Digest

This episode of "This is Actually Happening" features Ingrid Rojas Contreras, a Colombian-American writer, who shares her incredible story of experiencing amnesia after a bike accident. Ingrid describes the surreal experience of waking up with no memory of her past, including her name, family, and even basic knowledge of the world. She recounts the initial joy and wonder of this blank slate, feeling a profound connection to the present moment and a sense of pure existence. However, as her memories gradually return, she grapples with the weight of her past, including traumatic experiences of violence and displacement in Colombia. Ingrid's story explores the complexities of memory, identity, and the power of family history. She shares how her amnesia led to a deeper understanding of her Colombian heritage, particularly her family's lineage of curanderos, traditional healers who use plant medicine and spiritual practices. Ingrid's memoir, "The Man Who Could Move Clouds," is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of embracing both the painful and joyful aspects of our past. The episode concludes with a reminder to support the show by rating, reviewing, and subscribing.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Content Warning

This Chapter introduces the podcast "This is Actually Happening" and its focus on real experiences, often including traumatic events. It also provides a reminder to consult the show notes for specific content warnings and support services.

00:00:09

Announcing the "82%" Mini-Series

This Chapter announces a six-part mini-series called "82% Modern Stories of Love and Family" that will run from the following week through the end of the season. The series will feature stories of individuals who have challenged societal norms by reimagining love and family, including an asexual man raising a child, a transmasculine man who becomes pregnant, and a person raised in a polyamorous family.

00:01:06

Ingrid Rojas Contreras's Story of Amnesia

This Chapter introduces Ingrid Rojas Contreras, a romance mystery writer, and her extraordinary experience of amnesia after a bike accident. Ingrid describes the initial shock and confusion of waking up with no memory of her past, feeling like a blank slate. She recounts the intense joy and wonder of this state, experiencing the world anew and feeling a profound connection to the present moment.

00:03:05

Ingrid's Family History and Colombian Context

This Chapter delves into Ingrid's family history, highlighting the contrasting backgrounds of her parents. Her father's family was displaced by paramilitary violence in Colombia, while her mother's family had a lineage of curanderos, traditional healers. Ingrid shares stories of her grandfather's healing practices and the impact of violence on her family's life in Colombia.

00:14:16

The Family's Escape from Colombia

This Chapter recounts the events that led to Ingrid and her family's escape from Colombia. The escalating violence and threats from guerrillas and paramilitaries, including a near-kidnapping of Ingrid and her sister and the actual kidnapping of her father, forced them to flee to Venezuela. Ingrid describes the emotional toll of this experience and the delayed processing of trauma.

00:25:04

Ingrid's Journey to Chicago and the Beginning of Her Writing

This Chapter follows Ingrid's move to Chicago to attend journalism school at Columbia College. She shares her early experiences with writing and the challenges she faced as a new arrival in the United States, particularly the cultural differences in understanding and accepting her Colombian heritage.

00:27:50

The Bike Accident and the Onset of Amnesia

This Chapter details the bike accident that triggered Ingrid's amnesia. She describes the moment of impact, the immediate confusion and disorientation, and the gradual realization that she had lost all memory of her past. Ingrid recounts the initial joy and wonder of this state, feeling a profound connection to the present moment and a sense of pure existence.

00:48:09

The Return of Memories and the Acceptance of History

This Chapter describes the gradual return of Ingrid's memories and the emotional journey of accepting her past. She shares how the memories came back piece by piece, often triggering anxiety and a sense of loss for the state of amnesia. Ingrid ultimately embraces the weight of her history, recognizing the beauty and significance of both the painful and joyful experiences that have shaped her.

Keywords

Q&A

• What caused Ingrid Rojas Contreras to experience amnesia?

  Ingrid experienced amnesia after a bike accident in Chicago. She crashed into a car door that was opened into the bike lane, hitting her head hard on the pavement.

• What was Ingrid's initial reaction to waking up with no memory?

  Initially, Ingrid felt a sense of joy and wonder at the blank slate of her amnesia. She experienced the world anew, feeling a profound connection to the present moment and a sense of pure existence.

• How did Ingrid's memories gradually return?

  Ingrid's memories returned slowly over time, often triggered by specific events or conversations. She describes the experience as a gradual process of regaining her sense of self and her connection to her past.

• What role did Ingrid's family history play in her journey of recovery?

  Ingrid's family history, particularly her grandfather's legacy as a curandero, played a significant role in her recovery. As she regained memories of her family and their traditions, she felt a sense of belonging and a deeper understanding of her Colombian heritage.

• How did Ingrid's experience with amnesia impact her writing?

  Ingrid's experience with amnesia transformed her writing. It allowed her to embrace her Colombian heritage and the stories of her family, particularly her grandfather's healing practices, without the shame and embarrassment she had previously felt.

• What is the significance of Ingrid's memoir, "The Man Who Could Move Clouds"?

  Ingrid's memoir is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of embracing both the painful and joyful aspects of our past. It explores themes of family, memory, identity, and the complexities of cultural heritage.

• What is the overall message of Ingrid's story?

  Ingrid's story highlights the complexities of memory, identity, and the power of family history. It emphasizes the importance of accepting both the painful and joyful aspects of our past and the transformative power of storytelling in healing and understanding ourselves.

• What is the significance of Ingrid's experience with amnesia?

  Ingrid's experience with amnesia provides a unique perspective on the nature of memory and identity. It shows how memory shapes our sense of self and how the process of recovering lost memories can be both challenging and transformative.

• What is the takeaway from Ingrid's story for listeners?

  Ingrid's story encourages listeners to embrace their own history, both the good and the bad, and to find meaning and connection through storytelling. It reminds us that our memories, both joyful and painful, are what make us who we are.

• How does Ingrid's story relate to the overall theme of "This is Actually Happening"?

  Ingrid's story aligns with the overall theme of "This is Actually Happening" by showcasing the power of real experiences and the importance of sharing personal stories. It highlights the universality of human experiences, including trauma, healing, and the search for identity.

Show Notes