This Happened

Jose (Joey) Riera had it all—family, career, wealth.  And then it all came crashing down.  After losing it all, he became homeless, and in a last ditch attempt to save him from suicide, his brother helped admit him to a psychiatric ward. Somehow, he finds the strength and courage to rebuild his life and reconnect with his children.

As a teen, David Pilgrim started collecting all sorts of racist artifacts. Little did he know this fascination would become his life’s work, and lead him to become a nationally known expert on race relations.

Reggie Shuford, a lifelong civil rights advocate and crusader for racial justice, shares his personal experiences as a black man in America.

It’s 1992 and Mary Beth is an agent in the Secret Service, working her dream job. From background checks to a detailed interview process, it took a lot for her to get there. But something life-changing happened that changed the trajectory of her life.

Rabbi Gil Steinlauf spent twenty years married to his then-wife and collectively raising their three beautiful children. Many saw Rabbi’s marriage as a model of what a good, ideal marriage looks like, as did he. Although he was happy with every aspect of his life, there was something gnawing at his core. He knew, at the bottom of his heart, he is a gay man. Listen as Rabbi Gil Steinlauf details this difficult story of acceptance, love, and sacrifice.

As we celebrate Black History month here in the U.S.A., I was lucky to connect with Winston Trew. A black British man who is the definition of persistence, dignity and courage.

Iraqi native Ghazwan Alsharif worked as a translator for American troops in Iraq before being accused and jailed for being a spy. He talks to podcast host Henry Veguilla about his amazing journey to freedom and a new life in the USA.

Lex Horwitz returns to speak with host Henry Veguilla and shares major life decisions on their continuing journey with being transgender.

Lynn Collins always had a hunch there was a lot she didn’t know about her background. In this episode of This Happened she tells host Henry Veguilla how she finally uncovered the secrets her parents never wanted to discuss.