
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 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 | 100 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | DocumentarySociety & Culture | |||

***ANNOUNCEMENT***
After 100 episodes of 'Strangers on a Break' it feels the right time to take a break.
I can't say when it will return but I very much hope it will do one day.
I've written more about this on an instagram post that you can find h... 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
*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
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Just love hearing from such a diverse group of people. Restores my faith in the humanity of most people. Keep it going Tom!! Kia Ora from Aotearoa /New Zealand.
What a wonderful gift of humanity in such inhumane times! Tom Rosenthal is a delightful conversationalist! If Ep 100 is his last, I’ll be forced to wish him well (😉), but will start and the beginning and work through the stories again!
Ok I know it’s just an episode it’s not like it’s gonna
Happen for real right?! ….. BUT WHY YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE DEAD?! I mean really… and I like the logo. But I think I ignored the fact that there are episodes like that… still a great podcast
I love what you done…. - sushi
Tom’s questioning and his guests’ musings simply restore faith in humankind. So simple, so kind, and such a variety of people, often at a crossroad in life; ready to reflect….
My favourite podcast … just so beautiful and insightful and real. Looking forward to many more eps to come ❤️
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #61 | |
Apple Podcasts | #245 | |
Apple Podcasts | #8 | |
Apple Podcasts | #32 | |
Apple Podcasts | #45 | |
Apple Podcasts | #30 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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A reflective interview series centered on intimate conversations with ordinary people on park benches across the UK and Ireland. Hosts guide guests through life stories that touch on family, love, aging, trauma, creativity, grief, and resilience, all delivered with a gentle, curious, and nonjudgmental tone. The format emphasizes vulnerability, empathy, and human connection, producing consistently warm, insightful, and life-affirming exchanges. Notable traits include a steady emphasis on quiet humanity, a calm interviewing approach, and the ability to surface surprising depths from diverse speakers. Potential listeners who enjoy human-interest storytelling, slow-burn conversations, and uplifting yet thoughtful narratives are likely to find i... more
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Strangers on a Bench launched 2 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Strangers on a Bench include:
1. Guest (name not identified)
2. Unnamed Kite Enthusiast
3. Unnamed female guest
4. Unnamed Campaigner
5. Unnamed guest
6. Unnamed Dutch Man
7. Unnamed Male Guest
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