Stranger Connections

"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 haven't yet checked out a drag performance, promise me you will! There is music, action, humor, skits, new...

"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. Listen in about her own journey of growing up as a home schooled student, what it was like to attend public...

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, healthier, and more connected workplaces, too! Join in to hear us chitty-chat about: How his nerdy obsessio...

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 accidentally landed fashion as a career! In the same year, Kimberly lost her marriage, her health, and he...

"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 crazy-funny, sweet, generous, and brilliant. Garstang has worked all over the world and believes in cre...

"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 to build better lives, businesses, and teams! What we talk about in this episode of Stranger Connections...

"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 (author Daniel John Carey) talks about how he helps writers and producers polish their screenplays, scr...

"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. Hannah is a trauma-informed coach and speaker who is a superb boundary-setter, after learning the effects of...

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 performance coach and hypnotist after his anticipated career as a Navy SEAL was cut short after success...

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 after 60 people, and what book he wrote instead of the original plan. Highlights from our time together...

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 stress management. She is a productivity strategist, and accountability coach with so much common sense...

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 a few years back, he is also a trainer I recommend over and over again to those in my circle. Listen in...

"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 it affect us over time? Chatting with Amber was an absolute blast. We cover clutter from the "why" to t...

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 grief. He has gone on to inspire others with his co-authored book: "The View From Abovve; one fathers me...

"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 psychology and is studying for his next degree in marriage and family therapy. His passion is surround...

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 have been bleeped to protect the guilty. Learn more about my book (launching late fall 2023): Spotlight...

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 fresh new joke, right here Who are their comedic influences What is a Bucket List band Which body parts do...

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 horror movies in a comedic setting. And it will be Friday the 13th!! (October, 2023). Check out the facebo...

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 and two dogs in the French Alps. She is called The Hashimoto's Recovery Specialist. In trying to tame h...

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 what it means that her gym has come full circle, and she's cool with that. Stephanie Ross is a passionate...

"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 the voices, you are sure to know the names; Academy Award Winners, Grammy Winners, and so many stars,...

"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 designer with an open mind, and extraordinary flair for all things unique, she said she had to say yes when...

"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 David Olson, and this is my podcast, Stranger Connections. In this episode, I share the vacation that was s...

"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 of cards! Listen in to hear our chat around a variety of topics like: How to be Intentional. Does the...

"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 won't believe this story) should have been the thing to slow her down. Was it? Listen in to learn this in...