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The Secret Room | True Stories

What's the one secret you've never told anybody? Welcome to The Secret Room, a podcast about the true stories no one ever tells. Hosted by Ben Hamm.
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Now displaying: 2018

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Dec 24, 2018

Today we peek into the secret lives of the rich and famous with a story that lands at the intersection of celebrity and . . . chicken!  A celebrity demands five live chickens be delivered to his New York City loft, but he never knew what it took to get them there. 

Production support: Susie Lark.

PICTURES

 See Loretta’s baby a couple of months after surviving the high-speed in utero chicken ride.  Loretta points out she’s clutching something that looks suspiciously like a chicken. 

Also the painting titled “Cinco Gallina” that, remarkably, hangs in Ben’s living room.  This interview was meant to be!

Go get 'em:

facebook.com/SecretRoomPod and instagram.com/SecretRoomPod and later in the week at twitter.com/SecretRoomPod

~Ben

 

LISTENER SURVEY

Take our Listener Survey!

 

Thank you for supporting the Secret Room. :)  ~Ben

Dec 10, 2018

YouTube star Brittani Louise Taylor confesses the lie she told her viewers.  Today she tells Ben what she did and why she’s kept it a secret…until now.  She also tells him the big way she’s coming out with her truth.   

Brittani's favorite charity: watoto.com.

Production support: Susie Lark.

Street Secret Team: Bobbi Jo Valdez. 

Thanks guys.

PICTURES

Check out three pictures Brittani wanted me to share with you guys.  You don't want want to miss the one with her son Rex.  Their megawatt smiles will jump off your phone and into your day!

See theme here:

facebook.com/SecretRoomPod and instagram.com/SecretRoomPod and later in the week at twitter.com/SecretRoomPod

~Ben

 LISTENER SURVEY

Take our Listener Survey at SecretRoomPod.com!

 

Thank you for supporting the Secret Room. :)  ~Ben

Nov 26, 2018

Tracy tells her harrowing tale of survival when she was a broke and destitute teen. Stories her mother never knew.  Stories shared here for the first time.

Production support: Susie Lark.

Street Secret Team: Bobbi Jo Valdez. 

Thanks guys.

PICTURES

Tracy shared pictures of her from her high school, university and army days. 

Go get 'em:

facebook.com/SecretRoomPod and instagram.com/SecretRoomPod and later in the week at twitter.com/SecretRoomPod

~Ben

 

LISTENER SURVEY

Take our Listener Survey!

 

Thank you for supporting the Secret Room. :)  ~Ben

Nov 12, 2018

Quinn's dark preoccupation lead her to an unusual career.  Today she lifts the curtains to show us what really happens to the dead as they're prepared for their final journey.

Production support: Susie Lark.

Street Secret Team: Bobbi Jo Valdez. 

PICTURES

To give you an even bigger peek behind the curtain, Quinn’s sharing a bunch of pictures.  There are a couple of Quinn…her face is obscured but you can still connect with her a bit. 

Then there's a nostalgic picture of an old hearse she found at the funeral home she worked at, which has been in business for a century. 

And remember she talked about restorative art, and how that was her passion?  Quinn sent a picture of her project at mortuary school where she had to create a complete face from mortuary wax.  You wanna see that one!

facebook.com/SecretRoomPod and instagram.com/SecretRoomPod/ and later in the week on at twitter.com/SecretRoomPod

~Ben

LISTENER SURVEY

Take our Listener Survey!

 

Thank you for supporting the Secret Room. :)  ~Ben

Oct 29, 2018

Louise’s brother Jessie was everyone’s best friend.  So she had to conceal her happiness when he died.  Louise tells us about their complicated relationship and the unexpected things that have happened since he passed.

Production support: Susie Lark.

Street Secret Team: Bobbi Jo Valdez. 

PICTURES

Louise made a discovery when she was searching for pictures.  Read out exchange about it on social.  Also a picture of Jessie living large, and pictures of Louise with Jessie as kids and then as adults.

See them all now:

facebook.com/SecretRoomPod and instagram.com/SecretRoomPod/ and later in the week on at twitter.com/SecretRoomPod

~Ben

LISTENER SURVEY

Take our Listener Survey!

 

Thank you for supporting the Secret Room. :)  ~Ben

Oct 15, 2018

Sarah's daydreams are so vivid they've crept into her reality.  We learn how they manifest in the real world; and Sarah explains why she keeps them secret.

Production support: Susie Lark.

Street Secret Team: Bobbi Jo Valdez. 

Thanks guys.

PICTURES

Sarah sent a picture of her "relationship vs. single" budget spreadsheet!  See how the numbers stack up with and without a boyfriend.  And see the apartment building Sarah dreams about living in.  She took a picture for you from her book club at the library across the street.  And then there's a picture of the beautiful dog she would be happy to spend her days with.  He doesn't leave shoes around the house. :)

See them all now:

facebook.com/secretroompod and instagram.com/secretroompod/

~Ben

LISTENER SURVEY

Take our Listener Survey!

 

Thank you for supporting the Secret Room. :)  ~Ben

Oct 1, 2018

The story of an unbreakable spirit in which a young woman is forced to make a decision that will haunt her the rest of her life.

Production support: Susie Lark. Street Secret Team: Bobbi Jo Valdez.  Thanks guys.

 

AWAY TRAVEL OFFER

Thanks to Away for supporting The Secret Room. Go to awaytravel.com/secret and use the promo code secret to get $20 off a suitcase!

 

PICTURES

See the street where Claire's mom tried to run down her father. Also the only pictures Claire has of her mom (from her wedding day) and of herself as a kid with her brother (their faces obscured.)

Get 'em now:

facebook.com/secretroompod and instagram.com/secretroompod/

~Ben

 

SECRET ROOM TEES ON AMAZON PRIME! 

Show your affiliation with the coolest indie podcast on the planet with our great tee!  Available in your favorite color with free returns. Prime members get free two-day shipping in the U.S. Find it now at Amazon.com. (Or search Amazon for "Secret Room Podcast".)

 

AUDIBLE

Thanks to Audible for supporting our podcast. Get a free audiobook with a free 30 day trial at audible.com/SECRETROOM or text SECRETROOM to 500-500. 

 

LISTENER SURVEY

Take our Listener Survey!

 

Thank you for supporting the Secret Room. :)  ~Ben

Sep 17, 2018

Natalie's bizarre story of a two-pronged family betrayal and a kid who was like her brother.

RAINN.org Sexual Assault Hotline (USA): 800-656-HOPE (4673).

Production support by Susie Lark and Bobbi Jo Valdez

PICTURES

A couple days ago Natalie texted me some details that she didn't feel comfortable sharing in our interview.  She said I could post her text for you to read in full.

Also see Theo, the gorgeous doggie she had to give up.  And see Natalie holding her new puppy four years ago, and a picture of him  now.

Get 'em now:

facebook.com/secretroompod and instagram.com/secretroompod/

~Ben

LISTENER SURVEY

Take our Listener Survey!

Thank you for supporting the Secret Room. :)  ~Ben

Sep 3, 2018

Reverend Dave revealed in Ep. 53 that he had an X-Rated Tattoo.  But he called Ben recently to tell him he missed an important follow up question; one that would have revealed another secret!  We get to the bottom of it in this show.

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PICTURES: See Reverend Dave's tattoo and a mysterious picture of Reverend Dave himself on our Facebook page.  facebook.com/secretroompod.

Aug 20, 2018

Tai tells why she feels partially responsible for the murder committed by her best friend when they were 15. And there's a twist…

Production support by Susie Lark, Caitlin Bartholomew and Elkid.

PICTURES

See the letters and Christmas presents Cody sent Tai over the years.  Also a bonus post-interview convo Tai and I had over text. Don't miss it. :)

Get 'em now:

facebook.com/secretroompod and instagram.com/secretroompod/

~Ben

SUMMER SURVEY

Take our Summer Survey!

Aug 6, 2018

Brittany bluffed her way through her final thesis. Everyone thinks she graduated but Brittany's not so sure. It’s a story where both student and teacher were cheating.

My guest is Brittany Ross, host of the Shortcomings Podcast, where she and her co-host Natalie Lander talk with guests about where they fell short in life.  

Brittany’s also an actress, appearing on U.S. television shows The Middle, 2 Broke Girls and Girl Meets World.

And you must follow her colorful Instagram: @iambrittanyross.

Credits: Production by Susie Lark, and thanks to our Street Secret Editor Caitlin Bartholomew.

PICTURES

See Brittany's goofy college cheerleading picture; and the shot her hubby snapped as she and her dog Trask desperately tear the house apart looking for her diploma.

facebook.com/secretroompod and instagram.com/secretroompod/

 

Jul 23, 2018

Laura tells us how she was dramatically busted while cheating with a married man.  Then she went back for more.  What happened next will amaze you.

 PICTURES

Laura shared so many great pictures for you! See the bangle she dropped and the tank top she was struggling to adjust on that fateful day in Anthony's house.  You can also see the parking lot where she and Anthony used to meet before third shift.

facebook.com/secretroompod and instagram.com/secretroompod/

Jul 9, 2018

Should a young woman with incurable cancer reveal the name of her daughter’s movie star father?

PICTURES

See a picture Mila took of a typical Amsterdam canal house that leans to one side.  She says it looks a lot like hers. 

facebook.com/secretroompod and instagram.com/secretroompod/

 

Jun 25, 2018

Why Molly received an dishonorable discharge from the military and how she's able to keep it a secret.

 PICTURES

See Molly's Dishonorable Discharge, DD From 212. It says “fraudulent entry into military service” in black and white. 

Also a picture of the combat boots she was issued for basic training.  They look brand new.

facebook.com/secretroompod and instagram.com/secretroompod/

 

Jun 11, 2018

Today’s show explores how people behave, or shouldn’t behave, in very different situations. We hear tales of operating rooms, a vibrator and food.

PICTURES

See Derrick suited up for the operating room.  Also see Lily, her partner and Sarah in a variety of great pictures while they were still friends.  

facebook.com/secretroompod and instagram.com/secretroompod/

~Ben

May 29, 2018

The surprising consequences for an accidental criminal.  And what one friend does when another makes a terrible mistake.

PICTURES:

From Sarah: "The first two pictures are from that infamous night. Look how happy and carefree we are...oblivious as to what was to come. :)  I'm the one in black and Tonya is in red.”

Sarah sent two others: The wide road to her home. And a picture of the scene of the crime. 

Also Susie's Disappointing Doodle of today's street secret.

facebook.com/secretroompod and instagram.com/secretroompod/

~Ben 

 

May 14, 2018

CJ’s first step into the professional world faltered a bit.  It was a misstep he had no intention of revealing, ever, until a remarkable coincidence 8 months later forced his hand.  

 PICTURES:

See CJ, International Man of Mystery, at the mic during this very interview.

Also, see the picture frame with stock photos that's been hanging sideways in producer Susie Lark's home for TWO years.  So embarrassing.  

Get 'em at facebook.com/secretroompod and instagram.com/secretroompod/.

~Ben

 

 

Apr 30, 2018

Caitlin says she betrayed her best friend.  But you might think Caitlin was the friend betrayed.  It’s a tale of deception that cuts two ways. 

PICTURES:

First up a screenshot of Tom’s half contrite text. 

There’s also picture Caitlin took of her room the day she moved out of the house that she shared with Amy.  The neatly packed boxes and the vibrant colors of the room belie the turmoil in Caitlin’s life that day.  I wonder what made her take that picture?  Perhaps it was symbolic of a new beginning.  

They're all waiting at facebook.com/secretroompod and on Instagram (secretroompod).

~Ben

 

Apr 16, 2018

Today a story about two secret brothers.  Jessica explains exactly what that means and how it's possible. The path to discovery at 39 years of age required careful navigation of family politics with her dad, her mom and her sister…. 

 PICTURES:

Jessica shared a couple of pictures for you.  In the first see Jessica and her sister sharing coffee.  Jessica also snapped a picture of the kewpie doll her father passed on to her from her grandfather. 

We also have a Street Secret picture!  See the turtle that was mom's ex boyfriend's pet in the street secret at the top of the show!

See them on facebook.com/secretroompod and Instagram (secretroompod).

 

Apr 2, 2018

Sally joins us from Athens to tell us about her love affair with a Mafia kingpin in the early 90s. Hear the surprising way her romance started, what it was like inside the syndicate and how she got out.

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PICTURES:

Sally hams it up for the camera, bikini clad on a Greek beach about the time she was dating Michael. And in another she weds her fiancé not long after her affair with Michael ended. They look happy.  I just wonder what he did during their breakup! We’ll never know. ~Ben

Get 'em all at facebook.com/secretroompod

 

UPROXX

We are thrilled to be featured by UPROXX as one of the top ten storytelling podcasts to listen to right now.  Check 'em all out!  You may stray, but remember where your heart belongs: right here with your little podcast that could! 💕

 

SECRET ROOM NOW ON INSTAGRAM

See all our pictures on Instagram back to the beginning of time.  Our snappy handle? SecretRoomPod of course!

 

SECRET ROOM TEES ARE BACK ON AMAZON PRIME! 

See Ben sport our tee in heather blue at facebook.com/secretroompod.  Show your affiliation with the coolest indie podcast on the planet!  Available in your favorite color on Prime at Amazon.com. (Or search Amazon for Secret Room podcast.)

 

FREE AUDIBLE DOWNLOAD: 

Thanks to Audible for supporting our podcast. Get a free audiobook with a free 30 day trial at audible.com/SECRETROOM or text SECRETROOM to 500-500. 

Please sign up from a regular computer (not mobile) to ensure your favorite indie podcast that could gets credit. Thank you for supporting the Secret Room. :)

Mar 18, 2018

The complicated and intensely personal chain of events that have led Jessica to keep her father's death a secret.

---

PICTURES:

First up is a picture of Jessica's bio-dad looking really dapper in a sharp suit and red tie. Next there’s a pic of Jessica as an adorable kid about the time her parents were getting divorced.  And of course, you have to see her dogs, which Jessica captioned “The cutest little turkeys EVER” in her text to me.  And I have to concur.  Get 'em all at facebook.com/secretroompod. ~Ben

You can also see pictures on Twitter @SecretRoomPod! (Thanks Shelly ~Susie)

 

FREE AUDIBLE DOWNLOAD: 

Thanks to Audible for supporting our podcast. Get a free audiobook with a free 30 day trial at audible.com/SECRETROOM or text SECRETROOM to 500-500. 

Please sign up from a regular computer (not mobile) to ensure your favorite indie podcast that could gets credit. Thank you for supporting the Secret Room. :)

 

SECRET ROOM TEES ARE BACK ON AMAZON PRIME! 

See Ben sport our tee in heather blue at facebook.com/secretroompod.  Show your affiliation with the coolest indie podcast on the planet!  Available in your favorite color on Prime at Amazon.com. (Or search Amazon for Secret Room podcast.)

 

 

Mar 5, 2018

One woman's experience with female genital mutilation (FGM) and how it's impacted her life.  A story of perseverance and triumph.

Here is the World Health Organization's fact sheet on female genital mutilation.

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PICTURES: See the one memento Aisha's held on to: the armband from her stay at the hospital when her stitches were released.  A picture of it, in the jar where it rests, waits for you at facebook.com/secretroompod.

FREE AUDIBLE DOWNLOAD: Thanks to Audible for supporting our podcast. Get a free audiobook with a free 30 day trial at audible.com/SECRETROOM or text SECRETROOM to 500-500. 

Please sign up from a regular computer (not mobile) to ensure your favorite indie podcast that could gets credit. Thank you for supporting the Secret Room. :)

SECRET ROOM TEES ARE BACK ON AMAZON PRIME! See Ben sport our tee in heather blue at facebook.com/secretroompod.  Show your affiliation with the coolest indie podcast on the planet!  Available in your favorite color on Prime at Amazon.com. (Or search Amazon for Secret Room podcast.)

 

Feb 20, 2018

Patty tells us stories from the edge when she put herself through graduate school as an escort and dominatrix.

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PICTURES: A picture of Patty's favorite corsets.  She always made more money when she wore the pink one.  Also, two pictures of Patty back in the day! facebook.com/secretroompod.

FREE AUDIBLE DOWNLOAD: Thanks to Audible for supporting our podcast. Get a free audiobook with a free 30 day trial at audible.com/SECRETROOM or text SECRETROOM to 500-500. 

Please sign up from a regular computer (not mobile) to ensure your favorite indie podcast that could gets credit. Thank you for supporting the Secret Room. :)

SECRET ROOM TEES ARE BACK ON AMAZON PRIME! See Ben sport our tee in heather blue at facebook.com/secretroompod.  Show your affiliation with the coolest indie podcast on the planet!  Available in your favorite color on Prime at Amazon.com. (Or search Amazon for Secret Room podcast.)

Feb 5, 2018

Reverend Dave's secret tattoo reveals a former secret that upended his life.

---

PICTURES: See Reverend Dave's tattoo and a mysterious picture of Reverend Dave himself on our Facebook page.  facebook.com/secretroompod.

FREE AUDIBLE DOWNLOAD: Thanks to Audible for supporting our podcast. Get a free audiobook with a free 30 day trial at audible.com/SECRETROOM or text SECRETROOM to 500-500. 

Please sign up from a regular computer (not mobile) to ensure your favorite indie podcast that could gets credit. Thank you for supporting the Secret Room. :)

SECRET ROOM TEES AVAILABLE ON AMAZON PRIME! See Ben sport our tee in heather blue at facebook.com/secretroompod.  Show your affiliation with the coolest indie podcast on the planet!  Available in your favorite color on Prime at Amazon.com. (Or search Amazon for Secret Room podcast.) 

Jan 22, 2018

When should Emily reveal her condition to people she's dating?  She's in a difficult position and bears all the responsibility. 

Also, the fallout from last episode's french fry secret!

Celebrate radio producer Joe Frank's life by listening to his trailblazing program "Joe Frank: Work In Progress."  JoeFrank.com  Joe left us January 15th, 2018.

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FREE AUDIBLE DOWNLOAD: Thanks to Audible for supporting our podcast. Get a free audiobook with a free 30 day trial at audible.com/SECRETROOM or text SECRETROOM to 500-500. 

Please sign up from a regular computer (not mobile) to ensure your favorite indie podcast that could gets credit. Thank you for supporting the Secret Room. :)

SECRET ROOM TEES ARE BACK ON AMAZON PRIME! See Ben sport our tee in heather blue at facebook.com/secretroompod.  Show your affiliation with the coolest indie podcast on the planet!  Available in your favorite color on Prime at Amazon.com. (Or search Amazon for Secret Room podcast.) 

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