This Is Actually Happening
Wondery
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 28, 2025 • 58min
What if you signed a billion-year contract? [Rebroadcast #243]
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.
Aug 26, 2025 • 56min
What if you woke up and couldn’t move? [Rebroadcast #242]
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.
Aug 25, 2025 • 16min
Introducing: American Criminal
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.
14 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 6min
What if you went missing? [Rebroadcast #196]
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.
Aug 19, 2025 • 55min
What if you never stopped searching? [Rebroadcast #195]
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.
Aug 14, 2025 • 50min
What if you ran through the pain? [Rebroadcast #208]
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.
Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 3min
What if you entered the belly of the NARCO beast? [Rebroadcast #281]
Gladden Rangel, a musician and martial artist, shares his gripping story of incarceration in a Mexican prison following a nightclub altercation. He reflects on his troubled childhood and the transformative power of music that initially led him to a glamorous life. However, a chaotic confrontation thrusts him into the brutal realities of the criminal justice system. Rangel intertwines themes of violence, environmental degradation, and the struggle for personal peace through martial arts and meditation amid the chaos.
12 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 60min
374: What if a brutal assault saved your life?
Cesar Cardona, a public speaker and mindfulness educator, shares his transformative journey after surviving a brutal assault. He reflects on his tumultuous past shaped by loneliness and rage, leading to a quest for peace through Buddhism and meditation. The discussion highlights the power of forgiveness, emotional intelligence, and resilience amidst trauma. Cardona also emphasizes how vulnerability and introspection can connect us all, underscoring the potential for growth that arises from even the darkest experiences.
10 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 1min
373: What if your boyfriend ghosted you for his wedding?
Aly Rice, a certified coach and host of popular podcasts, shares her gripping journey of heartbreak and self-discovery. She reflects on being ghosted by a boyfriend who swiftly moved on to marry someone else, revealing the emotional turmoil and feelings of betrayal that ensued. Aly recounts her experiences during a solo trip to Mexico, where unexpected connections give way to complex emotions and painful realizations. Ultimately, she emphasizes the importance of healing and resilience while navigating love, loss, and personal growth.
10 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 56min
372: What if you were lost on the Pacific Crest Trail?
Betty Nickerson, a solo trekker and teacher, shares her transformative journey from a chaotic childhood to finding strength in the great outdoors. She recounts her harrowing experience on the Pacific Crest Trail, where feelings of isolation pushed her to confront her sense of self. Betty reflects on the importance of human connection and resilience, revealing how moments of despair turned into personal growth. Her stories emphasize the healing power of nature and the friendships forged along the way in overcoming adversity.
