This Is Actually Happening

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.

Will Taylor shares his harrowing journey growing up with an abusive mother steeped in voodoo practices. He recounts the traumas of childhood, including sexual abuse and a home rife with domestic violence. After losing his brother to murder, addiction took hold, spiraling him into despair. However, through recovery, he learned the power of forgiveness—first for his mother on her deathbed, then for others, reshaping his life and relationships. Will’s story is a profound exploration of trauma, addiction, and the transformative power of empathy.

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.

Survivor Danielle Leukam shares her story of facing a masked intruder in a harrowing night. She discusses her journey of overcoming trauma, seeking support, and reclaiming her power after a terrifying ordeal. Her resilience and advocacy against sexual violence are inspiring.

Guest GJ Echternkamp, filmmaker of 'Frank and Cindy', shares his story of chaos and neglect in a one-hit-wonder 80s band family. Highlights include a surreal encounter with Harrison Ford, adapting his life into a movie, and finding stability with loved ones.

Amy Ronhaar shares her journey of grief turning into rage after losing her family. She discusses creating her own path to healing, dealing with self-destructive tendencies, and finding ways to overcome trauma and find inner peace. The podcast explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of personal transformation after facing unimaginable loss.