The OCD Stories – 10-Year Anniversary Episode: Featuring the Listeners (#515)
Host: Stuart Ralph • Released December 7, 2025

Episode Overview

This milestone episode marks the 10th anniversary of The OCD Stories podcast hosted by Stuart Ralph. Rather than reflecting alone, Stuart—affectionately known as “Stu”—turns the spotlight on the listeners. The episode compiles 27 heartfelt listener voice notes sharing stories of hope, gratitude, and community, reaffirming the podcast's role as a lifeline for those impacted by OCD. It’s a celebration of collective healing and community, filled with tributes from listeners, therapists, advocates, and personal friends, all highlighting the positive impact and growth over the last decade.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Stuart Ralph’s Opening Reflections [00:00–04:20]

• Motivation and Journey: Stuart shares the humble origins of the show, born out of passion and a desire to help the OCD community; never expecting such global reach (“7 million times globally”) or longevity.
• Gratitude & Community: Extensive thanks to listeners, supporters, guests (therapists, advocates, community members), his wife, and NOCD for enabling him to balance the podcast and clinical work.
• Episode Structure: For this special episode, listeners’ voices are the true focus—early guests, therapists, advocates, and everyday people.

"If I was able to think forwards, I never would have had this in my mind. So incredible to be here."
— Stuart Ralph [00:44]

Listener Voices: Impact, Recovery, and Community

Professional Perspectives & Tributes

• Michael Greenberg congratulates Stuart, emphasizing the platform’s significant contributions and his personal gratitude for being included.

  “You’ve really done incredible things with it and I feel super grateful that you’ve given me the opportunity to be a part of it. Here’s to 10 more years.” — Michael Greenberg [05:36]

• Advocates and professional guests (like Lauren Rosen) echo appreciation, describing the podcast as an invaluable resource for learning, advocacy, and connecting the OCD community.

Individual Journeys & Recovery

• Miranda: Listened post-diagnosis; found listening to shared stories “beneficial,” making her feel understood and less alone.
• John from Kentucky: Calls the podcast “a tremendous help,” emphasizing its life-saving impact.
• Raul: Introduced to the show during ERP; found solace and gratitude in the supportive community.
• Katrina: Describes the podcast as “a comfort blanket,” providing education and reducing isolation.

Long-term Listeners & Community Connections

• Cameron: Found the podcast in 2022 during personal struggles and gained hope from community stories and treatment insights. Inspired to pursue creative arts therapy as a result.
• Unnamed Listener: Found the show the “very first platform” that truly raised awareness and provided relatable, open discussion of OCD experiences.
• 75-year-old Listener: Shares a moving story about discovering the podcast in crisis, leading to life-saving ERP treatment—pleads for earlier intervention for others.

  “I started googling out of desperation because I was considering suicide… ERP has truly been a game changer for me and has made the last few years as peaceful as I can remember.”

• Long-Term Friend/Advocate: Reflects on the role of the podcast throughout their recovery and advocacy, describing it as a “constant” and a “friend for life in Stu.”
• Bear Family (New York City): Offer their thanks and recognize the “joy and information” the podcast provides.

Messages of Hope and Connection

• Listeners routinely cite feeling “less alone,” encouraged, and supported while dealing with OCD.
• Several people express that hearing the diversity of stories helped normalize their experiences and fostered a sense of hope during dark or isolated times.

  “It’s created this space for people to interact with stories about OCD that they wouldn’t have any other place to share.” [08:02]

Personal Testimonies from Friends & Colleagues [10:54–14:29]

• Elliot and Lawrence, friends of Stuart, recall witnessing his journey from personal struggles to impactful advocacy and the birth of the podcast. Both emphasize pride, friendship, and the hundreds of thousands touched by the podcast.
• “You have literally changed the lives and impacted the lives of…must be hundreds of thousands, maybe in the millions by now” — Lawrence [14:29]

International Impact

• Listener from Amsterdam recounts how the podcast provided insight and motivation to seek the right treatment after disappointing therapy, turning life around profoundly.

  "I could finally find myself in the stories that were shared. I felt seen and heard." [12:19]

• Several people acknowledge how the show inspired personal recovery, advocacy, or professional paths.

Resounding Themes Across Testimonials

• Validation and Hope: The process of hearing others’ experiences is a recurring source of relief and motivation for listeners.
• Accessibility of Recovery: The podcast is frequently described as a “lifeline” or “trail of hope” that helps people pursue treatment and recovery.
• Ripple Effect: Multiple listeners tell stories of being inspired to share their own story, start advocacy, support loved ones, or get professional help after listening.
• Ongoing Resource: The archive offers continuing support, new perspectives, and a nonjudgmental space for learning.

Memorable Listener Quotes

• “This podcast is a comfort blanket for everyone struggling with OCD, providing current information plus education along with such inspiring stories.” [06:20]
• “Ten years of the OCD stories is an incredible milestone for this entire community. This is already ten plus years of perspectives and experience that people can refer to.” [15:00]
• “May we find music in the noise.” [16:10]
• “Our one Billboard message would be: live uncertain.” [16:30]

Notable Quotes & Moments [with Timestamps]

• Stuart Ralph:

  “If I was able to think forwards, I never would have had this in my mind.” [00:44]

• Michael Greenberg:

  “Here’s to 10 more years.” [05:36]

• Unnamed 75-year-old listener:

  “I started googling out of desperation because I was considering suicide…ERP has truly been a game changer for me.” [07:10]

• Katrina:

  “This podcast is a comfort blanket for everyone struggling with OCD.” [06:20]

• Lawrence (close friend):

  “You have literally changed the lives and impacted the lives of…must be hundreds of thousands, maybe in the millions by now.” [14:29]

• Amsterdam Listener:

  “I could finally find myself in the stories that were shared. I felt seen and heard. It gave me the motivation to continue therapy, eventually getting into a program that was specialized on OCD.” [12:19]

• Listener on Real Event OCD:

  “One of the earliest episodes I listened to was on Real Event and that just completely changed everything for me.” [17:00]

• Anonymous Family:

  “Our one Billboard message would be: live uncertain.” [16:30]

• Anna:

  “You save lives. Yeah. You feel like a little second family. A second family that I know online only, but a second family.” [13:00]

• Cameron:

  “...gave me so much hope and I’ve since trained as a music therapist and I’m very interested in using creative arts therapies to help folks with OCD.” [07:09]

Celebration and Final Reflections

• Resounding Appreciation: The episode is a tapestry of sincere thanks, emphasizing the podcast as a persistent source of empowerment, friendship, education, and comfort.
• Community as Foundation: The stories highlight not just individual change, but profound community belonging—a hallmark of The OCD Stories legacy.
• Looking Forward: Stuart and listeners alike express the hope that the podcast will continue to grow, evolve, and support many more on their journeys.

Key Segment Timestamps

• Introduction & Stuart’s remarks: [00:00–04:19]
• First listener tributes: [5:30]
• Messages from friends & family: [10:54–14:29]
• International voices and gratitude: [12:19, 13:00]
• Listener stories of transformative moments: [16:10–17:00]
• Notable personal impact & episode conclusions: [17:30–18:25]

Takeaway

This 10-year celebration episode is a moving montage of the voices The OCD Stories has touched, underscoring the show’s mantra: you are not alone. Whether beginning the OCD journey, well into recovery, or seeking hope, listeners around the globe find validation, kinship, and inspiration through this platform. As Stuart and his community look to the next decade, the message is clear—shared stories save lives.

End of Summary