In the depths of an Atlanta forest, a clash between activists and authorities ended in tragedy. But the official narrative doesn't add up.

 

We Came to the Forest, a new investigative podcast from Wondery, Campsite Media, and TenderfootTV, peels back the layers of secrecy surrounding a deadly confrontation that shook a community to its core.

Through exclusive recordings and never-before-released eyewitness accounts, host Matthew Schaer exposes the hidden truths behind a nighttime shootout that left one activist dead and countless lives forever changed. As we dig deeper, we uncover a web of conflicting testimonies, missing evidence, and allegations of a cover-up reaching the highest levels of law enforcement.

From the idealistic dreams of young environmentalists to the complex motivations of local officials, this story challenges our understanding of justice, activism, and the lengths people will go to protect what they believe in.

What actually happened in the forest? 

“We Came to the Forest” is available now, wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Alana’s mother seeks justice amidst the Church’s denial. Simon confronts his past. And another tragedy befalls the Chen household, destroying almost everything.

 

This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.

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Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.

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Alana’s newfound love separates her from her church. As Notre Dame Cathedral burns, so does her faith. But as her self-acceptance grows, her life takes a tragic turn.

 

This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.

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Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Simon Kent Fung sits down with trauma therapist Dr. Hillary McBride to delve deeper into the mental health dimensions of Dear Alana.

This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.

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Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for an extended version of this interview and ad-free listening at tenderfootplus.com.

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Alana enters treatment and comes clean to her family. While still actively seeking Conversion Therapy behind their back, she falls in love.

 

This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.

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Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.

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Alana starts college and thrives in her new community, which creates conflict with her old friends. Alana is rushed to the ER after a suicide scare.

 

This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.

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Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Through their spiritual mentors, Alana and Simon are introduced to Conversion Therapy. A deep dive into the psychological & theological theories behind this practice.

 

This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.

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Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With access to her 20 journals, Simon discovers Alana’s devotion and obsession with sin, Father Dave’s encroaching influence, and the secret she’s asked to keep.

This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.

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Explore more at https://dearalana.com/ Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simon recounts his earlier calling to the priesthood. Alana sneaks out to church, and meets a controversial priest who advises her on becoming a nun.

This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.

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Explore more at https://dearalana.com/

Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simon travels to Boulder to meet Alana’s mother, Joyce, and becomes determined to help her understand what happened to Alana.

This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.

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Go deeper at https://dearalana.com/

Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.