Strangers

The Schmidts, Part 2 Oct 30, 2020

Part two of Sequoia Schmidt's story. Enjoy! You can find her at sequoiaschmidt.com. And you can find me at patreon.com/strangerspodcast.

The Schmidts, Part 1 Oct 23, 2020

Meet Sequoia Schmidt - a most interesting and unusual young woman from a most interesting and unusual family. This is Part 1 of her story. Part 2 drops next week. Enjoy!

Wilmot of Helena Jul 24, 2020

Wilmot Collins is an interesting man with an interesting story. This is it. I hope you enjoy it. Find more Strangers content, new and old, at www.patreon.com/strangerspodcast - it's only $1 per month to join - or stay subscribed here for more free episodes, which will drop from time to time. However, if you want to receive regular episodes, and hear the continuation of my series called The Cape, and access our archive of more than 90 episodes, join us on Patreon!

Isn’t It Nice Dec 12, 2017

We bring the year full circle with a new story about Jared in St George, Utah, who was the subject of our very first episode this year. We reflect on the beautiful difference a year can make, even for someone who thought his whole future had disappeared. If you need a bit of hope this … Continue reading Isn’t It Nice → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Go, Kalan Nov 21, 2017

The story of a young man who decided to say yes.

Do You Like My Little Lie? Oct 12, 2017

It’s the time of year when skeletons come out of the closet. We honor the dead, as we get ready for holidays among the living, where secrets will be spilled, and secrets will be created that will haunt us for years to come. You might describe today’s story as a classic “noir,” if it wasn’t … Continue reading Do You Like My Little Lie? → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jack Be Nimble, Part 2 Aug 18, 2017

Jack, Part 2, in which there will be guns and fear and roses and magic. There will be frat boys and homeless ladies, sweet clowns, and sad selves. Above all, there will be Jack. He will be nimble and he will be bold.

Jack Be Nimble, Part 1 Aug 05, 2017

A run-down trailer in small town Texas, Sunday mornings with Charlie Chaplin, heroine-dazed zombies, fighting off dragons, and narrowly escaping real life monsters — this was Jack’s life as a kid. It was about survival from the very beginning. This episode is not suitable for children.

Human/Ordinary Jul 21, 2017

A couple of weeks ago we got an email from Sam in Australia about his podcast Human/Ordinary. We liked it so much we decided to share it with you. Here’s an adapted version of his 10th episode called Headstone: Breath and Bone. The content might be intense for some. You will glean the subject matter … Continue reading Human/Ordinary →

Franky Carrillo: Life Now Jul 12, 2017

We check in with Franky who did 20 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit (listen to our original Franky Carrillo episode “Life” for the backstory) and find out how he’s doing now and what he’s been up to for the last six years since his exoneration. It was worth the visit.

Dear Diary Jun 01, 2017

This is not another Trump voter conversation. It’s not an end-point or a neat conclusion to the series. This is Lea crying into her iPhone at 10pm on a Tuesday because she doesn’t know what to conclude, how to mend, where to go. It’s a messy, confessional audio letter about kidney stones, sea urchins, The … Continue reading Dear Diary →

Lea in Trumpland #2: Eugene May 12, 2017

This is where the gloves come off. In this episode, Lea travels to New York to talk to a Trump supporter who defies a lot of the stereotypes: he’s coastal, young, urban, educated, Jewish, an immigrant… But man oh man do the punches fly, on both sides.

Lea in Trumpland: Alicia Apr 29, 2017

Lea has been traveling around interviewing Trump supporters and she’s tried to do it differently. She’s gotten drunk with them and high with them, she’s road-tripped with them and stayed overnight in their kids’ bedrooms, she’s cried with them, dined with them, yelled at them (and vice versa) to bring the conversation to a new … Continue reading Lea in Trumpland: Alicia →

Kugel vs Khaled Apr 16, 2017

In this episode we revisit the story of Alaa Khaled AKA Alec Ledd and ponder life’s big questions, such as kugel, identity, celebrity, and how far we will go to please Barbara Streisand or compete with a more-famous brother.

Claire Obscure Mar 11, 2017

It starts with a murder and ends with new questions. In between there’s Claire’s story. That’s not her real name. It’s neither her old name, nor her new name. It’s the name she took to tell this story.

Warning: this episode contains graphic and disturbing content.

Do not listen with children.

12 Years On Feb 25, 2017

In August 2004, a Somali refugee family arrived in Vermont. It was the beginning of many good things.

Pabba’s 32nd Year Feb 10, 2017

Imagine if your parents had access to your online dating profile. That happened to Pabba.

Two Men and a Baby, The Final Episode Jan 27, 2017

For nearly three years, we’ve been following Patrick and Steve and their attempt to adopt their foster daughter, and no other story we’ve done has generated as many emails from you, wondering how it all worked out. Today you will finally know. You can find out more about Patrick Hinds and his podcasts at www.theaterppl.com.

Wouldn’t It Be Nice Jan 13, 2017

It’s a new year, a time for hope or worry, for regrets or new plans, a time to count our blessings or pick up the pieces. Last year around this time, as 2016 was just beginning, Jared and Sharry in Utah were tremendously excited about the year ahead, but things did not work out as … Continue reading Wouldn’t It Be Nice →

Eleven Up Dec 12, 2016

Today’s story is about two families trying to become one family. One set of parents is white, one is black, one lives in Portland, OR, the other in Miami, FL, one is Canadian/American, the other is Haitian/American. So, geographically, demographically, and socio-economically they live in very different worlds, but when we started following them more … Continue reading Eleven Up →

The People Next Door Nov 24, 2016

Three stories about Mexican immigration, showing us that there are two sides to the border fence, but many sides to the story. On this episode, we find some unlikely bedfellows among liberals and conservatives, even immigrants and the border patrol. These stories come to us from the wonderful shows, “State of the Re:Union” and “UnFictional.” Also check … Continue reading The People Next Door →

Lex Nov 11, 2016

When you start to think your own child might have a propensity for violence, what do you do?

Warning: this episode contains violent content. Do not listen with children.

The Truth Oct 28, 2016

Ashley’s husband, Corey, is accused of the worst thing imaginable. What follows sends the family on an ever darkening journey, swinging between answers, hypotheses, emotions, and, ultimately, the truth. This story is not appropriate for children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m an American Oct 12, 2016

Lea recounts the personal journey that led her to become an American citizen this summer. It starts in Sweden in 1945…

Me For Mayor? Oct 03, 2016

Have you ever had the fantasy that a chance encounter with a stranger could tell you who to be? Karin Gutman was working as an assistant when a senior advisor to a US Senator came out of the blue with an offer to change her life… This story first aired on Strangers in April, 2012.

Blue Astringent Blues Sep 23, 2016

A wanna-be artist finds himself in a dual-life dilemma. Can you be the next Bukowski and the king of high-end skin care — at the same time? When push comes to aftershave, which do you choose? Brian Finkelstein tells this story, which originally aired on the first season of Strangers. Brian Finkelstein (@bsfinkestein) is an … Continue reading Blue Astringent Blues →

Matjames Returns: Scenes from Yellow Springs Sep 02, 2016

Three years after Tyler issued a dare for Matjames to return to Yellow Springs, and 26 years after he fled, Matjames finally makes the trip. For optimal enjoyment of this episode, please listen to the first story about Matjames and Tyler, “Flee, Flood, Float.”

Matjames and Tyler: Flee, Flood, Float Aug 26, 2016

This is a rebroadcast of a story we produced three years ago. It’s a story we’ve always really liked, and we’re sharing it with you this week because we’ll have an update on the story next week. So be sure to check this out and stay tuned for the follow-up.

Love Hurts — Two Years Later Aug 16, 2016

Lea revisits her own love life. Two years ago, Lea produced “Love Hurts,” a series about her ill-fated adventures in online dating. Lea had been online dating for four years since she’d found herself single with an infant in her late 30s. The same week the first “Love Hurts” episode went live, Lea met a man, and a year ago, they posted an anniversary episode they'd recorded for the one-year anniversary of their meeting and of the Love Hurts series. Now they're back with a two-year anniversary update, and things don't turn out as planned. To say the least.

The original Love Hurts series had four epsiodes which were dowloaded millions of times and was the most popular series Lea has ever created. Only the first of those episodes is available here, the others are for paying subscribers only (who get access to the entire Strangers archive, ad-free). You can join for $5 at Leasplace.substack.com or Leasplace.supercast.com.

The Bus & The Duff Jul 22, 2016

Two stories from two stages of love about chance encounters, bold moves, tough luck, predictable fights, unlikely angels, and those unavoidable moments where you simply have to “sh*t or get off the pot.”

Not By Accident Jul 08, 2016

So you’re 37 and single…. On this third installment of our “Summer of Love” series, we explore the singles’ experience with two intimate stories from the lovely podcast “Not by Accident” by Sophie Harper.

Jo & Fayaz Jun 25, 2016

Fayaz asked Jo to marry him after they’d spent just one week in the same place. Here’s how that worked out. This story is the second installment in our Summer of Love series, but as it unfolds it becomes about more than just love.

As Far As You Can Get Jun 10, 2016

Welcome to our new series, “Summer of Love,” inspired by this quote from a Danish newspaper: “For decades women seem to have been asking themselves the following questions: How do I get a man? How do I hold on to him? How do I put up with him? How do I get rid of him? How … Continue reading As Far As You Can Get →

The Son, The Goddess, and Leopoldo May 30, 2016

Born in a coven of lesbian witches in a Haight-Ashbury commune after the fall of Saigon, young Joshua Safran soon hit the open road with his single mother, Claudia, and things only got stranger from there. A word of warning: this story contains some disturbing moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Outside In May 13, 2016

One day when her daughter was 1 month old, Nanna Balslev took the elevator to the top floor of one of the tallest buildings in Copenhagen. It was the darkest day of her life.

Warning: this episode contains references to suicide and depression. If you or someone you know is strugglign with suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 998 in the U.S.

Dumb Sh*t We Do #3: Stow Away Apr 29, 2016

Wanna go to Europe? Got no cash? Why not stow away?

Dumb Sh*t We Do #2: Rob Banks Apr 15, 2016

We feature the story of Joe Loya’s bank robbing career by producer Ben Adair of the podcast “First Time Last Time,” along with a follow-up conversation between Lea and Joe about the dumbest sh*t he’s pulled as a bank robber. Check out the “First Time Last Time” podcast, which has the simple but wonderful premise that … Continue reading Dumb Sh*t We Do #2: Rob Banks →

Dumb Sh*t We Do #1: Fib Apr 01, 2016

Melia Mills was working as a lobby-greeter at a hotel, when one day Dave Chapelle came to stay…This is the first in our April mini-series “Dumb Sh*t We Do.”

Worth Saving Mar 18, 2016

Annie Bradley was raised to believe that women shouldn’t have opinions or make decisions. But what happens when her life depends on a radical split-second decision?

Elizabeth and Mary: The Aftermath Mar 04, 2016

Do altruists make us uncomfortable? Hell freakin’ yeah. Or so it seems. One of the most generous people we’ve ever profiled became the center of a social media storm. Lea called up some of the harshest critics to find out, eh, WHY?

Elizabeth and Mary, Part 3 Feb 27, 2016

So did this transplant happen? Is Lea going to give away a kidney? Tune into this third instalment of Elizabeth and Mary to find out.

Elizabeth and Mary, Part 2 Feb 12, 2016

This is the second installment in our series about Elizabeth and Mary. On this episode, we play some of the strong reactions we received from listeners to the first installment, and dive deeper into why Elizabeth decided to give a kidney to a stranger, and who she really is…

Elizabeth and Mary, Part 1 Jan 29, 2016

Would you give a kidney to a stranger? Inspired by a previous episode of Strangers, Elizabeth decided to do just that. This is Part 1 of the story that ensued.

The Waxing Virgin — Then and Now Jan 15, 2016

Four years ago, we met Becca, a virgin in her 30s who waxed genitals for a living. On this episode we play her original story, along with an update about what Becca has been up to since then…

One Hour, Two stories - A Special Broadcast from Strangers Jan 04, 2016

Two of our favorite Strangers stories of all time in one radio hour.

Featuring the stories 'Henry & Jane' (with Henry & Jane Evans) and 'Falling Slowly' with Lyena Strelkoff.

Left Right Black White Dec 04, 2015

A stereotypical, Whole-Foods-shopping, NPR-listening liberal finds herself in an alliance of Republicans.

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Woman Nov 06, 2015

Sometimes you get in a rut as a creative professional, wondering if you’ll ever be a professional, creatively, or if you’ll be forever stuck in some dead-end day job that’s designed to pay the bills but barely does. And then you might fantasize that some big change, or chance encounter, or fabulous coincidence is going … Continue reading A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Woman →

My Father’s Bones Oct 09, 2015

One day when Susan was five, her father came home and nailed her bunk bed shut. That was the beginning of a long strange journey.

Jenni, Remembered Sep 12, 2015

In the Strangers community, we’ve lost one of our own: Jenni Rowell, 33, has passed away. In this episode, with the help of her family and friends, we rejoice in her life and everything she gave us, and we mourn what we have lost. We also reveal some happy news that she got to enjoy … Continue reading Jenni, Remembered →

Sexistential Aug 19, 2015

What exactly does a sex surrogate do? Meet Kendra Holliday to find out.

Warning: This episode contains explicit sexual refrences and is not suitable for children.

Love Hurts – One Year Later Aug 01, 2015

One year ago today, July 31st, Lea went to interview Robert, a guy she’d dated, about why he’d turned her down. That became the first of a series of episodes called “Love Hurts,” where Lea investigated why she was having trouble finding love again in the four years since she found herself pregnant and alone.

The original Love Hurts series had four epsiodesm which were dowloaded millions of times and was the most popular series Lea has ever created. Only the first of those episodes is available here, the others are for only paying subscribers (who also get access to the entire Strangers archive, ad-free). Join for $5 at Leasplace.substack.com or Leasplace.supercast.com and support my work!

The Teacher Who Couldn’t Read Jul 11, 2015

John Corcoran graduated from high school and college and then spent 17 years as a high school teacher without knowing how to read or write. How on earth did he pull that off? And why? This is his story. A different version of this story was originally presented on Strangers in early 2012. Get the … Continue reading The Teacher Who Couldn’t Read →

American Mormon — International Mr. Leather Jun 27, 2015

A new – and improved! – version of an old Strangers story: A Mormon boy grows up to become “International Mr. Leather,” which is the “Miss Universe” equivalent of the leather fetish world, and he’s forced to acknowledge some surprising parallels between his childhood church and the kinky gay, male leather world… Get the full … Continue reading American Mormon — International Mr. Leather →

Like a Pizza: Two Men and a Baby – the Follow-Up Jun 13, 2015

In 2014 Patrick and Steve received a surprise delivery…and it was a newborn, whaa!

A story ensued, which became the episode Two Men and a Baby. Now, a year later we check in to see how things are going.

Adrian’s Race 2 May 30, 2015

This is the second installment in our series about Adrian Wagner, who at 25 is losing his eyesight, and who is in a race to try to locate his birth parents in time to qualify for upcoming clinical trials, which might cure his condition but require genetic testing of both parents. And that is just … Continue reading Adrian’s Race 2 →

Unconditional May 15, 2015

This is a story of mothers, love, regrets and redemption, and of secrets from many years passed that cast long shadows in our lives. It’s about how Deborah Jiang-Stein came to be pulled over by two highway patrolmen at 19 years-old, with a trunk load of dope, a .38 revolver and a 10” switch blade…and … Continue reading Unconditional →

The Cruellest Month? May 02, 2015

April is the cruellest month. At least it can be. If you are depressed or heartbroken, there is nothing worse than the thaw and the blossoms and the girls in short dresses and the lovers on park benches licking melting ice cream off each other’s faces and fingers. It makes your heart ache more because … Continue reading The Cruellest Month? →

Adrian’s Race Apr 17, 2015

Adrian is 25 and losing his eyesight. He’s in a race against time. He’s also in a battle between humility and pride. When is it stubborn, perhaps even foolhardy, not to make concessions to one’s disability? When is it the only way out? And where do you find wisdom to know the difference? Get the … Continue reading Adrian’s Race →

Jenni, Now Mar 27, 2015

We revisit Jenni Rowell from the episode “Life, Interrupted” to see where things stand, and learn some sh*t about life.

And Justice for All? Mar 13, 2015

A booker for TV court shows shares highs and lows from the merry-go-round of daytime justice, from a triumphant moment with a little person male stripper called Cornpop to the days when she just has to take off her headset and cry under her desk. With Sharon Houston.

Love – Good and Bad Feb 13, 2015

For Valentine’s Day we return to the theme of love, with a story about someone else’s heartbreak for a change. As for Lea’s heart, well, you’ll see…

A Father’s Story – Then and Now Jan 17, 2015

To mark the three-year anniversary of Strangers we share with you the very first story ever featured on the show, about Stephen Rochelle and his son Matthew, and we return to Stephen to see how they’re doing now, three years later. In July 2011, Matthew Rochelle stood trial for murder. This is the story of … Continue reading A Father’s Story – Then and Now →

Love Hurts — The Follow-Up Dec 19, 2014

Lea received hundreds of messages in response to her raw, personal four-part series, “Love Hurts.” In this follow-up episode, she strings together the funny, poignant and moving voice mails she received from listeners in response to the series and tries to make sense of this thing called love, finally. She also gives an update on … Continue reading Love Hurts — The Follow-Up →

The Mind Shaft Dec 05, 2014

Greg O’Brien was in his late 50s when strange things started happening…

Alaska Bingo Nov 07, 2014

Sam Feirstein takes a broken heart to Alaska and finds surprising kindness in “enemy territory.” Also, producer Lea Thau takes a broken heart to India and has a “stranger” experience that inspires her to create this show.

Screaming with Professionals Oct 30, 2014

For Halloween, we give you a ghost story of sorts. Not in the traditional sense, but we think you’ll know what we mean when you hear it. As a little boy, Bill Ratner experienced a series of tragedies. Then he learned to scream…

Falling Slowly Oct 24, 2014

Strangers, at its core, is about the beauty and the struggle of human connection and what happens in those moments when we get closer to someone else, or, say, further removed from ourselves. Often that change is subtle and slow, but sometimes it is sudden and monumental. Here is Lyena Strelkoff. A version of this … Continue reading Falling Slowly → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big Jim & Smokey Joe Oct 14, 2014

A waitress, a former bomber pilot and a retired railroad engineer embark on the adventure of a lifetime. A version of this story was previously featured on Season 1 of Strangers. Get the full story here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love Hurts 2 Sep 03, 2014

Lea continues her quest to discover why she’s been single for nearly four years. She interviews yet another guy who turned her down to find out why he didn’t want to date her, and tells stories of her past loves and present dates.

The original Love Hurts series had four epsiodes, which were dowloaded millions of times and was the most popular series Lea has ever created.

Only Love Hirts 1 & 2 (and some later updates) are available here, the others are for paying subscribers only (who also get access to the entire Strangers archive, ad-free).

Join for $5 at Leasplace.substack.com or Leasplace.supercast.com to gain full access and support my work!

Love Hurts Aug 15, 2014

While doing a story about online dating, Lea gets her heart broken (yet again). Get the full story here.

The original Love Hurts series had four epsiodes, which were dowloaded millions of times and was the most popular series Lea has ever created.

Only the first two of those episodes are available here (this one and the next one), the others are for paying subscribers only (who also get access to the entire Strangers archive, ad-free).

Join for $5 at Leasplace.substack.com or Leasplace.supercast.com to gain full access and support my work!

Kenna Fisher: Renaissance Woman Jul 11, 2014

Kenna, formerly known as Ken, came out 5 years ago. This her story.

Two Men and a Baby Jun 15, 2014

Two young men receive a surprise delivery. And it’s a newborn. Whaaa! Get the full story here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Long Shadow May 17, 2014

Murder, music, mystery. A controversial event in 1997 changed the fate of two band mates. Get the full story here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cora Leighton: The Gift Apr 17, 2014

A stripper and a tattoo artist have a fateful encounter.

Jenni Rowell: Life, Interrupted Mar 14, 2014

Imagine waking up every morning and seeing a stranger in the mirror… Get the full story here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liz Fletcher: Little Orphan Edie, a Valentine’s Story Feb 11, 2014

A tale of true love spanning four decades, two countries, and classic racial divides.

Born Rich (or Poor): Moby, Jamie Johnson and Others Jan 16, 2014

Just how fabulous is it to be fabulously rich? Four stories of wealth–inherited and earned.

Anniversary Episode: Strangers Revisited Dec 13, 2013

An online dater finds love after 16 years, and an exonerated prisoner goes to see the former District Attorney.

Alfredo Corchado: Midnight in Mexico Nov 15, 2013

An immigrant boy receives an offer he can’t refuse.

Andrew and Akina Cox: Meet the Moonies Oct 18, 2013

A hip young artist couple find themselves in an arranged marriage.

Andrea Askowitz: Be My Baby Sep 20, 2013

A woman finds her way to the all-american, suburban, lesbian life.

Terry’s Treasure Aug 30, 2013

Producer Lea Thau embarks on a strange online dating adventure.

Matjames and Tyler: Flee, Flood, Float Aug 15, 2013

A story about the places we go and the people we find. (Sorry we don’t want to give it away, just listen, please.)

Henry and Jane Jul 16, 2013

A 40-year-old stroke victim demonstrates that a sense of humor can be the last thing to go.

Altruism Jun 14, 2013

Does true altruism exist? Here are three stories that say yea, nay, and just maybe.

Gay Talese: Committed Voyeur May 09, 2013

Legendary non-fiction writer, Gay Talese, discusses his marriage, his work, and the scandals that have made waves in both.

Franky Carrillo: Life Apr 11, 2013

A man spends 20 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, but comes out ahead… Get the full story here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices