This Is Actually Happening

Gladden Rangel, a musician and martial artist, shares his gripping story of incarceration in a Mexican prison following a nightclub altercation. He reflects on his troubled childhood and the transformative power of music that initially led him to a glamorous life. However, a chaotic confrontation thrusts him into the brutal realities of the criminal justice system. Rangel intertwines themes of violence, environmental degradation, and the struggle for personal peace through martial arts and meditation amid the chaos.

Cesar Cardona, a public speaker and mindfulness educator, shares his transformative journey after surviving a brutal assault. He reflects on his tumultuous past shaped by loneliness and rage, leading to a quest for peace through Buddhism and meditation. The discussion highlights the power of forgiveness, emotional intelligence, and resilience amidst trauma. Cardona also emphasizes how vulnerability and introspection can connect us all, underscoring the potential for growth that arises from even the darkest experiences.

Aly Rice, a certified coach and host of popular podcasts, shares her gripping journey of heartbreak and self-discovery. She reflects on being ghosted by a boyfriend who swiftly moved on to marry someone else, revealing the emotional turmoil and feelings of betrayal that ensued. Aly recounts her experiences during a solo trip to Mexico, where unexpected connections give way to complex emotions and painful realizations. Ultimately, she emphasizes the importance of healing and resilience while navigating love, loss, and personal growth.

Betty Nickerson, a solo trekker and teacher, shares her transformative journey from a chaotic childhood to finding strength in the great outdoors. She recounts her harrowing experience on the Pacific Crest Trail, where feelings of isolation pushed her to confront her sense of self. Betty reflects on the importance of human connection and resilience, revealing how moments of despair turned into personal growth. Her stories emphasize the healing power of nature and the friendships forged along the way in overcoming adversity.

Tara Pyfrom, author of 'The Ocean in Our Blood' and a Hurricane Dorian survivor, shares her gripping story of enduring a catastrophic storm. She recounts the panic and resilience of her family as they fought rising floodwaters, creating makeshift flotation devices in a desperate bid for safety. Tara reflects on her childhood in the Bahamas, her LGBTQ+ identity, and the emotional toll of recovery after the disaster. Through her experience, she offers a powerful message of hope and community in the face of trauma.

In this engaging discussion, Jason Miller, also known as Stone-Face, shares his inspiring journey from a young musician to a blind advocate after a life-altering shooting. He speaks candidly about the trauma of losing his sight and the emotional journey toward healing and forgiveness. With a fierce commitment to empowering the blind community, Jason's nonprofit focuses on accessible housing, mentorship, and technology training. His story is a testament to resilience and the power of community in overcoming adversity.

The podcast explores a gripping tale of resilience born from trauma and abuse. It highlights a speaker's turbulent childhood shaped by loss and addiction, leading to moments of despair that culminated in a suicide attempt. Discover how healing through severe burn injuries became a transformative journey, impacting relationships and fostering self-reflection. The importance of self-love and acceptance weaves through this narrative, offering insights and support for those navigating their own challenges.

In this conversation, Fallon Farinacci, a proud Red River Métis speaker and advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, recounts her harrowing journey through trauma and loss. She shares the gripping story of a stalker threatening her family, highlighting legal system failures and intense fear. Fallon discusses her Métis heritage, the impact of grief on identity, and her remarkable transformation from personal sorrow into community activism. Her powerful insights aim to raise awareness and foster resilience in the face of systemic injustices.

A young man's radicalization and journey to the Federal Supermax prison reveal the haunting impacts of isolation and brutality. His tale navigates childhood trauma rooted in violence, leading to destructive choices and self-reflection. Facing injustice, he confronts the harsh realities of his actions and the emotional turmoil of imprisonment. Ultimately, the narrative emphasizes the importance of empathy and personal growth, highlighting how kindness can help heal and transform lives.

A young man channels his early struggles with anger into a dangerous undercover law enforcement career, facing the shadows of a double life and ultimately discovering that only love can fight hate. Today’s episode featured Scott Payne. You can find Scott on Instagram, LinkedIn & X @scottpaynebigcountryScott has been a featured guest on Joe Rogan Experience, Armchair Expert, Business Insider, Dr.Phil, KLOVE Morning Show, and The Glenn Beck Program. You can hear more about Scott’s story on Season 2 of the podcast White Hot Hate, https://link.mgln.ai/x1RDu4, from CBC Podcasts. White Hot Hate was produced alongside a book co-written by Scott Payne and Michelle Shephard titled Code Name: Pale Horse: How I Went Undercover to Expose America's Nazis. @cbcpodcastsProducers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Forrest ChirasContent/Trigger Warnings: divorce, animal death/sacrifice/ritual, murder, talk of domestic terrorism/neo-nazi/white supremacy, drug buy use, undercover sting operations, gruesome cartel murders, explicit languageSocial Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter: @TIAHPodcastWebsite: thisisactuallyhappening.comWebsite for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.comContacts for Forrest Chiras: On Instagram & Spotify @StegoforrestSupport the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happeningWondery 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/plusShop 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.comIntro Music: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott VelasquezMusic Bed: Cylinder FourServicesIf 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: 1-800-950-6264National 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/wonderynewsletterListen 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.