This Is Actually Happening

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 [email protected]. 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
• Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

Substack - Beyond the Story

whitmissildine.substack.com

If you’d like to share an UNSAID short story from your life, you can find it on our website: thisisactuallyhappening.com/submittheendoftheknown or on the Substack at 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. 

You can also support on Patreon 

• patreon.com/happening

Website for Whit Missildine

• whitmissildine.com

Website for Andrew Waits

• andrdewwaits.com

Website for Aviva Lipkowitz

• avivalipkowitz.com

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• thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop

Transcripts

Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website:

• thisisactuallyhappening.com

Music

Intro Music:

• "Sleep Paralysis" – Scott Velasquez

Music Bed:

• Sparse_Reflections__a__APM

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 & Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 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.

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 

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

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: [email protected]

Producers

Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz

Content/Trigger Warnings

alcoholism, domestic violence, sexual assault, mental illness, manic break, bipolar, 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. 

You can also support on Patreon 

• patreon.com/happening

Website for Whit Missildine

• whitmissildine.com

Website for Andrew Waits

• andrdewwaits.com

Website for Aviva Lipkowitz

• avivalipkowitz.com

Subscribe on Audible to Listen Ad-Free

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:

• thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop

Transcripts

Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website:

• thisisactuallyhappening.com

Music

Intro Music:

• "Sleep Paralysis" – Scott Velasquez

Music Bed:

• Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

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 & Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 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.

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 [email protected].

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
• 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. 

You can also support on Patreon 

• patreon.com/happening

Website for Whit Missildine

• whitmissildine.com

Website for Andrew Waits

• andrdewwaits.com

Website for Jason Blalock

• jasonblalock.com

Subscribe on Audible to Listen Ad-Free

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:

• thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop

Transcripts

Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website:

• thisisactuallyhappening.com

Music

Intro Music:

• "Sleep Paralysis" – Scott Velasquez

Music Bed:

• “Uncertain Outcomes” – SkyeVoyager

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 & Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 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.

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 [email protected], 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
• 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. 

You can also support on Patreon 

• patreon.com/happening

Website for Whit Missildine

• whitmissildine.com

Website for Andrew Waits

• andrdewwaits.com

Website for Jason Blalock

• jasonblalock.com

Subscribe on Audible to Listen Ad-Free

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:

• thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop

Transcripts

Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website:

• thisisactuallyhappening.com

Music

Intro Music:

• "Sleep Paralysis" – Scott Velasquez

Music Bed:

• “Uncertain Outcomes” – SkyeVoyager

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 & Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 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.

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)

Producers

Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock

Content/Trigger Warnings

domestic violence, graphic bodily injury, murder, death, 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. 

You can also support on Patreon 

• patreon.com/happening

Website for Whit Missildine

• whitmissildine.com

Website for Andrew Waits

• andrdewwaits.com

Website for Jason Blalock

• jasonblalock.com

Subscribe on Audible to Listen Ad-Free

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:

• thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop

Transcripts

Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website:

• thisisactuallyhappening.com

Music

Intro Music:

• "Sleep Paralysis" – Scott Velasquez

Music Bed:

• “Union Flow” – Spuntic

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 & Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 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.

©2026 Audible

℗2026 Audible

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

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 [email protected]. 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. 

Producers

Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Jason Blalock

Content/Trigger Warnings

domestic violence, abuse, suicidal ideation, 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. 

You can also support on Patreon 

• patreon.com/happening

Website for Whit Missildine

• whitmissildine.com

Website for Andrew Waits

• andrdewwaits.com

Website for Jason Blalock

• jasonblalock.com

Subscribe on Audible to Listen Ad-Free

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:

• thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop

Transcripts

Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website:

• thisisactuallyhappening.com

Music

Intro Music:

• "Sleep Paralysis" – Scott Velasquez

Music Bed:

•  Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

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 & Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 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.

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 [email protected].

Producers

Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits

Content/Trigger Warnings

graphic bodily injury, 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. 

You can also support on Patreon 

• patreon.com/happening

Website for Whit Missildine

• whitmissildine.com

Website for Andrew Waits

• andrdewwaits.com

Subscribe on Audible to Listen Ad-Free

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:

• thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop

Transcripts

Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website:

• thisisactuallyhappening.com

Music

Intro Music:

• "Sleep Paralysis" – Scott Velasquez

Music Bed:

• “Re-Entry" - Lee Rosevere

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 & Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 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.

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.

Producers

Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz

Content/Trigger Warnings

rape, violent assault, child endangerment, gun violence, alcoholism, 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. 

You can also support on Patreon 

• patreon.com/happening

Website for Whit Missildine

• whitmissildine.com

Website for Andrew Waits

• andrdewwaits.com

Website for Aviva Lipkowitz

• avivalipkowitz.com

Subscribe on Audible to Listen Ad-Free

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:

• thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop

Transcripts

Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website:

• thisisactuallyhappening.com

Music

Intro Music:

• "Sleep Paralysis" – Scott Velasquez

Music Bed:

• “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere

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 & Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 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.

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 [email protected]

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. 

You can also support on Patreon 

- patreon.com/happening

Website for Whit Missildine

- whitmissildine.com

Website for Andrew Waits

- andrdewwaits.com

Subscribe on Audible to Listen Ad-Free

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:

- thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop

Transcripts

Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website:

- thisisactuallyhappening.com

Music

Intro Music:

- "Sleep Paralysis" – Scott Velasquez

Music Bed:

- “Re-Rntry” – Lee Rosevere

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 & Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988

- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 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.

©2026 Audible

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