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Wondery

What if you were trafficked into a cult...or were mauled by a grizzly bear...or were stabbed 27 times by a serial killer - what would you do? This is Actually Happening brings you extraordinary true stories of life-changing events told by the people who lived them. From a man who woke up in the morgue to a woman stranded in a Mexican desert fighting to survive, these stories will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to hear what happens next.

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.

This Is Actually Happening

Growing up Black and queer in the South, a man finds an identity for himself through the arts and establishes a wonderful marriage with children, until one day, when his husband is late coming home, there’s a ring at the door and his entire life unravels.

 

Today’s storyteller chose to remain Anonymous.

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Sara Marinelli

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: use of a derogatory racial slur, use of a derogatory homophobic slur, mention of gun violence, mention of suicide, mental illness, drug use, drug overdose, 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: 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.

394: What if a devastating truth only deepened the mystery? [Rebroadcast Ep250]

From an idyllic childhood in communist Yugoslavia, as a teenager, Mirsad’s world becomes a living nightmare as the Bosnian War brings shelling, torture, murder and ethnic cleansing to his village, leaving deep scars that haunt and transform his life. 

 

Today's episode featured Mirsad Solakovic. If you would like to contribute to help the Solak Gym (a charitable organization) that Mirsad helped create, you can donate through PayPal at solakgym@hotmail.com. You can see and find out more about the gym on Instagram @solakgym. You can also find out more about Mirsad on Instagram @mickey_solak and on Twitter @MirsadSolakovic, there you can find links to his memoir "The Boy Who Said Nothing"

 

Producers: Whit Missildine

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: war, murder, ethnic cleansing, graphic violence, torture of a minor, graphic bodily injury, rape, 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.

393: What if you survived the Bosnian genocide? [Rebroadcast Ep277]

A mother struggles to raise her child through a series of chaotic relationships, when one day, as her daughter’s mental illness spirals out of control, an unthinkable decision will change their lives forever. 

 

Today’s storyteller asked to remain Anonymous. 

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: mental illness, self-harm, sexual abuse, suicide attempt, car accident, near death experience, severe 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

 

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.

392: What if your daughter committed a seemingly unforgivable act? [Rebroadcast Ep182]

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. 

 

Today’s episode featured Brittany. You can read more about Brittany, and her current life updates on her blog at becomingB.com.

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

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

 

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.

391: What if you committed a seemingly unforgivable act?

Growing up Muslim in the Middle East, a woman juggles the chaotic expectations of a severely abusive mother with her desire for self-expression; but when she comes into a sexual awakening, a secret world opens where a deeper healing awaits. 

 

Today’s storyteller chose to remain Anonymous.

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: domestic violence, domestic abuse of a minor, sexual fetish and kink, BDSM, 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: [insert music bed]

 

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.

390: What if you found the antidote in the venom? [Rebroadcast Ep284]

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, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: graphic bodily injury, medical 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: “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 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.

389: What if you were crushed by 10000 pounds of stone? [Rebroadcast Ep274]

After narrowly surviving the devastating tsunami of 2004, a woman begins an unexpected journey through trauma, illness, and profound spiritual transformation to rebuild her life and sense of self.

 

Today’s episode featured Ani Naqvi. You can email Ani at ani@ultimateresultsgroup.com. Ani’s website: ultimateresultsgroup.com

She is on socials: 

Facebook @ani.naqvi.7

Instagram @ani.naqvi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ani-naqvi/

Ani’s book is entitled, Tsunami The Wave That Saved My Life And Can Save Yours https://www.amazon.com/Tsunami-Wave-that-Saved-Yours/dp/1637776586

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Sara Marinelli

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: Childhood physical abuse, Domestic violence, Emotional abuse, Racism and bullying, Abandonment, Near-drowning / graphic tsunami scenes, Mass disaster / mass death, Survivor’s guilt, Descriptions of injuries and destruction, PTSD and panic responses, Cancer diagnosis (stage 2 and stage 4), Parental death, Spiritual/religious themes, 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: Sparse_Reflections__a__APM

 

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.

388: What if you woke up in a tsunami?

When a man is falsely accused of attempted murder by the woman he’s spent years trying to save, he’s forced to confront the lifelong patterns of self-abandonment that led him there. 

 

Today’s episode featured Anonymous. If you’d like to reach out to him, you can email him at griefandgracetiah@gmail.com. 

He is an anesthesia provider in California. His path has been shaped by loss, resilience, and the quiet work of rebuilding a life. He uses storytelling to make sense of what cannot be explained—and to find meaning in the spaces language cannot reach.

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: Childhood emotional abuse, Childhood neglect, Parental physical abuse, Family trauma, Addiction and substance abuse, Psychiatric crisis / mental health emergency, Domestic Violence Allegations, False accusations of violence, Arrest and incarceration, Threats of violence in jail, Financial exploitation, Trauma bonding / self-abandonment, Emotional manipulation, Legal trauma, PTSD and hypervigilance, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

To Pre-Order the Limited Edition BOOK, hand-numbered and signed by Whit for shipping by December 10: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/the-book

 

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: Salib (SAL) - Tension Underscore 33 A

 

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.

387: What if your partner accused you of attempted murder?

The life of a promising actor takes a devastating turn when she is attacked in her home, sending her into an 18-year fight to reclaim her sense of safety, her career, and the date that haunts her every year.

 

Today’s episode featured Amy Benedict. You can find Amy on Instagram @amy.benedict and on TikTok @amybenbro. To find her acting credentials, you can find her on IMDB here: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0070749

 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Cathy Sitzes

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: Sexual assault, Attempted murder/strangulation, Home invasion, PTSD, dissociation, and long-term trauma symptoms, Violence against women, Discussion of serial rape and homicide, Family betrayal (parental infidelity), Bullying and emotional abuse in childhood, Self-injury, Depression and anniversary trauma, Police violence, Death of perpetrator during police encounter, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

To Pre-Order the Limited Edition BOOK, hand-numbered and signed by Whit for shipping by December 8: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/the-book

 

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: Pure_Ambience_APM

 

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.

386: What if you woke up with someone's hands around your neck?

When a woman is brought to her knees by unimaginable grief, she finds her way forward by transforming her pain into a sanctuary for forgotten dogs.

 

Today’s episode featured Tamara Corbitt. If you’d like to reach out to Tamara, you can email her at tamara.corbitt@yahoo.com. You can find her and her rescue, Travieso Dog Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram @Traviesodogsanctuary

To see dogs available for adoption or to donate, please visit the website for Travieso Dog Sanctuary at http://traviesodogsanctuary.com. 

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock

 

Content/Trigger Warnings: Child loss, Fatal car accident, Grief and traumatic bereavement, Parental abuse (physical and emotional), Substance use as coping, Animal illness and death (parvo, puppy loss), Rescue of abused/abandoned animals, Family estrangement, Descriptions of emotional distress and trauma processing, explicit language

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

 

Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

To Pre-Order the Limited Edition BOOK, hand-numbered and signed by Whit for shipping by December 8: https://www.thisisactuallyhappening.com/the-book

 

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: “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.

385: What if you found healing through saving abandoned dogs?

“That feeling…honestly I will never forget it, just your heart dropping into your stomach…it’s unreal.”

Producer: Whit Missildine

Episode Summary: After growing up in an abusive household, a man confronts a startling, ambiguous loss

Today's episode featured Evan Pestona. If you have any information or resources you feel could help bring justice for Evan and his mother, you can email him at justiceforsteph@gmail.com

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 violence, death, murder, suicide, discriminatory slurs, 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.

161: What if you suffered a shocking loss?

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