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
4 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 42min
The 82 Percent: Bonus Conversation with Alex Chen
Alex Chen, Founding Director of Harvard Law School LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic and Polyamory Legal Advocacy Coalition, discusses legal roots of nuclear family, monogamy, and fight for diverse family rights. Topics include challenges in promoting non-traditional family structures, impact of discrimination, economic disadvantages, and historical roots of family dynamics in America.
Jul 23, 2024 • 59min
329: The 82 Percent #6: What if you became your husband’s guardian?
Kris Amstrong shares her story of marrying her high school sweetheart, Brandon, who suffered a severe brain injury. She discusses restructuring her family and finding love again. The episode highlights the challenges, joys, and lessons of caregiving and blending families in the face of trauma and loss.
Jul 16, 2024 • 58min
328: The 82 Percent #5: What if you were a seahorse dad?
Kayden Coleman shares his journey as a trans parent, reflecting on family history, childhood struggles, transitioning, and navigating pregnancy as a transgender man. He discusses traumatic childbirth, postpartum struggles, and empowerment as a black trans man, highlighting the complexities of identity, resilience, and parenthood.
Jul 9, 2024 • 54min
327: The 82 Percent #4: What if you found your family on the path of celibacy?
Art Pereira, from Revoice, shares his journey of grappling with faith, celibacy, and sexual orientation, finding acceptance in a chosen family. Topics include navigating identity, coming out to unsupportive parents, and reconciling faith with sexuality in a supportive LGBTQ+ community.
Jul 4, 2024 • 39min
The 82 Percent: Bonus Conversation with Jessica Fern
Renowned psychotherapist Jessica Fern discusses consensual non-monogamy, attachment styles, and challenges in open relationships. She explores transformative experiences, the impact of comparison, and the benefits of therapy. The conversation delves into perspectives on polyamory, societal influences, legal protections, and the importance of finding a supportive community in navigating non-monogamous relationships.
Jul 2, 2024 • 52min
326: The 82 Percent #3: What if you discovered a new way to love?
Adrian McCoy shares his journey from a past of abuse and infidelity to finding a new path of love and openness after a family tragedy. He discusses growing up amidst gang violence, exploring polyamory, and embracing a new way of loving.
Jun 25, 2024 • 56min
325: The 82 Percent #2: What if you grew up in a polyamorous family?
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.
5 snips
Jun 20, 2024 • 53min
The 82 Percent: Bonus Conversation with Heath Schechinger and Lily Lamboy
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.
10 snips
Jun 18, 2024 • 52min
324: The 82 Percent #1: What if you were asexual?
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.
Jun 11, 2024 • 1h 1min
323: What if you were suddenly a blank slate?
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.
