How to Talk to Strangers with Joe Quenqua

How to Talk to Strangers is an original podcast from media executive and personality, Joe Quenqua. In each conversation, he approaches random strangers to have conversations about life, love, struggles, heartbreak, and joy. Though talking to strangers can be scary, Joe shows that it doesn’t have to be. There is connection among people - even among strangers. Because no matter how different we are, fundamentally we are all the same.

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Episodes

Season 1 Finale

Wednesday Sep 24, 2025

Wednesday Sep 24, 2025

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!

Heidi the Pilot

Wednesday Sep 03, 2025

Wednesday Sep 03, 2025

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 underrated city she calls home.

Gus the Pianist (with his music!)

Wednesday Aug 27, 2025

Wednesday Aug 27, 2025

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!

Wednesday Jul 30, 2025

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.

Sunday Jul 27, 2025

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!

Thursday Jul 10, 2025

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. 

Thursday Jul 03, 2025

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!

Thursday Jun 26, 2025

Thursday Jun 26, 2025

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

Thursday Jun 12, 2025

Thursday Jun 12, 2025

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!

Thursday Jun 05, 2025

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?
 

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