In July 2016, The Moth – a US-based not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling via live events, radio and podcast – shared a story by Auburn Sandstrom entitled A Phone Call. Recorded in November 2015 in front of a live audience, Sandstrom told the true story about a night when she was a young, drug-addicted mother. Her partner was out trying to score, her baby was crying and she felt she could no longer cope. Remembering that her mother had given her a number to call if she needed help, she picked up the phone. Someone answered and they talked for hours. But it was not the person she had expected.

Ali McGregor

Ali McGregor. Photo Supplied.

Sandstrom’s story showed how one act of kindness can change a life. As she said in her narration: “This is what I know. In the deepest, blackest night of despair, if you can get just one pinhole of light . . . all of grace rushes in.”

Running close to 11 minutes, A Phone Call has now been viewed millions of times. Australian soprano Ali McGregor was one of those...