Reviews
I simply could not listen to another piece about politics and the world situation, and I happened upon this podcast entirely by accident. It is the most charming, delightful escape from the chaos of today’s world
Silota46 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/10/24
This is a wonderful reminder in this world of conflict that it also holds the most beautiful people who can really touch your heart. Such a unique idea!
Atocki via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 11/10/24
Very moved by Strangers on a Bench. Best podcast for me this year. We need to connect with each other more on an everyday level.
J Sharpe 3009 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 11/09/24
I am so happy to have found this podcast!! I was sad when the episodes finished and I really hope there will be more later! I am from Australia so I was fascinated with the broad mix of cultures that live in London who participated in the podcast. It was very fascinating. I was brought to tears...Read full review »
Miss Ostini via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 11/09/24
This is such gentle, sweet listening. Each story is tender, some are laugh out loud funny. Beautiful.
Sophie Townsend via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 11/09/24
What a fabulous podcast. I have enjoyed listening to them and the variety of people you have talked to has been so interesting. There seems to be a common theme of people wanting to live a simpler more creative life and that is so inspiring. Thank you for doing this
aqkeo via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 11/08/24
Simple and beautiful. Makes me smile, makes me think.
Feebee1125 via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 11/08/24
There are podcasts with numerous celebrities , but this one is so much better lots of interesting stories of real lives . A brilliant snapshot of the many people making their own journeys through life in so many different ways . Well done Tom 👏
1066 Norman via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 11/08/24
I’m a fan of Tom Rosenthal’s music, so when I heard about this podcast, I had to give it a listen! This podcast…I love this whole idea! Who hasn’t wanted to go up to a stranger and just talked to them! Tom does this for us and the most interesting, funny, heartwarming, relatable conversations are...Read full review »
Bloominggirl via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/08/24
I really enjoyed the interview style and hearing the challenges that the individuals have overcome. It’s a positive style and nonjudgmental..
Robin Reads via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/07/24
I needed this! A podcast with normal people! Not only “super successful I do everything at once” Thank you
Giada.C via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 11/06/24
I just finished listening to this series as I was working. I loved hearing about other people’s lives and thoughts and beliefs. People I would ne we meet. We live in a society where everyone is on their phones or have earbuds in and the art of light conversation is fading. Thank you for this...Read full review »
SW-USA via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/06/24
I listen to a lot of podcasts, and I’ve never felt compelled to leave a review, until now. I’ve just finished ‘the disappearing cyclist’ and what an emotional journey it took me on! Usually my ears are filled with different podcast episodes all day, but I need a moment of reflection after this...Read full review »
Amy482913 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 11/06/24
A great insight into the everyday human condition. 10/10.
Just some guy UK via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 11/06/24
How brilliant. I came upon this and gave an episode a listen and I was hooked. It is so heartwarming and reflective of who we are and how each of us have a story to tell. It is so easy to identify with the guests and connect with their experiences. If you are looking for a unique perspective of...Read full review »
Game lady 901 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/06/24
This podcast is so lovely, comforting, and inspiring. Please keep them coming!
Eileens4567 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/06/24
Great idea ! Wonderfully done!
Aasdfgh via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/05/24
Found this podcast by accident, must say it’s so nice to hear from everyday people, who are willing to talk and be honest about life.
Reynard304 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 11/05/24
I loved this podcast. It’s nice to hear regular people tell their stories and I found myself noticing little parts of myself in everyone.
Chayts6 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 11/05/24
I love this podcast - the gentle questions and the revealing answers. Reminds us all of the value of being curious not judgemental. That opening question is genius.
BodysurfingBev via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 11/04/24
STRANGERS ON A BENCH came across by chance and can’t listen quick enough- brilliant
Jac chic via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 11/04/24
I will be sitting on park benches with a lot more expectancy. Ready for my interview!
rec ward via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/04/24
This is brilliant. Warm, funny and thought provoking and topped off with magical little songs. The best podcast out.
Emmagoosey via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 11/03/24
So happy to have found this podcast. A wonderful glimpse into a strangers life that is thought provoking and meaningful. Everyone has a story and it’s a privilege to hear each one.
Zonnygirl via Apple Podcasts · New Zealand · 11/03/24
First ever review after a decade of listening to podcasts!!What a refreshing change to hear normal people’s stories and outlooks on life rather than all the negativity that’s fed to the masses via news and “look how at me with a fake smile” on social media. As a previous reviewer...Read full review »
M from Manchester via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 11/03/24
Really love the concept behind this podcast. Wonderful stories, each one helps you learn something . The interviewer is thoughtful and the length of each episode is perfect.
Alimac721 via Apple Podcasts · New Zealand · 11/02/24
Just happened to stumble upon this podcast and I’m so glad I did! It’s simple but so beautiful. I love it!!
Sheshe Lynn via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/02/24
Please do more!
Bevie Lou via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/02/24
I stumbled upon this podcast last month, and it’s now one of the highlights of my week. The tenderness, empathy, and humour that Tom shares with his conversation partners are a joy to witness. In a season of heavy, disheartening news events, this podcast is an oasis of beauty. I particularly love...Read full review »
DartmouthToDundee via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 11/01/24
I love this podcast, it’s so interesting to here the normal persons life story as opposed to celebs who are no where near as interesting. The techniques used to get the interviewee to open up are amazing. This should be number one podcast week after week
Quaker2003 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/31/24
I usually listen to the same group of podcasts. And I look forward to listening to them. But today I took a chance to listen to a new podcast I never met before and fell in love.
Paul Deak via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/31/24
What a unique and captivating podcast hosted by Tom Rosenthal. The concept is simple yet profound: Tom approaches random strangers sitting on park benches and engages them in spontaneous, unscripted conversations. Each episode offers a glimpse into the lives of these anonymous individuals,...Read full review »
TheBaileyBear via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/31/24
Wow, what a refreshing listen. This podcast has quickly become a favorite way to bring myself out of my own head. These episodes remind me that my situation, my issues, and my life are not the center of the universe. Due to a surprise genetic heart condition, I’ve become much more homebound...Read full review »
CityChickenChic via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/31/24
I was browsing one day for something to pass a little time and gave this a try. It’s a great listen: little insights into people’s memories that illustrate how remarkable life is.
GunnerRock via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/31/24
Stunning beautiful. Curious. Perfect for writers in need of inspiration.
Boovie first via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/31/24
“Strangers on a Bench” is a podcast that invites you to sit back and get wonderfully lost in the fascinating lives of complete strangers. Host Tom has an uncanny ability to draw out the intricacies of each person’s story, illuminating the unseen chapters of lives that cross his path. Every...Read full review »
Stop and listen for a while via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/31/24
Fascinating conversations which really draw you in. It goes to show the amazing stories behind those we walk by every day. Great interviewing technique puts people at ease in natural conversation which produces these special moments.
Sundaydaisy via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/31/24
Thank you for this. It’s really sweet.
agirlwhocares21 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/30/24
I stumbled across this podcast and as I had 25 minutes to kill, decided to listen to one episode. I’ve now listened to them all almost back to back. Beautiful insights into the human experience through compassionate conversations. These episodes have made me think, cry, laugh and feel gratitude...Read full review »
JustKate22 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/30/24
As someone who loves chatting to people in the supermarket on the bus etc I LOVE this podcast. Just goes to show everyone has a story to tell.
27hayz via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/30/24
This podcast is remarkable, I did not know what to expect but each episode is mix of humour, tragedy, enlightenment, they are all different and I would highly recommend a listen.
Disgusted of Bog Houses via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/30/24
This is a beautiful listen. Tom is the perfect person to gently tease people’s stories from them. Love love love it.
davemattallen via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/30/24
I don’t know how I found this podcast but I absolutely adore it. I can’t stop telling people about it. So wholesome and raw.
Yargaramat via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 10/30/24
I feel like I am each person’s new friend after the episodes. I laugh and get teary eyed!
Podcasts Every Day via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/30/24
Brilliant concept, and wonderful eavesdropping style of podcast chat. Only gripe, I wish it was longer!
jollyjellybelly!! via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/30/24
Well this is what life is all about really. Brilliant interviews.
fisharefast via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 10/30/24
I love listening to all the interesting aspects of different people’s different lives! So unique and so illuminating of how different we all are. I found it taught me a lot. And he is very easy to talk to and accepting. I love the songs and also the voices of kids and parents just interacting as...Read full review »
senior deb via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/30/24
I’ve only just found this and its wonderful, insightful, heartwarming, and thought provoking.
NessBarry via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 10/30/24
Listening to others’ life experiences and perceptions of life was so heartwarming and sparked self-reflection.
vicohv via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/29/24
Love love love it
Felicity j walker via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 10/29/24
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