Supercommunicators | 1. How to Talk to Anyone
Mar 18, 2025 · 30m
Summary
Host Charles Duhigg explores the power of "deep questions" with psychologist Nick Epley and author Mandy Len Catron. They discuss how asking personal, escalating questions can rapidly build intimacy, citing the famous "36 Questions" study that led to Catron’s marriage. The episode reveals that genuine curiosity, rather than specific scripts, fosters meaningful connections with strangers and loved ones.
Topics discussed
Delta Airlines ad: Traveling to Europe
HeyGen ad: AI video creation for businesses
Intro: The power of asking strangers when they last cried
Nick Epley's experiment with hedge fund executives
Nick's teenage DUI and the impact of his parents' questions
The 'Fast Friends' procedure and 36 questions to love
Mandy Lynn Catron's viral New York Times essay
Why deep questions create connection and intimacy
Using deep questions in real life and at weddings
Practical tips for asking deep questions without awkwardness
Outro: Book recommendations and next episode preview
McDonald's ad: Caesar snack wrap promotion
Delta Airlines ad: Repeat travel promotion
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