Closer

This conversation with Lindsay was one of the first few I recorded for the show. So when Lindsay agreed to be a guest, there was no episode for her to check out. But Lindsay said yes anyway. Lindsay shows up and steps up for people. And as you'll hear she's humble and generous. And a lot of fun, too. We sat down in her not-too-shabby downtown office and Lindsay told me what she considers success, what she wants to teach her daughter, the ever-present mom/parent-guilt and whether she'll marry again.

Brent is a surgeon and was one of the first guests and the first complete stranger to record for the show. My earlier guest Alex Strnad had gotten Brent and me in contact via email but when Brent first walked into my living room we had never met or spoken before. It's this, my conversation with Brent that convince me that just one engaging and honest conversation can connect people, even strangers. We begin our conversation by clarifying how Brent knew Alex and Brent showing me a photo of his son. Enjoy.

I first met Katie 5 years ago after we both had dropped off our daughters at the preschool. Since then, I made 'small talks' with Katie at kids' birthday parties and their weekend soccer games. Katie always had a genuine smile on her face and seemed sincere and generous. But I realized that after 5 whole years had passed, I never really got to know Katie. So we finally sat down in my living room and talked. We had a wonderfully effortless conversation that day. I hope you'll enjoy this, too.

Having a nasty day? Play this one. I promise, it'll make you feel better. Alex is a stay-at-home dad of 2 and he told me about his marriage, challenges of raising a teenage girl, his religious evolution, a story involving a feral cat and another involving a dog placenta. Mina and Alex wonder why children don't heed their parents' advice no matter how simple or wise and Alex told me how people respond when he shares that he's a stay-at-home dad. Alex and I had a blast with this. I think you will, too!

If you ever met Hannah in person, I think you'll agree - she's never met a stranger. I first met Hannah at a fundraiser concert in Nashville where Darius Rucker from 'Hootie & the Blowfish' was performing. Hannah is someone that instantly puts you at ease. She spoke with me with warmth and sincerity. She laughed easily. Hannah told me she wrote songs. I invited her to be a guest on the show and we met at her home. I didn't know what we were going to talk about. Here's how we got to know each other.

We all have a person like this - someone we see in and around places we frequent but don't get to know. Max's children and mine went to the same school. Max was always friendly, easy going and unassuming so I had wanted to invite him to be on the show. As it turns out Max and his wife, Karen had listen to one of the earlier episodes and she thought Max would make a great guest. She was right. Max and I met at his home and talked about a lot of things. Join me as I find out what Max is really like.

The delightful and captivating Garland was a mother that raised the ideal child. That all changed when her second son with special needs was born. But not in the way you might imagine. Having a child that was different, that she was different, it freed her. It's been tough, make no mistake. But she tells me "this is us and we press on." Listen in. You'll love her.

Do you know what it's really like to live with a mental disorder? Korina has been struggling for most of her life with an illness that has pushed her to the brink of death, many times. She fought and fought and recently returned to college, back on path to realizing her dreams. But one unanswered question haunts her, "What if my son inherits my incurable disease?" Look for no sob stories here. Korina is a living embodiment of unflinching honesty and couragous defiance. I'd love to know what you thought.

Did you hate school growing up? Are you a teacher who's been hurt by a parent's actions? Have you ever thought your child's teacher was being unfair? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you would love hearing from Braden. He's been all of the above. We sat down in his office at his school and he told me all about it and much more. Listen in and tell me what you think. And by the way, Braden really is as nice as he sounds.

Johns Hopkins and Harvard-trained psychiatrist Mina Brandes brings you a one-of-a-kind talk show where real people like you are the star of the show. Subscribe to 'Closer'.