This Is Actually Happening

Brandon Andres Green, a survivor who faced unimaginable horror as a kidnapped victim, shares his gripping story. He discusses his early life as a teenage drug dealer and how a dark world entangled him in chaos. Brandon details the violent abduction that transformed his existence, touching on themes of trust, survival, and the clash between hope and despair. He reflects on the painful aftermath and the road to healing, illustrating the resilient human spirit's capacity to rise even from the darkest experiences.

Brad Guy shares his gripping story of survival after a skydiving accident left him facing both physical and emotional struggles. He discusses his journey from self-acceptance as a gay man to the terrifying moment his parachute failed. The episode dives deep into his healing process, revealing how he transformed trauma into a source of strength. Brad touches on the emotional rollercoaster of recovery, the guilt he felt, and the hope he ultimately found. His tale is a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of life-altering challenges.

Charlie Webster, a broadcaster, fundraiser, and author, shares her inspiring journey of resilience after years of abuse and a near-death experience. She discusses how her tumultuous childhood shaped her advocacy work and passion for sport. Listeners are captivated by her vivid recounting of fighting through illness during the 2016 Rio Olympics and the profound reflections on confronting mortality. Charlie also delves into healing from trauma, emphasizing self-acceptance and the importance of acknowledging one's past in the journey toward recovery.

A man reflects on his tumultuous journey following his grandmother's death, succumbing to a whirlwind of mental health challenges and chaotic behavior. He navigates the streets, confronting deep-seated trauma and identity crises. As he battles addiction and isolation, transformative moments emerge through therapy and creativity. His quest for healing showcases the power of self-reflection, community support, and artistic expression, emphasizing that recovery is a complex, often non-linear journey filled with emotional highs and lows.

An unknown speaker shares a gripping personal narrative about a mentor-turned-predator, illustrating a harrowing journey of betrayal and transformation. They reflect on the complexities of identity shaped by a troubled upbringing and a tumultuous teen experience. Themes of emotional upheaval, manipulation, and the struggle for self-discovery take center stage. Through their healing journey, they candidly discuss the importance of therapy and overcoming the stigma of male victimization, offering hope and resilience in the face of trauma.

Chris Diep, a former gang member, shares his gripping journey from poverty to redemption. Inspired by the tragic murder of his best friend, he spirals into violence and chaos, grappling with grief and substance abuse. The story takes a powerful turn as he confronts a case of mistaken identity and eventually finds peace behind bars through mentorship and introspection. Chris's commitment to forgiveness and transformation showcases the resilience of the human spirit, highlighting the possibility of healing even from the darkest experiences.

Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Choose Love Movement, shares her inspiring journey after losing her son, Jesse, in the Sandy Hook tragedy. She discusses the devastating moment of searching for her son amid chaos and the emotional turmoil that followed. Scarlett emphasizes transforming grief into a celebration of love, advocating for addressing the roots of violence through education. Her movement has reached over 14,500 schools globally, teaching children to choose love over fear, highlighting the power of compassion in healing.

A Port Authority employee narrowly escapes from the 68th floor after a plane hits the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001, but the most devastating impact comes from the psychological wounds that haunt her life for decades after. Today's episode featured Kayla Bergeron. In addition to serving as chief of public and government affairs for The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Kayla has also served in senior roles for the New York State Housing Finance Agency and South Florida Water Management District, the lead agency restoring America's Everglades. Kayla currently resides in Suwanne, Georgia and serves as Program Director, and as a Certified Peer Support Specialist -Addictive Disease (C.P.S.- A.D.), for The Connection Forsyth, a 501c3 non profit recovery community organization, based in Cumming, Georgia. Kayla works as a social media consultant for Special Equestrians of Georgia, in Milton, Georgia, also a 501c3 non profit, where she participates in equine-assisted therapy.Kayla recently started a gofundme for Special Equestrians of Georgia, where she receives equine-assisted therapy for PTSD. Last year, Special Equestrians of Georgia (SEG), based in Milton, GA, had to close down its hippotherapy program due to COVID-19 and safety concerns. As a result, many of the horses had to be rehomed. Currently, SEG provides equine-assisted therapy for teens and adults with mental health challenges, including depression, PTSD, anxiety and trauma. With COVID-19 Delta variant hovering, Special Equestrians of Georgia may be forced to shut down its doors -- for good. It costs approximately $3,000 to fund the program, which includes feeding and special dietary needs, farrier, veterinarian, medicine and facility maintenance. Please help by donating to Special Equestrians of Georgia.This episode is part of a special, four-part series called The Long Shadow. Twenty Years after the attacks of September 11th changed the world as we knew it, this month the This Is Actually Happening podcast dives deep into the stories of four survivors whose jobs brought them face to face with the unthinkable. For those called to manage an impossible tragedy up close, the events of September 11th represented a uniquely horrifying challenge. Among the harrowing details of that day, we explore the long shadows of trauma and resilience that continue to inform the looming uncertainties that remain with us today.Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew WaitsSocial Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter: @TIAHPodcast Content/Trigger Warnings: violence, sexual assault, injury, terrorism, mention of suicide, alcoholism, addiction, mental illness explicit languageWebsite: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com  Website for Andrew Waits: www.andrdewwaits.comWondery 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 https://wondery.com/plusSupport the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happeningShop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.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 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.

Dustin Reynolds, a determined adventurer and survivor of a horrific accident, shares his incredible journey of recovery and exploration. He faced severe disabilities but transformed his pain into purpose by setting sail on grand adventures. Their conversation dives into themes of resilience, hope, and self-discovery through sailing to remote islands and navigating the waters of Southeast Asia. Dustin’s story is a testament to overcoming adversity, as he embraces life with new challenges and adventures on the horizon.

Taun Hall, a dedicated mother and advocate, experienced an unimaginable tragedy involving her son Miles and law enforcement. She discusses navigating the complexities of mental health and the devastating consequences of ignored cries for help. The conversation highlights the urgent need for better mental health support and the challenges of the criminal justice system. Taun's creation of the Miles Hall Foundation aims to promote non-police responses to mental health crises, reflecting her emotional journey from loss to transformative activism.