This Is Actually Happening

By: Wondery
  • Summary

  • 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.

    © All rights reserved
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Episodes
  • 340: What if you kept knocking at death’s door?
    Nov 19 2024

    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 metzie04@yahoo.com.


    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.

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    49 mins
  • Listen Now - REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana
    Nov 18 2024

    Behind the closed doors of government offices and military compounds, are hidden stories and buried secrets from the darkest corners of history. Each week, Luke Lamana, a Marine Corp Reconnaissance Veteran, pulls back the curtain on what once was classified information exposing the secrets and lies behind the world’s most powerful institutions. From the hitmakers at Wondery and Ballen Studios, we bring you REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana. The stories are real, and the secrets are shocking.

    Listen Now: http://wondery.fm/REDACTED

    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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    7 mins
  • 339: What if someone gave up everything to save you?
    Nov 12 2024

    Haunted by the chaos of her family and teenage years, a young woman finally finds refuge and belonging in a solid new group of friends, but after a camping trip ends in tragedy, she must find a new pathway to acceptance.

    Today’s episode featured Kristen Smith. You can reach out to Kristen at

    kristendsmith2@gmail.com or on Instagram @kristendsmith_


    You can also find out more about her and what she does at kristendawnsmith.com.


    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Cathy Sitzes

    Content/Trigger Warnings: child SA, abuse, teen kidnapping, drowning, death, grief, explicit language

    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

    Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

    Website for Andrew Waits: andrewwaits.com

    Website for Cathy Sitzes: cathysitzes.com


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

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

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

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

    Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

    Music Bed: Uncertain Outcomes

    Services

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

    National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988

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

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

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

    Show more Show less
    59 mins

What listeners say about This Is Actually Happening

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Redemption through sacrifice and pain

this was a twisting narrative. the speaker is absolutely amazing. he's inspiring and I just want to thank him for his continued sacrifice every day to save the lives of the innocent. I commend him for coming through what he has in his life to still want to give back to others.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Heartbreaking powerful

Although this story was a trigger , sometimes triggers are necessary. To remember and to move forward. I wish the best life for this woman

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excellence

While I don't like every story being told on here (due to personal comfort levels) I think they're necessary. The school shooter one really shook me to my core.

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this is my favorite podcast

I've listened to every single episode and I cannot wait for new ones to come out. this podcast has set the tone for all my future podcasts and has got me through a lot of days. the stories are so real and relatable. thank you wit milseldine

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like the stories and the storytellers

great stories lots of info and well told stories amazing choices for whom monologues each episode

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Great find

Loved this, the realness, the truth that was expressed in a heartfelt way. Excellent story of life and survival

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going to HS with gun

Your stories, presenters, are more than brave. I so honour their their lives, heart, compassion. INCREDIBLE, thank you so much

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Enthralling

It's incredible the things people can survive. Great variety of stories. Limited narration and great flow.

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me too

you don't know until you know...and I know (I'm a five cat mama and a one human mama)

#itsucks
#ribbonsdonthelp
#itcomesandgoes
#teaminvisible

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