Explore every episode of the podcast My Unsung Hero

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 person continues to impact your life.

--If your hero were standing front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

Mike fell on the sidewalk, and wasn’t able to get up on his own. Then a kind stranger asked how he could help.

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 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 you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

When a group of girls were bullying Jennifer in middle school, someone unexpected stepped in and changed the way she looked at the world.

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 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 you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

Nearly 60 years ago, a young boy took action when Denise and a friend were struggling in the ocean.

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 you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

As the earth shook beneath Julia's feet during an earthquake, a stranger offered her 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 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 you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

When Frances was injured in a car accident, a truck driver came over 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 standing front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

After getting into a car crash, Lilah was comforted by someone unexpected.

A favorite from the archives: Andy honors his heart donor and her family, who gave him the ultimate gift during a time of intense grief.

After Molly's husband died in a skiing accident, a friend came up with a novel idea to offer support.

If you enjoyed today's story, please share it with one or two people in your life. Word-of-mouth recommendations really help us to  connect more listeners with the stories we share on this podcast. 

Shortly before it was her turn to perform in a piano competition, Angela's nerves were getting the best of her. Then a competitor did something that changed her day — and her life. 

If you enjoyed today's story, please share it with one or two people in your life. Word-of-mouth recommendations really help us to  connect more listeners with the stories we share on this podcast. 

Karen felt overwhelmed at the prospect of clearing out her parents’ old belongings. Then someone stepped in to help.

Shalom grew up in an Orthodox Jewish home. When he was seven, his grandmother offered him something small that made him rethink his entire relationship to religion.

Rasha remembers the nurse who treated her ailing mom with uncommon kindness.

Not long after chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, Mary Fran was walking through a mall, self-conscious about losing her hair. Then a stranger came up to her, and told her something that gave her hope.

A favorite from the archives: It’s the middle of the night, and Vanessa and her husband are stranded on an Alaskan highway. Just when they’ve given up hope, a car pulls over.

In 2006, Patricia's three-year-old son had a grand mal seizure. She was a single mother, with no one to accompany her to the hospital. But an hour into her hospital stay, a familiar face appeared.

Growing up, Joy and her parents were dedicated to helping others. Then they received some life-changing help themselves.

Father Martin remembers an act of generosity by a nun named Sister Janice Farnham.

Growing up, Juleus struggled to read. Then a young teacher saw his potential.

Nicole had a seizure while driving to work. When she woke up in the hospital, she learned about an incredible act of courage by another driver on the road.

After Nick's daughter was diagnosed with cancer, the owner of a restaurant near her hospital made a surprising gesture of support.

John honors the man who saved his life and inspired his vocation of nearly 40 years.

When Paix moved to a new high school, he felt lost and alone. Then an older student said something that gave him a flash of hope.

After fleeing to the US from the Soviet Union, River’s family was struggling to survive. Then, a kind gesture changed their 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 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 you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

After Kathryn burned her face in a kitchen accident, the ambulance worker on the ride to the hospital helped her feel like everything was going to be ok.

Nancy was terrified after her husband, Tom, suffered a series of fainting spells. When she asked his doctor what they should do next, the doctor’s answer stunned her — and changed her life.

Bethany  was feeling overwhelmed as a single mom with three small children. But one small act of kindness by a neighbor let Bethany know she'd be okay.

A worker at a funeral home makes a special effort to locate the family members of an ailing woman, and unwittingly uncovers a family secret that goes back decades. 

After Julie developed a persistent cough, no one seemed to be able to identify the cause. Then, her unsung hero stepped in and saved her life. 

Forty years ago, when JoAnne was working the night shift as a neonatal nurse, a baby girl was born terminally ill. JoAnne recalls the way her supervisor, Nancy, went above and beyond to make the baby feel loved.

When Ben got a call about his mother being badly injured, he feared the worst. But when he arrived to the hospital, he learned how a stranger's quick thinking had saved her life. 

Biar tells the story of a stranger who approached him on the street in Nairobi, Kenya and "sowed a seed of kindness" that he carries with him today.

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. 

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 to impact your life.

--If your hero were standing front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

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

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 

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.  

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 know why this person continues to impact your life.

--If your hero were standing front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

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 were standing front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

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 impact your life.

--If your hero were standing front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

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 front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

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. 

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 standing front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

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

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 were standing front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

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 of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

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 hero were standing front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

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 standing front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!

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 your hero were standing front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.

Thank you!