasts.    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz   Content/Trigger Warnings: cancer/death from cancer, suicidal ideations, romantic con, divorce, disordered eating, gaslighting, physical/emotion/financial abuse of a partner, revenge/blackmail with use of private, personal photos and videos, 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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez 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.

A young woman grows up in chaos and instability but finds strength through education and a deep connection to the outdoors—until a harrowing solo trek on the Pacific Crest Trail challenges her sense of self and reaffirms her bond with others.   Today’s episode featured Betty Nickerson. If you’d like to email Betty, you can reach her at Nickerson.betty@yahoo.com.  You can find Betty on Instagram @mustang___betty.    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Sara Marinelli    Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, suicide by gun, teen pregnancy, unhoused/rough living, poverty, being lost in the wilderness, extreme cold while lost outside, smoking, explicit language   Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening Twitter: @TIAHPodcast   Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com   Website for Andrew Waits: andrewwaits.com Website for Sara Marinelli: saramarinelli.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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez 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.

Born and raised on a remote Bahamian island, a woman who has weathered countless storms must fight to keep herself and her family alive as the unprecedented Category 5 Hurricane Dorian consumes everything.   Today’s episode featured Tara Pyfrom. You can contact her here: tarapyfrom.com/contact Find her on social media: On Instagram @tarapyfrom On Facebook @tarapyfromwriter On Linkedin.com @tara-pyfrom Tara is the author of “The Ocean in Our Blood”, available on her website, tarapyfrom.com – which also includes video of her family and dogs, and many pictures from the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Sara Marinelli   Content/Trigger Warnings: homophobia, hurricane, storm, near drowning, drowning deaths, PTSD from near death, flood, 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   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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez 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) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A young father who rose up from the streets to achieve his musical dream is gunned down by a stranger during a trivial altercation, but as he rebuilds his life in the aftermath, a new, deeper dream emerges. Today’s episode featured Jason Miller, AKA Stone-Face. If you’d like to reach out to Jason, you can email him here: Stonefaceini@gmail.com.  Jason’s Socials: Facebook @AshtonMiller  Facebook Page @Stoneface of GemStarr Records  IG @OriginalStoneface Jason’s Website: Www.AccessiblePASS.net Jason is also a board Director of the Pennsylvania Council of the blind. In 2024 Jason was elected to be an Honor Society leader for the American Council Of The Blind as the Derwood K McDaniel award (DKM) which is a prestigious award for leadership.  Currently, Jason and his associates have incorporated a new nonprofit called “Paschall Community Services,” which focuses on three main targeted areas, including, accessible housing for the low vision, blind and seniors, independence services, which includes transportation, home independence, and mentorship and home healthcare training for the low vision, blind and seniors, finally, access technology training for the low vision, blind, and seniors which encompasses access technology software such as screen readers, magnification programs, and other software that AIDS the vision impaired. This education is ongoing and also touches on mobile devices and other accessible devices for the home, such as echo speakers.  Jason Miller and his company “Paschall Access Solutions LLC” is a state approved provider for access technology training for the low vision, blind and vision impaired seniors in the state of Pennsylvania, the business has been active for eight years and running, the business serves a five County region in the greater Philadelphia area and also provides independent. Transportation services called. “PASS Transport.” “Blindness is only a physical element, true site is spiritual, and with spiritual vision the world is your oyster.” A special thanks to Jason’s good friend, Andrew 'William Cooper' Kissel, who brought us Jason’s story.    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock   Content/Trigger Warnings: absentee father, violence, gun violence, stranger crime, hospital, blindness, 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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez 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) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Suffering a life of struggle and addiction in the wake of early childhood abuse, a woman desperate for a dramatic change dowses herself in gasoline and strikes a lighter.    Today’s episode featured Crystal Raye. Please find her contact and socials in her link tree here: https://linktr.ee/crhmedia. There, she also includes several links to Burn Survivor Resources and support.  Find Crystal on Instagram @theburnedthebrokenthebeautiful and on TikTok @crystalraye111 A special thanks to Daniel Hearn of Hard Knox Talks Podcast for referring Crystal to us. You can find him here: https://linktr.ee/hardknoxtalks. Daniel has also been a storyteller on This Is Actually Happening, please listen to his episode #350. Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits,    Content/Trigger Warnings: childhood sexual abuse, drug use and addiction, self-immolation, severe burn injury, attempted suicide, 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   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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez 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.