In an ever-growing and interconnected world, a glimpse outside of our social groups and inner worlds can remind each of us of the vast oceans of strangers in our world. Some consider this idea with understandable fear, but this week Olivia Sanabria joins us to help explore this conception of "the stranger". In what ways is it a mental framework with which to maintain a clear and digestible worldview? Is there are respectful and acceptable manner in which to approach those we would like to know but do not yet? What can our beliefs about those who are strangers indicate about our own perspectives and opinions? To our listeners: How do you define strangers? What is your protocol when interacting with strangers and do you tend to avoid such interactions?

Further Reading:

The New York Times, "Hello, Stranger"

Life Hacker, "The Hidden Benefits of Talking to Strangers"

Pick the Brain, "The Shy Person's Guide to Talking to Strangers"

TED and Kio Stark, "Why you should talk to strangers"

The Modern Man, "How to Talk to a Woman Who is Wearing Headphones"