My Unsung Hero

The daily news can fill us with despair. My Unsung Hero is an antidote to that despair. Each episode reveals what the news ignores: everyday acts of kindness and courage that transformed someone's life. Listen — and renew your faith in humanity. From Hidden Brain Media.

Clarice's Story

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

11-19
04:47

Emma Carlson Berne's Story

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

11-12
04:01

Betsy Cornwell's Story

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

11-05
05:50

Brian Perkins' Story

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

10-29
03:32

Jackie Briggs' Story

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

10-22
04:52

Malcolm Campbell's Story

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

10-15
03:56

Samantha Hodge-Williams' Story

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 today, what would you say? Address them directly.

10-08
04:04

Corey Widmer's Story

When Corey’s car stalled in the middle of a busy intersection, he was surprised by who stepped up to helpDo 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.

10-01
04:08

Nora Durkin's Story

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 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.

09-24
03:59

Megan Atherton's Story

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 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.

09-17
04:05

Ian Sandler's Story

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 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. 

09-10
04:18

Janet Kahn-Scolaro's Story

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!

09-03
03:32

Mike Huddleston's Story

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 NotesWhen 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!

08-27
04:11

Jennifer's Story

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

08-20
06:01

Leahruth Jemilo's Story

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!

08-13
04:17

Denise Elliott's Story

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!

08-06
03:48

Julia Weber's Story

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!

07-30
04:03

Frances Brissey's Story

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!

07-23
04:07

Lilah Clevey's Story

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

07-16
04:00

Andy Davis' Story

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.

07-09
04:42

waytobeap

wow

01-10 Reply

Mae Arant

this one made me cry.

09-24 Reply

Em

I love NPR. I love and treasure and am grateful for quality journalism. But I am also a critical thinker, and this story made me gag — particularly when she vaguely alluded to current war(s). She lives an extremely expensive and comfortable life, and is walking home with three brand-new books from a nice bookstore when she loses her wallet and ends up with a Cadbury egg because other similarly-privileged people are really nice, The End. That’s a story? Moral of the story, to me anyway: I should’ve tried harder to be a famous farmer and mom, not just normal one. Then I could care less and have more time to appreciate the little things.

05-02 Reply

Pamela Nakagawa

Big fan !!!

05-02 Reply

Anneke Kapteyn

Just discovered your show. Thank you for reminding us of the good in the world. ❤️

02-22 Reply

02-22

Recommend Channels