It's not often that an interview subject is allowed to turn questions back on their host, and for the audience to hear the host answer. But for Helga Davis, who hosts the "Helga" podcast for New Sounds and WQXR, those moments are part of an agreement she makes with all of her guests.

A performing artist herself, Davis sits down with important figures in arts and culture not to talk about their latest book or film or prize, but for a personal conversation. As she told WNYC host Sean Carlson, Davis believes that she can't expect her guests to go beyond their comfort zone if she won't do the same for them.

"Every single conversation has a moment where we hit an edge, because every person has an edge," Davis said. "I have an edge. Every person who agrees to sit down and talk has an edge."

All this week, WNYC will air special radio broadcasts of "Helga" on 93.9 FM. You can tune in to hear more of her conversations at 9 p.m., Monday to Friday.