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Society & Culture
Chris Gethard
1 phone call. 1 hour. No names. No holds barred. Thats the premise behind Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People, hosted by comedian Chris Gethard (the Chris Gethard Show, Broad City, This American Life, and one of Time Outs 10 best comedians of 2015). Every week, Chris opens the phone line to one anonymous caller, and he cant hang up first, no matter what. From shocking confessions and family secrets to philosophical discussions and shameless self-promotion, anything can and will happen! Theme song by Shellshag.
Stalked By My Ex
A former engineer opens up to Geth about being stalked by her ex-boyfriend and why she decided to become a teacher. She reveals the difficulties of navigating the legal system as a black woman and the struggle to get her ex rehabilitated.
01:08:0807/07/2020
Mexican American Iowan
A recent high school graduate grapples with her dream of becoming a journalist and taking care of her brothers. She and Geth also discuss growing up in Iowa and her experience being sued for calling out a white woman’s racism.
01:07:1630/06/2020
A Bar Star Comes Out, Again
Gay conversion therapy, a failed marriage and finally coming out. A caller tells Geth about his religious upbringing and finding happiness later in life.
01:00:0223/06/2020
Romantic Wrestler
An indie pro wrestler tells Geth about going through a break up during the COVID crisis, proving that guys in the ring need love too.
01:04:4316/06/2020
A Black Woman in America
A caller navigates life as a black woman in America during a historic week of BLM protests. She and Geth also talk about microaggressions, the problem with "all lives matter," and her mother’s death.
01:15:0209/06/2020
Touching Strangers Faces
Going back to work amidst the pandemic is stressful for this cat-owning cosmetologist. She tells Geth her strategies to manage anxiety and gives him some advice involving a hair piece.
01:02:0526/05/2020
Quitting Weed
An all-day-everyday weed smoker considers quitting due to health issues (involving *enormous burps*). She tells Geth what it’s been like starting a new relationship during quarantine.
01:05:3819/05/2020
Native Alaskan in Anchorage
A Native Alaskan talks about life after thyroid cancer and fills Geth in on the music scene in Alaska. You'll never guess what happened when Pitbull performed in Kodiak!
01:06:4412/05/2020
Quarantine Breakup
A trans man talks about what it's like living with his gf post breakup and still sleeping in the same bed. He and Geth discuss masculinity.
01:05:2305/05/2020
Parkour Yoda
Physically conquering mental limitations is the ethos of Parkour according to this young psychology student. What really *is* parkour? Don't trust the click baity facebook posts, trust this guy. He tells Geth how jumping on random stuff helps him clear his mind.
01:06:0328/04/2020
EMT In The Epicenter
The emergency calls are at an all time high but she says "the darkness makes the light seem brighter". Geth helps lighten the mood by talking about the haunted spots in her Long Island hometown and they bond over their shared psych med prescriptions.
01:06:3121/04/2020
My Partner is a Medical Mystery
A young woman describes working as a nanny during quarantine with a toddler while having a sick partner in need of a transplant. She also opens up about almost being kidnapped and what she's looking forward to once lockdown is over.
01:07:1214/04/2020
Don't Say The C Word
Geth did something a little different. 75 phones calls, 2.5 hours. No names. No mention of Coronavirus. Chris talks to new dads, a lady with a fish named Slim Shady, someone with extensive knowledge of Harry Truman, a woman with an affinity for abandoned shopping carts, and many more.
02:29:1410/04/2020
How To Date A Sketch Comedian
Stuck at home under lockdown with her parents, an art student calls in and talks to Gethard about how coronavirus has affected their lives so far. Geth gives advice on dating a sketch comedian and she opens up about her experience dating a former child actor.
01:01:4607/04/2020
Union Worker vs. Robot Dog Uprising
Fired from his union position, this guy turned to gig economy jobs in the midst of coronavirus. Things are serious right now, but Geth still gets a chance to find out if he ever steals a jalapeno popper and they muse about a future filled with robot dogs
01:02:4531/03/2020
London Is Savage (in Quarantine)
An Englishwoman is passing the time while self-isolating with a dry cough. She and Chris discuss Coronavirus in England and what it's like growing up with a bipolar mom. She also reveals her surprising connection to The Great British Bake Off.
01:05:2324/03/2020
Love In The Time Of Coronavirus
An American living in China describes what it was like living with his other half's entire family for 3 weeks during the Coronavirus. He also shares the surprisingly romantic story of meeting his wife.
01:08:3917/03/2020
My Girlfriend Cheated, I Got A Dog
An extremely optimistic guy calls in to talk about how he got over his cheating ex by getting a dog, living in a tiny house, hopping freight trains and more. Plus, Chris shares what he’s learned on the cusp of turning forty.
01:12:3210/03/2020
I'm The Best Lyft Driver
A former teen mom found happiness after a car wreck by becoming a Lyft driver. She also reveals a surprising connection to Chris.
01:08:2903/03/2020
Hit By A Truck
Getting hit by a semi truck at work was only the beginning of this guy’s problems. With his future in doubt, he decided to buy his very own 10 acres.
01:05:4725/02/2020
Phone Call Hole In One
Does having an identical twin make you more competitive? This young, female athlete tells Geth about focusing her competitive twin energy into golf, while opening up about dealing with anxiety, politics, her sexuality, and twin "switcharoo" high jinks.
01:05:4518/02/2020
An Octopus Living in Baltimore
A Baltimorean waxes nostalgic about his hometown and talks about his near fatal encounter with a freight elevator. Things take an interesting turn when the conversation turns to toxic masculinity.
01:04:3211/02/2020
Dry Eyes But 2020 Vision
A Gen Z-er (or zoomer!) unpacks the complexities of being mixed race, her mom's secret pill business, why bird spit is a delicacy, and what it's like growing up in the age of climate change. This episode is brought to you by Truly Grass Fed (www.trulygrassfed.com), Talkspace (www.talkspace.com code: BEAUTIFUL), and Joybird (www.joybirdcom/beautiful25).
01:05:2804/02/2020
200.5 Bonus: Two Hundred Things I've Learned From Beautiful/Anonymous
In celebration of the 200th episode, Chris shares 200 lessons he’s learned from Beautiful/Anonymous, ranging from heartbreaking to hilarious.
37:5931/01/2020
Citizen Of The World
A guy from the Deep South tells Chris some wild travel stories, and about the time he got hit by a car inside of a Waffle House. This episode is brought to you by Teladoc (www.teladoc.com/stories) and Ritual (www.ritual.com/stories).
01:08:4328/01/2020
Bigot Chicken
In the drive thru line to get some fast food chicken, this caller tells Geth about dealing with the aftermath of her husband’s psychotic break. This episode is brought to you by Teladoc (www.teladoc.com/stories).
01:07:3021/01/2020
Punky Brewster Saves The World
A caller in London talks to Geth about British & European politics, noting that there might be a problem with political parties founded by comedians. This episode is brought to you by You’re Not Listening, Brooklinen (www.brooklinen.com), Bombas (www.bombas.com/stories), and Teladoc (www.teladoc.com/stories).
01:05:0714/01/2020
Kinda Famous Secret Half Brother
This caller found out later in life that her dad isn’t her biological father. The story involves Gethard in a way you would never expect. This episode is brought to you by You’re Not Listening, Talkspace (www.talkspace.com code: BEAUTIFUL), and Ritual (www.ritual.com/stories).
01:04:4607/01/2020
Beautiful Resolutions for 2020
Listeners (including a surprising number of aspiring novelists) called in for a series of brief one minute calls to tell Geth their goals, hopes and plans for 2020. This episode is brought to you by Joybird.
01:06:0931/12/2019
Dredging It Up Again
Years ago, this caller dropped their phone while on the line with Chris and the call was lost forever. They finally re-connect and discuss passing for cis, family, masculinity and the musical Hamilton. This episode is brought to you by Aura Frames (www.auraframes.com/stories).
01:05:0724/12/2019
You Can Go Back To Your Seat Now, Thanks
“It takes a toll on you quickly.” On her 22nd birthday, a former model who became a flight attendant talks to Gethard about her old career (scouted at a Jonas Brothers concert) and her new career (don’t go barefoot into the airplane bathroom). This episode is brought to you by Morgan & Morgan (www.forthepeople.com/stories), Aura Frames (www.auraframes.com/stories), Joybird (www.joybird.com/beautiful25), and Native deodorant (www.nativedeodorant.com code: BEAUTIFUL).
01:05:4317/12/2019
Philosopher Chef
Cocaine in kitchens, the widespread impact of a South Park episode on Yelp and review culture. A chef brings Geth behind the scenes of restaurant kitchens and then gets deep and reflective. This episode is brought to you by Bayer, Brooklinen (www.brooklinen.com code: STORIES), Morgan & Morgan (www.forthepeople.com/stories), and Bombas (www.bombas.com/stories).
01:04:2010/12/2019
I Did Poopy & I Know Calculus
What’s it like to be a public school teacher today? Gethard finds out from a fellow New Jerseyite. This episode is brought to you by Talkspace (www.talkspace.com code: BEAUTIFUL), Natural Disasters (www.parcast.com/naturaldisasters), and Third Love (www.thirdlove.com/beautiful).
01:09:1503/12/2019
Foster To Adopt
A parent talks about her family’s journey with foster care, adoption & a really long walk in Spain. This episode is brought to you by Aura Frames (www.auraframes.com/stories), Native Deodorant (www.nativedeodorant.com code: BEAUTIFUL), and Morgan & Morgan (www.forthepeople.com/stories).
01:06:2626/11/2019
Chill (with Justifiable Rage)
In her work as a community organizer, this caller loves listening to other people’s stories and asking tough questions. She tells her story and it includes a lot of struggles particularly with her father and his alcoholism including things like a warrant for murder and being surveilled by the State Police. This episode is brought to you by Morgan & Morgan (www.forthepeople.com/stories), Teladoc (www.teladoc.com/stories), Joybird (www.joybird.com/beautiful25), and Aura Frames (www.auraframes.com/stories).
01:05:5319/11/2019
Polyamorous Group Real Estate
A caller is trying to get a mortgage to buy a duplex with a big group of polyamorous friends and family in Southern Maine. This episode is brought to you by Teladoc (www.teladoc.com/stories), ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/beautiful), Bombas (www.bombas.com/stories).
01:05:1412/11/2019
Aspiring Pro Wrestler
Geth loves pro wrestling. This caller does too, and so much that he’s trying to make it in that world. This episode is brought to you by Brooklinen (www.brooklinen.com code: STORIES), Third Love (www.thirdlove.com/beautiful), and Talkspace (www.talkspace.com code: BEAUTIFUL)
01:07:2105/11/2019
Motor City Mayhem (Murdered Dads)
Strip clubs, pickles and dad’s getting murdered, that’s what these bros bond over. In one of the most chaotic episodes ever, two callers are on the phone thousands of miles away while their buddy joins Gethard on stage at Ant Hall in Detroit! This episode is brought to you by Bayer, Candid Co (www.candidco.com/stories code: STORIES), and Joybird (www.joybird.com/beautiful25 code: BEAUTIFUL25).
01:07:2429/10/2019
Ayahuasca
A committed follower of Santo Daime, a Brazilian religion and spiritual tradition, tells Gethard about her many (many, many, many) experiences with Ayahuasca.
01:05:3921/10/2019
I Love You, Dad
On the first anniversary of her dad passing away, this week’s caller spoke to Gethard about how cool her dad was and how her family grieved the loss. Meanwhile, she provides an explainer on British culture and accents that leads to Geth’s laughable take at cockney. This episode is brought to you by Bombas (www.bombas.com/STORIES), Teladoc (www.teladoc.com/stories), and Bayer.
01:07:2715/10/2019
Traffic
Working at a residential program to help girls who have been trafficked or are at high risk, a caller tells Geth about how her job is the best thing that’s ever happened to her. This episode is brought to you by Talkspace (www.talkspace.com code: BEAUTIFUL), Third Love (www.thirdlove.com/beautiful), and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/beautiful).
01:06:5308/10/2019
Bad Luck Johnny
This guy has had some really bad luck lately but he’s handling it as best as he can. Plus: epic dad stories involving: the mafia, drug busts & kidnappings. This episode is brought to you by Magoosh (www.magoosh.com code: BEAUTIFUL) and Brooklinen (www.brooklinen.com code: STORIES).
01:05:2901/10/2019
The Raccoon Roommate
An illegal (rescued) pet raccoon who eats cap’n crunch out of a shoe, Al-Anon, society, sex, working through trauma. This episode is brought to you by Joybird (www.joybird.com/beautiful25 code: BEAUTIFUL25), Candid Co (www.candidco.com/stories code: STORIES), and Magoosh (www.magoosh.com code: BEAUTIFUL).
01:07:5524/09/2019
Piles of Walking Goop
This young Scottish caller has a checklist of things to discuss, including the question: Are Scottish people comfortable with depressing comedy because it rains a lot or are they just born a bit sad? This episode is brought to you by Magoosh (www.magoosh.com code: BEAUTIFUL), Bombas (www.bombas.com/STORIES), Brooklinen (www.brooklinen.com code: STORIES), and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/beautiful).
01:06:5817/09/2019
Jammers vs. Blockers
Things just kinda suck at this point in life, but this caller found sanctuary in roller derby. This episode is brought to you by Fruit of the Loom (www.fruit.com code: STORIES), Magoosh (www.magoosh.com code: BEAUTIFUL), Circle Home Plus (www.meetcircle.com/beautiful code: beautiful), and White Castle (www.whitecastle.com/stories).
01:07:3910/09/2019
The Size of a Cantaloupe
This caller gives listeners a PSA: go to the doctor! She's managed to maintain an inspiringly positive disposition even after what she thought was just bloating turned out to be something much more serious. This episode is brought to you by Magoosh (www.magoosh.com code: BEAUTIFUL), Fruit of the Loom (www.fruit.com code: STORIES), White Castle, Third Love (www.thirdlove.com/beautiful), and Talkspace (www.talkspace.com code: BEAUTIFUL).
01:03:1603/09/2019
Partner In Prison
Some addictions don’t get discussed that often. A caller talks about sex and love addicts anonymous and discusses the need to save oneself before trying to save the world. This episode is brought to you by Magoosh (www.magoosh.com code: BEAUTIFUL), Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet Podcast, White Castle (www.whitecastle.com/stories), and Joybird (www.joybird.com/beautiful25 code: BEAUTIFUL25).
01:04:4727/08/2019
A True (Modern) Love Story
Celebrating her first birthday with friends, family & her girlfriend after 3 years in a mental health treatment center, a caller talks to Geth about falling in love inside the facility. This episode is brought to you by Untitled Dad Project Podcast, ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/BEAUTIFUL), Magoosh (www.magoosh.com code: BEAUTIFUL), and White Castle (www.whitecastle.com/STORIES).
01:06:3420/08/2019
The Choctaw & Irish Connection
Having lived all over the world, a member of the Choctaw Tribe talks to Geth about finding a sense of belonging when visiting home from abroad. This episode is brought to you by Magoosh (www.magoosh.com code: BEAUTIFUL), Talkspace (www.talkspace.com code: BEAUTIFUL), Circle (www.meetcircle.com/beautiful code: beautiful), and Bombas (www.bombas.com/stories).
01:05:2313/08/2019
Fighting Through Life
Finding empowerment over past trauma through martial arts. This caller is a true badass. This episode is brought to you by Life is Good Ping Podcast, Third Love (www.thirdlove.com/BEAUTIFUL), ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/BEAUTIFUL), and Magoosh (www.magoosh.com code: BEAUTIFUL).
01:06:4606/08/2019