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.
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433: What if the hijackers brought you forward to die?
Season 15 · Episode 433
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 • Duration 01:20:36
After losing his older brother on K2, a man travels to Pakistan years later to say goodbye, but on his flight home, he is taken hostage in a terrifying hijacking that will change the course of his life.
Today’s episode featured Mike Thexton. If you’d like to contact Mike, you can email him at thexton@enterprise.net. You can find out more about Mike and his story at www.hippyman.co.uk. His book, What Happened to the Hippy Man? Is available where books are sold.
Producers
Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz
Content/Trigger Warnings
death of a sibling, grief and bereavement, terrorism, plane hijacking, hostage situation, threats of execution, gun violence, explosions, mass casualty event, and traumatic injury, explicit language.
Social Media
Instagram: @actuallyhappening
Facebook: This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group
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.
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.
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Lauren Malloy was a baby when her mother, Lori, was murdered in East Providence, Rhode Island. For thirty years, no one told her. Everyone said Lori died of natural causes. Then a stranger sent Lauren a message — and the lie collapsed. Now Lauren is investigating her own mother’s murder. She’s recorded hundreds of hours of interviews with law enforcement, family, childhood friends, and people who won’t stop contradicting each other. Every answer opens a darker question. Every person she trusts seems to be hiding something. And the closer she gets to the truth, the more she realizes the people she trusts may be the ones with the most to hide. A 10-part true crime investigation hosted by the victim’s daughter. Lauren’s mission: to finally uncover the identity of Lori’s killer.
Audible subscribers can binge all 10 episodes early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible App or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts. Listen now: HERE
432: What if your husband entered The Void? [Rebroadcast #290]
Season 15 · Episode 432
Thursday, September 24, 2026 • Duration 01:04:33
A woman leaves behind the wounds of her alcoholic father, only to find out that her husband’s addiction is threatening to ruin their family; but when he goes to find healing through a plant medicine ceremony, a shocking, darker truth is revealed.
Today's guest requested to remain anonymous, but if you'd like to reach out to her, can can email at: stilltallnlucky@gmail.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.
431: What if you shot your girlfriend? [Rebroadcast #294]
Season 15 · Episode 431
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 • Duration 50:46
Escaping a world of gangs and drugs, a man joins the military and becomes a veteran of Iraq, but the scars from his past, PTSD and a TBI haunt him until a fateful day when he faces the ultimate demons.
Today's episode featured Daniel Norwood. If you'd like to reach out to Daniel, you can email at Danielnorwood281@gmail.com.
Daniel's story came to us by way of Todd Rennebohm. Daniel was originally featured on Todd's podcast, Bunny Hugs and Mental Health, which focuses on conversations with survivors, professionals and families of those who have lost someone to mental illness and addictions. So please check out Bunny Hugs and Mental Health, and a special thanks to Todd for referring today's guest.
Producers
Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock
Content/Trigger Warnings
abuse of a child, gun violence, drug use, attempted murder, murder, war, bombing, graphic bodily injury, explicit language.
Social Media
Instagram: @actuallyhappening
Facebook: This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group
Support the Show on Substack by becoming a Paid Subscriber
430: What if you were poisoned? [Rebroadcast #304]
Season 15 · Episode 430
Thursday, September 17, 2026 • Duration 54:17
A young woman on a backpacking trip in Bali faces a series of misfortunes, but just as she’s leaving for the next chapter of her journey, her future is thrown into darkness.
Today’s episode featured Ashley King. If you’d like to reach out to her, you can email at ashleyjenniferk@gmail.com, or find her on Instagram @ashkng.
Producers
Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock
Content/Trigger Warnings
poisoning, medical trauma,suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, explicit language.
Social Media
Instagram: @actuallyhappening
Facebook: This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group
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
429: What if you didn't see the signs? [Rebroadcast #247]
Season 15 · Episode 429
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 • Duration 51:24
Bill Mitchell built a successful career, marriage and family, but just as his bright and loving daughter graduates from college with big dreams, an unthinkable event irreversibly changes everything.
Today’s episode featured Bill Mitchell. Bill has a book and podcast, both called When Dating Hurts. You can find out more about Bill, his book and his podcast, all at whendatinghurts.com. You can also find his book on Amazon.
Bill was originally featured on Scott Johnson’s amazing podcast, What Was That Like. If you love This Is Actually Happening, check out What Was That Like, featuring stories from people who have been through something extremely unusual. You’ll hear people talking about being in a plane crash, a mass shooting, a grizzly bear attack, and many more. The guest comes on and tells the details of what happened, first hand. If you like This Is Actually Happening, I know you’ll want to subscribe to What Was That Like. It’s available on any podcast app, or at WhatWasThatLike.com.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
428: What if your life became a movie? [Rebroadcast #315]
Season 15 · Episode 428
Thursday, September 10, 2026 • Duration 56:28
After his mother falls in love with Frank, the member of a one-hit-wonder 80s band, a man’s life becomes a roller coaster of neglect, scams, and chaos, but when he turns the camera on the inside of his family, a new world opens that he never thought possible.
Today’s episode featured GJ Echternkamp. If you’d like to reach out to him, you can email at GJActuallyHappening@gmail.com. You can find GJ’s documentary, “frank and Cindy” from 2007, as well as his feature film, also titled “Frank and Cindy” from 2015, both on Netflix. You can also find the music video and song “Whirly Girl” by OXO released in 1983 on YouTube.
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.
427: What if you were the other woman? [Rebroadcast #316]
Season 15 · Episode 427
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 • Duration 50:34
A woman falls deeply in love with a married man in her close friend’s circle, when suddenly an unthinkable event throws everything into question.
Today’s storyteller wishes to remain anonymous, but if you’d like to reach out to her, you can email at tues228@gmail.com.
Producers
Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits
Content/Trigger Warnings
graphic bodily injury, explicit language.
Social Media
Instagram: @actuallyhappening
Facebook: This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group
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.
426: What if a masked man appeared at the foot of your bed? [Rebroadcast #316]
Season 15 · Episode 426
Thursday, September 3, 2026 • Duration 57:59
Growing up with a narcissistic father, a woman learns to play small, but one night when an unknown masked man enters her room, she faces the worst night of her life, and emerges on the other side with a new found ferocity.
Today’s episode featured Danielle Leukam. You can learn more about Danielle on her website, danielleleukam.com. And you can find her on Instagram @danielleukam, as well as Twitter and Facebook.
You can also learn more about her story in her two memoirs, Four Pounds of Pressure: A Memoir of Rape, Survival, and Taking Back My Power https://amzn.to/3QHxMJW and Another Four Pounds of Pressure: Case Files, Statements, & a Survivor's Redemption https://amzn.to/49I0umr, and lastly, you can check out her novella The First Sister: A Dangerous Bloodline, https://amzn.to/3TjLaXq, as well as the two children’s books she’s authored.
Danielle now works full-time at the Mayo Clinic. She is passionate about public speaking, writing, and advocating against sexual violence. And she is also the president and founder of a non-profit organization called WISH: We Inspire Survivor Healing. Learn more about WISH on their website WeInspireSurvivorHealing.com.
425: What if you were born without a hand? [Rebroadcast #286]
Season 15 · Episode 425
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 • Duration 48:00
Being born without his right hand, man’s resentment and monstrous self-image deepen as family and doctors intervene to fix his condition, leading him to question what would truly make him whole.
Today’s episode featured Ryan. If you’d like to reach out to him you can email at ryan.a.20918@gmail.com
Producers
Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits
Content/Trigger Warnings
medical trauma, amputation, explicit language.
Social Media
- Instagram: @actuallyhappening
- Facebook: This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group
- Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com
Substack - The End of the Known
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.
Discover shows related to This Is Actually Happening, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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:
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.
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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:
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.
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:
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:
