Taking strangers to dinner and interviewing them about their lives since 2008
The most festive interview I’ve done so far for this site was in December 2011 when I got dinner with Ed Downey, who for years has performed as Santa Claus. He had plenty of interesting things to say about his unusual job, as well as his adventure-filled life. But a…
There are two reasons I know Michael Wilkinson. First is that he’s one of the founders of Washington, DC-based pizza chain Pete’s Apizza, which specializes in New Haven-style pizzas. Michael was one of the first people to do an interview for this site, meeting me for lunch at the company’s…
As Americans head to the polls for the 2016 elections, here’s a look back at my political dinner interviews. Although it’s generally believed that people shouldn’t talk politics or religion at the dinner table, some of the interviews I’ve done over the years have been focused heavily on political talk….
Recently, I met with the winner of a silent auction. The twist was that dinner with me was the prize at the auction. I’d offered an interview for the site to help raise funds for college scholarships for LGBT athletes, and (much to my shock) people actually bid on it….
Brad Rushing lives his life behind a lens. He’s an award-winning cinematographer (or director of photography) whose work has included music videos for stars such as Britney Spears, Eminem and Nelly; movies working with a host of well-known actors, actresses and directors; and commercials for dozens of big corporations. Brad…
Psychologist Dr. Andrea Bonior (stranger 37) has just released a new book. “Psychology: Essential Thinkers, Classic Theories, and How They Inform Your World,” available starting today, analyzes some of the biggest names and theories in her field and applies them to real-world situations. Andrea’s website says this about the book:…
Former U.S. Senator Larry Pressler (R-SD) wants to save democracy. Larry, who left the Senate in 1997 after an unsuccessful reelection bid, has been using his post-Congress career to teach students about the importance of civil service. His hope is to inspire a new generation of informed voters who might…
The first full trailer is now out for Christopher Guest’s new movie “Mascots,” coming a few weeks after a teaser for it. Dining With Strangers is not a movie news site, but the film features two hilarious actors who’ve been featured on this site. Jim Piddock was the second interview,…
Live in New Orleans? Want to tell your life story over a free meal? If so, message me and let’s get dinner during the next few days! I just arrived in the Big Easy and will be here through Tuesday night. Since 2008, I’ve been meeting random strangers from all…
Town crier Michael Wood (the 85th stranger) has won yet another award. Michael, who lives in England’s East Riding of Yorkshire where I grew up, was voted Britain’s Best Town Crier Ambassador at the Loyal Company of Town Criers British Championship. The contest took place last month in Biddulph, Staffordshire,…