Explore the impact of toxic work patterns on a tragic outcome, prioritizing personal happiness over work, acts of compassion in challenging environments, confronting corporate culture after a tragic loss, and demanding justice for a colleague dealing with work-related stress.

A host shares their experience of a sudden seizure, awakening to a new reality with love and gratitude. Reflecting on near-death events, emotional connections, and profound self-realization. The journey of healing, forgiveness, and navigating life after trauma.

A hiker faces disaster on a mountain, spending 15 hours trapped on a cliff, grappling with fear and uncertainty. The harrowing experience leads to reflections on well-being, new friendships, unforeseen obstacles, and encountering death. The narrator recounts a terrifying night on a rock ledge by the ocean, cycling through moments of panic, isolation, and fleeting dreams offering temporary respite.

A man reflects on his sheltered childhood and his decision to become a cop. He shares the challenges and dangers of undercover work, including a covert operation gone wrong. The speaker also discusses the unintended consequences of drug policing and shares their mission to advocate for legally regulated drug markets.

A woman growing up in poverty in Jamaica is abandoned by her mother at an early age, and as her story of unworthiness deepens, she falls prey to a cruel world.  Today’s episode featured Donna Hayes. Donna has written a memoir that includes further details about her incredible journey called These Broken Roads, which you can find on Amazon. You can also find out more about her on her website, donna-hayes.com and learn about her coaching practice at distinguishedcoaching.com. You can find her on social media on Instagram @iamdonna_hayes and if you’d like to reach out to her, you can email her at donna@distinguishedcoaching.com. 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.Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason BlalockContent/Trigger Warnings: animal cruelty, parental neglect, domestic violence, explicit language Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter: @TIAHPodcastWebsite: thisisactuallyhappening.comWebsite for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.comWebsite for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.comSupport the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening 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.comIntro Music: "Illabye" – TipperMusic Bed: “Union Flow” – Spuntic 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.

A man explores the impact of living someone else's life, reflecting on his toxic relationship with his father and the privileges of success. He shares his near-death experience and the transformative journey of coming out of a coma. The speaker reflects on personal transformation, gratitude, and the importance of repair and unconditional love.

An anonymous guest shares their experience of growing up in a family full of secrets and their own buried trauma. After finding passion in medicine, they face a dilemma that brings everything to the surface. Topics include family secrets, resilience, feeling unsafe, fulfillment in the medical field, and unveiling dark secrets.

Guest Ashley King shares her harrowing experience of being poisoned while on a backpacking trip in Bali, resulting in the loss of her eyesight. The podcast explores the emotional impact of her diagnosis, struggles with accepting blindness, and the tragic consequences of methanol poisoning. Despite her challenges, Ashley embraces life after losing her eyesight, studying abroad, pursuing a career in the theater industry, and reflecting on the misconceptions surrounding disability.

A young man risks his life to pay off student loan debt by swallowing bags of cocaine. The podcast discusses his harrowing experience of surviving an overdose and seeking medical help. It also explores topics such as questioning faith, navigating the criminal justice system, and the importance of support and empathy in times of hardship and mental health issues.

Rachel, a woman with severe harm OCD, shares her experiences with death and dying and how caring for others helped her find renewal. The podcast explores her childhood trauma, struggles with mental illness, overcoming postpartum depression, and finding meaning in helping traumatized children. It also delves into her reflections on foster care and the challenges of validation and acceptance. Join the podcast community and listen ad-free with Wondry Plus.