How to Talk to Strangers with Joe Quenqua

FROM ITALY: Peppino the Italian Architect

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. 

Alex on Fatherhood, Marriage, and the American Dream

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.

A Conversation with my HUSBAND!

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!

Joe from the Gym

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!

Sal (my barber) on Hair, Family, and Attempting to Like Sports

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 on Designing Virtual Reality & Global Connections

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 know what we're going to talk about.

Felecia on Leaving Home for NYC

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!

Sam on His Wife's Cancer Battle

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.
Enjoy Sam.

Nalu on Navigating Life as a Post-College Athlete

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.

Elias on Visiting the U.S. from Germany

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!