PODCAST · society
Stranger Connections
by Lisa David Olson
Lisa David Olson has over two decades of writing and performing comedy experience, as well as speaking on the benefits of humor and tips from the stage to more effectively communicate in real life. Be the nosy neighbor and listen in as she interviews people she barely knows, (or hasn't yet met) to hear about their weird life stories or quirky careers. There's a lady who says she can communicate with your dog, a man who used to be a zen monk, and even a guy from Russia who gave himself up for adoption at age 9. Expect a few laughs sprinkled in as guests are invited to share a prank or embarrassing moment too. When your host is a bold and curious beast - anything goes. This podcast is an offshoot of Lisa's project in bravery, called Serious Selfies With Strangers; where a dare for a non-smiling photo with someone she had not yet met always created a moment of laughter, and often forged the way to new friendships that would never have been. Books available; Lau
Episodes
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Jordan Schroeter - moments of celebration (and humor!) even with a severe disability
"Dying is like falling asleep. You don't realize it until you wake up." Jordon Schroeter Speaker, Advocate, Comic, Pastor (with a Masters), and Award-Winning Film Maker Jordan Schroeter wasn't supposed to live past the age of 2 years old. Here is in, in his third decade - from an electric...
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Cheri Hardman - sassy comic, and host of 'diary of an ex ho', a sex positive podcast
*Adult content, especially about two-thirds of the way in. "I love a rowdy bar show, but a packed comedy club is pretty awesome too. It does help to be funny." Cheri Hardman Cheri is an award-winning comic, a YouTube and podcast host, and does live shows too, for her Diary of an Ex Ho show! You...
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Jared Gleaton - when psychology guides the food critic's reviews; Foodology
"Food is us", according to food enthusiast Jared Gleaton. Jared is an author, food critic, psychologist, blogger, and dog dad. This was such a fun episode. It was a blast going behind the scenes with a food critic psychologist who writes reviews you can practically taste. We go over the word…
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Rick Kyte - how to find our Third Place and make great friends along the way
"If you do the things that make you happier, you also make your community better." Richard Kyte Richard "Rick" Kyte is Director of the D.B. Reinhard Institute for Ethics in Leadership and Endowed Professor of Ethics at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He also teaches a variety of…
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Georgia Vanderville - shortie made a candle, that became millions
"There's so much you can use fragrance for!" ~ Georgia Vanderville is a petite firecracker who truly lights up a room. Whether it's from her energetic personality and giant smile, or from one of the candles made in her ever-growing warehouse, Shorties Candles. Vanderville is also an author,...
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Steve Sims - the real life Wizard of Oz, the go-to guy for billionaires
From bouncer to bricklayer to billionaire concierge - Steve Sims is no slacker, saying "For twenty-five years I was the go-to guy for the mega famous. And I learned, if you give it for free, they don't pay attention." Check out this episode on my You Tube channel to see our pretty faces! Sims is…
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Heidi Skok - an opera singers two decade track in finding her true voice & breath work for all
Do you like to sing? Talk? Breathe? You can learn a LOT from this week's guest on Stranger Connections podcast. What if you were a professional singer who learned two decades into your career that you were singing in the wrong vocal range? Heide Skok had this gain speed bump in her life. Finding...
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Zoe de Boer. - a pop singer / pageant queen talks body image and finding Good Humans
"I'm not one to buy into the superficial parts of the pageant world." Zoe de Boer - the coolest queen in the midwest. Zoe de Boer is bringing stories of social justice, faith, friendship, art, inspiration, and all things in between on her podcast, Hello Good Humans. She is a speaker, podcaster,...
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Cameron Hughes -the interruptor, the energizing King of Cheer who "shows up"
"I needed to do something to celebrate - I showed up." Speaker, Energizer, Author, Interrupter, King of Cheers . . . . Cameron Hughes. This Canadian crowd-pleaser has been the spark at otherwise ho-hum events for decades! You've seen him on many JumboTron screens at sporting events, getting up to...
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Lauren Prior - handling death and life 3 days apart.... in that order
"There is no timeline to grieve, just as there is no timeline to love." Lauren Prior Lauren is a Trauma Therapist who has a compelling story to share - about losing her husband while she was mere days away from giving birth to their child. Join the conversation to see what kind of friend you are...
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Nathan Timmel- being unapologetic in the world of performing and influencing
Check out the first guest to ever rebuff my invitation to stay weird (at the very end). I was caught off guard as is Nathan Timmel's specialty. Listen in with us, as we discuss Timmel's very cool YouTube comedy special, called Unapologetic. It's funny, it's fast-paced, and it's free! Nathan…
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Lisa David Olson - super secret guest for Episode 200 of SC Podcast
Celebrating the wrap up of humor month, and the super special milestone - episode 200 of Stranger Connections Podcast! Listen in as Lisa David Olson interviews Lisa David Olson. Still trying to connect with Carol Burnett (happy birthday!) but meanwhile, learn about Improvisation, Humor…
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Andrew Temte -The Balancing Act Guru who shares grace, dignity, and compassion.
"You won't be great until you can learn to love SELF." Dr. Andrew Temte is the former CEO of Kaplan Professional (La Crosse WI) and the author of two books . . . so far. He's also the leader of a rock band, a University Teacher, a mentor, a speaker, and a podcaster. Listen in as we discuss: How…
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Mike Hammond - interrogating an interrogator: getting nosy with a retired homicide detective from Chicago
Retired homicide detective Mike Hammond was with the Chicago Police Department for 22 years. He has SEEN some things . . . and I get nosy and ask everything I wanted to know more about. CAUTION: Some content may be harder to hear as crimes are discussed, so listen with caution. We talk about...
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Carla Collins - the queen of quirky; inventor of chuckle & chill and laugh-ermations
"I'm like a comedic aging Disney princess." laughs Carla Collins This episode kicks off Humor Month on the Stranger Connections Podcast. Carla is THE most charming, hilarious, witty, and gorgeous comic in the US and Canada alike. She's grabbed several comedy awards, and you've most likely seen…
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Amanda Grace - songwriter & musician, Minnesota native blending genres on 'Give Me Away'
"Try to remember that they just hate themselves, and they're takin' it out on you." This beautiful lyric is from Amanda Grace's latest album (her 8th!). The album is Give Me Away and this song is 'Love Yourself'. Amanda Grace is a Minnesota native who travels, performs, and collaborates to create...
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Aaron Frale - humorous fantasy author on 'writing the dumbest book I can think of'
On Episode 195 of Stranger Connections Podcast: Author Aaron Frale's book "My Three Year Old is a Barbarian - and other parenting problems" caught my attention. Frale is a Montana resident whose wi fi happened to work while we recorded this episode. Learn about writing, laugh along with us, and...
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Jen Barney - multi food network champ shares behind the scenes of competition
"I like when you taste something and it takes you on a journey." Jen Barney, multi Food Network baking champion. Jen Barney grew up on a farm in Stoddard Wisconsin. Unsurprisingly, most of her ingredients are a nod to local dairy farms and products from Wisconsin. But these are not basic potluck...
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Kim Korven - conflict queen, the best parts of divorce, the bat sh*t crazy game
"Sometimes helping people is more important than following rules." Kim Korven, retired lawyer, former judge of tenant-landlord disputes, 'conflict queen'. Welcome to episode 193 of Stranger Connections Podcast, which features weird life stories, quirky careers, and prank & dare stories. Kim…
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Jason DelGandio - the habit of the twenty minute vibe, and his permanent dare
After listening to this episode, you will most likely notice the word Vibe. Either hearing it, seeing it on shirts or signage . . . everything will be reminding you about The Vibe. And that's a great thing! Jason DelGandio has been studying the exchange of energy for nearly 30 years. He's a PhD…
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Phil Gerbyshak - improve 1% each day, connect with value, the power of the dad nap
"How can I HELP you, not how can I SELL you. It's about how we connect with value." Phil Gerbyshak - author of 7 books, over 300 articles, podcaster, business coach, sales expert, and high energy speaker. Time with Phil is something I recommend to anyone who has ever tried to sell something....
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Katrina McGhee - sabbatical expert who took a career break to travel the world
Imagine trying to sleep on the eve of the morning you know you're going to quit your job to travel the world for nearly two years. "I believe success comes from sharing your journey. So tell everyone!" Katrina McGhee, MBA, Certified Life Coach who helps people design career breaks to create more...
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Robyn Greenspan - dopamine hacks to unlock your potential
Are you paralyzed by procrastination? Is your confidence lacking? Are decisions difficult at times? Meet Robyn Greenspan; a skilled wordsmith with the soul of a journalist, the mind of a marketer, and the heart of a storyteller. Her book, "Dopamine Hacks; How to Mind Shift and Mood Lift Your Way…
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Heather Browne - a relationship therapist teaches us how to speak with the heart
"Communication is a love letter, if you write it that way." Dr. Heather Browne While recording this episode the evening of January 24, 2024 we were also checking to see if Dr. Browne's book was live on Amazon. Hours after we recorded, it was !!! This is the power of Stranger Connections. Just...
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Bas Lebesque - beyond the comfort zone - mindset coach who decided not to sail the Atlantic
For some reason we kicked off our chat with discussions of prisons, but that has nothing to do with Bas Lebesque in general. He's just that easy to chat with. Bas is an executive mindset coach with extensive experience in guiding professionals through transformative journeys. His background is in...
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Kathy Kalamity - comedic performer, drag queen, emcee, and equal opportunity lover
"A really easy cover for being ugly, is being funny." ~ Kathy Kalamity Kathy is anything but ugly. She has a glow about her and attracts attention at first glance with a high vibing sass-itude. It was fun to ask her anything I wanted to about Drag shows and the performers who do them. If you...
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Amanda Schenkenberger - calm the chaos; the Homeschool Coach who empowers parents
"You need to trust yourself as a parent." Amanda Schenkenberger, homeschool coach What would it feel like to have support and maybe even feel empowered as a parent? Amanda is a second generation home schooler. She has a flair for calming chaos, creating schedules, and building strong bonds.…
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Paul Osincup - optimizing productivity with positivity; the humor habit, and the 'what I could have said game'
This guest tells me he's on a global mission to help people optimize productivity with positivity. He delivers a rare blend of inspiring content and entertaining humor - using his experience as a stand-up and improvisation comic. Paul Osincup is F U N N Y and clever. He helps create happier,...
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Kimberly Parry - express yourself through the power of personal style
Kimberly Parry dresses women from the inside out - calling it 'Bougie on a Budget'. Episode 183 of Stranger Connections podcast - come on in! This former religion teacher is now a life stylist, guiding others toward the power of their personal style from the inside out. She's a former jock who...
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Jon Garstang - human and doggo relationship coach who is painfully hilarious
"If you can teach the next generation that these animals have feelings, you can get to the root of the problem." ~ Jon Garstang This guest had me laughing throughout our time together. He stayed up into the wee hours so that we could match schedules to record a Stranger Connections episode. He's...
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Jason Kotecki - professional reminder-er who kicks adultitis right in the pants
"If you take yourself too seriously, you may be suffering from Adultitis." So says Jason Kotecki, who is a professional reminder-er and permission granted who moonlights as an artist, author, and speaker. Jason and his wife Kim have made it their mission in life to help people and organizations…
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John Carey - screenwriting tribe; behind the scenes of Hollywood's writer and actor strike
"What have you been WATCHING, lady?" my guest, John Carey, to me. This episode of Stranger Connections podcast is about the Hollywood writer and actor strike. I was lucky enough to find an insider who shares behind-the-scenes of behind the scenes action (or lack thereof) in Hollywood. John Carey...
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Hannah E Scott - fighter for the underdog, top-notch tips for family boundaries
"You can love a person but not want them in your home." Hannah E. Scott Hannah E. Scott is an unshakable fighter for the underdog who says she is a recovering Spoonie and mom of 3 (soon to be 4) kids. She grew up with 23 siblings. Yes, Twenty-Three Siblings! Learn how that is even possible.…
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Zach Paul - hell week, coma, neuroscience secrets (a prank in the beginning!)
I'm a bit of a brat, a stinker, if you will. When my guest's client joined our zoom chat a little late, I pulled a prank on her. She took it in stride - such a cool gal. "I don't fail. There are failures, but I don't fail. Do that thing you've been thinking about." Zach Paul, who is now an elite...
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Marcel Kuhn - Unthinkable; life teachings from a soul surfer swiss visionary
This guest, on episode 177 of Stranger Connections Podcast, comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. Marcel Kuhn set out to interview 1000 people to learn the secrets to their success. What he found is not what you think. Listen in to learn why the 'Swiss Visionary' Marcel stopped the interviews...
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Lisa Zawrotny - perpetually positive productivity strategist and passion prioritizer-er
Podcast host Lisa Zawrotny is not only easy to listen to (her voice is as smooth as silk), she's also a perky person - but not in that irritating "let me wake up before you talk to me" kind of way. I am thrilled to have Lisa on Stranger Connections podcast, as she focuses on how laughter equals...
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Neil Gordon - add shine to your presenting style with the Silver Bullet Method
There is a reason why most people have a tremendous fear of public speaking . . . it can be really scary to have all eyes on us and become suddenly aware of how thirsty we are, or that we are sweating from new areas on our bodies. Neil can help. Neil Gordon is not only one of my own mentors from…
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Amber Taggard - organizer chick with a masters in clinical health; how to have your best nest
"Delegate the things that aren't the best use of your time, and go have a nice day." ~ Amber Taggard, of The Organizer Chicks; helping women and entrepreneurs live clutter-free, organized lives full of peace and productivity. What is the thing most of us do every day for 17 minutes, and how does…
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Dorian Johnson - landing on courage, choosing virtue, after losing his son
How are Wrangler jeans and boots like protons and atoms? Coping with a loss we don't understand will never look the same for any two people. Dorian Johnson lost his son in 2017, and shares the story of that day. He goes on to energetically share his learnings, and ways he found to cope with the...
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Greg Halpen - a visual provocateur who is the moody creative solo performer
"When I get lost, there is great opportunity for exploration." ~ Greg Halpen Performance artist, podcaster, and visual provocateur Greg Halpen says he is a storyteller and professional a-hole. He has an extensive background with musical productions across the US. Halpen has a bachelor's degree in...
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Lisa David Olson - actual phone recordings; Phun on the Phone: messing with telemarketers
Time to step back and go old skool on episode 171 of Stranger Connections. Your host, the head weirdo, is sharing a couple of actual recordings of playing with those who would call to pitch a product or service. These are real telemarketers - who seemed to call right when dinner was ready. Names...
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Chris and Ralph - Brothers From the Same Mother, co hosts of the 18 Dollar Podcast
Ralph Tetta and Christopher Tetta are fun brothers who adore wit, clever humor, and corn nuts. The reason behind the naming of their podcast, "The 18 Dollar Podcast" is in no way anything you would assume. Check out the highlights from this Stranger Connections podcast episode: Ralph writes a…
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Nick Peterson - why he does 'all the things', his upcoming comedy bash, and the prank that is most likely a felony.
Nick Peterson is one of the few guests I've had on this podcast that I first knew in person. Laugh With Us!!! Nick's a husband, father of two cool gals, dog dad, and a fantastic teacher. His upcoming live show in La Crosse WI is Camp Crystal Lake Comedy Bash. A fun spoof of classic 80's style...
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Helen Mallaburn - the journey to taming Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism
Episode 168 Your favorite host of Stranger Connections podcast (the ONLY host, Lisa David Olson) learned this year that she has Hashimoto's. Join episode 168 to listen in as she asks a specialist all the questions on her mind regarding this chronic illness. Helen Mallaburn lives with her husband...
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Stephanie Ross - wellness as business; zen & pow! A young entrepreneur's journey.
If a coffee buzz were in human form - Stephanie Ross would be that Grande Latte Lady. I've been a fan of this young entrepreneur for a few years now. She is a fantastic networking guru - it seems to just be 'her thing'. Learn what keeps her going, why she loves her community so dang much, and…
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Brad Forenza - Around The Sun, an award-winning episodic audio drama starring actors you know and adore
"Around The Sun" is an episodic audio drama featuring award-winning talent from stage and screen. The third season will be released this fall (2023)! Join me as I chitty-chat with actor, writer, producer, wordsmith extraordinaire, Brad Forenza. Season 3 is a miniseries, and if you don't recognize...
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Melanie Rose - interior designer & host of Netflix, "How to Build a Sex Room"
"It's about reconnecting with your partner. It's ok to have a conversation about pushing our boundaries." ~ Melanie Rose, host of the Netflix Show, "How to Build a Sex Room" English designer Melanie Rose did not begin her career in the world of all things behind closed doors. As an interior...
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Lisa David Olson - our summer vacation, improvisers and pond hoppers
"Trust that you will find a way around the inevitable issues that are bound to appear." Me, quoting me - regarding the many snafus that occurred on our vacation in London and Paris this year. : ) Trusting your gut, and using improv skills will get you through most unplanned events. I am Lisa…
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Kady Romagnuolo - blue moon logic and energetics in business
"Are you following the thing that lights you up?" ~ Kady Romagnuolo - speaker, author, magic seeker, and top-performing real estate broker. Kady Romagnuolo (pronounced Katie Roman-Yolo) is the founder and broker of record at Blue Moon Realty inc. She is also the inventor of a fabulous Oracle deck...
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Iris Van Nespen - a former ER physician reclaims her sparkle
"Nobody is going to give you your Joy. It's inside of you." ~ Iris Van Nespen on Stranger Connections Podcast. Former emergency room physician Iris Van Nespen has seen it all. Imagine being on the front line of an ER and working more hours than you sleep in two days? A major medical issue (you...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Lisa David Olson has over two decades of writing and performing comedy experience, as well as speaking on the benefits of humor and tips from the stage to more effectively communicate in real life. Be the nosy neighbor and listen in as she interviews people she barely knows, (or hasn't yet met) to hear about their weird life stories or quirky careers. There's a lady who says she can communicate with your dog, a man who used to be a zen monk, and even a guy from Russia who gave himself up for adoption at age 9. Expect a few laughs sprinkled in as guests are invited to share a prank or embarrassing moment too. When your host is a bold and curious beast - anything goes. This podcast is an offshoot of Lisa's project in bravery, called Serious Selfies With Strangers; where a dare for a non-smiling photo with someone she had not yet met always created a moment of laughter, and often forged the way to new friendships that would never have been. Books available; Lau
HOSTED BY
Lisa David Olson
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Stranger Connections have?
Stranger Connections currently has 211 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Stranger Connections about?
Lisa David Olson has over two decades of writing and performing comedy experience, as well as speaking on the benefits of humor and tips from the stage to more effectively communicate in real life. Be the nosy neighbor and listen in as she interviews people she barely knows, (or hasn't yet met) to...
How often does Stranger Connections release new episodes?
Stranger Connections publishes regularly with 211 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Stranger Connections?
You can listen to Stranger Connections on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Stranger Connections?
Stranger Connections is created and hosted by Lisa David Olson.
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