

Strangers on a Bench
Tom Rosenthal
Have you ever walked past a mysterious stranger on a park bench and wondered about their lives? Tom Rosenthal (singer-songwriter by trade) has spent the last 6 months walking the many parks of London, approaching random bench-dwellers and asking if he can sit next to them and record their conversation. Every stranger remains anonymous, neither name or place of work is ever revealed (even to Tom himself), leading to greater openness, intimacy, and surprising revelations from the participants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 4, 2025 • 49min
EPISODE 47: The Time I've Got Left
A heartfelt conversation on a park bench reveals the significance of Fridays and embracing life's final chapters. Guests share personal stories about the joy found in simple gestures and the transformative power of vulnerability. They discuss finding freedom in letting go of ambition and the happiness in rediscovering simple pleasures. The therapeutic joy of organizing hardware comes alive, alongside reflections on love, memory, and humor in facing mortality. The importance of cherishing connections and expressing love during challenging times is emphasized throughout.

Jul 28, 2025 • 37min
EPISODE 46: Looking for the Dangling Carrot
A spontaneous conversation blossoms on a park bench, revealing insights into daily routines and the passage of time. The importance of balancing passions, creativity, and social life is humorously dissected, with heartwarming family tales thrown in. Personal growth takes center stage with thrilling mountain-climbing stories and reflections on relationships. The joy of voice notes brings nostalgic warmth, while discussions on emotional choices illuminate the complexities of love and loss, reminding us of life's colorful journeys.

5 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 42min
EPISODE 45: The Air Is My Ocean
Enjoy a delightful exploration of kite flying and the joyful nostalgia it brings. Personal stories weave through relationships and the meaning of success, revealing deep family connections. Insights into data analysis highlight the complexities of modern relationships and societal pressures. A transformative cycling experience speaks to freedom while sharing anecdotes about nature. Finally, the journey of building a sports apparel brand reflects personal aspirations, emphasizing the importance of companionship and shared memories.

9 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 33min
EPISODE 44: A Second Life
A chance encounter on a bench leads to deep reflections on life. The hosts dive into the power of genealogy, revealing emotional family ties and personal histories. They share exhilarating travel moments, highlighting the joy of adventure and wildlife. Nostalgia takes center stage with tender memories of youth, friendships, and past relationships. The importance of context in communication is explored, revealing how intentions shape connections. Ultimately, the episode captures the beauty of solitude, community, and the warmth of shared experiences.

Jul 7, 2025 • 48min
EPISODE 43: The Definition of a Mystery
Join a whimsical conversation that starts with the beauty of connecting with strangers on park benches. Dive into the emotional rollercoaster of upcoming parenthood, where excitement meets anxiety. Explore the playful side of digging holes and dreams, including the perfect traits of an ice cream van. Reflect on nostalgia and childhood regrets, sharing humorous anecdotes that highlight life's fleeting moments. It's a delightful mix of heartfelt insights and lighthearted banter, celebrating life’s simple pleasures.

Jun 30, 2025 • 36min
EPISODE 42: If Only You Knew
An impromptu chat sparks laughter and connections as two strangers share their favorite days of the week. Personal stories of transformation highlight the courage of pursuing lifelong learning and the impact of family support. Humor takes center stage with whimsical tales of hat-collecting at parties, while heartfelt discussions on grief and emotional growth delve into the complexities of life's challenges. The joy of dancing emerges as a liberating force, reminding listeners of the healing power of human connection.

10 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 55min
EPISODE 41: A Common Humanity
The conversation kicks off with joyful reflections on Fridays and how personal challenges from past surgeries influence work routines. Humor takes center stage as the speakers share quirky remote work stories involving distractions and noisy neighbors. A journey of self-expression through music emerges, along with poignant discussions about childhood bullying and its lasting impact. Transformative experiences in Fiji shape career pathways, while themes of compassion and the complexities of writing and relationships unfold, inviting deep connections and reflections.

20 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 46min
EPISODE 40: A Seal Called Noon
A whimsical conversation unfolds as the host discusses the perfect Sunday with a stranger. They share thoughts on self-identity and the healing journey, touching on family dynamics and personal accountability. Laughter arises from 'fridge resentment', humorously referencing societal inequalities, before a charming encounter with a seal named Noon leads to deeper reflections on names and familial ties. The duo explores sibling complexities, early job experiences, and dreams of living freely, injecting joy and introspection into their moments.

Jun 9, 2025 • 27min
EPISODE 39: The Runaway
A delightful conversation unfolds on a park bench, featuring a cheerful grandmother sharing heartwarming tales of family life. Personal stories about teenage romance and identity explore the complex dynamics of love and growing up. One poignant discussion centers on the journey through cancer, blending hope with humor. Laughter meets chaos as a couple navigates a fire and a car accident in Ireland, leading to unexpected help. The talk also touches on complex relationships and the quest for future clarity amidst emotional challenges.

Jun 2, 2025 • 42min
EPISODE 38: Casinos, Cheating, and Chamomile
Heartfelt conversations unfold about the simple joys of Fridays and the nostalgia of comfort food. Personal wellness journeys reveal vulnerabilities and the impact of nutrition. Tea habits offer a balance of energy and calm during tough times. The significance of family connections and the challenges of discussing difficult past experiences are explored. The complexities of modern relationships raise questions about masculinity, emotional growth, and the effects of technology on social interactions, all intertwined with nostalgic tales of adventure.