My Unsung Hero

In 2005, Ashley's mother attempted suicide. She was hospitalized, and eventually passed away. In the days after her mother's death, Ashley struggled with guilt. She had been the one to request a "Do Not Resuscitate" order. Even though her mother had requested a DNR in the past, Ashley wondered if she'd made the right choice. Then a nurse made a phone call that changed Ashley's life. 

If you’re struggling with mental health challenge...

In 1974, Surinder and his family came out of a pharmacy to discover their car was gone. Not knowing anyone else in town, he opened the phone book, and dialed a stranger with a familiar Indian last name. The man who answered not only helped them, but went on to play a surprising role in their lives. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain....

While on vacation in Mexico, Julie had an accident on a waterslide and was on the brink of drowning. Then some strangers stepped in.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a f...

When Eileen’s husband came home from the hospital after a traumatic brain injury, he wasn’t the same. He couldn't do many of the household chores he used to take care of, like raking up the leaves in their yard. So one day, Eileen decided to try to get the chore done. As she picked up the leaves in her yard, crying, she felt a tap on her shoulder.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice mem...

After spilling her lunch on the way to work, Kim received an unexpected gift from a stranger. The experience not only helped her through that day, but gave her a sense of belonging and community.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-e...

After Alek's father died in the hospital, a nurse shared his grief.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.

--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life...

A favorite from 2022: After a mortifying fall in physics class, Julie remembers the unexpected gift she received from a fellow student.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to ...

Maureen was on the subway, and feeling down. Her sister had recently passed away, and the shock of the death made it difficult to be in public. But when a stranger sat down next to her and asked how she was doing, Maureen felt she could be honest. The conversation that followed is one that she will forever cherish.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsungh...

As a college freshman, Karen was sometimes inconsiderate to her hallmate, Pam. So when Karen missed the bus to her choir performance, an hour away, she was surprised — and moved — when Pam came to her rescue.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a...

Eric and his husband, Dennis Hopkins, lived a life full of music, gardening, and dance. But in 2022, Dennis was diagnosed with lung cancer. A few days before he died, they met a nurse named Sherry, who offered a compassionate roadmap of what was to come.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that ...

Happy Father’s Day, dads! In honor of dads everywhere, we bring you a bonus episode about a transit worker who gave Donald Kabara an unexpected gift: a hug from his son.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak convers...

The last place Brad saw his mom before she died was at a diner in New York. A few years later, when he went back to that diner, the bartender asked if he remembered their table, and invited him to go sit there.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in...

In 2019, Darren was about to become a first-time father, and he was terrified. Then a doctor came into the delivery room and said something that completely changed his perspective on parenthood.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-ec...

In early 2003, Amy went into labor a full ten weeks before her due date. When her twins were born, both were struggling. But one of the boys was in a particularly dire situation, and needed a blood transfusion as soon as possible. The hospital didn't have any blood that matched the baby's blood type — until Amy's unsung hero stepped up to help.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo a...

In 2016, Tulika was at the grocery store with her seven-year-old son, Vedant, who is non-verbal and autistic. When Vedant began to cry and pull her hair, a stranger helped Tulika in just the right way. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet...

Jon told his high school principal, Mr. Barnett, that he planned to drop out of school. But Mr. Barnett implored him to earn his diploma — which set Jon on a path to success. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak c...

One morning, A woke up and began believing he was an undercover government agent. He quit his job,  and soon after was arrested for reckless driving. But he wasn't in jail for long, because his boss got A the psychiatric help he needed. That act of kindness was life-changing. 

If you or someone you know is in crisis and living in the United States, you can call or text 988. This number provides immediate support for individuals expe...

When Vivian's son was young, he often got into situations where he hurt himself or others. One day, while at the park, he threw sand in another child's face. Vivian did her best to handle the situation, but worried that the child's mother would be angry. Instead, the mother said something that gave Vivian solace — and a bit of hope.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it ...

After receiving irregular test results, Alexis left her doctor's appointment in tears. On her way out of the office, a receptionist stopped Alexis and held her while she cried. It is a moment Alexis will never forget. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure y...