My Unsung Hero

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.

Vivian Curren's Story

When Vivian's son was young, he often got into situations where he hurt himself or others. One day, while at the park, he threw sand in another child's face. Vivian did her best to handle the situation, but worried that the child's mother would be angry. Instead, the mother said something that gave Vivian solace — and a bit of hope.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.

04-29
04:20

Alexis Agnew's Story

After receiving irregular test results, Alexis left her doctor's appointment in tears. On her way out of the office, a receptionist stopped Alexis and held her while she cried. It is a moment Alexis will never forget. 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.

04-22
04:20

Stephanie Garber's Story

In the late 1980s, Stephanie was driving to an appointment when she was hit by a large pickup truck. As she stood on the sidewalk crying, a woman came up to her and handed her a cup of tea.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.

04-15
04:04

Ashley Blas' Story

The driver who took Ashley Blas to a cemetery noticed grass covering part of her mother’s gravestone. So he dropped to his knees – in a full suit – and cleared the grass from the grave.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.

04-08
04:28

Nancy Willis' Story

About 30 years ago, Nancy ran the New York City Marathon. When she finished, she headed to the reunion area to greet her family — only to discover that her 8-year-old son was missing. After a frantic search, a woman appeared, holding her son's hand.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.

04-01
04:13

Terry Hill's Story

In 1968, when Terry was four, she and her two young siblings were left briefly in the car by themselves. Her one-year-old brother accidentally hit the gearshift, and the car began to roll downhill, toward a two-lane highway. Then a young man rushed 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 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.

03-25
04:18

Eleanor Heginbotham's Story

On New Year's Eve 2022, Eleanor's car broke down at the post office. Over the next 40 minutes, five different people came over to lend a hand. One woman followed Eleanor home for tea, and they remain friends today.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. 

03-18
04:27

Glenna Osborne's Story

Glenna's father was a firefighter for years. Early in his career, he almost died in a house fire. The man who saved his life turned into a forever friend — and someone Glenna's family will always cherish. 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.

03-11
04:14

Ellen Wyoming DeLoy's Story

One evening after class, Ellen took public transportation home. It was a quiet night, and when she got off at her stop, there weren't many people around. Then, she heard something that alerted her to potential danger. 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.

03-04
04:01

Paul Cotter's Story

More than 40 years ago, Paul's father began to show signs of cognitive decline. As a result, he lost job after job. When his father was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a small local firm made him an offer that helped restore his dignity.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.

02-25
04:52

Caitlin Shetterly's Story

Years ago, on a flight home, Caitlin and the man next to her started chatting. She told him that ever since the 9/11 attacks, she had been nervous to fly. Then the man leaned over and told her something she still tells her children today.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.

02-18
04:05

David Jefferson's Story

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.--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.

02-11
04:35

Melissa Barbanell's Story

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 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.

02-04
04:06

Cara Beth Rogers' Story

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 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.

01-28
03:57

Claire Burnside Och's Story

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 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.

01-21
03:54

Virginia Squier's Story

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 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.

01-14
05:19

Kimberly Godsey's Story

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. --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.

01-07
05:05

Charlie Essers' Story

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 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.

12-31
03:52

Karleen's Story

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 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.

12-24
04:49

Mark Metersky's Story

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 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.

12-17
04:03
That kind man must have had outstanding parents are influences in his life. What a kind thing to do.

Jeri Bitney

That kind man must have had outstanding parents are influences in his life. What a kind thing to do.

03-06 Reply
That kind man must have had outstanding parents are influences in his life. what a kind thing to do.

Jeri Bitney

That kind man must have had outstanding parents are influences in his life. what a kind thing to do.

03-06 Reply
wow

waytobeap

wow

01-10 Reply
this one made me cry.

Mae Arant

this one made me cry.

09-24 Reply
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.

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

05-02

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02-22

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