In social situations, two people can do the exact same things (good and bad) and get a very different reaction. We discuss chemistry, first impressions, and a theory inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. 

We discuss disappointing people, sharing failures, and the impulse to retreat from relationship until you're the person you want to be.    Find us on Instagram at @theconversationstarters or email [email protected]

Hannah and Karina discuss change, culture shock, and what happens when you fail to live up to your own high standards for relationship and conversation. Part two to follow. Find us on Instagram at @theconversationstarters or email [email protected]

The one-sided conversation. We've all been there – and several of you have written in to ask about it! What do you do when you're always the one asking questions and listening, and they don't show the same interest in your life??   Find us on Instagram at @theconversationstarters, or email [email protected]. 

We share our own first impressions of each other, advice for listeners, and how our thinking on the topic has changed over time. 

We're back for season 2 and returning to our core principles, the Three Rules of Good Conversation:  1. Find what fascinates you 2. Consider the context 3. Develop your own style If you're new to our podcast, this is a good place to start! 

Talking about the future - especially during unstable times - can feel extra challenging. In this episode we talk about conversations about future plans, especially in life situations (like graduation) where everyone around you is asking you the same questions.

Is there any more common conversation than the one that starts with "How are you?" In part 2 of our series, we talk about meaningful ways to catch up on someone's current context, and how to share about your own life in a way that gets past the default answers. 

You never have to stop getting to know someone! In this episode we discuss situations where someone is sharing about their past, and questions to ask to get deepen the conversation – especially if they tend toward either negativity or nostalgia.

We like to share deep and unusual conversation-starting questions. But sometimes these questions hit a wall if the person asked feels "under pressure" and needs time to think about their answer. In this episode, we talk about internal and external processors – those who collect their thoughts before speaking, and those who externalize their ideas before they've reached a conclusion. How does each type find their place in a conversation? And how do we make sure we're hearing them...

How can you make the best possible conversation from the topic of year-end evaluations and resolutions often brought up this time of year?  Karina and Hannah discuss how to maximize the topic, set goals, and propose some simple challenges to deepen conversations and relationships in 2021.

We wrap up our series on apologies with a dialogue between the Lebanese and Swiss cultures – through an interview with two roommates, and stories from Karina about growing up with the blend of both. 

Get ready to deconstruct how people apologize even further. In this episode we scratch the surface of how apologies – especially indirect apologies – look around the world. We focus especially on overly apologetic cultures in this episode. Music Licensed Through Soundstripe:Easy Going Today - Markus HuberBy the Fireside - Tide ElectricRemember When - Ghost Beatz

We share more of your thoughts about apologies, and discuss whether forgiveness and reconciliation is a crucial objective or not.  Sources:Why Won't You Apologize by Dr Harriet Lerner Music licensed through Soundstripe:Open Doors by AnchorNeon Feel by Matt WigtonEasy Going Today by Markus Huber

We tackle a very tricky type of conversation: the apology. How can we apologize well – and what are the pitfalls to avoid?

Once you've had a great conversation with someone, what can you do to keep up the momentum and strengthen a friendship? Want to be featured? Send an audio response to the following questions to [email protected]!1. What does apology look like in your culture?2. How did you learn to apologize?3. What makes a good apology?

You've moved. You've started a new job. You're meeting your in-laws. We're talking stories and tips from all our experiences starting over in new circles ... especially when you have a lot invested in being accepted by them! 

One of our all-time favorite topics of (and excuses for) good conversation: FOOD. Everybody eats! We share ideas for deepening relationships and conversation through food, and discuss a controversial conversation subject: weight loss and dieting.

Music can unlock our emotions, memories, and histories – so conversations about music are amazing options to get to know each other! 

A quiet, unplanned phone call between us, checking in to see how we're doing after the Beirut port explosion. We discuss our personal experiences and conversations with those far removed from trauma and those experiencing it alongside you.

Another easy topic that can get stuck in spoiler anxiety or surface small talk ... or be a phenomenal conversation! Give us your thoughts at [email protected], or find us on Instagram @theconversationstarters. 

Today's episode features an interview with Elie Kesrouwany, recorded at his board game cafe On Board. We spoke about how books first gave him an escape out of this world and then a way back, and why the subject provides an amazing way to connect with people. 

In this episode we cover a fantastic, easy topic of conversation that you can take in many directions. Find us on Instagram at @theconversationstarters and share your thoughts and book recommendations! 

It is a huge challenge to stay close with loved ones when you're spread around the world. We asked for your best tips, and share our own thoughts on maintaining emotional closeness when you're far away. Music licensed from Soundstripe:Easy Going Today - Markus HuberAcadian Flycatcher, Unicus - Isaac JoelThe Rain - Midnight DaydreamBanana Split - BRASKO