When you were young, your mother wisely advised you not to talk to strangers. But what happens when you do? Stories included in this episode: Joel ben Izzy Story: Three Travel Tales Teller:  Joel ben Izzy Site: www.storypage.com Notes: Traveling is one of the best ways to encounter the world.  Lani Peterson Story: In Search of Charles Dickens Teller:  Lani Peterson Site: lanipeterson.com Notes: While trying to connect with this prolific author, Lani finds herself connecting with people and places, both past and present. Geraldine BuckleyStory: Hitchhiking Teller:  Geraldine Buckley Site: www.geraldinebuckley.com Notes: Sometimes in our lives, that which is familiar can seem strange. Thomas Weller Notes: Leslie Hurd is a Navy CACO, or Casualty Assistance Calls Officer. When active duty members of the Navy die, CACOs break the news to their families – and support them during their time of grief. Site: storycorps.org/listen/leslie-hurd Thomas Weller Notes: Thomas Weller has spent the last 50 years helping strangers who break down on the highway. Site: storycorps.org/listen/thomas-weller Scott Macaulay Notes: Scott Macaulay remembers how, 25 years ago, he started an annual holiday dinner for strangers who have nowhere else to go. Site: storycorps.org/listen/scott-macaulay Thomas WellerNotes: Debra Goodman interviews her friend Ed Trinka, a doorman at the Plaza Hotel since 1963, and who is in the business of making strangers and visitors feel right at home. Site: storycorps.org/listen/ed-trinka-and-debra-goodman