
Why Small Conversations Create Big Happiness with Nicholas Epley
From Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People by Guy Kawasaki
May 20, 2026 · 53 min · Episode 340
About this episode
Nicholas Epley discusses how small conversations with strangers can enhance happiness and transform daily experiences.
Why do we avoid talking to strangers when it could actually make our lives better? Nicholas Epley, behavioral scientist at the University of Chicago, explains why we consistently underestimate how positive social interactions will be—and how that mistake quietly limits our happiness. Drawing from decades of research and stories from his new book A Little More Social, he shows how small moments of connection can transform ordinary days. This episode challenges your assumptions about awkwardness, rejection, and what people really think of you. It may just change how you walk into your next coffee shop. -- Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to make you remarkable. His Remarkable People podcast features interviews with remarkable people such as Jane Goodall, Marc Benioff, Woz, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Bob Cialdini. Every episode will make you more remarkable. With his decades of experience in Silicon Valley as a Venture Capitalist and advisor to the top entrepreneurs in the world, Guy’s questions come from a place of curiosity and passion for technology, start-ups, entrepreneurship, and marketing. If you love society and culture, documentaries, and business podcasts, take a second to follow…
People in this episode
Host: Guy Kawasaki
Guest: Nicholas Epley
Topics covered
- social interactions
- happiness
- behavioral science
- communication
- personal development
Keywords
- happiness
- social interactions
- behavioral science
- communication
- personal development
- Nicholas Epley
- Guy Kawasaki
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: University of Chicago
Books & works: A Little More Social
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