My Unsung Hero

In 2016, Tulika was at the grocery store with her seven-year-old son, Vedant, who is non-verbal and autistic. When Vedant began to cry and pull her hair, a stranger helped Tulika in just the right way.

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025

Jon told his high school principal, Mr. Barnett, that he planned to drop out of school. But Mr. Barnett implored him to earn his diploma —which set Jon on a path to success.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

One morning, A woke up and began believing he was an undercover government agent. He quit his job, and soon after was arrested for reckless driving. But he wasn't in jail for long, because his boss got A the psychiatric help he needed. That act of kindness was life-changing.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

Caroline was about to make a mistake that could have severely damaged her car. Then her unsung hero stepped in and went above and beyond to help her.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

In first grade, Clara had to get a hot lunch at school for the first time. The process was confusing, and she ended up in tears. Then an unsung hero stepped in — and made a lasting impression.

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2024

In the years since we first launched this podcast, we've long wanted to reunite an interviewee with their unsung hero. This week, we're thrilled to share one such reunion, between former guest Megan Atherton and her hero, Toni Cranston. Megan and Toni remember the day they first met 15 years ago, and discuss how Megan's life has changed in the years since then. Today on the show, we bring you a special Thanksgiving episode: After over 15 years, former guest Megan Atherton is reunited with her unsung hero.

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2024

One day in 2001, Nora called 311 to report sexual abuse she says she 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.

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2024

How about this: 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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 10 September 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2024

Shortly before it was her turn to perform in a piano competition, Angela's nerves were getting the best of her. Then a competitor did something that changed her day — and her life.

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2024

Shalom grew up in an Orthodox Jewish home. When he was seven, his grandmother offered him something small that made him rethink his entire relationship to religion.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2024

Not long after chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, Mary Fran was walking through a mall, self-conscious about losing her hair. Then a stranger came up to her, and told her something that gave her hope.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2024

A favorite from the archives: It’s the middle of the night, and Vanessa and her husband are stranded on an Alaskan highway. Just when they’ve given up hope, a car pulls over.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2024

In 2006, Patricia's three-year-old son had a grand mal seizure. She was a single mother, with no one to accompany her to the hospital. But an hour into her hospital stay, a familiar face appeared.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2024