
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 | 81 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | DocumentarySociety & Culture | |||

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 - abuse and sexual assault**. 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 Larrabe... 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
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I just love these podcasts. Tom has such a great ability to get the best out of people and make them feel good about themselves, he uses humour and charm. Keep them coming Tom!!
No two episodes ever touch you the same way. A wonderful insight into the huge diversity of the human condition led by gentle, intelligent, explorer Tom. Eve’s dropping into the most fascinating conversations. Wonderful.
This is one of the best, most heartwarming podcasts to ever exist! Tom, you have such a wonderful way of connecting with people and making them feel comfortable. Absolutely love this podcast!
I am on my second time around with this podcast, I’ve found nothing that so inspires me as much. The interviews are so well executed and he manages to draw people out without being too invasive. I’ve laughed and cried in equal measure and hope thy continue for a really long time. And the music at the end is sublime. Well done to all involved xxx
I just want to say thank you for creating this type of podcast! I just love it, hearing stranger stories and experience and be inspired so much some times, getting emotional with them, be in their shoes, and ofc they will always remember your meeting and chat... wish to meet u in London one day ❤️ i also appreciate the non adv !
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 | #11 | |
Apple Podcasts | #40 | |
Spotify | #34 | |
Apple Podcasts | #108 | |
Apple Podcasts | #5 | |
Apple Podcasts | #16 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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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.
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.
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Strangers on a Bench launched 2 years ago and published 81 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 Guest
4. Unnamed female guest
5. Unnamed Campaigner
6. Unnamed Dutch Man
7. Unnamed Male Guest
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