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 chrisdiep2023@gmail.com, 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

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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)

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