Strangers on a Bench
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 last 6 months walking the many parks of London, 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 revealed (even to Tom himself), leading to greater openness, intimacy, and surprising revelations from the participants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episodes
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EPISODE 54: We'll Be Holding Each Other's Hands
Monday, 22 September 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song : 'Send In The Harpist' by FairhazelStream it here : https://ffm.to/sendintheharpistListen to all the end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram : @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...
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EPISODE 53: A Very Different Place
Monday, 15 September 2025
*Content warning : this episode contains references to suicide and self-harm.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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song : 'Thunder and Lightning' by Clara Mann Stream it here : https://ffm.to/thunderandlightningListen to all the end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs—————————————...
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EPISODE 52: People Were Scared of Us
Monday, 8 September 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song: 'A New Chapter' by Niamh ReganStream it here: https://ffm.to/anewchapter-soabListen to all the end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram: @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...
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EPISODE 51: A Song For My Daughter
Monday, 1 September 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song : '10/10' by 'Cinnabar Wood' Stream it here : Listen to all the end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram : @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EPISODE 50: The Best Man There Ever Was
Monday, 25 August 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song: 'Thursday' by Daudi MatsikoStream it here: https://ffm.to/thursday-soabListen to all the end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist:https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram: @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...
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EPISODE 49: I Go To Extremes
Monday, 18 August 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song : 'Unconditional' by Martin Luke-BrownStream it here : https://ffm.to/unconditional-soabListen to all the end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram : @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri...
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EPISODE 48: Outliers, Hugs, and Biscuit Thrusters
Monday, 11 August 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song : 'Share The Weight' by Fran LustyStream it here: https://ffm.to/sharetheweightListen to all the end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram : @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for ...
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EPISODE 47: The Time I've Got Left
Monday, 4 August 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song : 'There We Go' by Tom Rosenthal Stream it here : https://ffm.to/therewego-soabListen to all the end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram : @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for ...
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EPISODE 46: Looking for the Dangling Carrot
Monday, 28 July 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song : 'I Still Love Him Dearly' by Alice FayeStream it here : https://ffm.to/istilllovehimdearlyListen to all the end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram : @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...
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EPISODE 45: The Air Is My Ocean
Monday, 21 July 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song : 'Kites' by Dirty NiceStream it here : https://ffm.to/kites-soabListen to all the end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram : @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EPISODE 44: A Second Life
Monday, 14 July 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song : 'Roots' by Rosie MilesStream it here : https://ffm.to/soab-rootsListen to all the end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs------------------------------Instagram : @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...
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EPISODE 43: The Definition of a Mystery
Monday, 7 July 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song: 'Certain Uncertainty' by Richard WaltersStream it here: https://ffm.to/uncertaincertaintyListen to all the end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist:https://ffm.to/soabendsongs------------------------------Instagram: @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...
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EPISODE 42: If Only You Knew
Monday, 30 June 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song : 'For a Mother' by Natalie WildgooseStream it here : https://ffm.to/foramotherListen to all the end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs----------------------------------------Instagram : @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...
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EPISODE 41: A Common Humanity
Monday, 23 June 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song : 'Read it Back Aloud' by Roo PanesStream it here : https://ffm.to/readitbackaloudListen to all the end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram : @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...
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EPISODE 40: A Seal Called Noon
Monday, 16 June 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song: 'A Seal Called Noon' by Alice BoydStream it here: https://ffm.to/asealcallednoonListen to all end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist:https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram: @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...
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EPISODE 39: The Runaway
Monday, 9 June 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song : 'Disappear' by Lisa HanniganStream it here : https://ffm.to/disappear-soabListen to all end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs------------------Instagram : @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EPISODE 38: Casinos, Cheating, and Chamomile
Monday, 2 June 2025
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 RosenthalEdited and mixed by Eloise WhitmoreTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song: 'Might Go Outside' by Seb LoweStream it here: https://ffm.to/mightgooutsideListen to all end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram: @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EPISODE 37: Pain Softens Your Heart
Monday, 26 May 2025
**Content warning : contains description of violent abuse**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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd music: 'My Friend Robin' by Edward CrossStream it here: https://ffm.to/myfriendrobinListen to all end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs-------------------Instagram: @strangersonabenc...
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EPISODE 36: Why Was She Calling Me?
Monday, 19 May 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song: 'Probably Nothing' by Luke Sital-SinghStream it here: https://ffm.to/probablynothingListen to all end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist : https://ffm.to/soabendsongs---------------------------------Instagram: @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...
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EPISODE 35: Vulnerability Is a Bridge
Monday, 12 May 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song: 'Sculptor' by TamzeneStream it here: https://ffm.to/sculptor-soabListen to all end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist : https://ffm.to/soabendsongs-----------------------------Instagram: @stangeronabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EPISODE 34: Living on Borrowed Time
Monday, 5 May 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song: 'My Father Never Told Me He Loved Me' by Michael McGovernStream it here: https://ffm.to/myfathernevertoldmehelovedmeListen to all end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs--------------Instagram: @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See aca...
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EPISODE 33: Follow The Blood
Monday, 28 April 2025
**Content warning : Injury detail**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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song: 'Follow The Blood' by Georgia RuthStream it here: https://ffm.to/followthebloodListen to all end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram: @strangersonabench Hosted on Ac...
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EPISODE 32: Becoming a Superhero
Monday, 21 April 2025
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 RosenthalEdited and mixed by Eloise WhitmoreTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song: 'There Are Many Ways To Say I Love You' by Edgar HurleyStream it here: https://ffm.to/therearemanywaystosayiloveyouListen to all end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram: @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acas...
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EPISODE 31: I Never Cherished Myself
Monday, 14 April 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song: 'Where Goodbye Begins' by Flo PerlinStream it here: https://ffm.to/wheregoodbyebeginsListen to all end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EPISODE 30: He Thinks He's Guru Nanak
Monday, 7 April 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song: 'Coloured Glasses' by UwadeStream it here: https://ffm.to/colouredglassesListen to all end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram: @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor...
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EPISODE 29: Mushrooms, Mothers, and Dark Hours
Monday, 31 March 2025
**Content warning : this episode discusses self-harm**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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song: 'Losing You' by FauziaStream it here: https://ffm.to/losingyou-soabListen to all end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram: @strangersonabench Hoste...
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EPISODE 28: A Dancer's Mind
Monday, 24 March 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song: 'A Dancer's Mind' by BirdyStream it here: https://ffm.to/adancersmindListen to all the end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram : @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...
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EPISODE 27: Lunch Break Loving
Monday, 17 March 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song: 2 > 1 by Will Joseph CookStream here: https://ffm.to/2greaterthan1Listen to all the end songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram: @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat...
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EPISODE 26: £5 Bread and Concussion
Monday, 10 March 2025
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 RosenthalEdited by Rose De LarrabeitiMixed by Mike WoolleyTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song: £5 Bread by Lily LyonsStream it here: https://ffm.to/fivepoundbreadListen to all end the songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs————————————————————————————Instagram : @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...
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EPISODE 25: The Teacher Will Appear
Monday, 3 March 2025
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 RosenthalEdited & mixed by Eloise WhitmoreTheme tune by Tom Rosenthal & Lucy Railton Incidental music by Maddie AshmanEnd song : 'The Teacher Will Appear' by Danny CasioStream it here : https://ffm.to/theteacherwillappearListen to all end the songs featured on the podcast (so far) on one handy playlist :https://ffm.to/soabendsongs-------------------Instagram : @strangersonabench Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor...
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