This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
'Strangers' wins the 2015 KPCC Public Radio Bracket Madness!
Lea Thau is the creator and host of "Strangers," the winner of our third annual KPCC Public Radio Bracket Madness. Thau records "Strangers" from her Silverlake home.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
Lea Thau is the creator and host of "Strangers," the winner of our third annual KPCC Public Radio Bracket Madness. Thau records "Strangers" from her Silverlake home.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
Lea Thau is the creator and host of "Strangers," the winner of our third annual KPCC Public Radio Bracket Madness. Thau records "Strangers" from her Silverlake home.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
Lea Thau is the creator and host of "Strangers," the winner of our third annual KPCC Public Radio Bracket Madness. Thau records "Strangers" from her Silverlake home.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
Lea Thau is the creator and host of "Strangers," the winner of our third annual KPCC Public Radio Bracket Madness. Thau records "Strangers" from her Silverlake home.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
Lea Thau used to record "Strangers" from inside her son's bedroom closet.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
This year's #KPCCMadness trophy has been hand-crafted by Ashley Bailey, associate producer for Morning Edition and Weekend Edition, and Lance Harper, our chief engineer.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
The results of 2015's third annual KPCC Public Radio Bracket Madness! Congratulations to "Strangers"!
(
Mike Roe/KPCC
)
This year's winner is a little... stranger. (Hint hint!) The third annual KPCC Public Radio Bracket Madness is in the books, and this year's winner is "Strangers"! (Pause for applause!)
Out of the tens of thousands of votes cast in the 2015 competition, "Strangers" rose to the challenge as a newer show and a first-year entrant in the contest. Fans of the show, hosted by former director of "The Moth" Lea Thau, outvoted year two champion "Radiolab" in the final stretch, crowning a new champion.
Lea and the rest of the "Strangers" crew will be taking home the #KPCCmadness trophy. Watch this time-lapse video showing how it was made:
Instagram: KPCC Public Radio bracket Madness trophy construction time-lapse video
Earlier in the contest, "This American Life" returned after taking last year off, besting both last year's runner-up "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me" and the show Ira Glass begot "Serial" to win their division. However, they couldn't overcome the power of "Strangers" and met their untimely demise. (In the voting, that is.)
"Radiolab" had previously taken out the most active campaigners in this year's brackets, "On The Media," as well as their own upstart offspring "Invisibilia," but they'll have to take a bow and find something else to fill the empty spot on their mantle next to their year two trophy. (Click here to see an extra-large version of this year's brackets!)
Who would you like to see in the brackets next year? Any other changes you would like to see? Let us know in the comments.
Sponsored message
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
