This Is Actually Happening

By: Wondery
  • Summary

  • 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.

    © All rights reserved
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Episodes
  • 357: What if you were the girl locked upstairs?
    Apr 8 2025

    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 tnkach@gmail.com 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.

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    57 mins
  • 356: What if they stole a year of your life?
    Apr 1 2025

    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 banning.r.lyon@gmail.com 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.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Listen Now: Don’t Cross Kat
    Mar 31 2025

    Kat Torres has the insta-perfect life. She is rich, gorgeous and not ashamed to share it. Her posts about witchcraft and “alien baths” drew in over a million followers, all chasing the dream of a lifestyle like hers. But as she gathers more followers around her, the secrets beneath her fame grow darker and more dangerous.


    One woman sets out to bring back her best friend who has fallen under the spell of this modern-day guru. And what begins as a search for a missing friend soon puts her on a collision course with Kat.


    Based on the hit Brazilian podcast, journalist Chico Felitti uncovers a gripping story of influence, control, and those who dare to fight back.



    Listen to Don’t Cross Kat: Wondery.fm/DontCrossKat

    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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    6 mins
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What listeners say about This Is Actually Happening

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Redemption through sacrifice and pain

this was a twisting narrative. the speaker is absolutely amazing. he's inspiring and I just want to thank him for his continued sacrifice every day to save the lives of the innocent. I commend him for coming through what he has in his life to still want to give back to others.

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Heartbreaking powerful

Although this story was a trigger , sometimes triggers are necessary. To remember and to move forward. I wish the best life for this woman

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excellence

While I don't like every story being told on here (due to personal comfort levels) I think they're necessary. The school shooter one really shook me to my core.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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this is my favorite podcast

I've listened to every single episode and I cannot wait for new ones to come out. this podcast has set the tone for all my future podcasts and has got me through a lot of days. the stories are so real and relatable. thank you wit milseldine

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    5 out of 5 stars
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like the stories and the storytellers

great stories lots of info and well told stories amazing choices for whom monologues each episode

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Great find

Loved this, the realness, the truth that was expressed in a heartfelt way. Excellent story of life and survival

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going to HS with gun

Your stories, presenters, are more than brave. I so honour their their lives, heart, compassion. INCREDIBLE, thank you so much

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Enthralling

It's incredible the things people can survive. Great variety of stories. Limited narration and great flow.

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me too

you don't know until you know...and I know (I'm a five cat mama and a one human mama)

#itsucks
#ribbonsdonthelp
#itcomesandgoes
#teaminvisible

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