How to Talk to Strangers with Joe Quenqua

This week was such a special episode as I spoke to Andrew, a content creator who has changed lives by being himself. From establishing a presence online by showing his authenticity, Andrew has connected strangers and made them feel less alone. I was so impressed by his journey and story, and know you will be, too. Enjoy!

Samira's positivity is infectious - and with everyone she's been through, it's impressive, too. I was so thrilled to sit down with Samira this week, who works locally in my community, who EVERYONE loves.  And I think after hearing her, you're going to love her, too.

This week on How to Talk to Strangers, I sat down with Sarah Jane. Funny, kind, warm, and adored by many, Sarah Jane is adventurous as she is surprising.  Our conversation reminded me that just because I see her locally, doesn't mean I truly knew her. It just goes to show you that every stranger has a story to tell, and until you talk to them, you'll never know what it is, or how it will impact yo...

This week, I embarked on my first scheduled interview a stranger: Hot Dog Eddie. Not only does he make the most delicious hot dogs, but his warmth, candor, and authenticity were so authentic, he reminded me we ALL need to carry that into our own lives. Enjoy! Please rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends!

We are officially in Season 2 of How to Talk to Strangers! Now that the podcast is public, I'm so excited to be starting more conversations with new people that I'm discovering in my travels and every day life. But before we talk to anyone new, I interviewed my middle daughter, as a bit of a thought experiment into where this podcast could go. Meet Jamie, and enjoy!

What a wild and amazing ride Season 1 has been! Thank you, listeners, for all going on this journey with me. I hope you enjoyed the conversations as much as I did and hope you learned a thing or two about how to talk to strangers. I cannot believe how far we've come. Stay tuned for Season 2!

Joe Quenqua is back at the airport again this week, this time striking up a conversation in an airport lounge. And while she didn't disclose her profession in the conversation, Joe spoke to Heidi, who is an airline pilot.  Did you know women only account for 6% of all airline pilots? Joe felt incredibly lucky to speak to such an interesting person and find out more about her travels, and the under...

This week, after a brief summer hiatus, Joe Quenqua returned with a conversation with Gus. While in the airport, he met Gus playing Bohemian Rhapsody on one of LAX's pianos - and his music was beautiful. Gus was leaving Los Angeles for the Netherlands, and he and Joe spoke about music, artistry, and travel.  Enjoy!

The gym is a GREAT place to meet new people. This week, I met Alex. He told me all about moving from Russia to the United States when he was young, how Moscow differs from Los Angeles (it's actually more similar to NYC!), and how to find peace in a thriving metropolis -- and lots more. Enjoy this one.

This week, Joe Quenqua does a solo podcast and reflects on how the show has shaped him - and been shaping up, overall.  It's a fun insight as to how the podcasting process works, especially when the show is dependent on talking to people you don't know!

Ciao, from Italy!  My husband and I left the kids and headed to Puglia for some much-needed R&R. There as a shopkeeper whose store was right by our hotel, and his merchandise was so gorgeous, I had to stop in and say hi. He was incredible. 

Stumbling upon Alex was such a breath of fresh air -- and it almost seemed like fate speaking to him when I did, because he discussed many things I have been thinking about as a father. Alex talks about coming to America in his 30s from Serbia and how his life and family have evolved throughout it all.  Take a listen. This one touched my soul.

This week, the tables are turned! My husband, Art, gets the chance to interview ME! We talk all about our relationship, how to be a better listener, how to talk to strangers, my interview style, and how this whole podcast came to be.  Enjoy!

This week, I talked to another Joe! And honestly, this might be me favorite episode. And I know - I know - you're probably sick of hearing me say that. But I swear it's true! I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did. And I hope this motivates you to go to the gym as much as it did for me!

This week we meet my barber - Sal! So while he's technically not a "stranger" per se, he is someone I have been dying to know more about over the years. And so, naturally, he was the perfect person to interview for the podcast. I feel so much more connected to him after this conversation. How close are you to your hair stylist?  

Mckenzie was FASCINATING - and despite her initial hesitations, she was my longest conversation yet. We talked about NorCal versus SoCal, her work as a video game designer and the ambition that comes with it, and her experience traveling and the global connections she's made along the way. This is why I love this show. Everyone I've come across is so incredibly unique and diverse. And you never kn...

On a sunny spring day in Columbus Circle in New York City, I met Felecia. We talked about our shared love of New York, how and why she moved to NYC from Florida, and her plans for the future as a vibrant young woman taking the "best city in the world" by storm. Great to meet you, Felecia!

My conversation with Sam was life-affirming. Right from the jump, you'll see why he couldn't shake my hand and the obstacles he's navigating currently with his family.  Our conversation reminded me that everyone you meet is going through a battle -- some big, some small -- but it doesn't change the fact that we're all on this journey called life together, trying our best to make it all count. Enjo...

This week I talked to Nalu. He was a student and soccer player who just graduated from UC Santa Barbara. He has aspirations to work in the business side of sports, and we talked all about the post-graduate transition into the "real world."  He was a great kid who I have no doubt will go far.  Listen to what he had to say.

This week, I spoke to Elias. From Germany, he was traveling to New York City, where I happened to be, and we struck up a delightful conversation. We chatted about travel, the openness of being in America, and the beauty of making new connections with strangers, near and far. Thank you, Elias...and safe travels!

This week, I was stuck in the airport. And it turned out to be the greatest opportunity for a podcast episode. I ran into Juan and we chatted about so many topics: east coast vs. west coast, family, traveling, and being yourself. Hope you enjoy. Thank you, Juan!

This week, I sat down with Lauren. She was incredibly kind, warm, and full of generosity. As an equestrian, she trains horses in Los Angeles. AND she was even brave enough to rescue many of them from the recent LA fires and the Woolsey Fires, years ago. She was such an inspiration. Thank you, Lauren...and Dobby!

This week, I met Katarina. She was incredibly vulnerable and open and was evacuated during the recent LA fires. I admired her bravery so much. I hope you do, too. Thank you, Katarina!

For the very first episode, I sat down with Mark. After being turned down by three strangers, Mark was willing to chat. We talked about him moving from the East Coast, the hustle he brought to Los Angeles, making friends, and how he manages stress in an ever-changing world. Hope you enjoy. Thank you, Mark!

Hi, everyone! This is Joe Quenqua, and I am so excited to be launching my podcast, "How to Talk to Strangers." It's a question you might have googled - because let's face it; talking to strangers can be scary! But I love talking to strangers (and people in general) to hear their stories, their heartbreaks, their struggles, and their joys and successes.  I've found that no matter how different we m...