Glenna's father was a firefighter for years. Early in his career, he almost died in a house fire. The man who saved his life turned into a forever friend — and someone Glenna's family will always cherish. 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 tal...
Mar 11, 2025•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast One evening after class, Ellen took public transportation home. It was a quiet night, and when she got off at her stop, there weren't many people around. Then, she heard something that alerted her to potential danger. 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, li...
Mar 04, 2025•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast More than 40 years ago, Paul's father began to show signs of cognitive decline. As a result, he lost job after job. When his father was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a small local firm made him an offer that helped restore his dignity. 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 r...
Feb 25, 2025•5 min•Transcript available on Metacast Years ago, on a flight home, Caitlin and the man next to her started chatting. She told him that ever since the 9/11 attacks, she had been nervous to fly. Then the man leaned over and told her something she still tells her children today. 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...
Feb 18, 2025•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast When David's wife fell ill, a friend went above and beyond to help the family cope. 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 in front of y...
Feb 11, 2025•5 min•Transcript available on Metacast When Melissa’s seven-year-old son was hit by a pickup truck, a stranger ran across the street to help. 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 sta...
Feb 04, 2025•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast When Cara Beth was studying abroad in college, her brother, Luke, died in an accident. On the plane ride home, a stranger made her overwhelming grief a bit easier to bear. 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 w...
Jan 28, 2025•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast When Claire was a server at a high-end restaurant, she fumbled opening an expensive bottle of wine. But instead of acting annoyed, the customer handled it with grace. 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 th...
Jan 21, 2025•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast After Virginia's young daughter accidentally boarded a subway train without her, someone unexpected stepped in to help. 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 y...
Jan 14, 2025•5 min•Transcript available on Metacast When Kimberly was training to become a nurse practitioner, one of her mentors changed how she viewed her role in patients' lives. That lesson went on to affect her personal life as well. 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. ...
Jan 07, 2025•5 min•Transcript available on Metacast When Charlie arrived at the scene of his wife’s bike accident, he found four women protecting her from oncoming traffic. 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 ...
Dec 31, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Many years ago, Karleen was physically attacked by her then-boyfriend, and fled her home to sit on the curb. As she sat there, cold and wondering what to do, a car pulled over. 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 k...
Dec 24, 2024•5 min•Transcript available on Metacast When Mark was a medical student, he struggled to care for a manipulative patient. Then one day, he saw the patient do something that surprised him. 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...
Dec 17, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Caroline was about to make a mistake that could have severely damaged her car. Then her unsung hero stepped in and went above and beyond 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 continu...
Dec 10, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast In first grade, Clara had to get a hot lunch at school for the first time. The process was confusing, and she ended up in tears. Then an unsung hero stepped in — and made a lasting impression. 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 fr...
Dec 03, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the years since we first launched this podcast, we've long wanted to reunite an interviewee with their unsung hero. This week, we're thrilled to share one such reunion, between former guest Megan Atherton and her hero, Toni Cranston. Megan and Toni remember the day they first met 15 years ago, and discuss how Megan's life has changed in the years since then. If you missed Megan's original episode, you can find it here . Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Recor...
Nov 25, 2024•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast On the darkest day of her life, Clarice’s unsung heroes gave her a safe space to feel some joy. Editorial note: if you or someone you know is in crisis, there are people who can help. Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. 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 c...
Nov 19, 2024•5 min•Transcript available on Metacast Emma was at a restaurant, feeling overwhelmed with her three young children. Then, a stranger came over to tell her just what she needed to hear. 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 t...
Nov 12, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast After her car key broke, Betsy was stranded and all alone. Then, the unlikeliest of heroes came to her aid. 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...
Nov 05, 2024•6 min•Transcript available on Metacast After Brian refused to accepted a stranger's help, her actions changed his life forever. 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...
Oct 29, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast A stranger noticed Jackie at a conference, and realized something was wrong. A favorite episode from our archives. 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 h...
Oct 22, 2024•5 min•Transcript available on Metacast ‘A light went off in my head’: Malcolm honors his high school civics teacher, who inspired him to become a teacher himself. 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. --...
Oct 15, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Samantha was terrified waiting for surgery. Then her anesthesiologist began to sing. 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...
Oct 08, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast When Corey’s car stalled in the middle of a busy intersection, he was surprised by who stepped up to help 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 ...
Oct 01, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast One day in 2001, Nora called 311 to report abuse she said she had experienced as a child. The voice on the other end offered her compassion, and hope. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, you can receive free, confidential support by calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673. 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...
Sep 24, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast The morning after Megan was evicted from her home, her car broke down. She had nowhere to go — until a stranger stepped in to help. 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 ...
Sep 17, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast When Ian got a middle-of-the-night call that his daughter had collapsed, he didn't know what to do. Then, an Uber driver went above and beyond to help. 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 conti...
Sep 10, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Janet's sister, Susan, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and unable to attend her daughter's high school graduation. Then the hospital staff came up with a plan. 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 ...
Sep 03, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Mike fell on the sidewalk, and wasn’t able to get up on his own. Then a kind stranger asked how he could help. Episode Notes When Leahruth began to cry at a tollbooth, the toll collector offered unexpected comfort. 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 ...
Aug 27, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast When a group of girls were bullying Jennifer in middle school, someone unexpected stepped in and changed the way she looked at the world.
Aug 20, 2024•6 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
