

Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People
Chris Gethard
1 phone call. 1 hour. No names. No holds barred. Thats the premise behind Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People, hosted by comedian Chris Gethard (the Chris Gethard Show, Broad City, This American Life, and one of Time Outs 10 best comedians of 2015). Every week, Chris opens the phone line to one anonymous caller, and he cant hang up first, no matter what. From shocking confessions and family secrets to philosophical discussions and shameless self-promotion, anything can and will happen! Theme song by Shellshag.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 19, 2023 • 1h 26min
A Human Breathing
A caller from New Zealand discusses her Māori heritage, art with a message, and American perceptions. The podcast also touches on teacher struggles, the Bushwackers, career transitions, insecurities in art, and perceptions of violence in America.

Dec 12, 2023 • 1h 34min
Santería
A novice Santero discusses finding his way to Santería, debunking stereotypes, the influence of Likumi, respecting diverse religions, and the shared origins and rituals of Santería and other religions. They emphasize the importance of community and rituals in their practice.

Dec 5, 2023 • 1h 24min
Niagara Falls
A multitasking caller discusses comedy, children's theater, grad school, switching careers while raising a newborn, and a funny connection to her child's birth. They also explore humor as a coping mechanism, reflecting on academic performance, finding empowerment through theater, taboo topic of child loss and partners' grief, benefits of natural soap products and online therapy, and working with kids in children's theater.

Dec 4, 2023 • 6min
Introducing ‘Tis The Grinch Holiday Talk Show
A snarky talk show host, the Grinch, rants against Christmas cheer and roasts celebrity guests. The Grinch's punishment for stealing Christmas is to host this talk show. There is a debate about children's bedtime rules. Will the celebrities convince the Grinch that Christmas is great?

Nov 28, 2023 • 1h 44min
You're Not the Rizzler Anymore (Episode 400)
Gethard talks with an 80 year old nun about new slang, the horrors of dating apps, and when he stopped being cool. They also announce the launch of Beautiful Anonymous Plus, a subscription service with bonus content and exclusive access.

Nov 21, 2023 • 1h 34min
Left the Jehovah's Witnesses for Satanism
A Buddhist, formerly involved with Satanism and the Jehovah's Witnesses, shares their journey of leaving the faith, exploring sex, drugs, and serial killers. They discuss the damaging effects of growing up in the Jehovah's Witnesses and the contrast between their fascination with Satanic imagery. The speaker also delves into their transition from Jehovah's Witnesses to Satanism, involvement in subcultures and the porn industry, and observations on QAnon.

Nov 14, 2023 • 1h 27min
Never, Always, Should (F*** Jerry Lewis)
F*** Jerry Lewis, an artist with complicated feelings about failure and success, discusses his decision to retire as an artist now that he's about to have a kid. They also touch on moving through the world as an amputee with cerebral palsy and the challenges of being overlooked in the arts industry. The speaker reflects on finding solace in hardcore music and expresses gratitude for the supportive community it provides, but also acknowledges potential dangers. They discuss their dislike for Jerry Lewis, debate best wrestlers, and touch on the Trump administration's policies on disabled people.

Nov 7, 2023 • 1h 21min
Gave My Dad a Kidney
Caller discusses the emotional journey of giving her dad a kidney, resilience in the face of loss, exploring spiritual connections with animals, the decision to donate, seeking help before reaching rock bottom, convenient and affordable therapy options, delicious ready-to-eat meals, sitting with pain and creating safe spaces, competing with younger individuals, recovery from kidney surgery, Europe trip and mental health advocacy, and encouraging organ donation.

Oct 31, 2023 • 1h 27min
Bought a Mardi Gras Float
A PhD student with a connective tissue disorder owning a Mardi Gras float is just the beginning of the interesting topics covered in this podcast. They discuss first tattoos, quirky parents, defining partying, rare diseases, writing separate alien books, Unitarian Universalism, and body incidents at apple orchards.

Oct 24, 2023 • 1h 13min
Moved to an Island on a Whim
A pregnant woman living on a mysterious island talks about moving on a whim, connecting with animals instead of children, and the emotional burden of veterinary euthanasia.