Strangers on a Bench EPISODE 53: A Very Different Place
Sep 15, 2025
A heartfelt conversation unfolds on a park bench, touching on deep themes of loneliness and the impact of family ties. The guest shares powerful reflections on disliking Sundays due to memories of home and the challenges of social situations. They explore ideal self-care days filled with nurturing activities and the importance of physical touch. More profoundly, they bravely recount past struggles with suicide and the journey toward healing, emphasizing the vital role of therapy and support. A cleansing swim is on the horizon, symbolizing hope and renewal.
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Moved At Fifteen, Misses Family
- The guest hates Sundays because they miss family and feel like they don't have one.
- They emigrated to Australia at 15 and felt disconnected from friends and family bonds.
Honesty Builds Bridges
- Honesty about struggles creates bridges for others to understand themselves.
- Tom says sharing real feelings helps listeners recognise and accept their own emotions.
Fifteen-Minute Social Limit
- The guest left a social event after 15 minutes because they felt anxious and sought out a dog to ground themselves.
- The dog eventually left and that signalled to them it was time to go home.