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.

  • 54 minutes 57 seconds
    361: What if your sister’s death was an unsolved mystery?

    Driven by her sister's mysterious death, a woman's life transforms into a struggle for understanding and justice, as the truth remains elusive.

    Today’s episode featured Jana Guyewski-Lautigar. If you’d like to reach out to Jana, please email her at [email protected]

    You can find Jana and her sister’s cause on social media:

    Facebook, Tiktok, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram @JusticeforCrystalMcCroryJones. Jana’s Instagram @jana_marie_1989

    Jana has written a book that is waiting to be published titled ""Justice Denied- A Sister's Fight for Justice- The True Story of Crystal McCrory Jones"". 

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Sara Marinelli

    Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, suicide, homicide, guns, death by gun, violence, blood, death, cremation, mental illness, explicit language

    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

    Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

    Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

    Website for Sara Marinelli: saramarinelli.com

    Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

    Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

    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.com

    Intro Music: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez

    Music Bed: Cylinder Four

    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 and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

    National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

    National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

    Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

    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.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    6 May 2025, 7:01 am
  • 55 minutes 6 seconds
    360: What if you were lost in an Arctic blizzard?

    A man’s elective amputation sets him free to be the adventurer he’s always wanted to be, but the trip of a lifetime to the Canadian Arctic profoundly tests the limits of his new body.

    Today’s episode featured Stephen Evans. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen, you can email him at [email protected]

    You can also find him on social media:

    Instagram: @stephenandevans & @peglegstudio 

    Facebook: Stephen Evans

    Find out more about what Stephen makes at www.peglegstudio.com. 

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Forrest Chiras 

    Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, bodily injury, amputation, elective amputation, chronic pain, descriptions of pain, extreme weather, hypothermia, suffering, explicit language

    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

    Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

    Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

    Contacts for Forrest Chiras: On Instagram & Spotify @Stegoforrest

    Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

    Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

    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.com

    Intro Music: ""Illabye"" – Tipper

    Music Bed: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott Velasquez

    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 and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

    National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

    National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

    Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

    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.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    29 April 2025, 7:01 am
  • 5 minutes 44 seconds
    Listen Now: Death County, PA

    Lamont Jones leaves Dauphin County Prison for the last time, a free man ready to move on with his life. But when his young cousin dies in that same jail, he learns that this is not the only mysterious death that has plagued Dauphin County Prison. The search for the truth will put him at odds with a reality TV show coroner who claims to speak for the dead and people in power who all have something to hide. 


    Listen to Death County, PA: Wondery.fm/DCPA_FD

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    28 April 2025, 8:00 am
  • 41 minutes 17 seconds
    359: What if you nearly froze to death?

    A police cadet takes a risky shortcut home one evening, only to find herself trapped and helpless as night falls in a brutal Canadian winter. 

    Today’s episode featured Hilary. If you’d like to reach out to her, please email her at [email protected]

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Forrest Chiras

    Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, parental abandonment and estrangement, death of a pet, alcohol intoxication, accidental death of a young person, accident or mishap outside in freezing temps, serious bodily injury from the elements, frost bite, amputation, hospital surgery/stay/recovery, explicit language

    LINK TO OUR LISTENER SURVEY! 

    We’ve come up with a short audience survey, which you can find linked in our show notes and in the bio of our Instagram page @actuallyhappening. We’d love to hear your opinions and feedback, and we’d really appreciate your point of view. Link below:

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxV-6qeNAOuIAbBnuSJpoyqE3tlvusxb069dZCUC1RWeLfEg/viewform

    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter: @TIAHPodcast


    Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

    Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

    Contacts for Forrest Chiras: On Instagram & Spotify @Stegoforrest

    Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

    Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

    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.com

    Intro Music: “Illabye” by Tipper

    Music Bed: Uncertain Outcomes

    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 and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

    National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

    National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

    Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

    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.


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    22 April 2025, 7:01 am
  • 47 minutes 10 seconds
    358: What if you were recruited to fight an invisible war?

    A young actor, who seeks a greater purpose, is recruited into a clandestine war for humanity's soul, and is forced to confront his desire for belonging at the cost of his sanity.

    Today’s episode featured Max Lebow. You can email Max at [email protected]

    You can also reach him on his socials: 

    • @thefinalwarpod on Instagram
    • @thefinalwarpodcast on Tik Tok
    • r/finalwarpodcast on Reddit


    Max’s own multi-episode podcast, The Final War, can be found on Spotify, Apple and wherever you get your podcasts. 

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz

    Content/Trigger Warnings: Harvey Weinstein, mention of child moslestation/incest in the context of a play, depression, teen behavioral programs, drug/alcohol abuse, paranoia, explicit language


    LINK TO OUR LISTENER SURVEY! 

    We’ve come up with a short audience survey, which you can find linked in our show notes and in the bio of our Instagram page @actuallyhappening. We’d love to hear your opinions and feedback, and we’d really appreciate your point of view. Link below:

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxV-6qeNAOuIAbBnuSJpoyqE3tlvusxb069dZCUC1RWeLfEg/viewform

     

    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

    Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

    Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

    Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com


    Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening 

    Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

     

    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.com

     

    Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

    Music Bed: Union Flow


    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 and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 
    • National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
    • National 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.

    15 April 2025, 7:01 am
  • 56 minutes 59 seconds
    357: What if you were the girl locked upstairs?

    A vulnerable girl, having already endured abuse from her schizophrenic mother, loses her freedom and innocence when a trusted adult lures her into an unthinkable decade of captivity. 

    Today’s episode featured Tanya Kach. You can email Tanya at [email protected] or find her on social media via the following: 

    Facebook @Tanya Nicole Kach (Mimi)

    Instagram @libragirl1481

    Tanya wrote an autobiography “Memoir of a Milk Carton Kid”, available where books are sold. She’s done many speaking engagements, as well as television, podcasts, school speaking engagements and book readings.

    A special thanks to Todd Rennebohm of the Bunny Hugs & Mental Health podcast for referring Tanya to us.

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz

    Content/Trigger Warnings: childhood abuse and neglect, divorce, bullying, child grooming, predation and assault, rape and sexual assault, kidnapping, imprisonment, explicit language

    LINK TO OUR LISTENER SURVEY! 

    We’ve come up with a short audience survey, which you can find linked in our show notes and in the bio of our Instagram page @actuallyhappening. We’d love to hear your opinions and feedback, and we’d really appreciate your point of view. Link below:

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxV-6qeNAOuIAbBnuSJpoyqE3tlvusxb069dZCUC1RWeLfEg/viewform

    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

    Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

    Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

    Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com

    Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

    Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

    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.com

    Intro Music: ""Illabye"" – Tipper

    Music Bed: Re-Entry

    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 and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

    National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

    National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

    Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

    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.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    8 April 2025, 7:01 am
  • 1 hour 23 minutes
    356: What if they stole a year of your life?

    Abandoned after his parents’ devastating divorce, a neglected teenage son is committed to a psychiatric facility, whose barbaric practices reveal a far more sinister agenda. 

    Today’s episode featured Banning Lyon. You can email Banning at [email protected] or contact him on Instagram @banningwrites

    You can find out more about Banning, his book “The Chair And The Valley” and how to contact him at banninglyon.com. 

    A special thanks to Todd Rennebohm of the Bunny Hugs & Mental Health podcast for referring Banning to us.

    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock

    Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, familial rejection and estrangement, mention of suicide, psychiatric abuse, death due to past drug use, explicit language

    LINK TO OUR LISTENER SURVEY! 

    We’ve come up with a short audience survey, which you can find linked in our show notes and in the bio of our Instagram page @actuallyhappening. We’d love to hear your opinions and feedback, and we’d really appreciate your point of view. Link below:

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxV-6qeNAOuIAbBnuSJpoyqE3tlvusxb069dZCUC1RWeLfEg/viewform

    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

    Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

    Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

    Website for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com

    Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

    Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

    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.com

    Intro Music: ""Illabye"" – Tipper

    Music Bed: Cylinder Four

    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 and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

    National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

    National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

    Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

    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.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 April 2025, 7:01 am
  • 1 hour 13 minutes
    355: A World Beyond Revenge: What if you identified the wrong man?

    After a brutal assault in the 1980s, a young woman identifies the wrong man as her attacker, but once DNA evidence proves his innocence, they form an unlikely bond, determined to right their paths of justice.


    This episode is the fifth and final in our five part series, “A World Beyond Revenge” featuring five powerful stories of people on both sides of tragic incidents of unimaginable harm who found healing through the groundbreaking process of Restorative Justice. 

     

    Today’s episode featured Jennifer Thompson. You can email Jennifer at [email protected]. Healing Justice works to prevent and alleviate the harms caused to all by wrongful convictions through advocacy, education, and direct support.


    Instagram: @healing_justice 

    Facebook: @HealingJustice 

    Bluesky: @jet4love.bsky.social [Jennifer Thompson]

    LinkedIn: company/Healing-Justice-Project


    You can find Jennifer’s book, ""Picking Cotton:Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption” by Jennifer Thompson and Ronald Cotton with Erin Torneo on Amazon or wherever you buy your books. 


    Jennifer’s Full BIO

    Inspirational Crime Survivor, Founder of Healing Justice, and New York Times Best-Selling Author of Picking Cotton. Jennifer Thompson is a crime survivor who, in 1984, survived a brutal attack in her home while attending college in North Carolina. The man who was convicted and imprisoned for the crime at the time was proven innocent a decade later, revealing that the actual attacker had gone free. Thompson emerged as a pioneer of restorative justice, and a symbol of courage and resilience, when, in the wake of these devastating events, she befriended the man who had

    been wrongly convicted. She then went on to co-author with him the New York Times

    best-seller, Picking Cotton, which recounts their joint story of failed justice. 


    Thompson has since become a beacon of strength and recovery by speaking out to the world about her traumatic and painful experiences. She has also become a leading advocate for other crime survivors and victims, and her lived experience has inspired countless policy makers, law enforcement, and justice leaders worldwide to effect key reforms to improve the accuracy and fairness of our justice system.


    In 2015, Thompson founded the national nonprofit organization, Healing Justice, which serves crime survivors, victims, and others through restorative justice and justice reform. Thompson is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Special Courage Award from the US Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime. She has testified on behalf of crime survivors and victims on criminal justice reforms before the United States Congress and state legislatures. She has appeared as a guest on numerous television and radio programs, including Good Morning America, the Today Show, Oprah, Dr. Phil, Rikki Lake, The View, 60 Minutes, 20/20, NBC News, Nightline, CNN Anderson Cooper, NPR, Diane Rehm, and PBS Frontline. Thompson’s courageous and inspiring story has also been featured in many print outlets, such as People, RedBook, Newsweek, and The New York Times.


    Engaged through Keppler Speakers since 2010, Thompson has presented to hundreds of audiences around the world on issues of fairness, equity, empathy, trauma, recovery, healing, altruism, and leadership. An unwavering example of turning tremendous harm into abundant healing, Thompson inspires audiences to not just persevere but to flourish in the wake of unexpected - and even unimaginable - adversity. With endless bravery, grace, and humor, Thompson captivates all audiences with her profoundly important and timely message of optimism, generosity, and hope.


    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz

     

    Content/Trigger Warnings: disordered eating, familial conflict, poverty, sexual assault including rape by a stranger, breaking & entering, victim shaming, wrongful conviction and incarceration, explicit language


    Thank you to our series collaborators, Why Me? & Yoana Tchoukleva: 

    Why Me? are a national charity in the UK, promoting access to Restorative Justice for people affected by crime or conflict. They also support people who have been through the Restorative Justice process to share their stories. If you want to find out more about Restorative Justice, visit their website www.why-me.org. If you want help accessing Restorative Justice in the UK, you can contact them via [email protected]


    LinkedIn: Why me? UK

    Instagram: @whymeuk

    Facebook: @WhymeUK

    Threads: @whymeuk

    Bluesky: @whymeuk.bsky.social


    Yoana Tchoukleva is an attorney, RJ practitioner, & lecturer at Berkeley Law. She is also a Senior Program Manager at Impact Justice. You can email her at [email protected]. You can reach out to her on Instagram @yoana.tch and on Facebook @""Yoana Tchoukleva"", and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioanatchoukleva/. Please consider donating to Atunse Justice League.  



    LINK TO OUR LISTENER SURVEY! 

    We’ve come up with a short audience survey, which you can find linked in our show notes and in the bio of our Instagram page @actuallyhappening. We’d love to hear your opinions and feedback, and we’d really appreciate your point of view. Link below:


    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxV-6qeNAOuIAbBnuSJpoyqE3tlvusxb069dZCUC1RWeLfEg/viewform


     

    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

     

    Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

     

    Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

    Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com 

     

    Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

     

    Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

     

    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.com

     

    Intro Music: ""Illabye"" – Tipper

    Music Bed: Ambient Themes

     

    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 and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

    National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

    National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)


    Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter


    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.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    25 March 2025, 10:01 am
  • 44 minutes 7 seconds
    354: A World Beyond Revenge: What if your son was killed by a distracted driver?

    A turbulent father-son relationship shatters completely when the son is killed by a distracted driver, and the father is left to confront his own profound guilt and the man who caused his son's needless death.

    This episode is the fourth in our five part series, “A World Beyond Revenge” featuring five powerful stories of people on both sides of tragic incidents of unimaginable harm who found healing through the groundbreaking process of Restorative Justice. 

     

    Today’s episode featured Andy O’Dell. You can email Andy at [email protected]


    Andy is from Greater Manchester. Since his Restorative Justice meeting, Andy has been a passionate advocate against distracted driving alongside his wife Chelle. They are actively looking for projects to help spread awareness of Restorative Justice and safer driving in the North West of England. Some helpful links behind his cause: 

    https://why-me.org/ https://www.brake.org.uk/ https://www.nwairambulance.org.uk/



    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Forrest Chiras

     

    Content/Trigger Warnings: child behavior challenges, distracted driving, fatal vehicle accident, child death, feelings of hate and revenge, divorce, domestic violence, explicit language



    Thank you to our series collaborators, Why Me? & Yoana Tchoukleva: 

    Why Me? are a national charity in the UK, promoting access to Restorative Justice for people affected by crime or conflict. They also support people who have been through the Restorative Justice process to share their stories. If you want to find out more about Restorative Justice, visit their website www.why-me.org. If you want help accessing Restorative Justice in the UK, you can contact them via [email protected]


    LinkedIn: Why me? UK

    Instagram: @whymeuk

    Facebook: @WhymeUK

    Threads: @whymeuk

    Bluesky: @whymeuk.bsky.social


    Yoana Tchoukleva is an attorney, RJ practitioner, & lecturer at Berkeley Law. She is also a Senior Program Manager at Impact Justice. You can email her at [email protected]. You can reach out to her on Instagram @yoana.tch and on Facebook @""Yoana Tchoukleva"", and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioanatchoukleva/. Please consider donating to Atunse Justice League.  



    LINK TO OUR LISTENER SURVEY! 

    We’ve come up with a short audience survey, which you can find linked in our show notes and in the bio of our Instagram page @actuallyhappening. We’d love to hear your opinions and feedback, and we’d really appreciate your point of view. Link below:


    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxV-6qeNAOuIAbBnuSJpoyqE3tlvusxb069dZCUC1RWeLfEg/viewform


     

    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

     

    Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

     

    Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

    Contacts for Forrest Chiras: On Instagram & Spotify @Stegoforrest

     

    Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

     

    Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

     

    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.com

     

    Intro Music: ""Illabye"" – Tipper

    Music Bed: Uncertain Outcomes

     

    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 and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

    National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

    National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)


    Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter


    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.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    18 March 2025, 7:01 am
  • 57 minutes 46 seconds
    353: A World Beyond Revenge: What if you were the common denominator?

    After committing acts of extreme violence as a teenager, a man is unable to shed his rage and find healing, until he’s able to face the roots of the harm he has caused. 


    This episode is the third in our five part series, “A World Beyond Revenge” featuring five powerful stories of people on both sides of tragic incidents of unimaginable harm who found healing through the groundbreaking process of Restorative Justice. 

     

    Today’s episode featured Troy Williams. You can reach him through his website for his media company: https://restorativemedia.org/ or on Instagram @troywilliamsjournal


    Troy is a Youth Program Development Specialist and Facilitator Trainer for the Victim-Offender Education Group with the Insight Prison Project. He is a member of the Advisory Council for the Alameda County Chief of Probation. Troy is a founder and operator of 4north22, a media production and consulting company that produces transformative stories to produce social change and promote restorative justice.  


    Troy empowers at-risk youth and incarcerated individuals through financial literacy and emotional literacy programs, documentary filmmaking, and community advocacy.


    Find out more about Troy at https://www.uncommonlaw.org/troy-williams


    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock


    Content/Trigger Warnings: violent crime including robbery & murder, incarceration including solitary confinement, gang activity, drug selling, racism, explicit language


    Thank you to our series collaborators, Why Me? & Yoana Tchoukleva: 

    Why Me? are a national charity in the UK, promoting access to Restorative Justice for people affected by crime or conflict. They also support people who have been through the Restorative Justice process to share their stories. If you want to find out more about Restorative Justice, visit their website www.why-me.org. If you want help accessing Restorative Justice in the UK, you can contact them via [email protected]


    LinkedIn: Why me? UK

    Instagram: @whymeuk

    Facebook: @WhymeUK

    Threads: @whymeuk

    Bluesky: @whymeuk.bsky.social


    Yoana Tchoukleva is an attorney, RJ practitioner, & lecturer at Berkeley Law. She is also a Senior Program Manager at Impact Justice. You can email her at [email protected]. You can reach out to her on Instagram @yoana.tch and on Facebook @""Yoana Tchoukleva"", and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioanatchoukleva/. Please consider donating to Atunse Justice League.  


    LINK TO OUR LISTENER SURVEY! 

    We’ve come up with a short audience survey, which you can find linked in our show notes and in the bio of our Instagram page @actuallyhappening. We’d love to hear your opinions and feedback, and we’d really appreciate your point of view. Link below:


    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxV-6qeNAOuIAbBnuSJpoyqE3tlvusxb069dZCUC1RWeLfEg/viewform


    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

     

    Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

     

    Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

    Contacts for Jason Blalock: jasonblalock.com

     

    Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

     

    Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

     

    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.com

     

    Intro Music: ""Illabye"" – Tipper

    Music Bed: Union Flow

     

    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 and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

    National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

    National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)


    Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter


    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.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    11 March 2025, 7:01 am
  • 53 minutes 1 second
    Restorative Justice in the UK vs the US: A Conversation with Keeva Baxter

    As part of our series, “A World Beyond Revenge” on Restorative Justice, today’s episode features Keeva Baxter. She is the Communications and Campaigns Manager at Why Me UK. 


    Why Me? are a national charity in the UK, promoting access to Restorative Justice for people affected by crime or conflict. They also support people who have been through the Restorative Justice process to share their stories. If you want to find out more about Restorative Justice, visit their website www.why-me.org. If you want help accessing Restorative Justice in the UK, you can contact them via [email protected]


    LinkedIn: Why me? UK

    Instagram: @whymeuk

    Facebook: @WhymeUK

    Threads: @whymeuk

    Bluesky: @whymeuk.bsky.social

    To Donate to Why Me? UK: Donate Here



    Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

     

    Content/Trigger Warnings: crime, assault, justice, incarceration, explicit language

     

    Social Media:

    Instagram: @actuallyhappening

    Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

     

    Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

     

    Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

     

    Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening

     

    Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus

     

    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.com

     

    Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

     

    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 and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

    National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

    National 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.

    6 March 2025, 8:01 am
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