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 Huber

Acadian Flycatcher, Unicus - Isaac Joel

The Rain - Midnight Daydream

Banana Split - BRASKO

When friends no longer share the same beliefs – politics, faith, or opinions – should you cut ties, or try to maintain the friendship? 

Our music is licensed with Soundstripe:

Easy Going Today - Mark Huber

Back to Save the Universe, Coarse Grain - glasseyes

Our Memories - AEROPLANES

Luster - Moments

It's a near-universal experience: being very close to someone, talking easily ... and then over time, you're no longer the same people, and conversation feels forced, inauthentic, or isn't happening at all. So how do we think about these friendships?

Email us at [email protected].

Music licensed from Soundstripe:

Easy Going Today by Markus Huber

Edison by Wild Wonder

Kindness Follows by Birds of Norway

We love conversation-starting questions, but how do you use them naturally?

In the episode, we invite you to email us ([email protected]) and share:

What is a good conversationalist? Sometimes we imagine a person wholly different from ourselves, and do our best to fake it – or avoid conversation completely! In this episode, we discuss how knowing yourself and developing your personal style of conversation is way better than comparing to others. And we don't have it all figured out either – we are constantly repeating this process, because confidence is a slippery thing to hold on to when life keeps changing.

What surrounds your conversation? There are your individual circumstances, your cultures, and the literal location where the conversation takes place. We discuss these ideas and wrap up our explanation of Rule #2, "Consider Your Context."

How are you at reading a room? If following Rule #1 will save you from boring conversations, Rule #2 will save you from the disastrous ones! Oh we have plenty of experience getting this one wrong, but we're working on it. Give us your wisdom on our Instagram, @theconversationstarters, and join us next week for Part 2.