This Is Actually Happening

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. Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of This Is Actually Happening ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.

  1. 4d ago

    What if the lighthouse of your family went dark?

    Growing up in a volatile family, a woman finds comfort in her close bond with her younger sister, but when a devastating tragedy leaves her consumed by guilt and unanswered questions, she embarks on a journey halfway around the world in search of truth, forgiveness, and a way forward. Today’s episode featured Jamy. If you’d like to reach out to Jamy, you can email her at jamy@jamybond.com. Jamy is on social media, Facebook: jamy.bond and IG: @jamy.bond At jamybond.com, she’s written two books. The most recent is The Island of Ghost Ships with Finishing Line Press. It is about losing her sister. The other book is Combat Zones, a collection of flash fiction published with Boudin. Her website has her full bio and links for her books as well as stories she’s published.  Producers Whit Missildine Content/Trigger Warnings Childhood abuse and neglect, domestic violence, alcohol abuse, emotional manipulation and narcissistic parenting, family dysfunction, fatal car accident, traumatic death of a loved one, graphic descriptions of injury and death, grief and survivor's guilt, suicidal ideation, anxiety and panic attacks, racism and medical discrimination, 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 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: Sparse_Reflections__a__APM  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.

  2. Nov 3

    What if your brother jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge?

    Growing up in a family that prized achievement over vulnerability, a man’s troubled relationship with his older brother ends in devastating loss, sending him on a decades-long search to understand the guilt and shame he left behind. Today’s episode featured Chad Herst. If you’d like to reach out to Chad, you can email him at chad@herstwellness.com. Chad is on LinkedIn @ linkedin.com/in/chad-herst-6040629 Chad Herst is an executive coach and acupuncturist in Sebastopol, California, and the author of The Performance Trap: The Ache No Success Will Ever Fix, out October 1, 2026. The book grew out of the story told in this episode. Website: herstwellness.com, where the opening chapter is available free. Producers Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz Content/Trigger Warnings Suicide, suicidal ideation, mental illness, substance abuse, bullying and hazing, physical abuse, family dysfunction, psychiatric hospitalization, grief and traumatic loss, 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 Aviva Lipkowitz avivalipkowitz.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: Salib (SAL) - Tension Underscore 33A  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.

  3. Oct 27

    What if a peptide stole your sanity?

    After growing up with financial instability, a fiercely independent man builds the successful life he always dreamed of, but when his behavior begins to change in frightening and inexplicable ways, his mind, marriage, and everything he’s worked for begin to unravel. Today’s episode featured Daniel Murphy. If you’d like to reach out to Daniel, you can email him at Peptidevictims@gmail.com.  Producers Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz Content/Trigger Warnings Mental illness and psychosis, substance-induced behavioral changes, anabolic steroid use, emotional and psychological abuse, domestic conflict, suicidal ideation, hospitalization, and divorce/family breakdown, 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 Aviva Lipkowitz avivalipkowitz.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: Pure_Ambience_APM  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.

  4. Oct 20

    What if your father was a mass murderer?

    After a childhood shaped by her father’s unpredictable volatility, a young woman faces an unimaginable act of violence and must come to terms with complicated grief, shame and an erratic path to healing. Today’s episode featured Lucia. If you’d like to email her, you can at poorloochie@gmail.com.  Producers Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Sara Marinelli Content/Trigger Warnings Child abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, mass shooting, gun violence, murder, suicide, death, traumatic grief, racism, racial slurs, dissociation, graphic imagery, serious injury, 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 Sara Marinelli saramarinelli.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: Music to Air (MTA) by Houses  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.

  5. Oct 13

    What if your body became the war zone?

    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.

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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. Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of This Is Actually Happening ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.

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