This Is Actually Happening

“It’s like this weird tunnel of reality collapsing and you want to hold on to where you just were at where none of this happened, but now you have this thing that you have to absorb somehow.” Producer: Whit MissildineEditors: Nigel Coutinho, Whit MissildineEpisode Summary: A woman is three months pregnant when her husband’s pursuit of a fugitive turns their world upside down.Today's episode features Shideh Etaat. If you'd like to donate to the GoFundMe page for her husband's recovery, follow the link below. http://bit.ly/shidehgofundmeSocial Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappeningWebsite: www.thisisactuallyhappening.comSupport the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happeningEngage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. Content/Trigger Warnings: traumatic injury, explicit languageIntro Music: ""Illabye" – TipperMusic Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel CoutinhoOutro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/ ServicesIf you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“I don’t know what I was thinking but I just kept feeling like the waves of shame because of the shame I made them feel.” Producer: Whit MissildineEditor: Whit MissildineEpisode Summary: Growing up in a household full of both love and violence in Mississippi, Kiese Laymon struggles with generational trauma, career success, and addiction before finally facing the silences of his past.Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappeningWebsite: www.thisisactuallyhappening.comSupport the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happeningEngage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. Content/Trigger Warnings: physical violence, assault, emotional abuse, explicit languageIntro Music: ""Illabye" – TipperMusic Bed: “Re-entry” – Lee RosevereOutro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/ ServicesIf you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Terra Newell, daughter of Deborah Newell from the infamous Dirty John saga, provides a gripping firsthand account of her mother’s tumultuous relationship. She shares harrowing memories of childhood trauma, including a close encounter with danger and her increasing fears about John. Terra discusses the fight for her life when confronted by John and reflects on the emotional turmoil following the attack. Her journey of healing, therapy, and her mission to raise awareness about PTSD highlights the resilience required to overcome such darkness.

In this engaging discussion, Olivia Wilder shares her harrowing journey after a minor surgery led to a life-altering leg amputation. She reflects on the emotional chaos stemming from her strict religious upbringing and the turmoil it caused in her life. Olivia opens up about navigating her identity after such a profound loss, including the challenges and empowerment found in her journey toward self-acceptance. Through her story, she highlights resilience, the importance of community support, and the ongoing battle with the realities of chronic pain.

Announcements for Season 9 of This Is Actually Happening. Includes updates on the release schedule, the new This is Actually Happening store, and more. If you'd like to submit a design for a This Is Actually Happening t-shirt or poster, send your artwork to actuallyhappeningpodcast@gmail.comAll episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are available ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ to access the full This is Actually Happening catalog, along with exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/happeningSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stefan Weiner, known as Stefan Alexander, is a talented musician grappling with chronic pain that's reshaped his artistic journey. He shares the emotional toll of mourning his lost identity and the struggle of creating while in pain. Stefan discusses his creative adaptations in response to tendonitis, revealing how these challenges led to a profound songwriting phase. Exploring the intersection of his health and queerness, he highlights the transformative power of turning personal pain into purpose, illustrating resilience in the face of adversity.

The guest shares a harrowing personal account of losing their home to a devastating fire after years spent caring for a sick parent. They discuss the intense feelings of isolation and trauma, emphasizing the need for validation in their suffering. The narrative explores the chaos of the fire itself, the emotional aftermath, and the symptoms of PTSD that arose from the experience. Ultimately, the conversation highlights a journey of rebuilding, self-discovery, and the struggle to reclaim identity after such profound loss.

“It’s interesting always having this void, knowing that you have something so wonderful that could love you so much and you could love so much that exists out there.” Producer: Whit MissildineEditor: Nigel CoutinhoEpisode Summary: A young man falls deeply in love after meeting the girl of his dreams, leading to an unexpected event that leaves him with an irreparable void. Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappeningWebsite: www.thisisactuallyhappening.comSupport the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happeningEngage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. Content/Trigger Warnings: explicit languageIntro Music: ""Illabye" – TipperMusic Bed: Ambient themes by Nigel CoutinhoOutro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/ ServicesIf you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“I have a fear every single day am I going crazy and I don’t even know it? I didn’t know the things that I was doing and the things that I was saying were so extreme.” Producer: Whit MissildineEditor: Nigel CoutinhoEpisode Summary: After surviving a father whose mental illness consumed the family, a woman spirals down into psychosis and compulsive behaviors, finally leading her on the path to healing.Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappeningWebsite: www.thisisactuallyhappening.comSupport the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happeningEngage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. Content/Trigger Warnings: explicit languageIntro Music: ""Illabye" – TipperMusic Bed: “Union Flow” - SpunticOutro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/ ServicesIf you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“People say you should always trust your gut feelings. But I couldn’t trust my gut feeling and I still can’t to this day, because to me a gut feeling is in turn thinking about hurting somebody else.” Producer: Whit MissildineEditor: Nigel CoutinhoEpisode Summary: After coming to terms with her identity, a woman develops intrusive thoughts that consume her most important relationships.  Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappeningWebsite: www.thisisactuallyhappening.comSupport the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happeningEngage with the Community: Join the This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: www.actuallyhappeningstore.com to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. Content/Trigger Warnings: explicit languageIntro Music: ""Illabye" – TipperMusic Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel CoutinhoOutro Music: "The Moon is Down" - El Diablo & Adam Schraft (Rojo y Negro) @eldiablosf @rojo-y-negro www.eldiablobass.com/ ServicesIf you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.