

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

May 24, 2022 • 1h 6min
Improvisational Jazz
A jazz musician talks about improvising songs, doing stand-up for her hero, and facing harassment as a woman in the jazz world. The hosts discuss challenges in merging improv skills, technical difficulties during the call, finding flow through improvisation and mentorship, the fleeting nature of success in the music industry, and a bizarre incident at a live show.

May 17, 2022 • 1h 10min
Raising a Son With Autism
A father in Portugal opens up to Geth about fatherhood and raising a child with Autism. He explains how his son’s diagnosis made him start to question if he too might be on the Autism spectrum. He also discusses where to vacation in his home country and some things you might not know about Portugal.

May 10, 2022 • 1h 8min
Mixed-Orientation Marriage
After 20 years together, her husband told her that he was attracted to men. Now they're in an open marriage and still best friends. A woman opens up to Geth about being honest with their kids, sex after menopause, and her husband’s Parkinson’s diagnosis.

May 3, 2022 • 1h 5min
The Land Of Smiles (Live from Denver)
A native Texan opens up to Geth about leaving everything behind after her mom’s death and moving to Thailand. She shares a crazy story about the time she got robbed then moved in with a Muay Thai fighter. She also talks about the complicated relationship she had with her mom including the fact that she slept with several of her friends. This episode includes a conversation about suicide, so please keep that in mind before you listen. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Apr 26, 2022 • 1h 3min
Identical Twins
Geth speaks with charming, identical twin geniuses about “twin hopping,” fraternal twin frauds, and who would play them in a film. They get into twin shenanigans like convincing people that identical twins don't have belly buttons. Chris pitches ideas for a twin hosted podcast. They also discuss their jobs including working in national security and creating virtual reality textbook illustrations.

Apr 19, 2022 • 1h 6min
Attacked By Birds Listening to Beautiful/Anonymous (Live from Sacramento)
An ornithologist speaks with Geth about studying skuas and the time she almost punched a penguin. She opens up about how working in the field has affected her love life. She also describes the special bond that comes from living with a small group in a remote area and the joy of eating ice cream in Antarctica.

Apr 12, 2022 • 1h 2min
Autopsy Technician
An autopsy technician explains the origins of his dark sense of humor and why he wants a career change. He also opens up to Geth about the importance of emotionally detaching during an autopsy, the hardest he’s laughed a work, and how playing guitar helps him unwind. This episode includes graphic talk about autopsy work and mentions of sexual assault. So please keep that in mind before you listen and if you find these topics distressing, you might want to join us next episode instead.

Apr 5, 2022 • 1h 6min
New Job, Dead Dad
A daughter opens up about losing her dad and going through a big career change at the same time. She shares the strange way she got her new job and how it felt to plan a funeral for someone she never really knew.

Mar 29, 2022 • 1h 6min
Monogamish
A woman opens up about being a closeted bisexual during her marriage. She shares with Geth how infertility issues and getting divorced led to coming out as polyamorous. She also discusses having Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and what it’s like being in a throuple.

Mar 22, 2022 • 1h 10min
Clothing Optional Gay Resort (Live from San Francisco)
Where does one put their room key and vax card at a nude resort? Our caller reveals the answer to Geth live from San Francisco. He shares his theory on why older gay men are drawn to Palm Springs. Later on, he tells the bizarre story of temporarily losing his hearing and sense of balance. He also talks about losing his brother to addiction, making his friend go to rehab, and helps an audience member choose their next tattoo.