The Peripheral

Today I speak with Zoey who shares a story about traveling the country to meet friends. One destination turns into a nightmare where she's held captive and assaulted for several days. It's a devastating story about a breach of trust that destroys our illusion of safety.

Today's episode talks about an invisible demon that affects our daily lives. Gnawing pain, sharp pain and everything in between. Jael gets sick with swine flu and never fully recovers. He talks about his frustrations with his day to day activities and is diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Kate develops ankylosing spondylitis which shatters her career. She discovers a creative outlet that she can do from home. #fibromyalgia #ankylosing spondylitis #swineflu

My guest Sam, talks about domestic abuse from his girlfriend. They will end up getting married, moving away from friends and family, further isolating themselves into darkness. Sam will end up leaving her in the end and is safe. Please listen to the whole episode. My guest gives an update at the end.

I thought it would be fun and informative to answer some questions from the listeners! I tried to answer every question that came in, forgive me if I didn't get to yours. It took a few days of recording so my voice is all over the place. Thank you Misti for getting the ball rolling on this episode.

We all know someone who suffers from addiction whether we want to admit it or not. Addiction can manifest in many forms from doctors overprescribing drugs to individuals self-medicating or even boredom. My guest talks about her struggles with mental illness and how drugs and alcohol gave her a temporary relief from the pain, only to cause worse problems down the road.

Today I'm joined by the Captain from True Crime Garage. The Captain's personality is very mellow and easy going which makes his story so surprising. He talks about one of the worst years of his life where he sought treatment for depression. What happens next is a downward spiral of failures, setbacks and terrible decisions. Nobody is immune to depression and mental illness and sometimes the people who are supposed to help us might make things worse. That said, if you are experiencing depression or issues, please seek help. This episode is not attempting to dissuade anyone from treatment. Everyone's story is different. Prescriptions, when prescribed correctly, should have a predictable intended effect. Yet any drug can have adverse effects on any individual. It's not an easy balance to achieve but we should never stop trying. www.truecrimegarage.com @truecrimegarage

Somnambulism or noctambulism, otherwise known as sleepwalking, is a sleeping disorder that has affected us for centuries. There are different triggers that we are just starting to recognize. Science helps us understand how it happens but we're still discovering why. On today's episode, I speak with Bonnie from Wining about Crime and Nikki from Strictly Homicide about their sleepwalking experiences. Also if you're not listening to the podcast This is Actually Happening you're missing out. It's the closest pod that I've found to The Peripheral. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-disorders-problems/abnormal-sleep-behaviors/sleepwalking https://art19.com/shows/this-is-actually-happening-podcast

I like to do scary stories during the month of October As most of you know, I prefer to shed light on real-life issues we face every day. This episode focuses on men who faced physical and sexual assaults. All of their stories are different, but they have one thing in common, they all take place in the woods. Stats on male sexual assaults are wildly under reported. Please listen to the victims. https://www.nsvrc.org/statistics

Today's episode we explore the darker side of podcasting. Think actors reading mean tweets but we'll go a bit further than that. I've seen that first 1 star review destroy a podcasters confidence. I've seen trolls and harassers bring other podcasters to the brink. I've collected submissions from other podcasters that read some of the worst messages they've received or just the messages they've received today. What you'll hear only scratches the surface of what we endure on a daily basis. This isn't anything out of the ordinary. This is just a Tuesday in a podcasters life. http://www.insightpod.com/ https://vovpodcast.podbean.com/ https://canadiantruecrime.ca/ http://www.mauramurraydoc.com/podcast/ https://www.oxygen.com/people/maggie-freleng http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/ http://thinkingsidewayspodcast.com/ https://art19.com/shows/generation-why-podcast

I had the pleasure of meeting Josh during my travels. As most of my conversations with people go, we skipped past the small talk and went straight to the trauma that has impacted his life. Josh contracted HIV after he was raped. He talks a bit about the attack and the repercussions from that night. His resilience and overall demeanor make him a superhero in my mind. I hope you enjoy hearing Josh's story as much as I enjoyed speaking with him. Check out his other podcasts if you have the chance. http://www.our-americana.com/oapodcast/ http://www.our-americana.com/karenandellen/

Today's guest talks about her lack of impulse control, harm thoughts, and OCD. She takes us down a path where she was on the brink of causing great harm to her fellow students. This episode will give listeners some insight into the Aurora shooter, Chardon HS shooting, and Parkland. We discuss things that can go right and wrong in the prevention of teens that could lash out towards others. We touch upon SSRIs and exposure therapy and their place in treating mental illness.

Commonly called postpartum depression but more accurately referred to as postpartum disorder. It's regularly misunderstood as simple depression but runs the gamut from anxiety to psychosis. Mothers who suffer from this are routinely judged and accused of being a bad parent. We are unable to control our hormones and chemicals that balance us every day. Pregnancy causes an extreme shift in a woman's body which creates havoc for her emotions and mental stability. My guests speak about their struggles, the shame they endured and how this topic is definitely on the peripheral.

We've talked about parents a lot on this podcast. Our first story involves a father who supports his family by not so legal means. After his disappearance, a secret life is revealed. Emma's colorful description of the family's reaction to their father's whereabouts is classic. The second story takes a darker turn. After Rose's family splits up she moves in with her father. Every daughter puts all their trust into their father and every father should protect that trust. His voyeuristic actions not only put her in danger but destroy the family. This is a situation that no child ever wants to find themselves.

Have you ever wondered what happens to guns that are seized by police or who cleans up after a murder? This is a not a true crime episode, rather what happens in the aftermath. On this episode, my guests talk about their roles in clean up, confiscation and give their views on the industries they work in. https://www.facebook.com/TheCleaningofJohnDoe/ @JohnDoePodcast

Part 2 is here! No worries if you haven't listened to part 1 yet. These episodes have similar topics yet fell on opposite ends of the spectrum. My guest, Mary, talks about the abusive upbringing that led her to a path of depression and low self-esteem. This combination drove her to seek validation in any way she could. After going through an endless supply of young men who invite her into their bedrooms, she still does not find a way of fulfilling herself. We do not go into explicit details but there are adult themes and language.

This will be a two-parter on sexual disorders. I say upfront in the episode that sexual disorders are more mental disorders that can reveal themselves in numerous ways. My first guest has severe anxiety that's prevented him from being intimate with women. My 2nd guest will be featured in part 2 and falls on the other end of the spectrum. It shows two different stories can come from the same coin. Finally show https://pleasingterrors.com/ some love. He's had a very rough week.

Happy to be back in the saddle after a long unexpected hiatus. I try to give a quick update and jump right into the story. This week I speak with Igor about his upbringing. He talks about his hard-working family and how he always felt like the black sheep. His father suffered from PTSD from the time he spent on the front lines of the Bosnian war and his mother struggled in the relationship. Igor struggles with his own demons while his family adapts to a new life in a new world.

Happy Valentine's day. I didn't intend to release an episode on domestic abuse on this day we should be celebrating our partners. My first guest is from Russia but has migrated west to Sweden where her nightmare begins. She also has an interesting introduction that I thought listeners would want to hear about. My second guest Brandon is a fun and energetic guy. When he was a teenager, his mother found herself in with a man who would put the entire family in jeopardy.

Not exactly a holiday special but a gift to everyone. I speak with two members of the LGBTQ community who talk about some experiences behind the rainbow flags. I hope anyone listening will reflect on their actions and words this holiday season and try to accept and love each other even more. NSFW there are some sexual topics and language covered in this episode.

On this episode, my guests Erica and Debbie find themselves living in different cults. There are many similarities between how cults function but their impact on each is unique. They recall the shame and difficulty of leaving and how it destroyed families and relationships. Debbie and her friend Laura are starting a multipart series called "I Got The Hell Out." Keep a lookout for their first episode. I give an important PSA for fellow podcasters at the beginning. It's something that affects all podcasters and using my podcast as a platform is the efficient way for me to get the word out.

For my Halloween special I have a collection of scary stories for you! These aren't exactly paranormal but horrifying situations where our lives or others are threatened. First story - Arrow to the knee Second story -Snake in your bra Third story - Things that stay with you Fourth story - Things change Fifth story - Chivalry is not dead Sixth story - Kansas Mothman Seventh story - Trapped underneath

This episode is about never giving up. Tragedy takes a toll on all of us and challenges our will. My guest Pamela was born into a rough life, had everything taken from her, yet she persisted. She was a wonderful guest and I hope I've done her story justice. Pamela's story http://pamelamsadventures.blogspot.com/ Dominica Relief Fund https://www.youcaring.com/glanvilliaportsmouthstjohndominica-966770

When we lose our grip or have a bad mental health day and need to go somewhere, who takes care of us? On today's episode I speak with Sarah who works in a psychiatric facility and takes care of patients who need a little help - ok, sometimes a lot of help, and Sarah and her staff are there to do the job. She takes us through a typical day and through some of the rougher days. I hope you find this conversation educational and as interesting as I did.

In this episode I interview Jenna who talks about same sex parenting and in vitro fertilization. Jenna goes into great detail about the process and gives advice on choosing your doctor. The second interview is Lisa who found herself raising a mixed race child on her own. Growing up in rural America, she knows she has some challenges ahead. In other news, I've hired an editor and will be releasing a bunch of my back logged episodes in quick succession compared to my sporadic releases.

This week is a Patreon request for odd medical conditions. First I speak with Sara who has Turners syndrome. She explains the levels of Turners and what inspires her everyday. http://www.turnersyndrome.org/ Then I speak with Eleanor who has been diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder. She explains her system and busts common myths about DID. https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Dissociative-Disorders I had to read up on both before interviewing. I found their stories fascinating and inspiring and hope you do too.

This week I discuss sex, dating, and staying safe with Maeve and Jeremy from the Sexland podcast. They are very colorful, upbeat and real when it comes to finding a partner. We recorded in person which changes the dynamic of the conversation. This is less storytelling and more informative for anyone who is single, divorced, or wants to make a change in their sex life.

I'm joined by Steven who does the Is This Adulting Podcast. He shares his struggles with depression and anxiety throughout his life. He talks about his suicide attempt, what led to it, and how it molds his perceptions today. He's a fun-loving guy who doesn't hold back. https://www.facebook.com/IsThisAdulting/ @isthis_adulting

On this episode, I speak with Blue who is a 16-year old transitioning from female to male. I'm sure I ask a lot of questions that may be obvious to most. Blue is very kind and patient as he speaks about his struggles and successes. I learned a lot from Blue and hope you do too.

It is said that the five most stressful life events are divorce, moving, major illness, job loss, and the death of a loved one. We search for answers and understanding in any crisis for closure and justice. The death of a loved one puts our lives in a tailspin where logic is gone and emotion takes over. This episode I speak with Julie about her father and Jolene about her brother. When there isn't a clear answer or reason, unanswered questions can consume our very being.

Jennifer joins me for this week's episode about sexual harassment in the workplace and out in public. It's a topic that is getting more attention in the media with much debate on what is and isn't considered harassment. I feel Jennifer's story embodies the feelings that most women have. We do go off topic a bit but I thought it was informative and needed to be heard. Last thing, I had some audio issues and had to run noise reduction. Please forgive the lower audio quality.

On this week's episode, we dive into near death experiences and learn more about how health facilities treat patients. Jess shares her story about suicide and being revived. Shawn has pancreatitis and put into a medically induced coma. Our final guest Lucy, who host's the podcast S'laughter, talks about her mother-in-law being taken by the state and the madness that ensues.

On average 3 women are murdered every day by their husband or partner. According to the national domestic abuse center, 1 in 4 women are victims of abuse. Please find thehotline.org or call 1-800-799-7233 On this week's episode, we cover domestic abuse. Our guest Megan gives a story arc of her relationship from beginning to end. It starts with little digs her boyfriend would make to alienation from her friends and family. His actions escalate to physical and sexual abuse. Even though Megan stays casual, it's a terrifying story.

You ever wonder what the prequel to the Peripheral was? Aaron and I have shared many of our own personal stories on the podcast but I wanted to hear listener stories. This was my first interview I did almost a year ago after asking listeners for tragic stories in their lives. Being an IT guy myself, I'm always drawn to cyber crime or scandals and this story was so unbelievable to me that I had to share it. Mhyar wrote to me and told me about an incident that happened to him while chatting with a woman online. https://theeyeopener.com/2014/09/he-was-literally-stabbed-in-the-back/

Things happen to us in life that we just can not plan for. Most of the time we can recover quickly and pick up where we left off. The bodies we occupy can be uncooperative and fragile. Doctors are not perfect and don't always have the answers we need. When you know something is wrong, please be persistent when speaking with any medical professional. Strokes affect 800,000 people in the US alone. Concussions in many cases go untreated and can cause much greater consequences than most realize. Our final story is about Endometriosis. It is estimated that between 6-10% of woman have endometriosis yet is relatively unknown and is routinely misdiagnosed.

I hear a lot of people say their OCD is kicking in and have seen memes on the internet for OCD people ranging from perfectly placed dominoes to OCD tests. Most of what we see or hear about OCD misrepresents the condition and does a disservice to the people who struggle with it. Sarah shares her experience with OCD and how therapy has impacted her.

Anytime we suffer a terrible tragedy we always second guess, point fingers, and place blame. On this episode, I speak with Rob who suffered the loss of a child while living in China. When his daughter Anne got sick, Rob took Anne to every hospital and doctor he could. The environment, culture and even the healthcare system all become barriers he had to overcome in an attempt to save his daughter. He wanted to share his experience living abroad, his loss, and the story of his daughter so she'll never be forgotten.

It's hard to wrap your head around the untold number of unreported rapes that happen. It also might be hard for some to understand why we don't report when we've been assaulted or raped. In this episode I speak with two guests who talk about the aftermath of reporting their attacks. The results should shed light on why victims hesitate to report this crime.

I've never had much exposure to eating disorders and did not understand the havoc they wreak on the human body. On this episode I speak with Kristel and Lauren who both suffer from bulimia. This wasn't an easy episode for me to do and I know it wasn't easy for them. I hope anyone listening gains an understanding that eating disorders are a combination of compulsion, addiction and many other disorders.

For this episode I speak with Ruckus who walks me through the underground world of male sex work. It's a casual conversation about how he keeps himself safe while still delivering services to new clients. Forewarning, this episode covers adult themes that may not be suitable for bosses or co-workers in a professional environment ;)

I've always felt slightly alienated during the holidays. Everyone seems to love the time they get to spend with their families. I rarely speak with my mother and try to avoid family get togethers at all costs. Instead I make time for people that I feel truly love and support me, my friends and my wife. I haven't gone so far as to cut off any family but I do speak with two guests who have.

I'm turning 40 so this week I'd like to give the listeners what they want. Apparently "my story" is in high demand. I talk about all the times I was arrested, my drug use and give personal details about my teen years. I'll take you through some of the events that have molded my views and perceptions on life. I hope listeners gain some understanding and empathy for even the most troubled individuals.

Inspired by Art Bell's Ghost to Ghost I bring you 3 terrifying listener stories that will leave you questioning everything you believe. Danielle kicks us off with a story about a little boy who is upset that his photos have been taken down. Lindsay gets a visit from an old co-worker who doesn't realize her shift has ended. Denise who is struggling with health concerns receives a warning from something inhuman.

Where do we really go when we sleep? What, really, are our dreams? Do you dread falling asleep at night? Maybe you know something is waiting for you once your consciousness slips into that darker astral plane. Over 70 million Americans suffer from sleeping disorders and that number is in the billions worldwide. Sleep and brain wave studies attempt to unlock the secrets of the human mind but they don't have all the answers yet. In this episode I talk to two guests, TJ and Erica, with terrifying sleep disorders: sleep paralysis and night terrors. Can you imagine what it's like to feel trapped in your body and unable to move? Or to have your mind conjure up a terrifyingly vivid scenario from which you can't escape? For my guests, these sleep conditions are all too real. https://www.sleepassociation.org/

Chronic pain is a medical condition doctors have struggled to treat. When medicines like oxycodone and hydrocodone hit the market, they seemed like a near-magic answer. As doctors were assured by manufacturers that these new drugs weren't addictive, they prescribed them freely. What doctors didn't know was they were all made from heroin; by the time manufacturers were brought to court, it was too late. In this episode I talk with Jeremiah, who is overweight with severe back pain. He finds relief in the form of prescription pain pills, which allow him to push through the pain and exercise but ultimately lead to bigger problems. My second guest, Dave, shares his struggle with addiction which impacted his life in an earth-shattering way.

For almost 60 years marijuana has been a Schedule I drug, prohibited by the government like heroin from 1937 until 1996, when California first allowed marijuana to be legally used for medical purposes. For nearly 5,000 years before that, however—including immediately prior to making it illegal—marijuana was in common use. Racism, misinformation, and social conditioning are among the obstacles today that have prevented potentially life-saving scientific research—and lined the pockets of opioid-manufacturing Big Pharma Companies. What are the worst side effects of marijuana? Would you consider giving your child marijuana? Does it really have any medical benefit? You might find the answer in this episode, where I talk with parents who ran out of traditional treatment options for their children and a retired nurse whose home was raided for growing marijuana for her ailing husband.

Ever question the bounds of forgiveness and love? Natalia Aggiano suffered the murder of her mother at the hands of her father. Yet that isn't all there is to this story. Natalia will grant the ultimate forgiveness while being attacked for it. She'll go on to fulfill her mother's wishes of being an organ donor and give someone else a chance at life. https://amzn.com/178219360X http://theforgivenessproject.com/stories/natalia-aggiano/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ6THQGTRtY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VQCv_Ax0hY https://twitter.com/nataliaaggiano

At 17, my guest Erin from Australia gets her first real job. Her boss trusts her enough to give her access to his computer. But when he leaves for a week and asks her to get promo photos, she's horrified by what she finds amidst his files. My second guest, Erinn from the U.K., shares a candid account of the sexual and physical abuse she endured as a child. We cover some very disturbing topics on this episode so listener discretion is advised.

My guest Ann has experienced a lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder that results in extreme mood swings and depression. With the sudden loss of her young son, she embarks on a personal journey that reveals an unwavering inner strength.

The Silk Road was famed in days of old as a mysterious, magical route to purchase exotic goods from then little-known India and China. The Silk Road of modern times, built on the Dark Web by a troubled libertarian tech whiz, became a dark route to purchase anything illegal - from drugs to weapons to much worse. My guest Broc talks about his journey down the Silk Road to addiction, his plummet to rock bottom, and his road to recovery.

On this episode I'm joined by Mary from Brisbane, Australia, who was brought up Jehovah's Witness. She talks about being raised believing the end of the world was near and only the anointed had seats in heaven. Because of her struggles with god and family, she ends up leaving home at 15 to fend for herself on the streets. The miracle of her story is how she survived and flourished after such an extreme paradigm shift.