Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People

This week's caller is a self-described "woman of stories" who shares one with Geth about being deeply betrayed by someone she loved. In the proces of telling her story, she gives a masterclass on empathy and compassion. Thanks to everyone who came out to the first Laughing Together show. LaughingTogether.org for more information. Preorder Unreliable Narrator by Aparna Nancherla now. Keep up with Gethard's tour dates at chrisgeth.com Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬ Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod

Geth talks with a caller who found out her stepfather was leading multiple secret lives. Then, she explains how connecting with another family member helped her realize her biological father had some secrets of his own. Leave us a voicemail at (973) 306-4676‬ Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod Laughing Together's Comedy In the Name of Mental Health, featuring Chris Gethard along with Eddie Pepitone, Christi Chiello, Aparna Nancherla, and Nicole Byer (what a lineup!) will be held on September 7th at the Anaheim Convention Center and is FREE to attend. Visit https://laughingtogether.org for more information and/or to make a donation. If you want to take ownership of your health, try AG1 and get a FREE 1-yearsupply of Vitamin D AND 5 Free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go to drinkAG1.com/BEAUTIFUL. That's drinkAG1.com/BEAUTIFUL. Check it out. Stop wasting money on things you don't use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions – and manage your money the easy way – by going to RocketMoney.com/BEAUTIFUL

Today's bonus episode was recorded live back in May at Beautiful/Cononymous. Longtime listeners of Beautiful/Anonymous will remember Heidi and her family from the extremely special and emotionally impactful episode, "Love Is Everywhere" (episode 69, you'll want to go back and listen to that one first if you haven't yet). During that call, Heidi discussed the realities of navigating her daughter Holly's cancer diagnosis, the pain and suffering that came along with that diagnosis, and finding joy and love in all of the spaces in between. It's a call Gethard cites as changing him as an artist and a person, and we know how much the call has meant to so many of our listeners. As part of Beautiful/Cononymous, Heidi joined Gethard on stage to take a series of calls answering the topic "What does, 'Love Is Everywhere' mean to you?" It was a beautiful, unique experience. We're so happy we get to share it with you today. This episode was recorded during the Beautiful/Cononymous waffle brunch, which was a fundraiser for Make-a-Wish Oregon, a foundation that is very important to Heidi and her family. You'll hear more about that in the episode, but if you'd like to make a donation or learn other ways to contribute, you can do so here: https://wish.org/fundraising.

A graphic designer who moved home and is helping her family run their 90-year-old hoagie shop tells Gethard about winning a national grilled cheese competition and the sandwich that sent her to the hospital, fostering over 30 cats, accidentally breaking into a stranger's apartment, and her long journey to getting diagnosed with Chronic Lyme, a controversial illness she helps shed some light on. Then, she and Geth trade taco recommendations. Laughing Together's Comedy In the Name of Mental Health, featuring Chris Gethard along with Eddie Pepitone, Christi Chiello, Aparna Nancherla, and Nicole Byer (what a lineup!) will be held on September 7th at the Anaheim Convention Center and is FREE to attend. Visit https://laughingtogether.org for more information and/or to make a donation. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to talkspace.com/BEAUTIFUL to get $80 off of your first month and show your support for the show. That's talkspace.com/BEAUTIFUL. Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod.

This week's caller keeps Geth on his toes with a real roller coaster of a conversation. It starts out with a pretty intense story and some frank talk about mental health and suicide, and then it goes off in about ten other strange and beautiful directions that include travels in Boston and Philly, picking up embroidery during the pandemic, and rip-sticking around New York City. And that's not even half of what Gethard and our caller talk about this week. Laughing Together's Comedy In the Name of Mental Health, featuring Chris Gethard along with Eddie Pepitone, Christi Chiello, Aparna Nancherla, and Nicole Byer (what a lineup!) will be held on September 7th at the Anaheim Convention Center and is FREE to attend. Visit https://laughingtogether.org for more information and/or to make a donation. If you want to take ownership of your health, try AG1 and get a FREE 1-yearsupply of Vitamin D AND 5 Free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go to drinkAG1.com/BEAUTIFUL. Check it out. Follow Beautiful/Anonymous on Instagram @beautifulanonymouspod.

An archaeologist shares memories of drinking champagne at a dig site and what's so exciting about uncovering a two-inch piece of ancient stone tablet. She also discusses the history of colonial looting and the complicated nature of looting today. Then, Gethard and our caller break down what makes Indiana Jones–the most famous archaeologist–so bad at his job. In this week's introduction, Gethard recommends the Uncanny X-Men-focused podcast, CEREBRO.

An Alaskan pilot describes what it's like living with an airplane runway in your front yard and then recounts an incredibly eventful year, which included surviving a bear attack AND a plane crash. Yes, a bear attack AND a plane crash. In the same year. Geth also shares the details that led to this new era of Beautiful/Anonymous and lets everyone in on some of the exciting stuff we've got in store for you.

A cat enthusiast tells Geth about his descent into madness early pandemic when he tried to build the perfect mattress. He also introduces Chris to the online community of mattress reviews, describes his time living in a monastery, and shares a story about when his uncle "melted."

A lawyer details tearing his meniscus during sex and how it changed his perspective on aging. He also explains why the first call he made after the incident was to his mother. Later on, he opens up to Geth about trying to be a good person, splitting his time between corporate law and working with individual people.

A woman speaks with Geth about the physical and emotional toll of starting IVF (In vitro fertilization) at 41. She discusses stigma around IVF, the exorbitant cost, and experiencing "genetic grief" using an egg donor. She also opens up about how she was treated by doctors as a plus size woman ahead of her treatments.

A woman describes the complicated feelings she had growing up with a brother, losing him to suicide, and finally meeting her long lost older brother at age 51. She also shares with Geth how her mom reacted to the news and what it feels like to have a whole new family.

A woman explains why she fled home and her husband of 20 years to live in a small Mexican town. She describes how leaving for 5 months actually helped their marriage. Later on, a man from the live Beaut/Con audience joins onstage to discuss his experience being on the other side of "taking a break" from a relationship, along with some other surprise guests.

A semi-retired nurse speaks with Geth about the Joni Mitchell concert she recently attended that was so beautiful, it made her cry. She describes other unforgettable performances she's seen over the years including The Grateful Dead, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen. She also opens up about her time doing hospice care for patients during the AIDS crisis, trying to be a better partner, and remaining "cool" past a certain age.

A Canadian Furry shares truths and misconceptions about his community. He opens up about meeting his husband on the "Bark" app and explains how being a Furry helped him cope with Borderline Personality Disorder. He and Geth also get into the specifics of how Furries have sex.

A dogwalker from Nova Scotia speaks with Chris about being forced to evacuate due to out-of-control wildfires. She describes how quickly the fires grew and the pain of seeing people in her community lose their homes and in some cases, their pets. Later on, she opens up about what she learned from the 'Love is Everywhere' call.

A former wedding planner tells the insane story of a murder that happened right before the ceremony. She also discusses runaway grooms and navigating feuding parents with a restraining order. Later on, she reveals a surprise connection to a previous caller which leads to a shocking confrontation at the live Beautiful/CONonymous recording in Brooklyn.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Geth speaks with a 67-year-old psychologist about combating loneliness post 2020. She discusses working with clients aged 6 to 86 and the effects of the pandemic on teachers and students. She also reflects on what it was like seeing Chris' Off-Broadway play the day after Trump got elected.

A high school senior speaks with Geth about going through the pandemic as a teenager. She discusses her fear of being in a school shooting and how disconnected she feels her generation is because of screens. She explains why she turned down UCLA and is instead pursuing a career in gymnastics. She also opens up about her mom's passing, feeling like an old soul as a result, and looking forward to a fresh start next year.

A truck driver describes his wild past as a bass guitar player in a band. He discusses crazy near-death experiences including a moped accident that led to many broken bones and meeting his future wife. He also opens up to Geth about leaving the music scene when his son was born and how he felt when he found out his daughter tried pot.

A woman opens up about losing her mom to Fentanyl, the dark humor of her deathaversary falling on 4/20, and never doubting their bond despite her issues. She and Geth also unpack why she gets so many requests from twenty-something men on OnlyFans wanting her to play a mommy role. Later on, they discuss how she found her confidence after not having sex for 6 years and tips for directing a threesome.

A man speaks with Geth about having this particular kink from a young age and how his parents reacted when they caught him with diapers. He explains the difference between ABDLs and age regression play and dispels harmful myths about his community. They also discuss the cloth diaper movement, "babyfurs," and falling in love.

A mother of 3 speaks with Geth about the best and worst year of her life. She opens up about separating from her toxic ex-husband, becoming a registered nurse, getting Meningitis, and falling in love with a mutual friend. She also describes the shocking confrontation that took place at her boyfriend's house when her ex showed up with a gun. This episode contains a conversation about emotional abuse, gun violence, and suicidal ideation, so please keep that in mind if you decide to listen.

Geth speaks with one of the world's biggest yo-yo fans about shady yo-yo people, competitive yo-yoing, and what his partner thinks of his extensive yo-yo collection. Chris also reacts to a video of a famous yo-yoer while the caller breaks down his most impressive moves. Later on, they discuss the beauty of embracing a hobby.

A Cuban expat tells Chris about her incredible journey from Cuba to New Zealand to work on cancer immunotherapies. She opens up about why she left her home country and how the George Floyd protests made her question her own place in the world as a black, Cuban woman. She also discusses the importance of not getting emotionally tied to her cancer research and describes how shaving her head and embracing her natural hair made her feel reborn.

A father opens up to Geth about a years long custody battle over his son with his ex. He discusses their decision to co-habitat as platonic roommates for 4 years despite breaking up before their son was even born. He also explains how his use of Psilocybin for cluster headaches was used against him in court.

Catholic, but without the guilt. A priest discusses why the Episcopal church is often described as "Catholic-lite." He speaks with Geth about being pro LGBTQIA+, marrying another priest, and going to therapy. He also opens up about having doubts and explains why it's ok to keep questioning the faith.

Geth has a new book out called "The Lonely Dad Conversations," and you're about to hear a sneak peek! He sits down with some of his closest comrades for no-holds-barred conversations about transitioning to dad life. You can get the whole book for free at https://try.scribd.com/gethard/

Kidnapping mobsters, a phone call from beyond the grave, and holy water in a vodka bottle. A Jersey Italian grandmother always has stories. She and Geth bond over Jersey Italian accents, Sunday dinners, and potatoes in a cup. She also describes her unique relationship with her ex-husband and shares her love of the Tour de France.

She considered herself a hardcore anarchist, until she became a lawyer. A tattooed, body building, sometimes musician discusses her journey to becoming an attorney. She shares wild stories with Geth about punching through glass doors, not fitting the lawyer stereotype, and changing her hard partying ways.

A 62-year-old Mexican American woman pitches hosting the Spanish language version of Beautiful/Anonymous to Geth and explains why she wants to live to 120. She also discusses practicing Judaism and having a wild Bat Mitzvah in her forties. Later on, she opens up about how her eating disorder affected her relationship with her daughters.

What could a bunch of 10-year-olds do to make a bus aide quit after 20 minutes on the job? A teacher describes what happened when he was running his family's school bus company and an aide ditched the kids in Times Square. He opens up about leaving the family bus business and why it drove him to drink at Gogo bars by night. He and Geth also discuss the school bus mafia, best Jersey bars, and how one knows if they're a good person.

Imagine growing up with a secret so big, you had to change your name. A young man opens up about finding out that his father was an axe murderer. He describes what it was like meeting his dad for the first time in prison. He shares what happened when he realized that his college professor had picked up a hitchhiker that turned out to be his father. He and Geth also discuss America's fascination with true crime and coming to terms with his trans identity.

Naked at a Tai Chi retreat, online playing Counter-Strike, at karaoke, and the Home Depot. Geth learns the unexpected ways people have found love on this special Valentine's Day episode. Live from Sirius XM in NYC, Chris speaks with callers about getting dumped, spicing things up with a bidet, what it's like to date a party clown, and more.

A former volunteer firefighter describes to Geth what happened when she needed to poop while a building was on fire. She also discusses her love of driving fast, the benefits of a good ass scratch, losing and gaining friends during her transition, and what makes a good dick pic.

A 26-year-old social worker explains how she "Americanized" her Indian accent by watching "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody." She opens up to Geth about assimilating to the U.S. and why her opinions on arranged marriage did not sit well with her parents. She also shares how undiagnosed Lyme disease led to her becoming immunocompromised.

Bears, mountain lions, and a lost pinky toe. A logger from Montana shares crazy stories about animal encounters, broken legs, and "Lucky one nutted Norm." He explains why his sons aren't allowed to be loggers and educates Geth on the dangers of an Idaho jammer. He also discusses why after 41 years on the job and many injuries, he still can't imagine retiring.

Is it ok to date multiple people at the same time? A 25-year-old asks Geth to help her choose between 3 guys that are interested in her. She opens up about getting dumped, becoming a serial Hinge dater, and not wanting to hurt other people. They also discuss the importance of having fun while you're young and how to stop thinking so hard.

Between recovering from a difficult childbirth and taking care of an infant, sex is the last thing on this new mom's mind. Though weed helps get her get in the mood, she wonders if she's relying on it too much. She opens up about concerns over her husband's attitude towards fatherhood and feeling guilty for not having much sex since the birth. Later on, Geth reflects on his time as a dad and shares tips for new parents to stay sane.

Hike to the mesosphere. Be a better partner, but most importantly, stop being apologetic about your farts. New year's resolutions are serious business in 2023! Geth speaks with someone who's preparing a 5 minute clowning act, a woman who intends to complete an 18,000 piece puzzle, a college student addicted to collecting fountain pens, and resolutions from former callers.

A lighting console programmer describes starting his career on the set of Snoop Dogg's "Hood of Horror" and moving on to work for Marvel and DC. He discusses the pressure to succeed in the film industry as a person of color who is on the spectrum. He also reveals to Geth how some lighting designers add Easter eggs into their films via lighting "morse code" including a scene in "Black Panther."

What's Kim Kardashian like? A 25-year-old shares wild stories about living and working in a boujee Colorado ski town teaching wealthy people (including Kim and Kanye) how to ski. She opens up about being the daughter of diplomats wondering if she'll move to Europe to be closer to her parents. She describes moving between worlds hanging out with billionaires by day and "dirtbag hippies" by night. She also explains why her father feels safer in Europe than he does in the U.S. as a black person.

If you heard a blood curdling scream, what would you do? A man tells the story of what he did for a stranger who severed his foot mowing the lawn. He also describes his annual camping trip where he invites 100+ people and doesn't tell them where they're going. Later on, he shares with Geth what his cat Santa taught him about love.

What started as therapy turned into obsession and betrayal. A mother of 4 explains how her therapist manipulated her into thinking she was in love with him. She describes to Geth how he blurred the lines of their relationship with 8 hour sessions and drunken, late night voicemails. She also shares what happened after she reported him to the police and what investigators found when they showed up to his office.

Rat poison, pill overdose, and tripping over a shotgun. A young woman describes the suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths of her great grandma's many husbands. She also opens up about overcoming a tumultuous childhood and what it's like having 16 siblings. Later on, she reveals to Geth how she found love at IHOP and the dumbest way to get a concussion at a theme park.

They were planning their life together, but a traumatic brain injury changed everything. A woman shares what happened when her boyfriend woke up from brain surgery with a different personality and no memory of their relationship. She opens up about moving to a big city, becoming a DJ, and how in a way, they both became different people. Later on, she and Geth discuss getting sober, sexual compatibility post brain surgery, biking to Mexico, and the beauty of life now.

A zombie fan explains to Geth why 'Night of the Living Dead' meant so much to him growing up as a closeted Mormon. He also shares his own dreams of writing a zombie movie and breaks down his favorite films in the genre. Later on, he opens up about processing religious trauma and how leaving the faith has changed his relationship with his family.

A 33-year-old reflects on losing her first love in Afghanistan at 18 and dating his best friend after the tragedy. She opens up to Geth about the mental and physical abuse she endured in the second relationship and the fallout it caused with friends and family. She also shares the surprising way she found closure after her boyfriend's passing with a psychic medium.

Just in time for Halloween, a 47-year-old horror fan shares the premise of the spooky novel she's writing. She and Geth get nostalgic over trick-or-treat traditions and she explains how scary movies help her cope with anxiety. Later on, they attempt to make contact with the ghost (aka "The Putty Man") that haunts Madison's Majestic Theater in front of the live audience.

Anonymous notes in the library and a will they/won't they story spanning years. A woman shares the epic tale of her own "You've Got Mail" situation and what she learned from the experience. She explains how hiding letters in books turned into 8 months of back and forth with a mystery guy otherwise known as "library boy." Geth and the live audience ask all your burning questions including, "what happened?!" Later on, she reveals the fate of her mystery man and why she's happy now.

What's easier to sell: God or knives? A father of 2 speaks to Geth about going from pastor life to selling knives out of a van. He explains why some ministers end up leaving and moving into sales. He also opens up about adultery in the church, getting into therapy, trying weed, and how his marriage improved after switching careers.