My Unsung Hero

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....

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 tal...

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...

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 q...

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 conversationall...

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.  --Ma...

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 conversational...

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 yo...

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 ro...

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...

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. ...

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 epis...

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: --Fo...

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...

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'...

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 fri...

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, li...

‘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 conversation...

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....

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...

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...

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 conv...

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-echoe...

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 quie...

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 y...