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 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.
6 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 57min
371: What if you survived a catastrophic hurricane?
Tara Pyfrom, author of 'The Ocean in Our Blood' and a Hurricane Dorian survivor, shares her gripping story of enduring a catastrophic storm. She recounts the panic and resilience of her family as they fought rising floodwaters, creating makeshift flotation devices in a desperate bid for safety. Tara reflects on her childhood in the Bahamas, her LGBTQ+ identity, and the emotional toll of recovery after the disaster. Through her experience, she offers a powerful message of hope and community in the face of trauma.
18 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 57min
370: What if a bullet took your sight but not your vision?
In this engaging discussion, Jason Miller, also known as Stone-Face, shares his inspiring journey from a young musician to a blind advocate after a life-altering shooting. He speaks candidly about the trauma of losing his sight and the emotional journey toward healing and forgiveness. With a fierce commitment to empowering the blind community, Jason's nonprofit focuses on accessible housing, mentorship, and technology training. His story is a testament to resilience and the power of community in overcoming adversity.
Jul 1, 2025 • 57min
369: What if you lit yourself on fire?
The podcast explores a gripping tale of resilience born from trauma and abuse. It highlights a speaker's turbulent childhood shaped by loss and addiction, leading to moments of despair that culminated in a suicide attempt. Discover how healing through severe burn injuries became a transformative journey, impacting relationships and fostering self-reflection. The importance of self-love and acceptance weaves through this narrative, offering insights and support for those navigating their own challenges.
20 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 55min
368: What if you were the only one left to grieve?
In this conversation, Fallon Farinacci, a proud Red River Métis speaker and advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, recounts her harrowing journey through trauma and loss. She shares the gripping story of a stalker threatening her family, highlighting legal system failures and intense fear. Fallon discusses her Métis heritage, the impact of grief on identity, and her remarkable transformation from personal sorrow into community activism. Her powerful insights aim to raise awareness and foster resilience in the face of systemic injustices.
