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Artwork for Strangers on a Bench

Strangers on a Bench

Tom Rosenthal
Music
Mental Health
London
Parenthood
Family
Grief
Mobile Phones
Aging
Life Purpose
Prison
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Train Travel
Childhood Memories
Miniature Making
Well-Being
Cycling
Cemetery
Brain Tumor
Living On a Boat

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes78Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
DocumentarySociety & Culture

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Strangers on a Bench

Latest Episodes

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

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

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Guest (name not identified)
Shares personal stories about love, panic attacks, and aspirations to become a photographer.
Episode: EPISODE 63: All You Need Is One Good Night
Unnamed Guest
A churchgoer with a vibrant personality and a passion for life and community.
Episode: EPISODE 55: It's Like I've Met You Before
Unnamed Kite Enthusiast
A kite flying enthusiast who shares his experiences and passions.
Episode: EPISODE 45: The Air Is My Ocean
Unnamed female guest
A woman reflecting on her Muslim upbringing, familial trauma, and the journey of self-discovery and healing.
Episode: EPISODE 37: Pain Softens Your Heart
Unnamed Campaigner
LGBTIQ human rights campaigner
Episode: EPISODE 32: Becoming a Superhero
Unnamed Dutch Man
A Dutchman passionate about Latin dancing and self-reflection
Episode: EPISODE 25: The Teacher Will Appear
Unnamed Male Guest
A young man reflecting on his personal journey and relationships
Episode: EPISODE 18: Snowy Arrivals and Father Figures

Host

Tom Rosenthal
Host of Strangers on a Bench

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 7k ratings
  • Heartwarming

    Spent many a day crying at my desk listening to Strangers on a Bench, some happy, some sad, all are interesting and heartwarming conversations ✨

    Tom is a fantastic listener, only interjecting conversation when he can relate to the teller and to prompt a question. The songs at the end are great! 5⭐️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cathbow
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Real Convos

    Honestly love the realness but please position away from the screaming bliss of the playground.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MB Gorgie
    United Statesa month ago
  • Love love love

    Oh this is just brilliant! Tom you have something really rare, if more people could listen as you do the world would be a much better place. Never has a podcast had me hanging on every word!! Thank you for thinking of this!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    pinkmoony123
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • You Laugh and cry a lot

    One of my favourites for the dog walk. A little insight into humanity…. I always describe it as the fascination of normality. Everyone has something amazing or tragic or bizarre both us. And Tom uncovers this is in his conversation. Every episode a classic. Every person is a story…

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DJ Bee
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Genius

    Quite simply, a beautiful podcast to listen to. Thank you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    D3bssss
    United Kingdoma month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guests are consistently seen as authentic and relatable, with stories that feel both ordinary and profound.
The musical interludes at the end are a meaningful, soothing signature that deepens emotional takeaway.
Listeners appreciate the host's attentive, nonjudgmental approach and the way conversations unfold slowly and honestly.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

EPISODE 74: Tuesday is Green
Q: What would you say to anybody who might be listening, who thinks they have an issue with alcohol and struggles with the concept of stopping?
A first stop would be Alcoholics Anonymous, the website. Read the stories of people who have got sober.
EPISODE 72: Just Ask The Trees
Q: What has emerged from yourself during the quiet times?
It's more like stripping away everything to realize that your identity is actually just you without all the external things.
EPISODE 72: Just Ask The Trees
Q: How do you spend these Mondays?
There's a backstory to how my dream has changed for Mondays. I'm really enjoying spending time alone after dropping off my son at school.
EPISODE 70: When You Realise Who You Are
Q: What surprised you about talking to a stranger on a bench?
I found a sense of spaciousness and felt like I disappeared a bit during the conversation.
EPISODE 70: When You Realise Who You Are
Q: What did you realize about your life?
I realized my life was a lie, and I had been fabricating a character to be liked.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Strangers on a Bench

What is Strangers on a Bench about and what kind of topics does it cover?

On bench-based conversations, intimate chats unfold between a singer-songwriter host and a rotating cast of strangers who share life stories, vulnerabilities, and moments of grace. Episodes blend themes of grief, identity, resilience, spirituality, and everyday joy, often concluding with a musical moment that echoes the guest's narrative. The format emphasizes listening, curiosity, and human connection, making it a comforting, boundary-preaked space where ordinary people reveal extraordinary truths. A standout aspect is how the host creates space for honesty without sensationalism, and how music punctuates each episode to heighten emotional resonance.

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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?

To see how many followers or subscribers Strangers on a Bench has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Strangers on a Bench?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Strangers on a Bench:

1. Desert Island Discs
2. Off Air with Jane & Fi
3. How To Fail With Elizabeth Day
4. Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth
5. The Louis Theroux Podcast

How many episodes of Strangers on a Bench are there?

Strangers on a Bench launched a year ago and published 78 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?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for 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.

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