Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People

Sharing something special from our friend Dan Heath, NYT bestselling author and host of the new podcast What It’s Like To Be... The show explores the world of work by interviewing interesting people with interesting jobs. You’ll be a fly on the wall as Dan talks to couples therapist Laura Heck: How can she spot a bad client before they walk in the door? What’s her favorite activity to try with struggling couples? You’ll hear what it’s like to walk in her shoes… You can hear more episodes of What It’s Like to Be… at https://link.chtbl.com/beautifulanon and get insights on Instagram at @whatitsliketobepodcast.  

A visual artist discusses their first experience taking Adderall for ADHD, the challenges of making art, and the importance of embracing discomfort in art. They also reflect on navigating criticism, compromising for financial stability, and the power of creating art without seeking external validation. The speakers explore the concept of feeling uncomfortable with someone's art and discuss the significance of language. They also reflect on growing up in the digital age and announce a new question series.

A former belly dancer discusses the social justice issues of her profession and her transition into a new phase of life. The podcast also explores the cultural appropriation and racism in belly dance, the impact of George Floyd on the community, and the speaker's shift in priorities from performance to family.

A punk rock musician shares how his life changed when his mom got sick, discussing his job as a dog walker, struggles with low pay, and experiences with wealthy households. They also explore building meaningful relationships in their 30s, finding joy in performing, pursuing musical dreams, and the punk rock ethos. The speaker reflects on their mother's strength, family dynamics, and a remarkable funeral. They express gratitude and provide exciting announcements in the farewell.

A caller shares the joys and challenges of having a second child, reflects on regrets about college choices and working class jobs, discusses disappearing friends and betrayal, navigates vision loss, recounts a funny yet gross incident with a dog at the beach, and expresses excitement for Halloween.

Toby Morse, the host of One Life One Chance podcast, invites Gethard to discuss online friendships and the dangers of secret internet relationships. They also touch on the addictive nature of the internet, the value of human connection, and the impact of COVID-19 on socializing.

Aparna Nancherla, author of Unreliable Narrator, joins as a guest. The anonymous caller shares a story of deep betrayal by a loved one. Topics discussed include empathy, compassion, challenges of working in unscripted television, toxic relationships, mental health crises, and the importance of the Jersey Shore.

A caller shares their experience of discovering their stepfather's secret lives and how he spent their college savings. They also discuss reconnecting with their biological father and meeting their half-sister. The podcast covers topics like family betrayal, subscriptions, forgiveness, and the possibility of good from evil.

This live episode of Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People explores the themes of love, joy, and resilience in the face of adversity. The host reflects on the impact of a previous emotionally impactful episode about navigating a daughter's cancer diagnosis. The chapter highlights the power of joyful experiences in creating lasting memories as a family takes a trip to Disney World and SeaWorld. The podcast also delves into the challenges and rewards of clinical research and oncology. It discusses the belief in the constancy of love and the small moments of love found in everyday life, even in difficult times.

A graphic designer helps her family run their 90-year-old hoagie shop, shares winning a national grilled cheese competition, fostering over 30 cats, accidentally breaking into a stranger’s apartment, and her long journey to getting diagnosed with Chronic Lyme, a controversial illness she sheds light on.