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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
Childhood Memories
Train Travel
Well-Being
Miniature Making
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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes69Foundeda 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
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

Life Changing
Life ChangingBBC Radio 4
Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth
Rosebud with Gyles BrandrethGyles Brandreth / Plain Jaine Media

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 Kite Enthusiast
A kite flying enthusiast who shares his experiences and passions.
Episode: EPISODE 45: The Air Is My Ocean
Unnamed Guest
Creative writing graduate and storyteller
Episode: EPISODE 42: If Only You Knew
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 and singer-songwriter who records conversations with anonymous strangers, exploring their life stories and personal experiences.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 6.5k ratings
  • This is essential listening, every episode is brilliant.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    WOPR
    6 days ago
  • People are impressive

    Bumped into this podcast and it’s really impressive. Ordinary people sharing their thoughts, life experiences, fears, joys with a brilliant interviewer, who just knows what thoughtful questions to pose. It’s a reminder that we really do not know what people are carrying around on their shoulders and we are all fragile, deeply affected by what life throws at us. Will keep on listening and learning.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AS6Black
    United Kingdom6 days ago
  • My newest favorite podcast

    Like Tom, I’m curious about the great diversity of human experience. We all walk around in our private cocoons, unaware of what people are carrying and how they see the world.

    Tom has a gift of asking great open ended, untraditional questions to probe into the most meaningful parts of peoples lives. It’s very often surprising where these conversations go. I haven’t heard one yet that was boring.

    Yet he always demonstrates respect and genuine caring about those he interviews.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mollyporcupine
    United States10 days ago
  • Thirty-Seven Club

    What an amazing conversation - this was the best episode so far - 65! I have to say that every episode is uplifting and just lovely to listen to other people’s stories. Heartwarming to take time to listen to - we should all do more of that.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MaxiAsh
    United Kingdom11 days ago
  • Hopeful stories

    I don’t really remember how I found this podcast but I love it. I love that people just open up about their entire life after just ten minutes. The stories these people tell really give me hope. And I really needed that.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Spaghetti826
    Netherlands21 days ago

Listeners Say

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

Many reviews mention the host's exceptional interviewing skills and sensitivity, fostering a connection with guests.
The format encourages openness and allows for vulnerability, resulting in engaging and relatable content.
Listeners appreciate the intimate, heartfelt stories shared by everyday individuals.
Audiences find the content uplifting and reflective, often resonating on personal levels that inspire empathy and understanding.

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 66: Truth Puddle
Q: Can you think of your most exciting wee?
Just being so drunk at a party and staggering to the toilet.
EPISODE 66: Truth Puddle
Q: Can you think of something you would like to happen at your funeral, which doesn't normally happen at funerals?
I would like it to be like a club night, just playing music.
EPISODE 66: Truth Puddle
Q: What do most people really feel?
Scared and worried about doing or saying something wrong.
EPISODE 64: A Letter To My Mum
Q: What do you get from being in a relationship?
The guest talks about friendship, love, comfort, and having someone on your side.
EPISODE 64: A Letter To My Mum
Q: How do you want to keep her alive? Guessing that you do. It sounds like you do.
The guest expresses a desire to follow their mother's advice to live their best life and to find joy in memories of her.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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?

Exploring the ordinary lives of everyday people, this series features heartfelt conversations between the host and various anonymous strangers met on park benches. Each episode uncovers unique life stories that range from reflections on grief, personal growth, relationships, and moments of profound human connection. The common themes include the struggles and joys of parenting, the challenges of navigating adulthood, and the experiences of loss and healing, showcasing a tapestry of genuine human experiences. Through a format that encourages openness, the podcast allows listeners to engage with the emotional depth and complexity of ordinary lives, making it particularly resonant for those seeking comfort and understanding in shared humanity.... more

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How many listeners does Strangers on a Bench get?

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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. Life Changing
2. Desert Island Discs
3. Off Air with Jane & Fi
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 69 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?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Strangers on a Bench from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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How do I access podcast episode transcripts 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 Kite Enthusiast
3. Unnamed Guest
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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