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My Unsung Hero
My Unsung Hero
Hidden Brain

The daily news can fill us with despair. My Unsung Hero is an antidote to that despair. Each episode reveals what the... more

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Episodes

Brian Perkins' Story

After Brian refused to accepted a stranger's help, her actions changed his life forever.

29 Oct 2024 · 3 minutes
Jackie Briggs' Story

A stranger noticed Jackie at a conference, and realized something was wrong. A favorite episode from our archives.

22 Oct 2024 · 4 minutes
Malcolm Campbell's Story

‘A light went off in my head’: Malcolm Campbell honors his high school civics teacher, who inspired him to become... more

15 Oct 2024 · 3 minutes
Samantha Hodge-Williams' Story

Samantha was terrified waiting for surgery. Then her anesthesiologist began to sing.

08 Oct 2024 · 4 minutes
Corey Widmer's Story

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

01 Oct 2024 · 4 minutes
Nora Durkin's Story

One day in 2001, Nora called 311 to report sexual abuse she says she experienced as a child. The voice... more

24 Sep 2024 · 3 minutes
Megan Atherton's Story

How about this: The morning after Megan was evicted from her home, her car broke down. She had nowhere to... more

17 Sep 2024 · 4 minutes
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... more

10 Sep 2024 · 4 minutes
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... more

03 Sep 2024 · 3 minutes
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... more

27 Aug 2024 · 4 minutes
Jennifer's Story

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

20 Aug 2024 · 6 minutes
Leahruth Jemilo's Story

When Leahruth began to cry at a tollbooth, the toll collector offered unexpected comfort.

13 Aug 2024 · 4 minutes
Denise Elliott's Story

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

06 Aug 2024 · 3 minutes
Julia Weber's Story

As the earth shook beneath Julia's feet during an earthquake, a stranger offered her comfort.

30 Jul 2024 · 4 minutes
Frances Brissey's Story

When Frances was injured in a car accident, a truck driver came over to help.

23 Jul 2024 · 4 minutes
Lilah Clevey's Story

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

16 Jul 2024 · 4 minutes
Andy Davis' Story

A favorite from the archives: Andy honors his heart donor and her family, who gave him the ultimate gift during... more

09 Jul 2024 · 4 minutes
Molly Baker's Story

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

02 Jul 2024 · 3 minutes
Angela Zhao's Story

Shortly before it was her turn to perform in a piano competition, Angela's nerves were getting the best of her.... more

25 Jun 2024 · 3 minutes
Karen Muller's Story

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

18 Jun 2024 · 3 minutes
Shalom Auslander's Story

Shalom grew up in an Orthodox Jewish home. When he was seven, his grandmother offered him something small that made... more

11 Jun 2024 · 4 minutes
Rasha Kowalewski's Story

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

04 Jun 2024 · 3 minutes
Mary Fran Lyons' Story

Not long after chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, Mary Fran was walking through a mall, self-conscious about losing her hair. Then... more

28 May 2024 · 3 minutes
Vanessa Foster's Story

A favorite from the archives: It’s the middle of the night, and Vanessa and her husband are stranded on an... more

21 May 2024 · 4 minutes
Patricia Nieshoff's Story

In 2006, Patricia's three-year-old son had a grand mal seizure. She was a single mother, with no one to accompany... more

14 May 2024 · 3 minutes
Joy Diaz's Story

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

07 May 2024 · 3 minutes
Jim Martin's Story

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

30 Apr 2024 · 3 minutes
Juleus Ghunta's Story

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

23 Apr 2024 · 4 minutes
Nicole George O'Brien's Story

Nicole had a seizure while driving to work. When she woke up in the hospital, she learned about an incredible... more

16 Apr 2024 · 4 minutes
Nick Epley's Story

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

09 Apr 2024 · 3 minutes
John Woeste's Story

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

02 Apr 2024 · 4 minutes
Paix Auslander's Story

When Paix moved to a new high school, he felt lost and alone. Then an older student said something that... more

26 Mar 2024 · 3 minutes
River Adams' Story

After fleeing to the US from the Soviet Union, River’s family was struggling to survive. Then, a kind gesture changed... more

19 Mar 2024 · 4 minutes
Kathryn Fumie's Story

After Kathryn burned her face in a kitchen accident, the ambulance worker on the ride to the hospital helped her... more

12 Mar 2024 · 4 minutes
Nancy Pardo's Story

Nancy was terrified after her husband, Tom, suffered a series of fainting spells. When she asked his doctor what they... more

05 Mar 2024 · 4 minutes
Bethany Renfree's story

Bethany was feeling overwhelmed as a single mom with three small children. But one small act of kindness by a... more

27 Feb 2024 · 4 minutes
Mas Masumoto's Story

A worker at a funeral home makes a special effort to locate the family members of an ailing woman, and... more

20 Feb 2024 · 4 minutes
Julie Silverman's Story

After Julie developed a persistent cough, no one seemed to be able to identify the cause. Then, her unsung hero... more

13 Feb 2024 · 4 minutes
JoAnne Foley's Story

Forty years ago, when JoAnne was working the night shift as a neonatal nurse, a baby girl was born terminally... more

06 Feb 2024 · 4 minutes
Ben Gomes' Story

When Ben got a call about his mother being badly injured, he feared the worst. But when he arrived to... more

30 Jan 2024 · 3 minutes
Biar Kon's Story

Biar tells the story of a stranger who approached him on the street in Nairobi, Kenya and "sowed a seed... more

23 Jan 2024 · 3 minutes
Sandy Renner's Story

When Sandy burst into tears in the supermarket checkout line, a store employee offered her unexpected comfort.

16 Jan 2024 · 2 minutes
Alexandra Middlewood's Story

A favorite from our archives: Alexandra was struggling with hybrid teaching when a small gesture from a student reminded her... more

09 Jan 2024 · 3 minutes
Roger Lynn's Story

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

02 Jan 2024 · 4 minutes
Justin Horner's Story

In 2010, Justin was sitting on the side of the freeway, hoping someone would help him fix his busted wheel.... more

26 Dec 2023 · 5 minutes
Ellen Butterfield's Story

Ellen and her husband were afraid the border guard would confiscate the chemotherapy drugs they were bringing back from Mexico.... more

19 Dec 2023 · 5 minutes
Teresa Hernandez's Story

As Teresa was waiting to have a cesarean section, she started to have a panic attack. Just then, a nurse... more

12 Dec 2023 · 3 minutes
Gary Dietz's Story

Four kind strangers helped Gary when his son with special needs was struggling during a day out in the city.

05 Dec 2023 · 6 minutes
Oliver Muensterer's Story

Minutes before an important job interview, Oliver realized he'd forgotten his dress shirt. A stranger offered a kind and unexpected... more

28 Nov 2023 · 4 minutes
Calvin Lowe's Story

When Calvin’s young son was about to go into surgery, his doctor shared a comforting message.

21 Nov 2023 · 4 minutes
Mary Griffis' Story

Not long after she lost her brother to suicide, Mary accidentally stalled her car in heavy traffic. As drivers honked... more

14 Nov 2023 · 4 minutes
Sarah Lubarsky's Story

The emergency room staff was ignoring Sarah's gravely ill fiancé — until a young doctor stepped in.

07 Nov 2023 · 4 minutes
Laura Eshelman's Story

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

31 Oct 2023 · 4 minutes
Robin Annexstein's Story

More than 10 years ago, when Robin's father died, a man at the U.S. passport office offered a moment of... more

24 Oct 2023 · 3 minutes
Katie Ortman Doble's Story

As Katie struggled with a medical ordeal, a stranger offered exactly the comfort she needed.

17 Oct 2023 · 5 minutes
Wendy McDowell's Story

In 1979, Wendy was eight years old, crying alone in an airport. Then she saw a woman in white walking... more

10 Oct 2023 · 5 minutes
Jeff Balch's Story

Jeff honors three men who worked as trash collectors, who turned a painful moment into a positive memory.

03 Oct 2023 · 4 minutes
Tessa West's Story

As Tessa said her last goodbye to her dying father, a family friend made the experience feel just a little... more

26 Sep 2023 · 4 minutes
Hal Hershfield's Story

A simple act of a generosity from a coffee shop barista helped Hal feel like he was finally a part... more

19 Sep 2023 · 3 minutes
Trieste Belmont's Story

In 2014, at the lowest point of Trieste’s life, a stranger’s brief comment changed everything.

12 Sep 2023 · 4 minutes
Ethan Kross' Story

Ethan had a habit of fiddling with his wedding ring. One day, it slipped off his finger — and onto... more

05 Sep 2023 · 4 minutes
Laura Carstensen's Story

After Laura was badly injured in a car crash, a stranger pulled over to help her.

29 Aug 2023 · 4 minutes
Lynn Fainsilber Katz's Story

A stranger at the beach helped Lynn remember that when life gets hard, you don't have to do it alone.

22 Aug 2023 · 3 minutes
Jonathan Adler's Story

Jonathan suffered from asthma as a kid until a teacher encouraged him to embrace the disease.

15 Aug 2023 · 3 minutes
Adrianne Drazin's Story

Adrianne was on a long overseas flight with her baby and two young children. After she exited the plane, she... more

08 Aug 2023 · 4 minutes
Leidy Klotz's Story

They met as rivals on the soccer field. Then they became teammates.

01 Aug 2023 · 3 minutes
Eranda Jayawickreme's Story

Eranda was nervous on his first overseas trip by himself, until a fellow passenger went the extra mile to help... more

25 Jul 2023 · 4 minutes
Susan Dickman's Story

After Susan rushed to the hospital to check on her sick father, a stranger offered her comfort in an unexpected... more

18 Jul 2023 · 3 minutes
Julia Minson's Story

When Julia's mother was struggling with late-stage cancer, Julia had a conversation with a doctor that made her feel heard.

11 Jul 2023 · 4 minutes
Dorothy Tiernan's Story

Years ago, when Dorothy’s father was dying in the hospital, a nurse worked to lessen his suffering.

04 Jul 2023 · 4 minutes
Susan Haas' Story

Susan recalls the hairstylist who took a chance on her when she couldn't afford a haircut.

27 Jun 2023 · 4 minutes
John Kindschuh's Story

John remembers the quick thinking of his hospital roommate, who called for help when John's speech began to slur, and... more

20 Jun 2023 · 5 minutes
Daniel Willingham's Story

When Daniel's daughter ended up in the ICU in a foreign country, a stranger helped him get there.

13 Jun 2023 · 4 minutes
Barbara Romero's Story

Barbara spent years trying to understand her son's difficult behavior. Then someone said something that made her realize that it... more

06 Jun 2023 · 5 minutes
Andy Davis' Story

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

30 May 2023 · 4 minutes
Pierce Forde’s Story

When Pierce was hurt in a crash, a stranger stayed by his side.

23 May 2023 · 6 minutes
Lily's Story

Lily was feeling wary of strangers after filing a restraining order against someone. Then a small gesture from a store... more

16 May 2023 · 3 minutes
Mary Amato's Story

After giving birth to her second child, Mary was struggling with her new identity as a stay-at-home mom. But then... more

09 May 2023 · 5 minutes
Bill Price's Story

Some fifty years ago, Bill found himself alone at an event. Then someone turned and said, "Would you like to... more

02 May 2023 · 3 minutes
Paola López's Story

Paola was having a tough time on a trek, when a fellow hiker reframed her perspective.

25 Apr 2023 · 4 minutes
Alan Ayers' Story

A young pilot risked her own life to rescue Alan when he was skydiving.

18 Apr 2023 · 3 minutes
Susan Greenstein Prescott's Story

In high school, Susan had a stutter, and was embarrassed to speak in front of her class. Then her English... more

11 Apr 2023 · 4 minutes
Mary Louise Kelly's Story

Mary Louise was upset after losing her wallet. Then she received an email from a stranger.

04 Apr 2023 · 5 minutes
Wil Davenport's Story

In 2014, Wil was being treated for severe depression at an inpatient mental health program. One day, his therapist issued... more

28 Mar 2023 · 4 minutes
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... more

21 Mar 2023 · 4 minutes
Sri Pisharody's Story

Before going to India, Sri warned her daughter to watch out for people trying to steal from them. But when... more

14 Mar 2023 · 4 minutes
Laura Holmes Haddad's Story

As Laura undergoes chemotherapy, an X-ray technician says something that makes her feel less self-conscious about her appearance.

07 Mar 2023 · 3 minutes
Bob Cialdini's Story

When he was a teenager, Bob received some helpful advice from an unlikely source.

28 Feb 2023 · 4 minutes
Sarah Feldman's Story

After a tropical storm in Houston destroyed all of young Sarah's books, a librarian from across the country sent her... more

21 Feb 2023 · 3 minutes
Deb Merchant's Story

When Deb Merchant was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, her partner Scott Stevens was at her side through every... more

14 Feb 2023 · 4 minutes
Julie Cadwallader Staub's Story

Julie's husband, Warren, was always her navigator on road trips. After he passed away, Julie got lost on her first... more

07 Feb 2023 · 4 minutes
Nancy Pardo's Story

Nancy was terrified after her husband, Tom, suffered a series of fainting spells. When she asked his doctor what they... more

31 Jan 2023 · 4 minutes
Majid Hadji's Story

Majid was in a job interview when he was overcome with anxiety — until someone unexpected helped him calm down... more

24 Jan 2023 · 6 minutes
Sabrina Kronk's Story

When her car broke down, Sabrina worried about how she’d get her daughter to daycare — and how she’d... more

17 Jan 2023 · 4 minutes
Todd Kashdan's Story

After Todd's mother died, all of his middle school friends avoided him. But one classmate did just the right thing.

10 Jan 2023 · 4 minutes
Vanessa Grace Miller's Story

After Vanessa had a life-threatening allergic reaction in a foreign country, her young tour guide stepped in to help.

03 Jan 2023 · 5 minutes
Jennifer's Story

Throughout middle school, Jennifer was bullied by a group of girls in her class. Then, someone unexpected stepped in and... more

27 Dec 2022 · 6 minutes
Stephanie Cole's Story

When Stephanie got overwhelmed on the first day of her very first job, a customer shared some kind words.

20 Dec 2022 · 4 minutes
Evelyn Flores' Story

When Evelyn missed recess, her second grade teacher asked why.

13 Dec 2022 · 3 minutes
Kate Baker's Story

When Kate's toddler had a medical emergency on a plane, three women stepped up to comfort her.

06 Dec 2022 · 4 minutes
Rick Mangnall's Story

A favorite episode from the archives: In 2008, while driving to work, Rick crashed into a slab of granite rock.... more

29 Nov 2022 · 5 minutes
Thanksgiving Special: Jamil Zaki Meets His Hero

Jamil Zaki reunites with the doctor who offered him comfort during one of the most difficult times of his life,... more

24 Nov 2022 · 5 minutes
Thanksgiving Special: Gillian Sandstrom's Story

Psychologist Gillian Sandstrom reflects on the stranger who offered her a ride many years ago, and how that relates to... more

22 Nov 2022 · 5 minutes
Jamie Spurway's Story

A favorite episode from the archives: On his first international trip alone, Jamie got lost in the hustle and bustle... more

15 Nov 2022 · 6 minutes
Jessica Israelsen's Story

In 2008, Jessica was serving in the Air Force when her supervisor showed her the true meaning of "service before... more

08 Nov 2022 · 4 minutes
Chewey Clinton's Story

A favorite episode from the archives: Chewey is a teenager from rural Idaho. He's struggling to come to terms with... more

01 Nov 2022 · 5 minutes
Jennifer Reinhart's Story

After a bad fall, Jennifer was struggling to recover from her injuries. One day, a hospital worker helped her feel... more

25 Oct 2022 · 4 minutes
Todd Lagerberg's Story

When Todd's 17-month-old baby became inconsolable on a flight, two flight attendants went above and beyond to calm him.

18 Oct 2022 · 4 minutes
Thea Rhiannon's Story

Thea recalls the stranger with the soothing voice who came to her aid after a devastating car crash.

11 Oct 2022 · 4 minutes
Walter Delgado's Story

A favorite episode from the archives: Walter is walking through the desert, trying to make it to the U.S. When... more

04 Oct 2022 · 5 minutes
Alice Claus' Story

Alice and her sister are exhausted after a long flight to Budapest. Then a young man on the street offers... more

27 Sep 2022 · 4 minutes
Rebecca's Story

After Rebecca left an abusive relationship, she felt broken. She told her counselor, "I can't do this." Then her counselor... more

20 Sep 2022 · 4 minutes
Ken Wilcox's Story

Ken Wilcox's life felt hopeless, like there was nowhere left to turn. Then a simple act from a stranger on... more

13 Sep 2022 · 4 minutes
Brandon Martell's Story

After Brandon, a teacher, learned that his new niece was delivered stillborn, his entire school was informed of the loss.... more

06 Sep 2022 · 5 minutes
Justin Horner's Story

A favorite episode from the archives: About ten years ago, Justin’s tire blew out, and so he sat on the... more

30 Aug 2022 · 6 minutes
Lauryn Valladarez's Story

Lauryn and her fiance were in danger of drowning when a surfer came to their rescue.

23 Aug 2022 · 4 minutes
Apryle Oswald's Story

A favorite episode from the archives: In 1997, Apryle was in a major car crash. A stranger stopped to help... more

16 Aug 2022 · 3 minutes
Dell Reistad's Story

After her little sister was badly injured, a stranger stepped in to comfort Dell. It was a simple gesture, but... more

09 Aug 2022 · 5 minutes
Rick Mangnall's Story

A favorite episode from the archives: In 2008, while driving to work, Rick crashed into a slab of granite rock.... more

02 Aug 2022 · 5 minutes
Ayanna Thomas' Story

In 2009, Ayanna was walking through Tokyo, without an umbrella, when it started to rain. Then a stranger appeared by... more

26 Jul 2022 · 2 minutes
Lorrie Paul's Story

A favorite episode from the archives: It's 1996, and Lorrie is visiting her ailing father in the hospital. She's crying... more

19 Jul 2022 · 3 minutes
Sandra Bailey's Story

Sandra is at her wits' end in her job search — until someone unexpectedly helps her out.

12 Jul 2022 · 5 minutes
Juleus Ghunta's Story

Juleus is in elementary school, and he can't read. But then a new teacher convinces him to believe in himself.

05 Jul 2022 · 4 minutes
Pierce Forde's Story

When Pierce is hurt in a crash, a stranger stays by his side.

28 Jun 2022 · 6 minutes
Jeff Fister's Story

After a car crash, Jeff is flustered as he makes sure his children are okay. A stranger steps out of... more

23 Jun 2022 · 3 minutes
Aya McMillan's Story

Aya is beginning to panic during a long and painful medical procedure, when a technician gives her a soothing back... more

21 Jun 2022 · 5 minutes
Joe Arrigoni's Story

An employee in a shoe store gently helps Joe's wife, Joani, who is struggling with Alzheimer's.

16 Jun 2022 · 6 minutes
Cynthia Page's Story

When menacing strangers surround Cynthia in a phone booth, a savior appears out of nowhere.

14 Jun 2022 · 4 minutes
Betsy Cox's Story

This week, a favorite episode from the archives: Betsy is having one of those days where everything feels like a... more

09 Jun 2022 · 4 minutes
Heather Harper's Story

Heather is overwhelmed with grief when a woman at her church says something that makes her feel less alone.

07 Jun 2022 · 4 minutes
Alie Ward's Story

This week, a favorite episode from the archives: It’s 2013, and Alie’s year is going terribly. Then she gets a... more

02 Jun 2022 · 5 minutes
Brenda Arnold's Story

When Brenda finds herself alone in a foreign country, a kind woman invites her to lunch.

31 May 2022 · 5 minutes
Linda Reddish's Story

Linda is a new mom, flying for the first time with her 3-month-old baby. As she begins to board the... more

26 May 2022 · 5 minutes
Roxanne Olson's Story

When Roxanne finds herself in the middle of a bomb scare at Chicago's O'Hare airport, a woman walks up to... more

24 May 2022 · 5 minutes
Lauren Passell's Story

When Lauren slips on the ice and breaks her hip, a stranger steps in and gets her to the hospital.

19 May 2022 · 4 minutes
Sarah Marshall's Story

During her freshman year of college, Sarah is feeling adrift. But a simple comment from one of her professors helps... more

17 May 2022 · 4 minutes
Trieste Erickson's Story

In 2014, at the lowest point of Trieste's life, a stranger's brief comment changes everything.

12 May 2022 · 5 minutes
Jennifer's Story

A group of girls is bullying Jennifer in middle school. Then someone steps in and changes the way she sees... more

10 May 2022 · 6 minutes
Annika Kahn's Story

Annika reunites with her favorite teacher from high school, 97-year-old Flossie Lewis.

06 May 2022 · 6 minutes
Tony Ludlow's Story

Tony is angry at his English teacher, Mrs. Holman, for making him stay after class. But on the last day... more

05 May 2022 · 6 minutes
My Unsung Hero
Lauren Passell's Story
My Unsung Hero
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Description

When Lauren slips on the ice and breaks her hip, a stranger steps in and gets her to the hospital.