Why small talk matters more than ever

Loading player...
How we interact with others has changed a lot since the pandemic. Some avoid face-to-face contact, bail from plans, work from home or text friends instead of meeting in person. What has this avoidance done to our capacity for talking to strangers? That is what Gillian Sandstrom, psychology of kindness researcher at the University of Sussex and author of Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How “Small” Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life, specializes in. She joins us to discuss why small talk with strangers might be more meaningful than we think.
25 May 12PM English Canada News Commentary

Other recent episodes

Grey Cup showdown: Can Fajardo pull off the upset?

The Grey Cup is this Sunday, with the Montreal Alouettes taking on the Edmonton Elks in Calgary. Montreal is the favourite, but can former Riders quarterback Cody Fajardo lead the Elks to victory? Host of The Green Zone, Jamie Nye, is in Calgary for Grey Cup week and joins Evan…
13 Nov 12PM 7 min

Knock on wood! Why are we so superstitious?

Black cats, knocking on wood and crossing your fingers are common superstitions. Today is Friday the 13th, and we take a deep dive into these beliefs. Phil Stevens, associate Professor of Anthropology at the University at Buffalo and author of Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft, joins the show…
13 Nov 12PM 10 min

First responders, one mission: Making a difference

For five years, Saskatoon's first responders have been coming together for a fitness competition that's raised money for mental health initiatives and youth sports. Now they're taking things a step further with the launch of the YXE First Responders Foundation, and director Chris Harris joins Evan to explain what's changing…
13 Nov 12PM 11 min