logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2021
2m 49s

Introducing My Unsung Hero

Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
About this episode
Longtime Hidden Brain listeners know that for years, we've thanked an unsung hero at the end of every episode. Now, we're launching a new show inspired by that tradition. Each week, we'll share a short story about a moment when one person helped another in a time of need. And we'll show you how these acts of heroism — some big, some small — transformed someo ... Show More
Up next
Nov 24
Parents: Keep Out!
<p>If you’re a parent or a teacher, you’ve probably wondered how to balance play and safety for the kids in your care. You don’t want to put children in danger, but you also don’t want to rob them of the joy of exploration. This week, we revisit a favorite conversation with psych ... Show More
1h 18m
Nov 17
The Power of Family Stories
<p>There’s a tradition around many Thanksgiving dinner tables that’s as consistent as pumpkin pie: the family stories that get told year after year. Sometimes these stories are funny; sometimes they make us roll our eyes. No matter how we feel about them, we rarely pause to consi ... Show More
1h 37m
Nov 10
Why Following Your Dreams Isn't Enough
<p>Entrepreneurs typically have no shortage of passion, heart, and vision. But at Stanford University, <a href="https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/hayagreeva-rao" target="_blank">Huggy Rao</a> says there are other elements that may matter more when it comes to ... Show More
1h 30m
Recommended Episodes
May 2022
Sarah Marshall's Story
<p>During her freshman year of college, Sarah is feeling adrift. But a simple comment from one of her professors helps her understand herself in a new way. </p><p>If you like the show, you can support us on our <a href="https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain">Patreon page</a>. And b ... Show More
4m 14s
Jul 2022
Juleus Ghunta's Story
<p>Juleus is in elementary school, and he can't read. But then a new teacher convinces him to believe in himself. </p><p>If you like the show, you can support us on our <a href="https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain">Patreon page</a>. And please check out our other podcast, <a href ... Show More
4m 49s
Nov 2023
Calvin Lowe's Story
<p>When Calvin’s young son was about to go into surgery, his doctor shared a comforting message.</p><p><i>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. </i></p><p><i>Some guidance:</i></ ... Show More
4m 2s
Sep 2023
Hal Hershfield's Story
<p>A simple act of a generosity from a coffee shop barista helped Hal feel like he was finally a part of his community. </p><p><i>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. </i></p><p ... Show More
3m 27s
Dec 2018
What Happens When You Jump
This is the story of a boy with an unusual upbringing who would try anything. We are excited to announce that The Story Podcast was named by Apple in their Best of 2018 Collection. We are beyond grateful and thankful to all of you, our listeners, for helping us achieve this great ... Show More
18m 32s
Mar 2023
Laura Holmes Haddad's Story
<p>As Laura undergoes chemotherapy, an X-ray technician says something that makes her feel less self-conscious about her appearance.</p><p><i>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 ... Show More
3m 50s
Jul 2023
Susan Dickman's Story
<p>After Susan rushed to the hospital to check on her sick father, a stranger offered her comfort in an unexpected way. </p><p><i>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. </i></p><p ... Show More
3m 32s
Dec 2021
Prophets Walk Among Us: Stories From Our Listeners
Every week, I send a show out into the ether. But it’s you, the audience, who has taken what is nothing more than an inert digital file comprised of ones and zeroes—and turned it into so much more. When I think back on the history of the show to date, it’s crystal clear what is t ... Show More
1h 7m
Apr 2020
Saving Yourself (And Humanity) One Mission At A Time
New month, new Mission Daily format. It's true, we haven't been able to settle on a format for this show since it launched over 400 episodes ago... But today, we are (finally!) returning to our founding ethos and using this show as a daily transport of the news and topics that re ... Show More
22m 8s