Honestly with Bari Weiss cover image

Honestly with Bari Weiss

‘Small Talk’ with David Sedaris

May 2, 2024
David Sedaris, a celebrated humorist and author known for his sharp wit and bestselling works like Me Talk Pretty One Day, joins the conversation to explore the overlooked joys of small talk. He shares personal anecdotes from his New York City apartment building, highlighting how brief elevator chats create unexpected connections. Sedaris also humorously recounts his language learning journey with Duolingo, contrasting its quirks with traditional methods. His insights remind us of the significance of simple conversations amidst the chaos of the world.
12:22

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • David Sedaris highlights the joys of small talk by using unconventional questions to spark conversations.
  • The podcast contrasts the directness of German language lessons with the inclusivity of Japanese courses, showcasing cultural nuances in language learning.

Deep dives

The Art of Small Talk and Language Learning

The podcast delves into the art of small talk and language learning, highlighted through David Sedaris' amusing anecdotes about elevator conversations. Sedaris shares how he navigates small talk by using unconventional questions like 'How long have you known your dentist?' to initiate conversations. Additionally, he reflects on using language learning apps like Duolingo to explore various languages, showcasing the challenges and quirks of these platforms.

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