731: Why You Should Talk to Strangers with Nicholas Epley

"Big Eva" may be fading, but a new generation of online Christian influencers is taking its place. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss the rise of "Gig Eva," how digital platforms are reshaping Christian authority, and why accountability to real churches and communities still matters. Then, the number of words people speak each day is dropping as more of everyday life moves online. The crew considers what we lose when convenience replaces even the smallest human interactions. Then, Skye talks with behavioral scientist Nicholas Epley about why conversations with strangers usually go better than we expect. They discuss how small choices to connect with others can make us happier, healthier, and less divided. Also this week, a new explosive ocean discovery.

Holy Post Plus:
Ad-Free Version of this Episode:
holypost.substack.com/p/731-why-you-should-tal…

0:00 - Show Starts

0:44 - Theme Song

1:06 - Sponsor - Access Forge - Go to accessible.faith to unlock the first two Belonging by Design lessons and use promo code HOLYPOST to get $200 off the full program

2:10 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Your support puts healthy food within reach, fueling the future for kids and their families. Give now at FeedingAmerica.org/SummerHunger

2:52 - Orcas Exploding Sunfish!

9:40 - Big Eva is now Gig Eva

29:43 - Sponsor - World Relief - Update with Matthew Sorens! Help today at worldrelief.org/holypostadvocates

34:08 - Humans are talking less!

45:46 - Interview

52:07 - The "Quiet Car" on the Train

59:17 - The Power of Reciprocity

1:08:51 - Testing for Yourself

1:17:07 - Technology's Role in This

1:31:52 - End Credits

Links Mentioned in News Segment:
Orcas Raming Into Sunfish:
npr.org/2026/07/24/nx-s1-5905327/orcas-ram-sun…

From Big Eva to Gig Eva:
firstthings.com/goodbye-big-eva-hello-gig-eva/…

Humans Speaking Fewer Words:
theatlantic.com/family/2026/07/talking-less-re…

Other Resources:
A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection: amzn.to/3RIeF6K

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