This Is Actually Happening

Heather Thompson, a storyteller and advocate for restorative justice, shares her deeply personal journey after her brother David was murdered in a hate crime. She candidly discusses the cycle of grief and anger that followed and her eventual choice to meet the perpetrator. Their encounter highlights the complexities of forgiveness and the transformative potential of empathy. Thompson reflects on the broader implications of restorative justice, challenging traditional notions of accountability while emphasizing healing through connection and understanding.

A young man searching for acceptance and purpose falls into a life of crippling addiction and loses his son to CPS and the love of his life to a violent psychopath; but among the shattered pieces of his life, he finds a path to recovery, forgiveness and joy.  Today’s episode featured Daniel Hearn. This episode is part of a two-part mini-series, featuring Daniel and his wife Donna, whose story aired last week as #349. You can email Daniel Hearn at daniel@hardknoxtalks.com. Please check out Daniel's and Donna's podcast ""Hard Knox Talks: Your Addiction Podcast"":https://linktr.ee/hardknoxtalksDaniel & his wife, Donna (Ep349), are keynote speakers that use their story to foster productive conversations about substance use in communities and in workplaces. If you’d like to seek them out for a speaking engagement, please reach out to Daniel via email.  Daniel's story came to us by way of Todd Rennebohm (wren-a-bomb). Daniel was originally featured on Todd's podcast, Bunny Hugs and Mental Health, which focuses on conversations with survivors, professionals and families of those who have lost someone to mental illness and addictions. So please check out Bunny Hugs and Mental Health, and a special thanks to Todd for referring today's guest.Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Sara Marinelli Content/Trigger Warnings: drug and alcohol abuse, opioid addiction, meth addiction, intravenous drug use, risky pregnancy and childbirth, financial ruin including home foreclosure, domestic abuse and violence, partner violence, child taken by the State, explicit languageLINK TO OUR LISTENER SURVEY! We’ve come up with a short audience survey, which you can find linked in our show notes and in the bio of our Instagram page @actuallyhappening. We’d love to hear your opinions and feedback, and we’d really appreciate your point of view. Link below:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxV-6qeNAOuIAbBnuSJpoyqE3tlvusxb069dZCUC1RWeLfEg/viewform Social Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter: @TIAHPodcast Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.comWebsite for Sara Marinelli: saramarinelli.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: ""Illabye"" – TipperMusic Bed: Ambient Themes 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)Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donna Gilchrist shares her gripping journey of overcoming drug addiction and homelessness, highlighting her resilience and the power of love. She recalls being caught in a whirlwind romance that spiraled into addiction and abuse, revealing her harrowing experiences with drugs and a dangerous relationship. Listeners will be moved by her transformation, driven by the search for freedom and recovery. Donna's story is a testament to triumph over adversity and the importance of support in the most challenging times.

In this captivating discussion, Gilbert Tuhabonye, a retired professional runner and philanthropist, shares his harrowing experience of surviving the Burundian genocide. He recounts the terrifying chaos and violence he faced, juxtaposed with memories of his tight-knit community. Gilbert highlights his incredible journey from being a target of ethnic cleansing to finding hope through forgiveness and sports. He also discusses the formation of the Gazelle Foundation, emphasizing resilience and the importance of giving back to rebuild a stronger community.

A mental health professional's fresh start in Hawaii turns nightmarish when an older man ensnares her in a web of manipulation. The conversation dives into familial struggles, revealing a history riddled with addiction and trauma. Emotional turmoil unfolds through tales of childhood bullying and the aftermath of a devastating house fire. Redefining resilience, the speaker navigates the challenges of captivity, societal judgment, and healing through supportive relationships. Layers of personal trauma and recovery offer profound insights into empathy and the importance of understanding mental health.

Wayne Hsiung, an animal cruelty investigator and co-founder of The Simple Heart Initiative, shares his transformative journey from a bullied child to a passionate animal rights advocate. He discusses the emotional costs of animal liberation, confronting the dark realities of the dog meat trade, and the moral complexities of rescuing animals. Wayne highlights the importance of empathy and community in activism while navigating legal challenges and societal backlash. His compelling stories underscore the deep connections between humans and animals and the urgent need for change.

In this gripping discussion, Sarah Shourd, an award-winning narrative change leader and somatic coach, shares her harrowing experience of being a political hostage in Iran. She delves into the psychological impacts of solitary confinement and the complexities of maintaining identity under oppression. Sarah highlights her journey of resilience, the significance of storytelling in healing, and her advocacy against mass incarceration. Through personal narratives, she emphasizes the importance of connection and communal liberation in overcoming trauma.

Jane Boroski, the only survivor of the Connecticut River Valley killer, shares her harrowing tale of survival during a brutal attack while pregnant. She delves into the emotional turmoil of coping with trauma and the difficulties of unexpected motherhood. Jane discusses her journey towards healing and understanding through her podcast, 'Invisible Tears,' focusing on trauma awareness and PTSD. With insights on the impact of violence and the complexity of recovery, she offers a powerful message about resilience and the path to reclaiming normalcy.

On September 11th, 2001 an ER Doctor finds himself in charge of the closest emergency room to the Twin Towers.Today's episode featured Tony Dajer. Tony was born in New York City, grew up in Puerto Rico, and has been practicing as an ER Doctor in New York for 30 years. You can read one of Tony's articles called "Vital Signs" featured in Discover Magazine at www.discovermagazine.com/health/vital-signs-37.Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew WaitsSpecial Thanks: To all who helped make this series happen - Ellen Westberg, Andrew Waits, Marcelino Villalpando, Gabriella Quintana, Emily Caldwell, and Jason Blalock. Content/Trigger Warnings: violence, graphic bodily injury, terrorism, explicit language Social Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter/X: @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: "Illabye" – TipperMusic and Sound Design by: Marcelino Villalpando 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.

Diamond Garrett, a resilient dancer turned speech therapist, shares her inspiring journey from surviving gun violence to empowering disabled individuals through her entrepreneurial spirit. She opens up about her traumatic past, including an absent father and the chaos of her childhood. The conversation highlights her transformation and how art, particularly dance, helped her reconnect with her identity. Diamond's commitment to fostering community support and navigating the complexities of ambition in a challenging world is both eye-opening and motivational.