Honest, Vulnerable, and Bold Conversations (TM)
Strangers You Know

Strangers You Know

Get out of your own head and see the world from the perspective of a complete stranger. These "Honest, Vulnerable, and Bold conversations" (TM) help intellectually curious individuals escape the echo chambers of their own social media algorithms. Broaden your understanding of key topics from people who don't look, think, or act like you.

Topics include: trauma, racism, patriarchy, faith crisis, shifting worldviews, deconstructing religion, LGBTQ+ issues, relationships, all range of emotions.

Join host Brian Acord as we meet wonderful humans with wildly different backgrounds - sharing meaningful aspects of their lives that all seem deeply familiar. Connecting the world through shared experiences and stories could make everyone Strangers You Know.

https://linktr.ee/strangersyouknow

Episodes

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Strangers You Know: Introduction
June 7, 2022

Strangers You Know: Introduction

Every week we pass by hundreds of people we don't know. Complete strangers. Some of them. We barely notice the guy at the ATM or the woman driving the BMW. Some we may see on a more regular basis. The clerk at the local convenience store, that one ref that shows up at every lacrosse game. Some people really catch our attention like that saxophone player in the park last Saturday. What would it take to turn a casual acquaintance into a friend, a mentor, or even a new best friend? Another conversa
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Jaxon - The Man at My Wedding
101
June 7, 2022

Jaxon - The Man at My Wedding

(CW: SI, SA) Join our conversation with Jaxon and his experience growing up in a traditional LDS family and attending BYU before coming out as transgender. (Topics include: transgender, LGBTQ+, trans panic, deconstructing religion, LDS (Mormon) church, BYU, patriarchal blessing, suicidal ideation, body dysmorphia, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, and lacrosse.) Support the show Financial contributions greatly appreciated! Join our Facebook Community and continue the conversation there with ma
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Neil - Monkey Dancing Hoop Jumper
102
June 14, 2022

Neil - Monkey Dancing Hoop Jumper

(Join the Conversation on our Facebook Community ) Originally intended to be only a test of sound equipment, my friend Neil got a jumpstart on the podcast by turning the tables and interviewing me. There will be a follow-up interview with Neil where I return the favor but I wanted to share this conversation with you as we discuss what it means to be vulnerable and the risk of belonging vs. the reward of being true to yourself. Other topics include: the origins of this podcast, tattoos, culture a
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Her.Truth.Be.Told - Excommunicated from My Family
103
June 17, 2022

Her.Truth.Be.Told - Excommunicated from My Family

(CW: SI) Leaving the LDS church can cost people many valuable relationships, including family. Today's guest was actually "excommunicated from her family," which then led to a faith crisis, deconstruction, and her leaving the church, all within a very short period of time. She prefers to remain anonymous but has bravely and beautifully shared her story with others on her Instagram account, Her.Truth.Be.Told and I encourage all listeners to follow her there. (Today's Topics include: Enmeshed fami
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Amanda - Understanding Real Poverty
105
June 23, 2022

Amanda - Understanding Real Poverty

Amanda joins our conversation from her new home in Argentina. Originally from a small town in Utah, she grew up driven to be the "perfect girl." Devout Mormon, straight A's, and a self-proclaimed tomboy. She tells how a single question changed her life forever, opening her eyes to a world of possibilities, and instilling a strong desire to live and work abroad. After a decade of working for United Nations with UNICEF and the World Food Programme, her work has taken her to dozens of countries. H
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Keegan - Psychedelics and the Bathtub Funeral
104
June 24, 2022

Keegan - Psychedelics and the Bathtub Funeral

How did you discover who you really are and who you really want to be? Or maybe the jury is still out and you are still exploring with an open mind. It's one thing to talk about one's journey from the perspective of the finish line - quite another to share your struggles, fears, and failures when you're still in the thick of things. Join my conversation with Keegan, a former hockey player as he talks about his experiences with ice hockey, meditation, personal change, hydration, gratitude, and ps
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Recent Blog Posts

Why We Must Normalize the Conversation About Suicide
Feb. 6, 2023

Why We Must Normalize the Conversation About Suicide

Every day, millions of people around the world suffer in silence with mental health issues, including suicidal ideation. It's a tough topic to tackle, and even harder to have an open conversation about. But it doesn't have to be. Dani Bates has expe…
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Unlocking the Benefits of an Immigrant-Friendly Society: 7 Steps to Equality
Jan. 24, 2023

Unlocking the Benefits of an Immigrant-Friendly Society: 7 Steps to Equality

Today’s blog comes from my recent conversation with Sol Vargas. Sol is an immigrant who moved from Mexico City to the United States when she was 13. Her story is one of struggle, resilience, and hope that I want to share it with all of you.W…
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