Making small talk can be hard—especially when you’re not sure whether you’re doing it well. But conversations are a central part of relationship-building. In this first episode of How to Talk to People, we explore the psychological barriers to making good small talk and unravel the complexities of the mutual discomfort that comes with talking to people we don’t know well. The social scientist Ty Tashiro and the hairstylists Erin Derosa and Mimi Craft help us understand what it means to integrate awkwardness into our pursuit of relationships.This episode is hosted by Julie Beck, produced by Rebecca Rashid, and edited by Jocelyn Frank and Claudine Ebeid. Fact-check by Ena Alvarado. Engineering by Rob Smierciak. The managing editor is Andrea Valdez. Special thanks to AC Valdez.Music by Tellsonic (“The Whistle Funk”), Ryan James Carr (“Botanist Boogie Breakdown”), and Arthur Benson (“Organized Chaos,” “She Is Whimsical”). Talk to How to Talk to People—by “talk,” we mean write to us—at howtopodcast@theatlantic.com. To support this podcast, and get unlimited access to all of The Atlantic’s journalism, become a subscriber.Also: If you have any comments or suggestions about the show, submit feedback at theatlantic.com/listener-survey. We'd love to hear from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychologist Ty Tashiro, author studying social awkwardness, discusses the advantages of being awkward, what socially fluent individuals can learn from awkward people, and navigating conversations in loud clubs. Explore the correlation between social awkwardness and exceptional achievement, the qualities awkward people possess, and how embracing awkwardness can lead to success in life and relationships.

Social scientist, cartoonist, journalist, and counselor discuss embracing awkwardness. Topics include middle school reflections, navigating social awkwardness, growth, creativity, connection, candid sex education, and embracing authenticity.

This discussion features Ty Tashiro, a social scientist studying awkwardness, Liana Finck, a New Yorker cartoonist, Melissa Dahl, a journalist exploring cringeworthy moments, and Erin Chen, a sex counselor advocating open conversations. They dive into the beauty of awkwardness, share insights on childhood social dynamics, and emphasize the importance of vulnerability. Additionally, they champion honest discussions about sex and consent, demystifying these awkward conversations and showcasing how embracing embarrassment can lead to deeper connections and personal growth.

Psychologist Ty Tashiro explores the advantages of social awkwardness and its correlation with giftedness. He discusses leveraging unique quirks as superpowers, overcoming social exclusion, and turning awkwardness into a strength by applying focus and persistence. Learn how socially awkward individuals can excel through intense practice, deeper empathy, and meaningful relationships, while also addressing mental health impacts and strategies for enhancing social skills.