Talking to Strangers (About Music)

I sat down with local Park Slope artists Sean Qualls and Jonathan Blum, both artists whose amazing work I've purchased, to talk about their new collaboration. We talked about art, race, identity and who we consider our 'tribe.' 

Steph talks about the power of a true resolution...Sometimes, we are strangers to ourselves, and we have to tune in to figure what we want for the year ahead!

Steph sits down with Talking to Strangers producer/songwriter/guitarist Matt Keating in his West Village studio, Djanglewood. The conversation turns to the difference between artistic Masters and regular folk (and if there is one), and how we get good at what we do a lot - so we should be careful what we do! 

There are some spots that are go-to places to talk to strangers. For me, Guitar Center is one of them...cool guys behind the counter always good for some interesting conversation. This trip to Guitar Center with my friend Leigh Blake, to buy an Airboard and a guitar strap for my son for Chanukah, did not disappoint. Trey Wolfe --an actor, musician, Guitar Center Guy--obliged me, and we had a lovely conversation. 

With so many people on the subway, who to choose to talk to? The person who smiles back clearly seems the most receptive, and so it was this stranger, a lovely young woman on the F train, who Steph chose to speak with. It turns out she talks to strangers too...

Steph talks with another dog owner on her walk with her little pooch Ginger. It's amazing how different dogs can be in the way they interact! Just like us...

Ever have a great conversation with your Uber driver? Join Steph as she crosses the cultural divide in a trip from Brooklyn into New York City. Talking to Strangers is always illuminating! 

Host Steph Thompson explains why she talks to strangers, and how Talking to Strangers helps us feel less lonely. 

Listen to the catchy jingle (lyrics and vocal, Steph Thompson; guitar, percussion and production, Matt Keating)