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 | 100 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | DocumentarySociety & Culture | |||
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***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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Reviews
- Inspirational
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.
Apple Podcasts5Kuini NZ
New Zealand10 days ago - Ep 100 -the most timely gift!
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!
Apple Podcasts5Tametadav
United States11 days ago - WHAT?!
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
Apple Podcasts3Roessaptono
Canada12 days ago - Most recommended podcast
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….
Apple Podcasts5tifdyjvg
Australiaa month ago - One of the best
My favourite podcast … just so beautiful and insightful and real. Looking forward to many more eps to come ❤️
Apple Podcasts5Sylvie from AustraliaAustraliaa month ago
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #38 | United States/Society & Culture/Documentary |
Spotify | #46 |  United Kingdom/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #99 | United Kingdom/Top Podcasts |
Apple Podcasts | #4 | United Kingdom/Society & Culture/Documentary |
Apple Podcasts | #13 | United Kingdom/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #57 | Canada/Society & Culture/Documentary |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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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?
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Strangers on a Bench. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Strangers on a Bench and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
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. Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth
3. The Louis Theroux Podcast
4. How To Fail With Elizabeth Day
5. Begin Again with Davina McCall
How many episodes of Strangers on a Bench are there?
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.
How do I contact Strangers on a Bench?
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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 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.