Jon told his high school principal, Mr. Barnett, that he planned to drop out of school. But Mr. Barnett implored... more

One morning, A woke up and began believing he was an undercover government agent. He quit his job, and... more

When Vivian's son was young, he often got into situations where he hurt himself or others. One day, while at... more

After receiving irregular test results, Alexis left her doctor's appointment in tears. On her way out of the office, a... more

In the late 1980s, Stephanie was driving to an appointment when she was hit by a large pickup truck. As... more

The driver who took Ashley Blas to a cemetery noticed grass covering part of her mother’s gravestone. So he dropped... more

About 30 years ago, Nancy ran the New York City Marathon. When she finished, she headed to the reunion area... more

In 1968, when Terry was four, she and her two young siblings were left briefly in the car by themselves.... more

On New Year's Eve 2022, Eleanor's car broke down at the post office. Over the next 40 minutes, five different... more

Glenna's father was a firefighter for years. Early in his career, he almost died in a house fire. The man... more

One evening after class, Ellen took public transportation home. It was a quiet night, and when she got off at... more

More than 40 years ago, Paul's father began to show signs of cognitive decline. As a result, he lost job... more

Years ago, on a flight home, Caitlin and the man next to her started chatting. She told him that ever... more

When David's wife fell ill, a friend went above and beyond to help the family cope.

When Melissa’s seven-year-old son was hit by a pickup truck, a stranger ran across the street to help.

When Cara Beth was studying abroad in college, her brother, Luke, died in an accident. On the plane ride home,... more

When Claire was a server at a high-end restaurant, she fumbled opening an expensive bottle of wine. But instead of... more

After Virginia's young daughter accidentally boarded a subway train without her, someone unexpected stepped in to help.

When Kimberly was training to become a nurse practitioner, one of her mentors changed how she viewed her role in... more

When Charlie arrived at the scene of his wife’s bike accident, he found four women protecting her from oncoming traffic.

Many years ago, Karleen was physically attacked by her then-boyfriend, and fled her home to sit on the curb. As... more

When Mark was a medical student, he struggled to care for a manipulative patient. Then one day, he saw the... more

Caroline was about to make a mistake that could have severely damaged her car. Then her unsung hero stepped in... more

In first grade, Clara had to get a hot lunch at school for the first time. The process was confusing,... more

In the years since we first launched this podcast, we've long wanted to reunite an interviewee with their unsung hero.... more

On the darkest day of her life, Clarice’s unsung heroes gave her a safe space to feel some joy. ... more

Emma was at a restaurant, feeling overwhelmed with her three young children. Then, a stranger came over to tell her... more

After her car key broke, Betsy was stranded and all alone. Then, the unlikeliest of heroes came to her aid.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The morning after Megan was evicted from her home, her car broke down. She had nowhere to go — until... more

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

Janet's sister, Susan, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and unable to attend her daughter's high school graduation. Then the hospital... more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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... more

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

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

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... more

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... more

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

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

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... more

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

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... more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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... more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mike fell on the sidewalk, and wasn't able to get up on his own. Then a kind stranger asked how... more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Azim encounters his high school English teacher in the most unexpected place.

Lila's third grade teacher notices her struggling with writing, and comes up with a way to help.