This Is Actually Happening

This Is Actually Happening takes the storytelling podcast format and turns the intensity up to eleven. Produced by Wondery and hosted by Whit Missildine, each episode features one person telling their own extraordinary true story in their own words. And these aren't quirky anecdotes about a bad date. These are stories about surviving a plane crash, escaping a cult, waking up in a morgue, or being stranded in a desert. The episodes run long, usually 45 to 70 minutes, which gives storytellers the space to actually unpack what happened instead of rushing through the highlights. Missildine keeps a light touch as host, letting the narrators carry the full weight of their experiences. The production is clean and atmospheric without drowning the voice in music or sound effects. With nearly 490 episodes and a 4.6-star rating from almost 10,000 reviewers, this show has built a seriously devoted audience. Content warnings are included at the top of episodes, which is appreciated given how heavy some of these stories get. Topics range from criminal victimization to medical crises to moments of profound personal transformation. One thing to know: episodes before number 130 are locked behind the Wondery+ paywall at $5.99 a month. Everything after that is free with ads. The show also maintains full transcripts on its website, which is a nice touch for accessibility. If you want true stories that genuinely shock you, this is the podcast that delivers consistently.