Podcast Title: Strangers on a Bench
Host: Tom Rosenthal
Episode: EPISODE 10: Shall We Roll Down the Hill?
Release Date: November 18, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 10 of Strangers on a Bench, host Tom Rosenthal engages in a deeply personal and poignant conversation with a guest who initially appears to be an ordinary park bench-dweller. Over the course of their interaction, the discussion evolves from light-hearted topics to profound revelations about the guest's life, including a significant health diagnosis. This episode exemplifies the show's mission to foster openness and intimacy by maintaining anonymity, allowing participants to share candidly without revealing personal identities.

Getting to Know the Guest

Favorite Day and Rituals

The conversation begins with Tom approaching the guest about his favorite day of the week. The guest, referred to as Speaker A, shares his fondness for Sunday mornings:

"Yeah, Sunday morning. Well, for me anyway, you got the day to relax and I always put on the same playlist I always put on the Velvet Underground. Have some tofu. It's always a good morning."
[00:52]

Tom humorously reflects on the guest's Sunday ritual, highlighting the comfort and predictability it brings:

"Velvet Underground tofu on its own, scrambled on toast. You know, you got that ritual for Sunday. Perfect. It sounds like you love it."
[01:02]

Reading Habits and Favorite Books

The discussion shifts to Speaker A's penchant for reading, particularly fantasy, as a form of escapism:

"Because it's always more interesting than my life, I suppose. Normally I read fantasy. So that's a form of escapism."
[01:49]

When asked about his favorite book, Speaker A admits unfamiliarity with Nietzsche’s Beyond Good and Evil, leading to a brief exploration of philosophical literature:

"I've never heard. No. What's it about?"
[02:21]

The conversation touches on the allure of fantasy and magic, with Speaker A expressing a longing for excitement beyond his peaceful daily life:

"There's always something fun about magic."
[03:03]

Personal Life and Aspirations

University and Writing Goals

Speaker A shares his current engagement with university studies, specifically in writing, aiming to become an author:

"I'm studying writing. I want to be an author."
[04:07]

He reveals that he has completed a book, which is still undergoing edits:

"I've written a book, but I'm still editing it at the moment. It's taken ages. I finished it a year ago now and I'm still editing it."
[04:18]

Relationship with Parents

The conversation takes a warm turn as Speaker A discusses his relationship with his parents, emphasizing their support for his unconventional career choice:

"My dad, because he's very funny and he offers lots of advice. My mum, she's so kind."
[05:11]

He appreciates their unwavering support, noting:

"They both support the fact that I want to be a writer, which is not like a career path that's particularly riddled with opportunities."
[05:24]

Transition to Personal Struggles

Revelation of a Brain Tumor

The tone of the episode shifts dramatically when Speaker A discloses a deeply personal health issue:

"I have a brain tumor."
[17:51]

This revelation leads to an emotional discussion about his diagnosis and treatment:

"It was quite shocking when I found out. I was in Lidl doing a shop with my friends September 2022, and I've been getting, like, deja vu episodes..."
[17:31]

Speaker A explains the circumstances leading to his diagnosis, including epileptic fits and a prolonged deja vu episode that prompted medical evaluation:

"I had a deja vu episode that lasted like eight hours... we've got your results from your MRI and you've got growth on your brain."
[18:07]

Treatment and Coping Mechanisms

He details his treatment journey, including surgery and upcoming radiotherapy:

"In April of 2023 that they. I had some surgery. I was in hospital for like two and a half weeks. But it's still not all gone. So they want. This summer I'm getting six months of radiotherapy."
[18:05]

Speaker A discusses his coping strategies, emphasizing his desire to live a normal life and maintain his identity beyond his diagnosis:

"I just don't want to be treated any differently because of it."
[20:08]

He reflects on how this experience has heightened his appreciation for the outdoors and nature:

"I appreciate being outside a lot more... I really like being outside a lot more and like enjoying nature."
[21:29]

Philosophical Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Ephemeral Nature of Life

The conversation delves into existential musings about fleeting moments and the impact of small interactions:

"What's the point crying over parts of life? The whole of it calls for tears."
[09:53]

Tom encourages embracing opportunities and cherishing brief connections:

"Just don't leave these things behind."
[10:28]

The Importance of Conversation

Both speakers acknowledge the significance of their interaction, pondering whether their conversation would have occurred without the podcast format:

"Isn't it crazy to think that if you weren't recording this, this conversation would never have happened?"
[12:00]

This leads to reflections on the collective experiences that shape individual lives, emphasizing that every interaction contributes to personal growth:

"Everything is teaching you something."
[13:16]

Conclusion

EPISODE 10 of Strangers on a Bench masterfully balances light-hearted dialogue with profound personal revelations. Through the anonymous yet intimate conversation between Tom Rosenthal and Speaker A, listeners are invited to explore themes of routine, aspiration, familial support, and the sudden challenges life can present. The episode underscores the beauty of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit, all while maintaining the show's hallmark of anonymity and genuine interaction.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Speaker A on Sunday Mornings:
  "Yeah, Sunday morning. Well, for me anyway, you got the day to relax and I always put on the same playlist I always put on the Velvet Underground. Have some tofu. It's always a good morning."
  [00:52]

• Speaker A on Writing Motivation:
  "I feel like literature or poetry, at least. You've got to be changed by the words. If someone reads my writing and thinks about life in a different way, that would be really nice, if that makes sense."
  [04:34]

• Speaker A Revealing His Brain Tumor:
  "I have a brain tumor."
  [17:51]

• Speaker A on Coping with Diagnosis:
  "I just don't want to be treated any differently because of it."
  [20:08]

• Philosophical Insight by Host Tom Rosenthal:
  "What's the point crying over parts of life? The whole of it calls for tears."
  [09:53]

Closing Remarks

This episode exemplifies the essence of Strangers on a Bench—creating a safe space for strangers to share their stories authentically. Tom Rosenthal's empathetic interviewing style allows for meaningful exchanges that resonate deeply with listeners, offering both solace and inspiration.