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MPR News Staff

Lea Thau on learning to let down her guard

Radio host Lea Thau discussed 'Strangers Drowning'
Lea Thau, host of the 'Strangers' podcast, discussed reading 'Strangers Drowning' on The Thread with Kerri Miller.
Portrait courtesy of Lea Thau, book cover courtesy of publisher

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On The Thread podcast, books are just the beginning. Host Kerri Miller talks with comedians, scientists and other big thinkers about how books and reading have shaped their lives.

Lea Thau knows how to get people to share their secrets. She started "The Moth Radio Hour," and she currently hosts the podcast "Strangers," in which she has deeply personal conversations with people about everything from infidelity to organ donation. But her biggest challenge may have come in trying to be honest and open with herself.

She spoke with Kerri Miller about Larissa MacFarquhar's book, "Strangers Drowning," and how hard it can be to allow ourselves to explore altruism and self-scrutiny.