Podcast Title: Strangers on a Bench
Host: Tom Rosenthal
Episode: EPISODE 32: Becoming a Superhero
Release Date: April 21, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 32 of Strangers on a Bench, titled "Becoming a Superhero," host Tom Rosenthal engages in a profound and introspective conversation with an anonymous guest. Over the course of their meeting on a London park bench, the discussion delves deep into themes of personal growth, identity, resilience, and the aspiration to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Setting the Stage: Mondays as a Fresh Start

The episode begins with Rosenthal approaching a stranger to participate in his podcast, setting the tone for an open and candid dialogue. The guest shares his thoughts on Mondays, drawing inspiration from Bob Geldof's classic song "I Don't Like Mondays."

Guest [00:57]: "I Asked myself the question, well, why. Why don't you like Mondays? It's just another day. But I think it all stems from stress. Monday, work. So Monday is always a fearful thing because people are just recovering from the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, and then you have to return to work and life returns to normal."

Contrasting the common dread of Mondays, the guest finds joy in viewing the day as a "fresh start," emphasizing the importance of resetting one's mindset at the beginning of the week.

Guest [01:37]: "The joy for me is that it's the start of a new week, a fresh start."

Crafting the Ideal Monday

The conversation progresses as Rosenthal probes into the guest's vision of an ideal Monday. The guest outlines a series of intentional actions aimed at fostering mental well-being and productivity.

1. Embracing Light: He highlights the significance of natural light in boosting motivation and mental health.

   Guest [02:16]: "Let light in your life. So open up the curtains, because there's so many mental health issues these days, and sometimes people need to have that motivation to do things."

2. Meal Planning and Balanced Diet: The guest advocates for thoughtful planning of daily activities and meals, promoting a balance between indulgent and healthy choices.

   Guest [03:22]: "To get the fine balance."

   He humorously confesses his penchant for burgers, illustrating the challenges of maintaining a balanced diet.

   Guest [03:22]: "My bad is burgers. I eat too many burgers."

A Life of Advocacy: LGBTIQ Human Rights Campaigning

Transitioning from personal routines, the guest reveals his role as an LGBTIQ human rights campaigner. He discusses the dual nature of social media as both a tool for advocacy and a source of stress.

Guest [04:48]: "There's a dark side to social media, as everybody knows, but there's also a positive side to it if it's used correctly."

Despite the inherent stress, his passion for activism drives him to continue using these platforms to amplify his message.

He shares a pivotal moment from his activism journey:

Guest [07:01]: "I campaigned for it with someone called Peter Tatchell, who's a gay rights campaigner."

Celebrating the legalization of gay marriage, the guest recounts the euphoric experience of witnessing governmental progress.

Guest [07:26]: "That was a very euphoric day for me."

The Superhero Aspiration: A Vision for Change

A significant portion of the episode centers around the guest's aspiration to become a superhero. This metaphorical ambition symbolizes his desire to effect positive change and bridge divides within society.

Guest [08:14]: "I'm going to buy a cape. I'm gonna buy a cape."

He envisions a "rainbow cape" as a beacon for inclusivity and understanding, inspired by influential figures like the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu.

Guest [08:20]: "It attracts the LGBT community. It attracts homophobes."

The guest elaborates on how such a persona could facilitate meaningful interactions, even with those holding opposing views.

Navigating a Challenging Past: Foster Care and Identity

Delving into his personal history, the guest shares his experiences growing up in the foster care system. He candidly discusses the challenges and the profound impact these experiences had on his identity and resilience.

1. Early Life and Foster Care:

   Guest [15:37]: "It was just me. An only child, you know."

   He recounts moving between six different foster families, highlighting both the stability provided by compassionate carers and the instability inherent in the system.

   Guest [13:33]: "It's very, very complex, a care system."

2. Struggles with Sexuality:

   Coming to terms with his sexuality in an all-boys school environment, the guest reflects on the absence of support and the internal turmoil it caused.

   Guest [09:42]: "I think personally for me, with my sexuality, I struggled with it."

   His eventual embrace of his identity fueled his passion for activism, aiming to provide the support he lacked.

   Guest [10:43]: "I don't think I actually did in a way. I think it was the way I. It was my Persona."

3. Stigma and Resilience:

   Addressing the stigma surrounding foster care, the guest emphasizes the importance of recognizing the strengths and potential within those who have experienced such challenges.

   Guest [14:09]: "There is a stigma with people in foster care."

   He underscores the vital role of supportive foster carers in shaping his character and outlook on life.

Seeking Closure and Building the Future

As the dialogue progresses, the guest contemplates reconnecting with his biological parents, seeking closure from a tumultuous early childhood.

Guest [22:53]: "I'm getting kind of to that state age where I think that life begins at 40."

He expresses hope that reestablishing contact could provide a sense of completeness and perhaps pave the way for rebuilding familial relationships.

Guest [25:25]: "Maybe one day I will find them and make peace."

This quest for closure aligns with his broader theme of personal growth and healing.

Embracing the Present and Looking Ahead

In the episode's concluding segments, the guest reflects on living in the moment and continuing his journey of self-improvement and advocacy.

Guest [32:06]: "Where am I going in life? That's a good question. I suppose. Just go with the flow, in a way."

He reiterates his commitment to becoming a "superhero" through continuous learning, engaging with diverse perspectives, and fostering understanding.

Guest [33:24]: "I'm going to be that superhero."

The conversation wraps up with a reaffirmation of his goals and an optimistic outlook on the future.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Guest [00:57]: "I don't like Mondays... I think it all stems from stress."
• Guest [01:37]: "The joy for me is that it's the start of a new week, a fresh start."
• Guest [02:16]: "Let light in your life... sometimes people need to have that motivation to do things."
• Guest [07:01]: "I campaigned for it with someone called Peter Tatchell, who's a gay rights campaigner."
• Guest [08:20]: "It attracts the LGBT community. It attracts homophobes."
• Guest [15:37]: "It was just me. An only child, you know."
• Guest [22:53]: "I'm getting kind of to that state age where I think that life begins at 40."
• Guest [33:24]: "I'm going to be that superhero."

Conclusion

EPISODE 32 of Strangers on a Bench offers a poignant exploration of one individual's journey through adversity, self-discovery, and the pursuit of making a positive impact. Through candid conversation, the guest shares his vulnerabilities, triumphs, and unwavering commitment to advocacy, embodying the essence of becoming a superhero in his own right. Tom Rosenthal's thoughtful interview style allows for a meaningful connection, providing listeners with insights into resilience and the transformative power of embracing one's true self.