This Is Actually Happening

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.

Anonymous, an anesthesia provider in California, shares a gripping first-person account of being falsely accused of attempted murder by his partner. He explores his childhood background of trauma and abandonment, the pressures of caretaking, and the impact of loss. The narrative delves into his experiences with legal turmoil and the dehumanizing conditions in jail, culminating in the relief of having the charges dismissed. Ultimately, he reflects on the journey of rebuilding his life, learning self-compassion, and addressing deep-seated patterns of self-abandonment.

In this riveting conversation, Amy Benedict, a talented actress and storyteller, shares her harrowing experience surviving a violent home invasion in 1991. She highlights her unique method of survival, using conversation to connect with her attacker. Amy candidly discusses the long-term impact on her mental health and career, revealing how she transformed her trauma into empowerment. From her journey through self-acceptance to reclaiming her narrative by running a marathon on the anniversary of the attack, her story is one of resilience and hope.

Tamara Corbitt, a rescue advocate and founder of Travieso Dog Sanctuary, channels her profound grief from losing her daughter into a mission to save abandoned dogs. She shares her journey from personal tragedy to founding a sanctuary, discussing her shift from horticulture to animal rescue. Tamara reflects on the challenges she faced, like health issues in rescued puppies, and highlights emotional bonds with community dogs. Her inspiring story shows how her daughter’s spirit motivates her, turning sorrow into purpose and hope.

Naseem Rochette, a resilience expert and author of *The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over*, shares her harrowing journey of being run over three times and the aftermath that followed. She discusses the invisible scars of traumatic brain injury and how it reshaped her identity and relationships. Naseem reflects on her experience with the driver, the importance of embracing her visible scars, and how kintsugi became a metaphor for her healing. She also emphasizes the power of sharing her story to build community and support.

Lisa Phillips, a former model and advocate, shares her harrowing journey of surviving Jeffrey Epstein's manipulative world. She discusses the insidious grooming tactics he employed, the emotional aftermath of her experiences, and her eventual confrontation with him. Lisa reveals the complexities of reclaiming her self-worth, the support from fellow survivors, and her commitment to advocacy work. Through her powerful narrative, she sheds light on the modeling industry's dark corners and empowers others to speak out against abuse.

In this episode, humanitarian aid physician Travis Meleen shares his harrowing experiences working in Gaza amid conflict. He discusses the severe realities of trauma care, detailing the overwhelming influx of casualties during bombings and the scarce resources available. Travis provides insight into the emotional toll and moral dilemmas faced by medical staff under pressure, as well as his journey through PTSD after returning home. His reflections on human nature and the complexities of humanitarian work are both haunting and enlightening.

Emilie Lemire, a nurse with a captivating knack for storytelling, shares her eerie encounters with a supernatural entity that began during childhood. She recounts chilling moments like waking to a ghostly figure and sharing a home filled with unsettling orbs and disturbances. With her partner experiencing the same phenomena, they seek spiritual guidance to confront the presence, eventually moving to a new place. Emilie's journey intertwines her belief in the spirit world with her medical career, deepening her compassion as a caregiver.

A woman's journey through the tumultuous world of Rajneeshpuram reveals profound themes of abandonment and addiction. She recounts the chaotic blend of joy and discomfort as she navigates childhood and communes. A dramatic shift occurs with pregnancy, leading to sobriety and a career rebuild. Her spontaneous awakening during meditation unlocks deep self-love and clarity. Reflecting on her past and her mother's choices fosters compassion, while she critiques the commercialization of enlightenment, emphasizing personal truth.

A man shaped by cruelty devotes his life to defending the condemned, discovering that real courage lies not in victory, but in standing beside the most despised. Today’s episode featured Clive Stafford Smith. If you’d like to reach out to Clive, you can email him at clive@justiceleague.org.uk. You can find Clive on X/Twitter @CliveSS and on Instagram @clivestaffordsmith To find out more about the work Clive does, visit https://justiceleague.org.uk/.  Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock Content/Trigger Warnings: Child abuse, Child Molestation, Child Murder, Physical violence, Emotional neglect, Execution, Capital punishment, Racism, Racial violence, Torture, State violence, Mental illness, explicit language Social Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter: @TIAHPodcast Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.comWebsite 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: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott VelasquezMusic 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.