This Is Actually Happening

Pardeep Singh Kaleka, clinical director and anti-hate advocate who lost his father in the Oak Creek Sikh Temple attack, shares his journey. He recounts arriving at the scene, grief and PTSD, and choosing relentless optimism. He describes partnering with a former neo-Nazi to teach youth about hate, forgiveness, healing, and community rebuilding.

In this poignant narrative, a private storyteller recounts the harrowing experience of causing a fatal drunk-driving accident. She reflects on her family's background, the pressures of relationships, and the allure of party culture. After the tragedy, she grapples with guilt, legal uncertainties, and profound grief while seeking forgiveness. Through therapy and routine, she starts to rebuild her sense of self, embracing accomplishments like running ultramarathons, all while yearning for peace and understanding of her past actions.

Joe Lynskey, a survivor and DJ, shares a harrowing account of being pushed onto subway tracks, leading to a life-altering experience. He reflects on his chaotic childhood in Miami, his struggles with bullying, and how he found solace in the arts and queer community. After battling substance abuse, he embraced sobriety, only to face an unimaginable near-death incident that went viral. Joe describes the intense recovery process, the impact of the public spotlight, and how gratitude and community helped reshape his life and priorities.

In this compelling narrative, an anonymous storyteller shares a profound journey of growing up Black and queer in the South. He recalls the challenges of childhood bullying, discovering his identity, and finding solace in the arts. The podcast dives into the heartbreak of losing his husband to a sudden death, uncovering hidden truths that complicate his grieving process. It explores themes of love, loss, and the search for closure in a life that was beautifully complex yet marred by secrets.

Mirsad Solakovic, a Bosnian genocide survivor, shares his harrowing journey from idyllic childhood to the brutal realities of the Bosnian War. He recounts the sudden onset of violence, ethnic divisions among neighbors, and the horrors of torture and displacement. After escaping to safety, Mirsad battled PTSD and found healing through weight training, which led him to establish the Solak Gym charity uniting youth from different backgrounds. His resilience in the face of trauma and dedication to community healing is nothing short of inspiring.

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: @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.

Dive into a heart-wrenching journey of trauma and resilience as Brittany recounts her abusive childhood and subsequent mental health struggles. She reveals the harrowing impact of her stepfather's grooming and her battles with self-harm. A pivotal highway crash changes everything, forcing her to confront reality and her family's complexities. Through therapy and introspection, she seeks forgiveness, ultimately finding a path towards nursing school and reclaiming her agency, all while grappling with the weight of her past.

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: @actuallyhappeningTwitter: @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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott VelasquezMusic Bed: [insert music bed] 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.

Mike Wolo, a former granite yard worker and survivor, shares his harrowing story after being crushed by 10,000 pounds of stone. He recounts the moment of the accident, waking in the hospital, and the long journey of recovery filled with surgeries and extreme pain. Mike candidly discusses PTSD, agoraphobia, and the struggles of rebuilding his life and identity. Through support from family and friends, he confronts his fears, returns to semi-pro football, and ultimately finds love, becoming a father and embracing life anew.

Ani Naqvi, a survivor of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and an inspiring author and coach, shares her harrowing near-death experience. She recounts waking to the tsunami and fighting for survival, driven by an inner voice that urged her to live. As she navigated the chaos, Ani took charge to help others, using her journalistic skills to organize rescues. Transitioning from survivor guilt to purpose, she explores healing through meditation and her journey into coaching, transforming trauma into light.