This Is Actually Happening

Koe Creation, raised in a polyamorous family, shares the complexities and beauty of their upbringing. They discuss navigating non-monogamous relationships, family bonds, and societal challenges. The episode explores their journey of self-discovery, embracing identity, and dealing with online harassment. A thought-provoking glimpse into modern love and family dynamics.

Heath Schechinger and Lily Lamboy discuss the evolution of family structures and norms, the history of monogamy, societal expectations in relationships, and the importance of embracing diversity in relationships. They highlight the mission of the Modern Family Institute to redefine families based on function, not form, advocating for open conversations and legal protections for diverse families.

Founder of asexuality.org, David Jay shares his journey as an asexual individual, challenging societal norms and redefining intimacy, commitment, and parenthood. The episode delves into modern stories of love and family outside traditional norms, highlighting a collaboration with the Modern Family Institute.

Ingrid Rojas-Contreras shares her journey from war-torn Colombia to the US, losing her sense of self in a freak accident. Topics include escaping kidnapping, navigating amnesia, and embracing ancestral stories through amnesia.

After a childhood feeling unworthy of love and belonging, a man finds his path to the Coast Guard and a solid marriage, but after a minor back injury, he’s prescribed painkillers that send him on a tragic spiral of addiction. Today’s episode featured Jamie. If you’d like to reach out to him, you can email at japo081@gmail.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 WaitsContent/Trigger Warnings: drug use, addiction, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, drunk driving, explicit language Social Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter: @TIAHPodcastWebsite: thisisactuallyhappening.comWebsite for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.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.

Growing up in the remote Ozark mountains with a mother who believed she was God and a father with deeper abuses, a man paves his own rocky healing path to become a healer for others. Today’s episode featured Merle Yost. You can find out more about Merle on his website, merleyost.com , and about his workshop, Unspoken Boundaries, at unspokenboundaries.com. If you’d like to reach out to him, you can email him at merle@merleyost.com , and you can find him on Instagram @loveyost. Merle is a writer, speaker, and consultant. He also does Intensive trauma work as a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist In California, which you can also learn about on his website. He is also the author of six books, his last one Facing the Truth of Your Life, which you can find links to on his website, merleyost.com and Amazon.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, Aviva LipkowitzContent/Trigger Warnings: animal cruelty, animal death, sexual abuse of a minor, domestic violence, severe mental illness, explicit language Social Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter: @TIAHPodcastWebsite: thisisactuallyhappening.comWebsite for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.comWebsite for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.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: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere 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.

Growing up with a mother who used practiced an abusive form of spiritual voodoo, a man seeks to numb his pain, but after tragedy and a descent into crack addiction, he finally finds the cure he’d been looking for. Today’s episode featured Will Taylor. 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, Sara MarinelliContent/Trigger Warnings: abuse of a minor, drug abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, murder, death, graphic bodily injury, explicit language Social Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter: @TIAHPodcastWebsite: thisisactuallyhappening.comWebsite for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.comWebsite for Sara Marinelli: saramarinelli.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: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho 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 suburban mother, Billy Macy, finds stability in family after a troubled past, but chaos ensues. Topics include addiction recovery, desperation, hope, and a journey home amidst mental health struggles and family support.

Misty Watterson discusses her struggles with drug use, abuse, and post-partum depression before her daughter goes missing. The podcast covers the emotional turmoil of a mother searching for her missing child, suspicions surrounding the case, and the importance of family bonds and love.

A man escapes his chaotic past to join the Army, facing scars from Iraq deployments. Surviving ambush in a war zone, soldier reflects on combat realities. Struggling with PTSD and medication, finding love unexpectedly leads to self-discovery and growth.