An unexpected invitation from a stranger changed her life trajectory In 2013, Alie was having one of the hardest years of her life. Then she got a Facebook message from a generous stranger.

An invitation from a friend of a friend set off a domino effect for a woman at low point in her life, which eventually prompted her to quit her job and start a successful science podcast.

These titles may sound like they're straight out of a fantasy series, but they're real jobs, and have made guest appearances on the podcast Ologies, where host Alie Ward interviews all sorts of ...

In 2013, Alie was having one of the hardest years of her life. Then she got a Facebook message from a generous stranger.

ALIE WARD: Lila had no idea what I was going through in my life at that time. I think she probably didn't expect someone jittery and tear-stained to meet her at the backdoor of this museum.