Making small talk can be hard—especially when you’re not sure whether you’re doing it well. But conversations are a central part of relationship-building.
In this first episode of How to Talk to People, we explore the psychological barriers to making good small talk and unravel the complexities of the mutual discomfort that comes with talking to people we d ... Show More
May 2023
How to Talk to People: The Infrastructure of Community
Coffee shops, churches, libraries, and concert venues are all shared spaces where mingling can take place. Yet the hustle and bustle of modern social life can pose challenges to relationship-building—even in spaces designed for exactly that. In this episode of How to Talk to Peop ... Show More
40m 39s
Jun 2023
How to Talk to People: What Makes a House a Home
What motivated two families to engage in the organized chaos of shared living and how did they learn to talk through, and shape, new expectations for their family life at home? In this episode of How to Talk to People, we hear from Deborah Tepley and Luke Jackson, who remember wh ... Show More
39m 50s
Jan 2024
How To Make Small Talk Feel Big
Small talk has a bad reputation. It’s boring, shallow, and awkward. Who really wants to talk about the weather, again? But, when done right, it can be a cornerstone of connection. In this episode, Carvell Wallace is joined by Susan McPherson, the author of The Lost Art of Connect ... Show More
38m 30s
Oct 2019
Ep51: Surviving Small Talk
<p>Most people dread it. Some people avoid it at all costs. We’ll skip the networking events, duck behind a big display in the store, or avoid eye contact in a public place. What am I talking about? Small talk. It’s something we all have to do, but we almost universally despise. ... Show More
20m 31s
Mar 2022
How To Speak Up So Others Listen
If you were to pop by Mary Ann’s PhD discussion group, you’d most likely find her quietly, but intently, listening to the debate going on around her. But when it comes time to actually throw in her two cents, she comes up short. She feels nervous. Her mind goes blank. And she lea ... Show More
32m 6s
Jan 2021
Misogyny, Generalisation and Controversial Topics
In this episode, we’re joined by our friend Sheen to discuss some complaints that a few listeners have raised over the years about this podcast having misogynistic undertones. We discuss some complaints about last week’s episode, and discuss the extent to which generalisation abo ... Show More
1h 52m