Episodes

  • After developing a severe heroin addiction as a teenager, a woman winds up incarcerated in Thailand, facing unimaginable conditions. 

     

    Today’s episode featured Holly Deane-Johns. You can email her at [email protected] or [email protected]

    Holly’s Socials

    Facebook: @hollydeanejohns 

    Instagram: @hollydeanejohns

    LinkedIn: Holly Deane-Johns - Motivational Speaker - Self-employed | LinkedIn

    Holly Deane-Johns is a motivational speaker with lived experience of heroin addiction and recovery. She grew up in the well-to-do Perth suburb of Mount Lawley and heroin addiction entered her family’s life after her parents separated. She was first arrested at the age of 20 and she has spent a total of 17 years in prisons in Australia and Thailand for drug crimes. She has been drug-free since 2001. Three members of her family lost their lives to heroin overdoses. Holly is a qualified youth worker and counsellor who has suffered from severe PTSD. She shares her story to help others to overcome addictions and trauma. 

    WEBSITE: https://www.hollydeanejohns.com.au/ 

    BOOK: Holly's Hell: Seven Years in a Thai Prison 

    Podcast guestings and events here: https://www.hollydeanejohns.com.au/news-and-events

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz

     

    Content/Trigger Warnings: heroin/drug abuse and addiction, death due to drug overdose, suicide & suicide attempts, domestic violence/abuse, child SA, arrest, prison, explicit language

     

    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter/X: @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: 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.

  • On this special episode, we’re featuring A Fine Mess’s conversation with Whit Missildine and host Sabrina Merage Naim. Created by our friends at Evoke Media, this new podcast was recently named a “must-listen” by The Guardian and Apple Podcasts.

    On A Fine Mess, venture capitalist and philanthropist Sabrina Merage Naim interviews expert guests about the most thought-provoking topics of our time. On this show, understanding replaces assumptions and commonalities replace divides. Along the way, Sabrina helps listeners learn how to better approach difficult conversations and foster tolerance and inclusivity.

    On this episode, Whit shares with Sabrina what he's learned from years of listening to people's deeply personal, life-changing stories on his podcast. He then shares how the lessons he's learned from others helped him through his own near-death experience. Most importantly, they discuss how we can gain these valuable insights without experiencing a traumatic event.

    Listen to more episodes of A Fine Mess and follow the podcast: 

    https://link.chtbl.com/tgng-Yvh?sid=tiah

    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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  • A young woman, haunted by anxiety, cycles through toxic relationships, culminating in a harrowing witness to a lover's final act.

     

    Today’s episode featured Julianne. You can reach out to her at [email protected]

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock

     

    Content/Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse/violence, gun violence, suicide by gun, divorce, extra-maritial affair, 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: 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 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 [email protected]. 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.

  • A man, who grew up seeking danger and adventure, pursues greater and greater risks despite many losses and his own brushes with death. 

     

    Today’s episode featured Kerry McCauley. You can reach out to him at [email protected] or kerrymccauley.com, or on his socials: 

    Instagram @kerry_d_mccauley  

    Facebook @Kerry D McCauley 

    YouTube @kerryDmccauley

    Kerry has written two best selling books: "Ferry Pilot" and "Dangerous Flights". He is also one of the main pilots on the Discovery docuseries: "Dangerous Flights". 

     

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock

     

    Content/Trigger Warnings: death by accident, plane crash, skydiving accident/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

     

    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)

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

  • A man, scarred by a troubled childhood, finds comfort in alcoholism, but when he faces a terrifying, violent encounter with two strangers, his addiction deepens, ultimately leading to a tragic accident that forces him to confront his past and forge a new identity.

     

    Today’s episode featured Tom. You can reach out to him at [email protected].

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Forrest Chiras  

     

    Content/Trigger Warnings: alcohol use/abuse, child custody, divorce, robbery, grievous bodily harm, stranger danger, boating accident, medical scenes including death or near dying, explicit language

     

    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

     

    Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

     

    Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

    Website for Forrest Chiras: https://linktr.ee/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: 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.

  • 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 

    [email protected] 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.

  • Growing up a lonely latchkey kid, a young boy numbs himself with drugs and alcohol, but after one night of binging, a surge of violent rage changes his life forever, spiraling from depths of depravity to the heights of redemption.

     

    Today’s episode featured Patrick Hibbard. If you would like to reach out to Patrick, you can email him at [email protected]. To learn more about a network in which he finds support, please visit ficgn.org (Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates Network), and a network he supports because of their amazing work is fromprisoncellstophd.org (From Prison Cells to Phd). 

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Sara Marinelli

     

    Content/Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse, divorce, drug and alcohol use/abuse, intravenous drug use, murder & death, incarceration, 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: "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.

  • A self-described geek finds his voice as a sci-fi author and amasses an audience on social media, but after he posts a seemingly innocuous tweet, a hoard of internet stalkers fixate on destroying his life.

    Today’s episode featured Patrick S. Tomlinson. If you’d like to reach out to him, you can email him at [email protected], or you can find him on Twitter @stealthygeek, on Threads @pstomlinson and on Blue Sky @stealthygeek.bsky.social

    Visit www.patrickstomlinson.com to find out more information about Patrick and his books. 

    Producers: Whit Missildine

     

    Content/Trigger Warnings: cyber stalking, physical stalking, gun violence, suicide/suicidal ideation, infidelity & divorce, pregnancy, threats of suicide, threats of violence, threats of murder, elder pet (no harm), CPTSD, authoritarianism, lawsuit, 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

    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.

  • A woman born into the notorious Mormon cult, Church of the Firstborn, grows up in constant fear of their fatal practice of “blood atonement”, but after suffering under the oppression of her husband and caretaking his multiple wives, she plots a daring international escape. 

     

    Today’s episode featured Pamela Jones. If you’d like to reach out to her, you can email her at [email protected], or you can find her on Instagram @pamela_speaks 

    Visit pamelaspeaks.live to find out more about her life as an author, speaker and coach. She also has another project about the hypocrisy, secrecy and scandals of the cult: wickedconfessionsuncensored.com.

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz

     

    Content/Trigger Warnings: cult, religious abuse/trauma, polygamy/plural marriage, child bride/child marriage, abuse, fraud, blood atonement/death, murder (religious & cartel), the afterlife, poverty, birth control, rape/sexual coercion, 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: 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 rising as a teenage drug dealer in Oklahoma, a man joins a larger operation after meeting his soulmate and shadowy chemist, but as his power grows, he becomes a guinea pig in an underworld much darker than he bargained for. 

     

    Today’s episode featured Brandon Andres Green. If you’d like to reach out to him, you can email him at [email protected], or you can find him on Facebook or on Instagram at BrandonAndresGreen. 

    Brandon's story came to us by way of Amy Chesler. Amy is a storyteller featured as our guest in Episode 303. You can find her book 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. A special thanks to Amy for referring today's guest. 

     

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock

     

    Content/Trigger Warnings: childhood sexual curiosity/touching, teen drug use, religious guilt, guns, grievous bodily assault and injury, explicit bodily injury, 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: 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.

  • After coming out and finding self-acceptance, a man faces his greatest physical and emotional struggle yet when a celebratory skydive takes a terrifying turn.

     

    Today’s episode featured Brad Guy. If you’d like to reach out to him, you can email him at [email protected], or you can find him on Instagram and TikTok @bradjguy.

    Visit bradguy.com to order his memoir “Freefall” and to book him for speaking engagements.

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz

     

    Content/Trigger Warnings: childhood obesity, being in the closet, self-hatred, serious accident, serious bodily injury, falling from a plane, parachute malfunction, death, suicidal ideation, 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

     

    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 facing years of abuse, a determined woman dedicates her life to the pursuit of success, becoming a renowned broadcaster, fundraiser and cyclist; but after a grueling, multi-continental bike ride, she faces ultimate darkness, forcing her to confront the deepest wounds of all. 

      

    Today’s episode featured Charlie Webster. If you’d like to reach out to her, you can visit her website at charliewebster.com/contact or you can find her on Instagram @charliewebster, on Twitter @charliecw or on TikTok @charlieaswebster. 

    She has a new book called “Why It's Ok To Talk About Trauma” which you can find on Amazon or her website charliewebster.com. She also has an ABC TV docuseries premiering on October 9th, which is based on her podcast, Scamanda. The docuseries has the same name. 

     

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz

     

    Content/Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, suicide, severe physical illness, blood, coma, near death experience, 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

     

    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 healing from a major trauma as a teenager, featured in Episode 111 of this show, our storyteller returns to share a dramatic follow up. In this episode, in the wake of his grandmother’s death, he begins taking a volatile medication cocktail and suffers a severe manic break, living on the streets among society’s most disregarded, confronting his deepest shadows and being forced to piece his life back together once again.

     

    Today’s guest requested to remain Anonymous. If you want to reach out to him, please email him at [email protected]

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz

     

    Content/Trigger Warnings: drug use, death, grooming, sexual exploitation, sexual assault & rape, manic break/manic behavior, 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: 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.

  • A teenage boy comes of age through an eclectic mentor, but ends up in the arms of a predator.

    Producer: Whit Missildine

    Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

    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: 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:   "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.

  • Growing up in poverty with an absent father, a boy finds family in a gang, but after his best friend is murdered, he unravels into a spiral of rage, violence, prison, and ultimately, an unexpected forgiveness. 

     

    Today’s episode featured Chris Diep. If you’d like to reach out to him, you can email him at [email protected], or you can find him on LinkedIn as Christopher Diep. 

    Special thanks to Yoana Tchoukleva for bringing us Chris's story.

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Wait, Aviva Lipkowitz 

     

    Content/Trigger Warnings: Vietnam war, graphic violence, gang violence, familial separation, drug use, robbery, prison, death of a parent, death of a child, racism, suicide, 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: “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.

  • An ambitious mother settles with her two sons into the quiet, idyllic life of her dreams, but after losing her son in a massacre that shakes the nation, she dedicates her life to carrying on her son’s message of love.  

    Today’s episode featured Scarlett Lewis. Scarlett founded the Choose Love Movement after her six-year-old son, Jesse, was murdered during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in December 2012, which remains one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history. Through the Choose Love Movement, Scarlett teaches everyone from young children to prison inmates how to deal with feelings of anger before they escalate into violence. The Choose Love curriculum has been accessed in over 14,500 schools across 120 countries. 

    Scarlett is the author of two best-selling books: Nurturing Healing Love: A Mother’s Journey of Hope & Forgiveness, and From Sandy Hook to the World: How the Choose Love Movement Transforms Lives.

    If you’d like to learn more about Scarlett, you can find her on Instagram @ChooseLoveMovement, on Twitter/X @ChooseLoveM, on Facebook @JLChooseLove and on her website: chooselovemovement.org, or email: [email protected]

    Scarlett’s story came to us by way of Todd Rennebohm. Scarlett 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: divorce, guns/gun violence, suicide, homicide, murder, school shooting, death, death of children, funeral, Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook denier, 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.

  • 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.

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

     

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

    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

    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.

  • A horrific accident leaves a man severely disabled, but after hitting rock bottom in his recovery a new life opens he could never have imagined

     

    Today’s episode featured Dustin Reynolds. Since this interview, Dustin has made it down to Colombia, and is planning on heading to Panama, Galapagos, and Polynesia before returning to Hawaii. To find out more about Dustin, see pictures and follow his journey or donate to help him complete the voyage, go to thesinglehandedsailor.com. You can follow him on Instagram and Facebook @thesinglehandedsailor. You can also support him on Patreon and GoFundMe:

     

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thesinglehandedsailor

    GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hngchb-support-the-single-handed-sailor

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

    Content/Trigger Warnings: car crash, severe injury, amputation, explicit language

    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

    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/Cylinder 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.

  • A mother faces the ultimate tragedy at the hands of those who are supposed to protect and serve.  

    Today’s episode featured Taun Hall. To find out more about Taun and Miles and the Miles Hall Foundation, go to justiceformileshall.org. There you can see the video mentioned in the episode, donate to the campaign, learn more about the case or get involved. You can also join the community on Instagram @justiceformileshall or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/justiceformileshall

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

    Content/Trigger Warnings: mental illness, racism, violence, murder, police brutality, explicit language

    Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

    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

    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.