

My Unsung Hero
Hidden Brain
The daily news can fill us with despair. My Unsung Hero is an antidote to that despair. Each episode reveals what the news ignores: everyday acts of kindness and courage that transformed someone's life. Listen — and renew your faith in humanity. From Hidden Brain Media.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 29, 2025 • 4min
Eileen Freiberg-Dale's Story
When Eileen’s husband came home from the hospital after a traumatic brain injury, he wasn’t the same. He couldn't do many of the household chores he used to take care of, like raking up the leaves in their yard. So one day, Eileen decided to try to get the chore done. As she picked up the leaves in her yard, crying, she felt a tap on her shoulder.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.--If your hero were standing in front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

Jul 22, 2025 • 5min
Kim Perlak's Story
After spilling her lunch on the way to work, Kim received an unexpected gift from a stranger. The experience not only helped her through that day, but gave her a sense of belonging and community.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.--If your hero were standing in front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

Jul 15, 2025 • 4min
Alek Hermon's Story
After Alek's father died in the hospital, a nurse shared his grief.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.--If your hero were standing in front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

Jul 8, 2025 • 6min
Julie Ort's Story
Julie shares a heartfelt story about an embarrassing moment in physics class that led to a surprising act of kindness from a fellow student. This unforgettable gesture not only lifted her spirits but also highlighted the importance of support during tough times. The discussion also dives into personal challenges, like overcoming a major spinal cord injury, showcasing the profound impact of simple moments of compassion, like receiving warm chocolate chip cookies from a friend.

4 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 5min
Maureen Futtner's Story
In a moving tale, Maureen shares how an unexpected conversation with a stranger on the subway helped her navigate her grief after the loss of her sister. Their heartfelt exchange became a cherished memory, highlighting the healing power of connection and the profound impact of kindness in difficult times. This story reminds us that even brief encounters can leave a lasting mark and provide comfort when we least expect it.

Jun 24, 2025 • 4min
Karen de Boer's Story
As a college freshman, Karen was sometimes inconsiderate to her hallmate, Pam. So when Karen missed the bus to her choir performance, an hour away, she was surprised — and moved — when Pam came to her rescue.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.--If your hero were standing in front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

Jun 17, 2025 • 5min
Eric Johnson's Story
Eric and his husband, Dennis Hopkins, lived a life full of music, gardening, and dance. But in 2022, Dennis was diagnosed with lung cancer. A few days before he died, they met a nurse named Sherry, who offered a compassionate roadmap of what was to come.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.--If your hero were standing in front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

Jun 15, 2025 • 4min
Donald Kabara's Story
Happy Father’s Day, dads! In honor of dads everywhere, we bring you a bonus episode about a transit worker who gave Donald Kabara an unexpected gift: a hug from his son.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.--If your hero were standing in front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

Jun 10, 2025 • 4min
Brad Larsen's Story
The last place Brad saw his mom before she died was at a diner in New York. A few years later, when he went back to that diner, the bartender asked if he remembered their table, and invited him to go sit there.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.--If your hero were standing in front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.

Jun 3, 2025 • 4min
Darren Wayman's Story
In 2019, Darren was about to become a first-time father, and he was terrified. Then a doctor came into the delivery room and said something that completely changed his perspective on parenthood.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.--If your hero were standing in front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.