logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2022
41m 29s

244: What if you could never make him pr...

Wondery
About this episode

A man struggles to free himself from his father’s iron grip on the family, but when an unsettling truth about his past is revealed, his entire life comes into focus.


Today's storyteller was originally featured on the incredible podcast, The Secret Room, created and hosted by Ben Hamm. Ben's guests share stories they've never told before, giving you a front row seat to the hidden lives of people all around you. Ben and I have collaborated before on a previous episode, and if you love This Is Actually Happening, check out The Secret Room, wherever you get your podcasts.

 

Content/Trigger Warnings:  domestic abuse, child abuse, childhood illness, explicit language

 

Producer: Whit Missildine, Sara Marinelli

 

Social Media:

Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Twitter: @TIAHPodcast

This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201783687561039/

 

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Sara Marinelli: saramarinelli.com

 

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 https://wondery.com/plus

 

Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/happening

 

Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: https://www.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/Embers” - 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 Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

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

Up next
Oct 7
378: What if your private nightmare was also theirs?
A woman, who ignores her instincts, enters a marriage that soon spirals into betrayal and control. When the truth finally comes to light, she must choose between devastation and the chance to reclaim her life. Today’s episode featured Amy Irvine. If you’d like to reach out to Amy ... Show More
59m 14s
Sep 30
377: What if you were a gay, Mormon, drug-dealing, federal informant?
After losing himself to meth and a double life as a federal informant, a man’s world collapses after one of his buyer’s overdoses, and recovery begins as he confronts the child within. Today’s episode featured Sean Hemeon. His forthcoming memoir, The Good Little Drug Lord, does n ... Show More
1h 10m
Sep 23
376: What if a car crash shattered your world?
When a sudden car crash shatters her world, a woman’s grief and struggle to keep living leads her to an unexpected rebirth of love.Today’s episode featured Polly Vickery. If you’d like to contact Polly, you can email her at pollyvickery81@gmail.com. Polly is on Instagram and Face ... Show More
54m 25s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2020
Episode 160: The Jenny Jones Secret Crush Murder Case
In May of 1995 Scott Amedure revealed his secret crush on The Jenny Jones Show to Jonathan Schmitz. The show was never aired, because the outcome was anything but expected. Jonathan snapped and shot Scott Amedure in his home just three days after the show. Throughout the episode ... Show More
59m 34s
Aug 2022
S13 E14: [Birdie] Everything Went Dark
*Content warning: This episode includes discussion of false imprisonment, drugging, self-harm, sexual, psychological and physical violence. For free and confidential resources, please visit: somethingwaswrong.com/resources RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organi ... Show More
1h 6m
Jan 2022
Episode 291: The Purrington Massacre
The story of the Purrington murders is so horrific it sounds like something out of a movie. James Purrington seemed to have plans of killing himself after suffering from what was likely undiagnosed mental illness. When one of his children brought this to the attention of their mo ... Show More
1h 7m