This Is Actually Happening

Brenda Coffee, author of the gripping memoir MAYA BLUE: A Memoir of Survival, shares her harrowing tale of love and survival after the death of her husband. She recounts being captured in Guatemala, navigating a perilous escape from the jungle, and the profound impact of trauma on her life. As she reflects on her journey, Brenda emphasizes the power of resilience and healing, highlighting her experiences with self-hypnosis and group therapy. Her story is a striking blend of adventure and personal growth that inspires listeners to embrace their inner strength.

While hunting in the Canadian wilderness, a man accidentally comes between a grizzly bear cub and its mother, and a terrifying fight for his life ensues that will change him forever.Today we bring you the final episode of our annual 5-week summer rebroadcast series. We will return with all new episodes starting next Tuesday, September 16, 2025 . Today’s rebroadcast episode “What if you were mauled by a grizzly bear?” originally aired as episode 262 on January 24, 2023.   Today's episode featured Jeremy Evans. You can find many more details about Jeremy and this story in his incredible memoir, 'Mauled: Lessons Learned from a Grizzly Bear Attack', published by Rocky Mountain Books. To contact Jeremy you can reach out to his Publicist at genevieve@rmbooks.com or contact Jeremy directly at Grizzlydude01@gmail.com Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits Content/Trigger Warnings: very graphic bodily injury, graphic description of blood and medical situations, attempted suicide, violence inflicted on a child, explicit language Social Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter: @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 VelasquezMusic Bed: “Union Flow” – Spuntic 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.

Emily Caldwell, an adventurous traveler and mental health advocate, shares her vivid tale of extreme sleep deprivation during a trip to Tanzania. She discusses the overwhelming chaos and disorientation that comes with 120 hours without sleep, alongside the panic attacks that led her to confront her trauma and anxiety. Emily reflects on the transformative power of her travels and how they shaped her resilience in the face of mental health struggles, offering insights into her journey of healing and self-discovery.

Azzah Ahmad shares her compelling story of navigating trauma and self-expression in a strict Muslim, South Asian family. She discusses the emotional struggle of meeting societal expectations and the journey toward self-acceptance. Azzah reflects on the challenges of identity and personal worth, especially during her formative years. She also touches on the impact of beauty standards and the importance of overcoming shame to embrace one's true self. Follow her inspiring journey on Instagram @Lifeazziknowit.

Katherine McElhinney shares her harrowing journey from a fractured family to the confines of Scientology. After her father's passing, she grapples with grief and loneliness before signing a billion-year contract. Katherine reveals the emotional turmoil and manipulative tactics she faced while in the Sea Org, and the struggles of reintegration afterward. Her candid reflections on trauma, depression, and the quest for healing provide a powerful insight into the personal costs of high-control environments.

Guest John Killacky, a former Vermont politician, artist, and disability advocate, shares his powerful journey of identity and resilience. He reflects on growing up queer in the 1960s and the impact of the AIDS crisis on his life. After waking up from surgery unable to move, he discusses his battle with quadriplegia and the challenges of finding purpose through art. Killacky also highlights the importance of community and inclusivity for marginalized groups, weaving personal stories with broader societal themes.

Dive into the chilling world of notorious serial killers Henry Lee Lucas and Ottis Toole, whose lives are marked by deceit and twisted confessions. The podcast unravels their disturbing partnership and the implications of their violent crimes. A tragic case involving the murder of Sandra May Dubs reveals the dark side of their escapades, while a haunting exploration of a child's abduction case connects to their sinister history. Expect to be both intrigued and unsettled as the narrative unfolds.

Amanda Eller, a physical therapist and yoga instructor from Maui, recounts her harrowing experience of survival after being lost in the Makawao Forest for 17 days. She reflects on her tumultuous childhood and struggles with self-image, which fueled her journey towards holistic living and personal growth. As she navigated the wilderness, she faced physical and emotional turmoil, ultimately finding peace and resilience amid fear. Her story emphasizes the transformative power of hope, intuition, and the interconnectedness of life through adversity.

Dive into a painful journey as a woman grapples with her brother's disappearance decades later. Her relentless search for closure intertwines with emotional family dynamics and childhood memories. The narrative reveals a heartbreaking connection to a friend's similar fate, reigniting the community's hope and desperation. Amidst the pursuit of truth, themes of loss, environmental activism, and the impact of trauma resonate deeply, painting a poignant picture of resilience and the quest for justice.

A man reflects on his father's turbulent life, marked by mental illness and alcohol struggles. The story explores deep themes of grief and guilt following a tragic suicide. Listeners hear about the emotional turmoil accompanying loss and the healing journey of running as a coping mechanism. The narrative contrasts personal pain with memories of family dynamics, revealing how resilience is forged through adversity. Ultimately, it emphasizes the transformative power of facing pain head-on to foster personal growth.