Small talk can be so awkward.
You’re trying to fill the silence, but the conversation just isn’t clicking. What do you do?
In this episode, I’m sharing 3 ways to make small talk feel natural, engaging, and even enjoyable. You’ll learn how to ask better questions, keep the conversation flowing, and avoid the awkward silence trap.
These tips will help you turn ... Show More
Sep 15
How to Shut Down Someone Trying to Provoke You
Some conversations test your patience. Others test your character. In this call-in episode, I answer your questions about staying calm when emotions run high, setting boundaries with the people you love, handling conflict with confidence, and responding without losing yourself. H ... Show More
29m 58s
Sep 11
Finance Expert: How You Talk About Money Matters Ft. Vivian Tu
Money might be one of the hardest conversations we avoid having. In this episode, I sit down with money expert Vivian Tu to talk about why money feels so uncomfortable, how the way we grew up shapes our financial habits, and how to have better conversations about money with your ... Show More
54m 49s
Sep 9
3 Ways To Avoid Manipulators
Manipulation works when someone convinces you that their reaction is your responsibility. In this episode, I break down how to recognize manipulative behavior, why it can be hardest to see in the people closest to you, and what to do when someone uses guilt, pressure, fear, or ob ... Show More
19m 32s
Apr 2025
#322 How to Get Better at Small Talk
Small Talk is something many of us struggle with, and it's a really important part of socialising and using language.In this episode, I share some of my own awkward experiences with small talk, and then go through time tips on how we can all get better at it to improve our conver ... Show More
41m 18s
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
Jul 2025
The Secret Purpose of Small Talk (and How to Use It to Build Instant Connection) [Social Intelligence Brief]
Most people dread small talk. But in this episode of Social Intelligence, AJ and Johnny explain why it’s not about the weather, jobs, or generic questions—it’s about emotional connection. Discover the science of “emotional bids,” a concept from Dr. John Gottman that unlocks deepe ... Show More
22m 42s