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.

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Episodes
  • 345: What if nine bullets shattered your dreams? [Rebroadcast #240]
    Dec 24 2024

    Growing up with a single mother and a father in jail, a dancer’s life is forever changed when one night, while doing a favor for a friend, two unknown shooters open fire.



    Today’s episode featured Diamond Garrett. Diamond is currenting starting a small business to provide products, services, and resources for disabled individuals to make their lives easier as wheelchair users. If you’d like to donate to support her vision and her small business, go to gofund.me/444f5605. You can also find out more about Diamond by following her on Instagram @diamondsg_ and on TikTok @princessdimo. You can find all of her links on linktr.ee/diamondgarrett


    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock

    Content/Trigger Warnings: domestic violence, mention of sexual assault, drug use, gun violence, car crash, graphic bodily injury, suicidal ideation, attempted suicide, explicit language

    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter/X: @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: “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.

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    57 mins
  • 344: What if you spent 7 years in a Thai prison?
    Dec 17 2024
    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 admin@hollydeanejohns.com.au or holly@hollydeanejohns.com.au. Holly’s SocialsFacebook: @hollydeanejohns Instagram: @hollydeanejohnsLinkedIn: Holly Deane-Johns - Motivational Speaker - Self-employed | LinkedInHolly 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-eventsProducers: 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: @actuallyhappeningTwitter/X: @TIAHPodcast Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.comWebsite 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" – TipperMusic Bed: Uncertain Outcomes ServicesIf 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: 1-800-950-6264National 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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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Listen Now: A Fine Mess in conversation with Whit Missildine
    Dec 16 2024

    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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    47 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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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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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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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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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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