“What is the most extraordinary event in your life that changed everything?”

Over the last 8 years, no single question has fascinated me more. We live our everyday lives with a sense that we know who we are, what we want and what will happen. But at some point in our lives, many of us will experience something unthinkable – a massively unpredictable disruption that rattles our sense of self at the core. Who are we then? How do we recover? What do we become?

I have explored these questions in over 150 interviews for This Is ActuallyHappening – a bi-weekly podcast that probes the extraordinary, life-altering events that shape the lives of ordinary people. We meet a woman who’s sister has five personalities, a son who was shot by his father, a man who wakes up in the morgue. Through stories like these, we gain intimate access to the chaotic interiors of the human story.

Why Patreon?
I'm hoping to turn this podcast, which was formerly a side passion project of mine, into my life's work. Growing the show through Wondery has given me a solid foundation, but I need your help to realize my dream of making a living doing what I love most.

The raw, personal nature of these stories often create an deep connection between the storyteller and listeners. If I'm able to devote more time to the show, I hope to continue growing the show's reach, content and quality.

My story
In 2008, I founded the Permatemp Corporation – a creative umbrella for experimenting with art, film and audio. Out of these endeavors, I started producing This Is Actually Happening in 2011, just as podcasting was rapidly expanding. As the show’s creator, interviewer, editor, and producer, it has been a phenomenal experience watching my audience grow from a handful of close friends to over 50,000 listeners per episode. Over the past several years, three episodes were broadcast on NPR when they were featured on the stellar storytelling podcast Snap Judgment. I was featured in the East Bay Express. And, in 2016, the podcast was ranked #22 on a list of The 50 Best Podcasts of 2016 by The Atlantic.

Thank You
It has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life to share over 150 of these raw, in depth stories with you. Whatever contribution you can make is greatly appreciated, and if you can't commit monetarily, you can help by spreading the word. I couldn't do this without all of you.