Why you should talk to strangers, with Gillian Sandstrom, PhD, and Jon Levy
Despite the fact that so many people profess to dislike making small talk, it turns out that talking to strangers and acquaintances can actually strengthen our mental health and enrich our lives. What do we gain from meeting new people? What have we been missing out on this past year as COVID-19 has restricted these social interactions? And how can we become better at talking to strangers? We discuss these questions with Gillian Sandstrom, PhD, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Essex who studies what she calls \u201cminimal social interactions,\u201d and Jon Levy, a consultant, writer and speaker who founded \u201cthe Influencers Dinner,\u201d a regular gathering that brings together strangers who are leaders in their fields.\n Are you enjoying Speaking of Psychology? We\u2019d love to know what you think of the podcast, what you would change about it, and what you\u2019d like to hear more of. Please take our listener survey at www.apa.org/podcastsurvey.\n Links Gillian Sandstrom, PhD Jon Levy\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices