My Unsung Hero - podcast cover

My Unsung Hero

The daily news can fill us with despair. My Unsung Hero is an antidote to that despair. Each episode reveals what the news ignores: everyday acts of kindness and courage that transformed someone's life. Listen — and renew your faith in humanity. From Hidden Brain Media.

Episodes

Sandy Renner's Story

When Sandy burst into tears in the supermarket checkout line, a store employee offered her unexpected comfort. If you enjoy this show, be sure to check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain . Each week, we bring you science and stories to help you better understand yourself and the world around you.

Jan 16, 20242 min

Alexandra Middlewood's Story

A favorite from our archives: Alexandra was struggling with hybrid teaching when a small gesture from a student reminded her why she loved her job. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues ...

Jan 09, 20244 min

Roger Lynn's Story

When Roger's wife was in the cancer ward, a nurse went out of her way to make her last days more comfortable.

Jan 02, 20245 min

Justin Horner's Story

In 2010, Justin was sitting on the side of the freeway, hoping someone would help him fix his busted wheel. Right around the time he was about to give up, a van pulled over. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from all of us at My Unsung Hero1

Dec 26, 20235 min

Ellen Butterfield's Story

Ellen and her husband were afraid the border guard would confiscate the chemotherapy drugs they were bringing back from Mexico. But then he did something unexpected.

Dec 19, 20235 min

Teresa Hernandez's Story

As Teresa was waiting to have a cesarean section, she started to have a panic attack. Just then, a nurse put her hand on Teresa's head and made her feel she was going to be ok. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us kn...

Dec 12, 20234 min

Gary Dietz's Story

Four kind strangers helped Gary when his son with special needs was struggling during a day out in the city. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If your hero wer...

Dec 05, 20237 min

Oliver Muensterer's Story

Minutes before an important job interview, Oliver realized he'd forgotten his dress shirt. A stranger offered a kind and unexpected solution. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to imp...

Nov 28, 20234 min

Calvin Lowe's Story

When Calvin’s young son was about to go into surgery, his doctor shared a comforting message. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If your hero were standing fron...

Nov 21, 20234 min

Mary Griffis' Story

Not long after she lost her brother to suicide, Mary accidentally stalled her car in heavy traffic. As drivers honked and shouted, a stranger slowed down to help. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, there are people who can help. You can reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Nov 14, 20234 min

Sarah Lubarsky's Story

The emergency room staff was ignoring Sarah's gravely ill fiancé — until a young doctor stepped in. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If your hero were standin...

Nov 07, 20235 min

Laura Eshelman's Story

Laura was in a mental health crisis when someone unexpected calmed her down.

Oct 31, 20235 min

Robin Annexstein's Story

More than 10 years ago, when Robin's father died, a man at the U.S. passport office offered a moment of relief. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If your hero ...

Oct 24, 20233 min

Katie Ortman Doble's Story

As Katie struggled with a medical ordeal, a stranger offered exactly the comfort she needed. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If your hero were standing front...

Oct 17, 20235 min

Wendy McDowell's Story

In 1979, Wendy was eight years old, crying alone in an airport. Then she saw a woman in white walking toward her. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If your her...

Oct 10, 20236 min

Jeff Balch's Story

Jeff honors three men who worked as trash collectors, who turned a painful moment into a positive memory. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If your hero were s...

Oct 03, 20234 min

Tessa West's Story

As Tessa said her last goodbye to her dying father, a family friend made the experience feel just a little bit easier. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If you...

Sep 26, 20234 min

Hal Hershfield's Story

A simple act of a generosity from a coffee shop barista helped Hal feel like he was finally a part of his community. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If your ...

Sep 19, 20233 min

Trieste Belmont's Story

In 2014, at the lowest point of Trieste’s life, a stranger’s brief comment changed everything. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If your hero were standing fro...

Sep 12, 20235 min

Ethan Kross' Story

Ethan had a habit of fiddling with his wedding ring. One day, it slipped off his finger — and onto the subway tracks. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If your...

Sep 05, 20234 min

Laura Carstensen's Story

After Laura was badly injured in a car crash, a stranger pulled over to help her. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If your hero were standing front of you tod...

Aug 29, 20234 min

Lynn Fainsilber Katz's Story

A stranger at the beach helped Lynn remember that when life gets hard, you don't have to do it alone. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If your hero were stand...

Aug 22, 20234 min

Jonathan Adler's Story

Jonathan suffered from asthma as a kid until a teacher encouraged him to embrace the disease.

Aug 15, 20234 min

Adrianne Drazin's Story

Adrianne was on a long overseas flight with her baby and two young children. After she exited the plane, she noticed a family nearby, waiting for something. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person c...

Aug 08, 20234 min

Leidy Klotz's Story

They met as rivals on the soccer field. Then they became teammates. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If your hero were standing front of you today, what would...

Aug 01, 20234 min

Eranda Jayawickreme's Story

Eranda was nervous on his first overseas trip by himself, until a fellow passenger went the extra mile to help him out. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If yo...

Jul 25, 20234 min

Susan Dickman's Story

After Susan rushed to the hospital to check on her sick father, a stranger offered her comfort in an unexpected way. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If your ...

Jul 18, 20234 min

Julia Minson's Story

When Julia's mother was struggling with late-stage cancer, Julia had a conversation with a doctor that made her feel heard. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --I...

Jul 11, 20235 min

Dorothy Tiernan's Story

Years ago, when Dorothy’s father was dying in the hospital, a nurse worked to lessen his suffering. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If your hero were standin...

Jul 04, 20235 min

Susan Haas' Story

Susan recalls the hairstylist who took a chance on her when she couldn't afford a haircut. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance: --Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room. --Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend. --Let us know why this person continues to impact your life. --If your hero were standing front o...

Jun 27, 20234 min