Strangers on a Bench
Tom RosenthalHave 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 past year walking through various parks across the UK and Ireland, 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 revea... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 98 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | DocumentarySociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
*Content warning : this episode contains references to suicide and drug use.,
Tom Rosenthal approaches a stranger on a park bench and asks if he can sit down next to them and record their conversation.
This is what happened!
Produced by Tom Rose... more
Tom Rosenthal approaches a stranger on a park bench and asks if he can sit down next to them and record their conversation.
This is what happened!
Produced by Tom Rosenthal
Edited by Rose De Larrabeiti
Mixed by Mike Woolley
Theme tune by Tom Ro... more
Tom Rosenthal approaches a stranger on a park bench and asks if he can sit down next to them and record their conversation.
This is what happened!
Produced by Tom Rosenthal
Edited by Rose De Larrabeiti
Mixed by Mike Woolley
Theme tune by Tom Ro... more
Tom Rosenthal approaches a stranger on a park bench and asks if he can sit down next to them and record their conversation.
This is what happened!
Produced by Tom Rosenthal
Edited by Rose De Larrabeiti
Mixed by Mike Woolley
Theme tune by Tom Ro... more
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Reviews
- Absolutely brilliant and life affirming
I love this podcast. In fact I’d say it’s my favourite of all time! It’s gentle, excellently presented, calm and intelligent. Tom is an outstanding and sensitive interviewer and brings out the best in people. Amazingly insightful questions that flow with the interviewee. It’s lovely because it shows that everyone, absolutely everyone, has a rich and interesting life and story to tell. It’s just a matter of giving them attention and letting them be who they are without judgement. I find it enrich... more
Apple Podcasts5dad1932
United Kingdom22 days ago - Beautiful
This episode was a masterpiece. The dynamic interaction that brought such emotional candour from a woman who said she wasn’t a good talker. The fascinating layers and details of her life but the poignancy and depth of was left unsaid - and the clear weight of regret in someone who had tried her best for so long in such difficult inhumane circumstances. She reminded me so much of my own mother. And the end song was perfection. It had me in tears. Taken as a whole this episode was a piece of art.
Apple Podcasts5Leo AndrosUnited Kingdoma month ago - Really good!
I just love Tom - he’s such a lovely, caring, compassionate guy and the last episode where he offers to buy a lady a ticket to Brisbane had me in tears!!!
Apple Podcasts5Deb290969United Kingdoma month ago I love the interesting conversations. So many tender topics gently handled. The added bonus occasionally of Tom making a desire/ dream come true. It's so refreshing to here a snap shot of real people in real stages of life.
Very grounding podcast, well done Tom x
Podcast Addict5a month agoJulia B- Often funny surprisingly poignant episodes
From “do you have a favorite day of the week?” to “what are you doing next?” you’re invited to journey through vignettes of a complete stranger’s life. Tom’s follow up questions evoke funny, sad, and often poignant moments that remind you each time we’re all just humans-so much more alike than not. I never miss an episode and highly recommend!!
Apple Podcasts5Gram TDiz
United Statesa month ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #46 | United States/Society & Culture/Documentary |
Spotify | #37 | United Kingdom/Society & Culture |
Spotify | #124 | United Kingdom/Trending |
Apple Podcasts | #107 | United Kingdom/Top Podcasts |
Apple Podcasts | #5 | United Kingdom/Society & Culture/Documentary |
Apple Podcasts | #20 | United Kingdom/Society & Culture |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Strangers on a Bench
What is Strangers on a Bench about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A conversational series centered on long-form chats with strangers encountered in public spaces, guided by a warm host who sits beside them on a park bench. Episodes span a wide range of human experiences—from grief, illness, and trauma to identity, family, and everyday joys—revealing intimate personal histories and moments of resilience. The format tends to create a calm, reflective space where guests reveal memories, beliefs, and hopes, often weaving humor with vulnerability. Notable quirks include the anonymized setup and a steady cadence of humane, character-driven storytelling that can feel therapeutic for listeners seeking empathy and connection.
Where can I find podcast stats for Strangers on a Bench?
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How many listeners does Strangers on a Bench get?
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What are the audience demographics for Strangers on a Bench?
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How many subscribers and views does Strangers on a Bench have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Strangers on a Bench?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Strangers on a Bench:
1. Life Changing
2. Desert Island Discs
3. Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth
4. Ready to Talk with Emma Barnett
5. The Louis Theroux Podcast
How many episodes of Strangers on a Bench are there?
Strangers on a Bench launched 2 years ago and published 98 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Strangers on a Bench?
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What guests have appeared on Strangers on a Bench?
Recent guests on Strangers on a Bench include:
1. Guest (name not identified)
2. Unnamed Guest
3. Unnamed Kite Enthusiast
4. Unnamed female guest
5. Unnamed Campaigner
6. Unnamed Dutch Man
7. Unnamed Male Guest
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.