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Artwork for Strangers on a Bench

Strangers on a Bench

Tom Rosenthal
Mental Health
London
Relationships
Personal Growth
Family Dynamics
Grief
Parenting
Love
Friendship
Self-Discovery
Music
Family
Family Relationships
Cancer
Aging
Parenthood
Compassion
Spirituality
Therapy
Work-Life Balance

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes93Founded2 years 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.

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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 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 guest
Episode: EPISODE 26: ÂŁ5 Bread and Concussion
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 the bench-format show; guides interview style, sits alongside strangers, and fosters intimate, unguarded conversations.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 7.6k ratings
  • All podcasts

    Love all ur podcasts in Australia - picture u sitting on the bench in those beautiful parks in uk Keep them ocoming 🥰

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    sandy 124
    Australia8 days ago
  • My favourite podcast

    I so love this podcast. Tom has a wonderful way of engaging with people and bringing out their true selves without being intrusive. He himself is very likeable and I admire the way he asks questions. One lady said he would make a good therapist and he would! Thank you Tom, please keep going.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dotty Dare
    United Kingdom8 days ago
  • Love love love

    I understand people way more ♥️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Shirinhm
    Australia8 days ago
  • Top notch program

    I look forward to the stories every week! Rosenthal has the ability to draw the best stories from people. The ending tunes are jewels!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tametadav
    United States13 days ago
  • The Geordie Boy filled my heart.

    I adore this gentle but so so meaningful podcast. Such a diversity of human life. Today especially filled my heart as I live in the area that the young man came from. He was so self aware and open and I am desperate for him to succeed in life. I wish him good luck.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Springclean2006
    United Kingdom14 days ago

Listeners Say

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

Many notes mention consistent quality, with a strong emphasis on empathy and human connection across guests.
Listeners praise the host for putting guests at ease and drawing out meaningful stories.
The show is described as heartwarming, soothing, and life-affirming.

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 82: The Only Mussel Road in Cornwall
Q: You mentioned a funeral concept with living elements and pop-culture homage. How would that work and what would it mean for attendees?
The idea is to pre-record messages and allow a living, celebratory, and slightly surreal farewell that blends humor with affection, ensuring that the goodbye reflects the person's mischievous spirit and bonds with friends and family.
EPISODE 82: The Only Mussel Road in Cornwall
Q: What does the Palmhenge road symbolize to you beyond its materials?
It represents turning a natural, coastal landscape into a narrative and legacy, showing that creativity and play can reshape how a place is remembered and experienced by future generations.
EPISODE 82: The Only Mussel Road in Cornwall
Q: What is the big project you're imagining with the mussel shells and Palmhenge, and why now?
The guest envisions a physical, imaginative road and monument built from mussel shells that would honor family, place, and memory, turning everyday materials into a personal, enduring sculpture that anchors their Cornish identity and the island's whimsical spirit.
EPISODE 79: Cormorants and Lewis Hamilton
Q: So if she comes, the great kisser, next week, how are we, are you trying to move it forward?
The guest confirms strong feelings but hesitates about commitments, indicating he would enjoy progress if things align, while keeping things light and ongoing rather than setting fixed dates.
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.

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?

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. Off Air with Jane & Fi

How many episodes of Strangers on a Bench are there?

Strangers on a Bench launched 2 years ago and published 93 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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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 female guest
4. Unnamed Campaigner
5. Unnamed guest
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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