My Unsung Hero

Today, we bring you a bonus episode from the team at StoryCorps , whose mission is record, preserve, and share the stories of Americans from all backgrounds and beliefs. We'll hear from people who refused to give up on someone — even when the odds were long, or when it seemed like the person might be lost forever.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information abou...

After her husband died, Connie received unexpected advice from an insurance agent: when people offer help, "let them." 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,...

At age 6, Tom wandered away from his family’s campsite and spent a cold night alone on the Lake Superior shoreline. A stranger walked through the dark to find him and carried him back to safety — a moment Tom believes may have saved his life. 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: -...

A favorite from 2023: John remembers the quick thinking of his hospital roommate, who called for help when John’s speech began to slur, and may have saved his life. 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 quie...

At a neighborhood park, a young boy noticed Natalie's young foster daughter using a walker. His reaction left her with an unexpected feeling of hope for the future.  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 qui...

A Christmas Eve drive in a new town left Mary lost and alone — until a couple pulled over to help. What they did next turned her loneliest holiday into a poignant 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...

When Stephanie got overwhelmed on the first day of her very first job, a customer shared some kind words. 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 t...

Shortly after being diagnosed with breast cancer, Gillian realized she had a day left to choose a health plan that could make or break her treatment. She reached out to her employer's HR representative, who not only helped with choosing a plan, but set a lifelong example of what kindness looks like.  Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email...

On the first day of her new job, Emily fainted. Then a customer 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. --Le...

Jolena was going through a difficult divorce and facing financial hardship. One day, a co-worker surprised her with a gift that she's never forgotten.  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...

When her purse went missing on a trip to Chicago, Lavonne panicked. What she didn’t know: two strangers had already 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. --Spea...

Almost 50 years ago, a stranger’s simple question gave her safety — and an example she’s tried to follow ever since.  Today's episode includes references to suicide. If you or a loved one is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. If you live in the United States, you can text or call the suicide hotline 988. If you live outside of the U.S., go to open counseling.com to find your l...

In 2008, Kate was living in California when that state's voters passed Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage. It made her feeling unwelcome, as if her love for her partner was being demonized. One morning on her way to work, she saw an older man standing alone on the train platform, holding a sign against Prop 8. His small act of solidarity offered her comfort when she felt most vulnerable...

When he was 15, Eric lost his mother to suicide. When he returned to school, most adults avoided the subject — until his chorus director got up from the piano and gave him a wordless hug.  If you or a loved one is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. If you live in the United States, you can text or call 988 for support. If you live outside the U.S., go to opencounseling.com to...

In high school, Elizabeth’s choir solo ended in embarrassment after her high note came booming through the mic. But an older student’s kind words restored her confidence just when she needed it. 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...

Midway through her first semester of college, Silvana realized she didn't have enough money to finish out the school year. A professor stepped in to help in a surprising 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'...

A favorite from the archives: Minutes before an important job interview in a town hours from home, 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 for...

When she was in the sixth grade, Tanya's world was unraveling. One day, overcome with grief, she cried in class — and her teacher, Mrs. Welch, wrapped Tanya in a hug.  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...

Earlier this year, Lara was walking her large Rottweiler, The Dude, when fireworks went off nearby. The Dude panicked, and Lara began to worry she wouldn't be able to manage the situation on her own. Then a stranger offered to help, ensuring both Lara and The Dude got home safely.  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 myunsun...

When Juli's car ran out of gas in the middle of the road, three men from a nearby homeless encampment rushed over to push her car to safety. 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. --S...

In 1980, backpacking alone to Greece, Elaine was attacked on a train. Two strangers stepped in, and stayed by her side for nearly the entire 12-hour ride. 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-ec...

After his dad left, Patrick’s guidance counselor taught him to tie a tie — and showed him he wasn’t alone. Years later, he passed that lesson on to his own son. 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,...

In 2005, Ashley's mother attempted suicide. She was hospitalized, and eventually passed away. In the days after her mother's death, Ashley struggled with guilt. She had been the one to request a "Do Not Resuscitate" order. Even though her mother had requested a DNR in the past, Ashley wondered if she'd made the right choice. Then a nurse made a phone call that changed Ashley's life.  If you’re str...

In 1974, Surinder and his family came out of a pharmacy to discover their car was gone. Not knowing anyone else in town, he opened the phone book, and dialed a stranger with a familiar Indian last name. The man who answered not only helped them, but went on to play a surprising role in their lives.  Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email i...

While on vacation in Mexico, Julie had an accident on a waterslide and was on the brink of drowning. Then some strangers 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 con...