My Unsung Hero

In 2006, Patricia's three-year-old son had a grand mal seizure. She was a single mother, with no one to accompany her to the hospital. But an hour into her hospital stay, a familiar face appeared.

Growing up, Joy and her parents were dedicated to helping others. Then they received some life-changing help themselves.

Father Martin remembers an act of generosity by a nun named Sister Janice Farnham.

Growing up, Juleus struggled to read. Then a young teacher saw his potential.

Nicole had a seizure while driving to work. When she woke up in the hospital, she learned about an incredible act of courage by another driver on the road.

After Nick's daughter was diagnosed with cancer, the owner of a restaurant near her hospital made a surprising gesture of support.

John honors the man who saved his life and inspired his vocation of nearly 40 years.

When Paix moved to a new high school, he felt lost and alone. Then an older student said something that gave him a flash of hope.

After fleeing to the US from the Soviet Union, River’s family was struggling to survive. Then, a kind gesture changed their life. 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 front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.Thank you!

After Kathryn burned her face in a kitchen accident, the ambulance worker on the ride to the hospital helped her feel like everything was going to be ok.

Nancy was terrified after her husband, Tom, suffered a series of fainting spells. When she asked his doctor what they should do next, the doctor’s answer stunned her — and changed her life.

Bethany  was feeling overwhelmed as a single mom with three small children. But one small act of kindness by a neighbor let Bethany know she'd be okay.

A worker at a funeral home makes a special effort to locate the family members of an ailing woman, and unwittingly uncovers a family secret that goes back decades. 

After Julie developed a persistent cough, no one seemed to be able to identify the cause. Then, her unsung hero stepped in and saved her life. 

Forty years ago, when JoAnne was working the night shift as a neonatal nurse, a baby girl was born terminally ill. JoAnne recalls the way her supervisor, Nancy, went above and beyond to make the baby feel loved.

When Ben got a call about his mother being badly injured, he feared the worst. But when he arrived to the hospital, he learned how a stranger's quick thinking had saved her life. 

Biar tells the story of a stranger who approached him on the street in Nairobi, Kenya and "sowed a seed of kindness" that he carries with him today.

When Sandy burst into tears in the supermarket checkout line, a store employee offered her unexpected comfort.If you enjoy this show, be sure to check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain. Each week, we bring you science and stories to help you better understand yourself and the world around you. 

A favorite from our archives: Alexandra was struggling with hybrid teaching when a small gesture from a student reminded her why she loved her job.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 front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.Thank you!

When Roger's wife was in the cancer ward, a nurse went out of her way to make her last days more comfortable.