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Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People

Author: Chris Gethard

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1 phone call. 1 hour. No names. No holds barred. Thats the premise behind Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People, hosted by comedian Chris Gethard (the Chris Gethard Show, Broad City, This American Life, and one of Time Outs 10 best comedians of 2015). Every week, Chris opens the phone line to one anonymous caller, and he cant hang up first, no matter what. From shocking confessions and family secrets to philosophical discussions and shameless self-promotion, anything can and will happen! Theme song by Shellshag.
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A dedicated Dave Matthews Band fan tells Gethard how her love for DMB led her to donate a kidney to a total stranger. She explains some of the more complicated aspects of the process and how donating her kidney set off a chain reaction that saved a total of 10 lives. Plus, she and Geth talk about cool party tricks, pretentious tattoos, and a whole lot more. The important thing though, is that if you're reading this right now and you know Dave Matthews, you send him this episode. If you’re interested in learning more about living donation, here’s a place to start: organdonor.gov Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content including 5 Random Questions with this week’s caller and to learn why we've included a link to the University of Tennessee's Body Donation Packet. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬ Follow The Cat in the Hat Cast on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Cat in the Hat Cast ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids Plus in Apple Podcasts.
Mother, Woman, Artist

Mother, Woman, Artist

2024-03-1901:25:24

This week’s caller is an artist and a mother who called in to talk about the gifts and challenges of both of those aspects of her identity. She tells Geth about what it’s like making art with her dad, how being an artist informs how she’s raising her own daughter, and being part of an incredibly cool grassroots initiative and their mission to “Take Up Space” in galleries all over the world. She also drops a pretty big reveal in the 5 Random Questions segment of the show, so this week might be a good one to sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ if you haven’t already. Learn more about the Thrive Together Network and the Taking Up Space Initiative  Tickets for Beautiful/Anonymous at Treefort Music Fest Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content including 5 Random Questions with this week’s caller. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬ Follow The Cat in the Hat Cast on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Cat in the Hat Cast ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids Plus in Apple Podcasts.  
A unique soul with outer space on the brain, this week’s caller has never heard an entire episode of Beautiful/Anonymous and just called to see if our phone number was real. He talks with Gethard about going to the moon, bringing back blimp travel, reducing suffering on Earth, and a few of the million other things he’s got on his mind. Tickets for Beautiful/Anonymous at Treefort Music Fest Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content including 5 Random Questions with this week’s caller. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬ Follow The Cat in the Hat Cast on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Cat in the Hat Cast ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids Plus in Apple Podcasts.  
In classic Beautiful/Anonymous fashion, this week’s caller is in a major transition phase of his life, leaving behind a lucrative career in favor of something less soul-sucking. He talks with Gethard about ghostwriting blog posts for International Women’s Day, what makes a good teacher, and why connection and community are more important than ever. Tickets for Beautiful/Anonymous at Treefort Music Fest Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content including 5 Random Questions with this week’s caller. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬ Step into Spring travel activities with Vessi. Visit vessi.com/beautiful for an automatic 15% off your first purchase at checkout! Enjoy free shipping to CA, US, AU, JP, TW, KR, SGP. Follow The Cat in the Hat Cast on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Cat in the Hat Cast ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids Plus in Apple Podcasts. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com/BEAUTIFUL to get $80 off of your first month and show your support for the show.
Every month, subscribers at the Touch Tone tier of Beautiful/Anonymous+ get a bonus follow-up episode with a past caller. For February, that call is with one of our community's most beloved callers, "The Whirlpool Galaxy" (EP104, March 19, 2018). We've decided to share the first part of this conversation with everyone in the Beautiful/Anonymous community because we know how important this caller and her story have become to all of you, and she has some truly incredible updates to share. Enjoy!  In her first call, "The Whirlpool Galaxy," our caller spoke with Gethard about coping with the grief from an unbelievable tragedy and her work as a new astrophysics researcher. Since then, she has become an integral part of the Beautiful Anonymous community, returning for the first in-person follow-up, and joining us at Beautiful/CONonymous to co-host a screening of her favorite movie, Contact. She returns to Beautiful/Anonymous this week to catch us up on the incredible developments in her life since. And, of course, she takes her turn at the Wheel of Random Questions. Watch the trailer for Space, Hope and Charity here: https://www.spacehopecharityfilm.com/ Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content.
Hold on tight and prepare to be whisked away on a weekly adventure with Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat! In a world full of delightful mix-ups and exhilarating mayhem, the mischievous Cat takes the reins and enlightens the ever-cautious Fish on the art of hosting a perfectly poised podcast. Featuring alphabet song sing-a-longs, tremendous tongue-twisters, and wondrous wordplay, you'll be left guessing what surprises The Cat will pull out of his hat next. You can listen to this episode and more of The Cat in the Hat Cast episodes here.
Calling from a Cruise Ship

Calling from a Cruise Ship

2024-02-2701:14:21

Calling from a bathroom on a cruise ship, this caller recounts the series of events that led to her taking someone else's kids on vacation. It's a real lesson on making the best of a tough situation. Tickets for Laughing Together with Chris Gethard: A Comedy Benefit Supporting Mental Health Resources in Our Schools with Joe Pera, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Kenice Mobley, and Kate Nichols! Tickets for Beautiful/Anonymous at Treefort Music Fest Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content including 5 Random Questions with this week’s caller. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬
Happy to bring you all a little preview of Gethard's recent appearance on the great Paul Giamatti's podcast, CHINWAG, recorded live in San Francisco at Sketchfest 2024. Geth joins Paul and his cohost Stephen Asma to talk about Paul's connection to The Chris Gethard Show and to tell just a whole bunch of ridiculous stories. It's a good time. Check out the clip and then head over to CHINWAG to hear the rest. of the conversation. And make sure you subscribe so you don't miss part two next week! Follow CHINWAG: @chinwagpod https://link.chtbl.com/beautifulanonxchinwag
Single on Valentine's Day

Single on Valentine's Day

2024-02-2001:22:24

We all know Valentine's Day is bogus, but that doesn't mean it isn't a bummer to spend it alone. This week's caller talks with Geth about dating as a queer man in the digital age and how past trauma makes things even more complicated. They also talk about making art, making connections, and why more people should go to the movies alone. Step into the New Year with Vessi. Visit vessi.com/beautiful for 15% off your first purchase! Enjoy free shipping to CA, US, AU, JP, TW, KR, SGP Get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. Text BEAUTIFUL to 64000. Tickets for Laughing Together with Chris Gethard: A Comedy Benefit Supporting Mental Health Resources in Our Schools with Joe Pera, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Kenice Mobley, and Kate Nichols! Tickets for Beautiful/Anonymous at Treefort Music Fest Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content including 5 Random Questions with this week’s caller. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬
Heir to a Kite Store

Heir to a Kite Store

2024-02-1301:24:22

A puzzle enthusiast calls to talk with Gethard about running her family's kite store. She breaks down the various fart-themed products she keeps behind the counter, tells Geth about the niche world of kite-flying, and describes how her store acts as a surprisingly good barometer for the country's current political climate. Start the year off right with The Good Habit by going to TryFum.com/BEAUTIFUL and getting the Journey pack today. Füm is giving listeners of the show 10% off with the code “BEAUTIFUL” to help make starting The Good Habit that much easier. Get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. Text BEAUTIFUL to 64000. Read Geth’s new book, Dad at Peace, for free on Everand. Tickets for Laughing Together with Chris Gethard: A Comedy Benefit Supporting Mental Health Resources in Our Schools with Joe Pera, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Kenice Mobley, and Kate Nichols! Tickets for Beautiful/Anonymous at Treefort Music Fest Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content including 5 Random Questions with this week’s caller. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬
The Pecking Order Is Real

The Pecking Order Is Real

2024-02-0601:21:111

This week, Gethard talks with someone whose youth was affected by the “troubled teen industry.” He and Geth talk about that experience, what it means to be a “troubled teen,” and how that time shaped his adult life. Also? Way more talk about chickens than you might expect. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com/BEAUTIFUL to ​get $80 off of your first month​ and show your support for the show. Read Geth’s new book, Dad at Peace, for free on Everand. Tickets for Laughing Together with Chris Gethard: A Comedy Benefit Supporting Mental Health Resources in Our Schools with Joe Pera, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Kenice Mobley, and Kate Nichols! Tickets for Beautiful/Anonymous at Treefort Music Fest Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content including 5 Random Questions with this week’s caller. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬  
Bonus: Dad at Peace

Bonus: Dad at Peace

2024-02-0211:46

We've got a special bonus excerpt of Gethard's new book for you! In Dad at Peace, Geth opens up about growing up, ditching the ego, and re-evaluating priorities. Read or listen to it for free at everand.com now! 
In Search of a City

In Search of a City

2024-01-3001:18:451

This empty-nester tells Gethard about the year she and her husband spent driving around the Southwest looking for a new city to call home. She and Geth discuss the ways that traveling throughout the USA can make you a more connected, empathetic person. Then, she breaks down what it means to be a little woo-woo and shares her favorite ghost story. Step into the New Year with Vessi. Visit vessi.com/beautiful for 15% off your first purchase! Enjoy free shipping to CA, US, AU, JP, TW, KR, SGP. Go to greenchef.com/60stories and use code 60stories to get 60% off, plus 20% off your next two months. Tickets for Laughing Together with Chris Gethard: A show raising money for mental health awareness in schools. Tickets for Beautiful/Anonymous at Treefort Music Fest Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content including 5 Random Questions with this week’s caller. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬      
Eat a Pickle

Eat a Pickle

2024-01-2301:20:42

This week's caller is dealing with the loss of a friend who died earlier this year. She and Geth talk about processing grief, honoring the people you love, what sobriety means to her, and how it feels to be a poet sharing her words with the world. Also, pickles.  Tickets for Laughing Together with Chris Gethard: A show raising money for mental health awareness in schools. Tickets for Beautiful/Anonymous at Treefort Music Fest Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content including 5 Random Questions with this week’s caller. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬ Upgrade your closet with Quince. Go to Quince.com/beautiful for free shipping and 365-day returns on your order.  
What Would Ian MacKaye Do?

What Would Ian MacKaye Do?

2024-01-1601:16:00

This week's caller wanted to talk with Geth about the punk and hardcore music scenes. Pretty quickly, that subject became a vehicle for a conversation about community, found family, growing up lonely, and finding places to connect in a difficult world. Tickets for Laughing Together with Chris Gethard: A show raising money for mental health awareness in schools. Tickets for Beautiful/Anonymous at Treefort Music Fest Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content including 5 Random Questions with this week’s caller. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬ Set your kids up for success and get started today at gohenry.com/BEAUTIFUL. T&Cs apply. Renews from $4.99 per month unless canceled.
A military veteran calls to talk with Gethard about co-parenting with her partner and his ex-wife who she was deployed with years ago. But this call goes in some directions neither she nor Geth expected. They talk about how rugby and one specific book led her to serve, what it was like being the only woman among 400 men while deployed, and how she thinks about the time she spent in Afghanistan today. Tickets for Laughing Together with Chris Gethard: A show raising money for mental health awareness in schools. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com/BEAUTIFUL to​ get $80 off of your first month​ and show your support for the show. Head to FACTORMEALS.com/beautiful50 and use code beautiful50 to get 50% off. Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content including 5 Random Questions with this week’s caller. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬
2024 New Year's Resolutions

2024 New Year's Resolutions

2024-01-0201:51:342

From being more patient, to taking over the family business, to making a killer beef Wellington, we’re ringing in the new year–as always–with the traditional New Year’s Resolutions episode! Geth talks with dozens of callers, two minutes at a time, and we get to hear all of your fun, serious, exciting, simple, ridiculous, significant resolutions for 2024. Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content including 5 Random Questions with this week’s caller. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬  
Piano Rock Priest

Piano Rock Priest

2023-12-2601:17:591

Our second Episcopal priest calls in, but this “professional Christian” has a totally different vibe. She talks about playing in a piano rock band, trying not to flip off other drivers on the road, and all the places we can find community–in and out of church. For more info on Geth’s upcoming tour dates head to chrisgeth.com  Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content including 5 Random Questions with this week’s caller. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬ Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod  
A Human Breathing

A Human Breathing

2023-12-1901:26:47

Calling from New Zealand and nursing a hangover, this caller talks with Gethard about her Māori heritage, whether or not she feels compelled to make art with a message, and what the United States really thinks about New Zealanders.  Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content including 5 Random Questions with this week’s caller. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬ Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod As a listener of this podcast, you’ll get $80 off of your first month with Talkspace when you go to Talkspace.com/BEAUTIFUL. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com/BEAUTIFUL to get $80 off of your first month and show your support for the show. That’s talkspace.com/BEAUTIFUL. Go to StoryWorth.com/beautiful and save $10 on your first purchase! That’s  StoryWorth.com/beautiful to save $10 on your first purchase! Please visit www.cheekymaidensoap.com and use code BEAUTIFUL15 for 15% off your next order. 
Santería

Santería

2023-12-1201:34:40

A novice Santero who recently completed his Year in White calls to talk with Gethard about finding his way to Santería. They discuss some of the many stereotypes that outsiders believe about the religion, the aspects it shares with other religions, and how this caller has found healing and community in his practice. Please visit www.cheekymaidensoap.com and use code BEAUTIFUL15 for 15% off your next order.  Visit AuraFrames.com today and get 30 dollars off their best-selling frames with the code BEAUTIFUL. These frames sell out quickly though, so get yours before they’re gone! Terms and conditions apply. Join Füm in accelerating humanity's breakup from destructive habits by picking up the Journey Pack today. Head to TryFum.com and use code BEAUTIFUL to save 10% off when you get the Journey pack today. Follow ‘Tis The Grinch Holiday Talk Show on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to ‘Tis The Grinch Holiday Talk Show early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬ Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod Sign up for Beautiful/Anonymous+ to get access to exclusive content including 5 Random Questions with this week’s caller.  
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Comments (162)

yaara gerchman

I cringed at the first sentence- too cringy! Now I've listened to the whole excerpt and thinking who I can gift this book to 🙈

Feb 2nd
Reply

Joanna Martinez

I am also a kaiako/teacher in NZ and this caller did a beautiful job explaining how things are here. Thank you for calling in, fellow kaiako!

Jan 3rd
Reply

Stephanie Meagan Tuell

best episode yet!

Oct 28th
Reply (2)

yaara gerchman

No judgment- you sound a bit unhinged yourself, caller.

Sep 2nd
Reply

Bella Ring

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️this is my new favorite realty podcast.

Jun 20th
Reply

Vic

I want to be friends with this caller.

Feb 8th
Reply

Arian Rubio Rivera

This was amazing. I enjoyed very much all the positive energy and rapport built between you guys. As a Kurosawa fan, you broke me in the end with Ikiru's song, so unexpected and beautiful. wow. thanks for such a great experience. Chris, you rock, man!

Jan 15th
Reply

Weather or Not

coercive control. I hope her trauma bond subsides. There needs.to be coercive control laws in USA and Canada. i heard so many different types of abuse. i hope this predator gets his Karma..

Dec 6th
Reply

cazimp

I feel this episode so much!

Sep 28th
Reply (1)

Jesse Vingle

say 'like' ONE. MORE. TIME.

May 24th
Reply

Death Doula ☠

"That's not the craziest part..."

Feb 24th
Reply

parmida habibi

Oh this podcast... it was just wonderful

Jan 12th
Reply

Jessica Johnson

Appleton resident here, fun music hub of Wisconsin other than the big cities! lots of great experiences to be had! look forward to seeing you soon here

Dec 30th
Reply

Death Doula ☠

Chris, do what makes YOU happy, fuck the chorus.

Nov 26th
Reply

Death Doula ☠

Heartbreaking Story. Tough listen. 😢

Nov 17th
Reply

Death Doula ☠

🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠

Nov 12th
Reply

Robin Egg

this was a good one. I could listen to this kid all day.

Oct 26th
Reply

Paradox.3

as I listened to this episode, it felt like I was listening to my own life history... it was oddly reassuring knowing there are others out there with eerily similar stories.

Sep 9th
Reply

Vic

Shout out Nebraska! <3

Sep 5th
Reply

Lucy Sharf

I love you and your show Chris. Your humor mixed with compassion is a beautiful combination. I dare you to have a conversation with someone who is vaccine cautious even if you don't put it on the air. You are so open minded to every other type of person but you've made so many comments implying that people who are fearful or distrusting of the C19 vaccine are either stupid or selfish. Don't you want to know why people have made this choice? I promise you that this is not as simplistic as you think.

Sep 1st
Reply (1)
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