A young photographer finds purpose documenting humanitarian work in Afghanistan, but encounters with death force him to confront what it means to survive and the trauma we carry home. Today’s episode featured Ivan Lo. If you’d like to email Ivan, you can at ivan@ivanlo.com. Ivan has begun writing a book about his experiences, and you can follow his progress at ivanlo.com. Producers Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock Content/Trigger Warnings War and armed conflict, racism, bullying, graphic descriptions of death and human remains, suicide bombings and terrorism, death of colleagues, survivor’s guilt, cancer and serious illness, chronic pain and disability, suicidal ideation, chemotherapy and medical trauma, PTSD and trauma, death of a parent, grief and loss, Nanjing Massacre and wartime atrocities, explicit language. Social Media Instagram: @actuallyhappeningFacebook: This Is Actually Happening Discussion GroupWebsite: thisisactuallyhappening.com Substack - Beyond the Story whitmissildine.substack.com If you’d like to share an UNSAID short story from your life, you can find it on our website: thisisactuallyhappening.com/submittheendoftheknown or on the Substack at whitmissildine.substack.com. Support the Show on Substack by becoming a Paid Subscriber Free subscribers get access to Whit’s weekly episode reflections and some show updates. Paid subscribers get access to AMAs with the team, follow up interviews with past guests, frequently asked questions, deeper insights into the creative process of the show and live events. A paid Substack subscription is also the best way to support the show. You can also support on Patreon patreon.com/happening Website for Whit Missildine whitmissildine.com Website for Andrew Waits andrdewwaits.com Website for Jason Blalock jasonblalock.com Subscribe on Audible to Listen Ad-Free Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of THIS IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app or visit Audible.com. Shop at the Store Find This Is Actually Happening branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop Transcripts Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website: thisisactuallyhappening.com Music Intro Music: "Sleep Paralysis" – Scott Velasquez Music Bed: KPM Main Series (KPM) by Barely There Services If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources: National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 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. ©2026 Audible ℗2026 Audible See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
