ABOUT THE STRANGERS PROJECT
Brandon is the founder of The Strangers Project. Since 2009, he has been inviting people to pause, pick up a pen, and share something true about their lives — from a single sentence to several pages. Over the years, this simple idea has grown into a collection of more than 100,000 handwritten stories from strangers of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.
The project began with a clipboard and a handful of blank pages in a park, not knowing if anyone would stop. People did — and they kept coming. Stories poured in at parks, festivals, schools, museums, city streets, and now at the project’s flagship location in the World Trade Center Oculus in New York City.
The Strangers Project serves as a living museum of the human experience, offering visitors a space to read the words of strangers, reflect on their own stories, and feel more connected to the world around them. Brandon’s role is to care for these stories and keep them accessible to everyone who wishes to explore them.
The Core Idea
The project invites people to share something true about their lives — from a single sentence to several pages.
It’s not about being polished or artistic; it’s about honesty, reflection, and human connection.
Since 2009, the project has collected over 100,000 handwritten stories.
Stories come from strangers of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.
Contributions have been gathered in parks, festivals, schools, museums, city streets, and now at the flagship space in the World Trade Center Oculus in NYC.
Emotional & Social Impact
The project is a living museum of the human experience.
Visitors can read strangers’ stories and reflect on their own, which often fosters empathy, understanding, and connection.
Many people report feeling less alone after engaging with the project.
Brandon started with just a clipboard and blank pages in a park, unsure if anyone would participate.
The simplicity of the approach — handwritten, intimate, and uncurated — is part of what makes it powerful.
The project is a living museum of the human experience.
Visitors can read strangers’ stories and reflect on their own, which often fosters empathy, understanding, and connection.
Many people report feeling less alone after engaging with the project.
Brandon started with just a clipboard and blank pages in a park, unsure if anyone would participate.
The simplicity of the approach — handwritten, intimate, and uncurated — is part of what makes it powerful.
For Listeners Who Want to Participate
Anyone can share a story, whether online or in person at the flagship location.
No prior experience is needed — just a willingness to be honest and reflect.
Participation isn’t just cathartic; it’s a way to contribute to a larger, collective story of humanity.
Bigger Message
The Strangers Project reminds us that every life has meaning and every story matters.
It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and connect in a world that can feel fragmented or overwhelming
Learn more: https://strangersproject.com/
