My Unsung Hero

In first grade, Clara had to get a hot lunch at school for the first time. The process was confusing, and she ended up in tears. Then an unsung hero stepped in — and made a lasting impression.

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 [email protected]. 

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.

In the years since we first launched this podcast, we've long wanted to reunite an interviewee with their unsung hero. This week, we're thrilled to share one such reunion, between former guest Megan Atherton and her hero, Toni Cranston. Megan and Toni remember the day they first met 15 years ago, and discuss how Megan's life has changed in the years since then. 

If you missed Megan's original episode, you can find it here. 

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 [email protected]. 

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.

On the darkest day of her life, Clarice’s unsung heroes gave her a safe space to feel some joy. 

Editorial note: if you or someone you know is in crisis, there are people who can help. Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. 

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 [email protected]. 

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.

Emma was at a restaurant, feeling overwhelmed with her three young children. Then, a stranger came over to tell her just what she needed to hear.

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 [email protected]. 

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.

After her car key broke, Betsy was stranded and all alone. Then, the unlikeliest of heroes came to her aid. 

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 [email protected]. 

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.

After Brian refused to accepted a stranger's help, her actions changed his life forever. 

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 [email protected]. 

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.

A stranger noticed Jackie at a conference, and realized something was wrong. A favorite episode from our archives. 

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 [email protected]. 

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.

‘A light went off in my head’: Malcolm honors his high school civics teacher, who inspired him to become a teacher himself.

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 [email protected]. 

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.

Samantha was terrified waiting for surgery. Then her anesthesiologist began to sing.

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 [email protected]. 

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.

When Corey’s car stalled in the middle of a busy intersection, he was surprised by who stepped up to help

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 [email protected]. 

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.