Opportunities for human connection are all around us. When we’re in a café. At a restaurant. In a checkout line. Each instance is an opportunity for small talk with a stranger. And these interactions can yield big benefits.

Unfortunately, most of us are missing out. We’re not aware of how powerful these experiences can be. And that’s where researchers are sharing some incredible findings. University of Sussex psychology professor Gillian Sandstrom is one of these researchers.

Gillian has spent decades studying how these kinds of connections work and what they give us. More recently, she’s been researching the link to kindness. And if you’re skeptical about talking to strangers, Gillian’s written a book, Once upon a Stranger: The Science of How “Small” Talk Can Add up to a Big Life, that may be what you need to change your mind.

Episode Links

Avoiding Loneliness During Life Transitions

Don’t Dread Boring Small Talk. You’ll Like It More Than You Think

The Big Benefits of Small Talk

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

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