A young woman swept up in a whirlwind romance spirals into drug addiction, which takes everything from her, but when a “friend” comes to help her pick up the pieces, she finds herself in the grip of a psychopath and must find her way back to freedom, recovery, and the love of her life.

Today’s episode featured Donna Gilchrist. You can reach out to her at [email protected]

Check out Daniel's and Donna's podcast "Hard Knox Talks: Your Addiction Podcast": https://linktr.ee/hardknoxtalks

You can visit their website at hardknoxtalks.com. They are always open to speaking engagements - for inquiries, reach out to [email protected]. 

Donna’s story came to us by way of Todd Rennebohm (wren-a-bomb). Todd's podcast, Bunny Hugs and Mental health, 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. Although Donna was not on Todd’s show, her husband, Daniel, was, and he will be our storyteller next week.

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Sara Marinelli

Content/Trigger Warnings: drug use/abuse, risky pregnancy, miscarriages, abuse/domestic violence, sexual assault including rape, homelessness, poverty, 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 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: "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)

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