How to Talk to Strangers with Joe Quenqua

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!

Juan on How to Be Yourself

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!

Lauren on Rescuing Horses from the LA Fires

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!

Katarina on Bravery & Evacuating LA

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!

Mark on How to Manage Stress

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!

Welcome to How to Talk to Strangers

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 may seem, we are ALL fundamentally the same. And this podcast celebrates that.