I, Survivor Wondery

He's been described as the greatest living athlete you've never heard of, but once you hear it you'll never be able to forget Tommy Caldwell's story. In the early 2000s, Tommy was just a young climber on a trip when he and his friends were taken hostage. Then a household accident threatened to end his career forever. Tommy talks about putting his life back together, post traumatic growth, and chasing big dreams.

LINKS!

You can catch Tommy in action in The Dawn Wall and Free Solo

You can also visit Tommy's website for more from the man himself.

To read more about his experience in Kyrgyzstan, read his book, The Push

Lockey Maisonneuve calls herself the "Girl Raised by Wolves." She had abusive, neglectful parents and hated when people told her she couldn't heal until she forgave her abusers. She found healing through yoga and was able to release her pain, and now she teaches others. You can get a copy of her memoir wherever books are sold.



LINKS!

Learn more about using yoga to heal trauma

Lockey mentioned Rainn.org - it's a great resource for survivors.

Learn more about Lockey and her book "A Girl Raised By Wolves" on her website

In December 2017, Darrell "Diamond" Jones took his first breath as a free man in 32 years. In 1985, he was convicted of a crime he says he didn't commit. He could have pled guilty for a shorter sentence, but he refused to confess guilt for something he knows he didn't do. We talked to him about surviving a dangerous prison and committing his life to making sure other innocent men end up in jail like he did.

LINKS!

You wouldn't be hearing Darrell's story without reporting from WBUR and the New England Center for Investigative Reporting.

Learn more about Not In My Name.

Stacy Seltzer had just married her husband, Jason, when something happened that set off a chain reaction that upturned her entire life: She got pregnant. That led to misdiagnoses, chronic pain, and a month-long stay in the hospital in July 2012. Finally one thing gave her some relief: The July Effect. The jury's still out on whether it's a myth, but what Stacy went through is very, very real.

LINKS!

Decide for yourself: July Effect, fact or fiction?

Be your own health advocate!

Larry Ruhl was in his 20s when he started having flashbacks. Shadowy childhood memories re-emerged of his father, coming into his bedroom late at night. As he uncovered these painful thoughts he was also grappling with his sexuality. He’s here today to talk about the process of healing and how it’s something he works on every day. Larry was brave enough to step into the darkest parts of his life and find solace in sharing with other survivors.

*Heads up - this episode mentions childhood sexual abuse and suicidal ideation.*

It’s been three years since Terra Newell was attacked at her apartment complex by John Meehan, and two years since her family’s ordeal was blasted into public consciousness through the hit podcast turned hit TV show, Dirty John. When the podcast ended, Terra was still healing. We caught up with her about her PTSD, her recovery, and why she decided to go public with her story. This is, I, Survivor.