Talk to People Podcast
Episodes
Why Copying Great Speakers Fails: How to Speak With Authority Using Your Own Experience | Ep. 97
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ever watch a great speaker and think, "I wish I could sound like that"? Here's the problem: copying great speakers makes you worse, not...
How to Sound Clear Under Pressure | Ep. 96
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Never sound unprepared again! This episode is only 20 minutes. Sounding clear isn’t about having the perfect words — it’s about structure. In th...
How to Have Aura in 2026 | Ep. 95
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most conceptual episodes I've created. What is aura? And how can you harness it to improve how you connect with the people around you?...
How to Have Better Conversations in 2026 (RESEARCH BACKED) | Ep. 94
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
2026 can be the year where you change your life. In this episode, I will help you do that. 36 minutes of tools, tips, and lessons that will make your ...
#93 - Feeling Awkward in Conversations? Here’s Why Quiet Time Might Be the Missing Piece
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm back! In this episode we're talking about something that doesn't get enough press: SOLITUDE. I think it's a gateway to conver...
#92 - How Business Travel Nearly Broke Me (200+ NIGHTS AWAY)
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
EXPECTATIONS vs REALITY: work trips. Yay! A vacation! Oh wait - I'm alone, with flight delays, rental cars that smell like ketchup, and strange g...
#91 - How I Plan On Improving My Time Management (3 IDEAS)
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We've all been there before - wishing we spent our time differently. Maybe we fell short of something and we knew that the reason why is because ...
#90 - How ChatGPT Will Begin to Affect Our Relationships (and other AI models)
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is for anyone who is struggling with how they're using AI for their creative hobbies. It's one thing to outsource washing the d...
#89 - My 2025 Advice to All Entrepreneurs or Future Business Owners - An Advisement Session
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have I told you about my full-time job? For the past six months I've been meeting with small business owners and entrepreneurs as a small busines...
#88 - What Excites Me Most About Turning 30 (MY THOUGHTS)
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The swirly whirly world of turning 30 after a decade long adventure of the school of hard knocks 20's. In my twenties I got my first speeding tic...
#87 - Nike’s 10 Rules for Success—And How Talking to People Fits In
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nike’s 10 Principles are more than business rules—they’re a mindset. In this episode, Chris breaks down how these principles can help you build ...
#86 - This May Make You 1% More Socially Confident
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode - we get a few things: my Patrick Mahomes impressionthe debrief of why post-game interviews matterhow to become more confiden...
#85 - Chris and Annie Look Back at 2024
04 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We share our lessons from 2024, from challenges like navigating Sunny's health and personal loss to celebrating career milestones and family joy....
#84 - How to Ask for Help and Not Feel Awkward
16 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Asking for help can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, we dive into the psychology and communication strategies that make asking...
#83 - How to Talk to Your Friends About Politics
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No more avoiding talking about politics. Here's a framework you can use to talk to your friends about politics and still keep them as friends. No...
#82 - I Talked to the Einstein of Communication, Exploring the Communication Equation [DOUG TAYLOR]
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been speechless - standing there with zero clue what to say? Thinking, "I really wish there was a cheatsheet I could use in this mo...
#81 - How to Make Friends in a New City FAST
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this video is a research backed, 5-step program that outlines how to approach moving. The goal is that you will have an established social life wit...
#80 - He's Talked to Over 6,000 Different People and Today I'm One of Them [Rob Lawless]
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My guest today has been featured on the Kelly Clarkson Show, on Ryan Seacrest's Radio Show, and now the TALK TO PEOPLE PODCAST! He is on a journe...
#79 - A Psychologist's Guide for Social Anxiety and Depression [Dr. Daniel Maitland]
28 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Daniel Maitland is a clinical psychologist, research, and professor at UMKC. He runs the Psychotherapy Research or Study of Connection, Intimacy, ...
#78 - I Talked to YouTube's Favorite Prankster [Andrew Hales, LAHWF]
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
12 years ago Andrew Hales had a video go viral on YouTube. This video landed him on TV, in newspapers, and on YouTube's home page. It also landed...
#77 - Uncovering the Secrets of American Friendships in 2024 [Harvard Visiting Scholar, Dr. Jeff Hall]
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The day this episode releases is NATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY. And who better to talk to then a friendship expert, Dr. Jeff Hall. He is a Professor of Comm...
#76 - Dr. Allan Louden: How We Can Find Humanity in One Another
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get ready. I packed my bags and flew to North Carolina. The birds sang and the conversation flowed. It was an opportunity for me to connect with a dea...
#75 - How to Tell Stories That People Will Listen To
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Humans are storytelling creatures. We relate through story, we're inspired by story, we're moved by story, and we experience life through st...
#74 - Why I'm Choosing to Not Analyze Donald Trump
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you don't listen to the whole podcast - here's what I hope you remember. Your life will be much better when you talk to people! And that ...
#73 - Here Are Some of Humans' Greatest Quirks
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever thought to yourself, "Sheesh, he/she is complicated! I just don't understand them." I'm sure we've all thought this a ti...
#72 - Three Habits to Healthily Navigate Disagreement
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of the biggest painpoints is relationships is CONFLICT. We fear conflict more than heights, running out of gas, or public speaking. And it makes s...
#71 - The Best Communication Resources I've Found [ft. Annie Miller]
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I sit down with Annie and we answer a few different questions, mainly, what are some of the best resources out there to help us become...
#70 - How to Stop Self-Sabotage in Conversation
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I attack FOUR of the most common self-limiting beliefs I hear about talking to people. With each belief, we'll unpack why it exis...
#69 - Our World Needs More Mentors
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I did an Instagram poll recently and it got my gears turning. Then I had some conversations on the subject - and it got my ears turning more. And wahl...
#68 - How to Make Networking More Enjoyable
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Anyone else dread networking? Anyone else ever been to a "networking event" that consists of groups of people standing in a room, business c...
#67 - Twenty Questions You Can Ask to Make Any Conversation Better
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how to switch your conversation from surface level to substantial? Ever been unsure of how to make it feel like you're actually con...
#66 - How to Give a Speech That Will Go Viral
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Drawing from some of the most pivotal points in his life, Steve Jobs, chief executive officer and co-founder of Apple Computer and of Pixar Anim...
#65 - One Trick to Make Your Words More Impactful
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We only get one chance to leave a first impression. The research shows that this one chance matters a lot. In this episode, we'll work through a ...
#64 - The Dark Side of Communication: Cult Leaders and Pyramid Schemes
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered of a cult leader is able to recruit people to give their lives to a cause? Or how a pyramid scheme creates millions for some while takin...
#63 - How to Avoid Awkward Silence in Conversation
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We've all been there - an uncomfortable lull, a moment where we're speechless, and the immense pressure of trying to keep conversation going...
#62 - Ten Rules to Share Your Thoughts Confidently
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Communicating effectively will change your life. But, oftentimes, we don't feel confident enough to share our thoughts. Yet if you don't sh...
#61 - How to Start Conversations and Keep Them Going
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I asked Instagram - "what are the biggest challenges in communication."You all answered! This episode is me hitting all of your questions. ...
#60 - What Does It Take to Be a Great Communicator?
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We don't stumble into being good at things. Sure - there's raw talent. But, after a few curveballs get thrown into the mix then we need to r...
#59 - How to Be Better At Talking On the Phone
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are phone calls still a thing? YES! And you can get better at them. In the past few years I've decided that I want to get better at phone calls....
#58 - Me Playing Ukulele While I Talk About My Life
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the first time in podcast history - it's time to play some music. Keep your expectations low - but your energy high. This episode is a great...
#57 - How Talking in a Circle is Changing Prisons and Police Departments
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is there anything that beats a good talk with a friend or a loved one? Being able to laugh, share stories, and smile on how the universe has brought y...
#56 - What You Learn About Communication After Speaking to 200,000 People [JASON RAITZ]
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
He's been on over 500 different stages and he has talked to several cities worth of listeners. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Jason Raitz. Jason and...
#55: What Coffee Teaches Us About People [TRENT HOWARD]
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You know that feeling when you get to hang out with a friend that fills your cup? And y'all could be just chillin' yet you're still hav...
#54 - Finding Community in a New Town with Pittsburgh Social Health [Haley Ingersoll]
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
More and more people are moving cities. This hasn't always been the case. Historically, we were born in an area, raised in an area, raised a fam...
#53 - How Online Sleuthing Is Impacting Your Relationships
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I've always wondered how learning about people online affects our in-person relationship with them. It's a fascinating question that humans ...
#52 - BUCKLE UP: 2024 Podcast Adjustments and Vision
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In 2024 we'll be the premiere podcast on social connection!WHITEBOARD + 2024 adjustments 📝2023 featured 52 episodes, over 15,000 downloads, an...
#51 - Trying to Riff on Voicemails Like Theo Von
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For a second I thought about trying to be like Theo Von and riffing with the voicemails and then I realized how hard that would be!Thank you to everyo...
#50 - Don't Quit On What You Feel Called To
10 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Well folks, we made it to the HALF CENTURY MARK! If you've been around for a bit or you're just starting the Talk to People Podcast, join us...
#49 - Reviving Third Places for Millennials & Gen Z
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The withering away of a cultural cornerstone - third places. This episode is designed for the connector who wants to upgrade their community. I share ...
#48 - Mastering Presentations: Three of My Favorite Tips
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
No matter who you are, you're going to have a moment where you're presenting your ideas. This could be at a business meeting, at a funeral,...
#47 - Sean Richards: Why Are So Many People Lonely At Church?
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sean Richards is a pastor, sales professional, and a social dynamics expect. He is a return guest (previously featured on episode 32). In this episo...
#46: Annie Miller - How to Handle Stress In Your Relationships
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Annie is one of my favorite people of all time. With a million dollar smile, an impeccable sense of humor, and some sharp wit, Annie is a joy to be ar...
#45: Some of My Story and How Tech Impacts Our Social IQ
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the Talk to People Podcast, where we explore the power of social connection in young adults. In this thought-provoking series, we delve int...
#44 - Small Talk Secrets: Transform Boring Chats into Memorable Moments
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Several people have asked how to navigate SMALL TALK. Small talk is everywhere. No matter where you go, we all have small talk. It serves an essentia...
#43 - You Asked: Is Social Media Bad For Me?
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With another solo episode, Chris and Logan navigate different questions that were sent in. Including: - Is social media bad for you? - How does soci...
#42 - Ten Rules To Become Better In Any Social Situation
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
JBP gave us 24 rules, but here's 10 rules that you can use to become a better communicator. If you're interested in the Better Connected Co...
#41 - Jared Auten: The Art of Compassionate Communication, Insights from a Crisis Line Director
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jared Auten, LMSW, is the Crisis Line Director at HeadQuarters Kansas in Lawrence, KS. His work currently focuses on crisis center operations and 988 ...
#40 - Nana Amfo: Here's How to Talk to People at the Bar
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The three most common places people meet others (including their romantic partners) are church, work, and the bar. So, more than likely, you may go ou...
#39 - Santiago Paredes: How to Find Friends After Moving to a New City
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Santiago Paredes is a friend, inspiration, and leader. After traveling across the country with him, I decided we needed to run it back and reflect on ...
#38 - Karista Paredes: How to Recognize an Abusive Relationship and Take Action
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Karista Paredes is a soon-to-be published author, full-time Kids Pastor, and a community leader. She is an exemplar of how vulnerability can lead to b...
#37 - Emily Farley: Leading with Empathy, the Power of Thoughtful Communication
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Emily Farley is a professional with 16 years of experience in the public health sector. She currently serves as the Director of Community Engagement a...
#36 - Jeremy Newman: Creating an Adventurous Life (One Conversation at a Time)
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremy Newman is an educator, business owner, pilot, endurance athlete, and adventurer. He grew up in North Dakota, traveled the world, and found his ...
#35 - Annie Miller: The Importance of Connection in Your Relationship
21 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Annie Miller is a former Irish dancer, an avid long-distance runner, and my wife. Without Annie, this podcast would be a fraction of what it is. The ...
#34 - Kristen Kalinka: Here's How to Be a Great Long Distance Friend
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kristen Kalinka is a friend, in particular, a long distance friend!The world has become an increasingly mobile and transient place. Because of this, o...
#33 - Ebrima "Abraham" Sisay: Guiding One Billion People to Mental Health Breakthrough
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ebrima "Abraham" Sisay is a mental health storyteller and currently the Founder & CEO of Freedom Project - A multicultural Social Impact...
#32 - Sean Richards: Transform Your Relationships With Humility and Hospitality
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sean Richards is a servant leader, a Sr. Account Manager with The Purpose Company, and the Lead Pastor at Open Door Church.Sean is wired towards peopl...
#31 - Ryan Walker: Lonely to Connected, Embracing Community for a Better Life
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Walker is a friend and the Executive Director at Pioneer Ridge Independent Living. He is an active member of Morning Soccer Pickup (MSP) and a fa...
#30 - My Mom: Opening Up To Others Saved My Life
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Allow me to introduce you all to one of my favorite people, my mom (Kim Miller). If you want to hear someone who is a paragon of kindness, wisdom, an...
#29 - Chris Austin: Transform Your Journey, Embrace the Power of Mentorship
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Austin is the Site Coordinator at Lawrence Boys & Girls Club.I've often discussed the importance of an intergenerational community. If ...
#28 - Paige Freeman: Unlocking the Power of Intercultural Communication
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Paige Freeman, a Louisville, Kentucky native, graduated from Western Kentucky University with a Communication degree, went over to University of Missi...
#27 - Dr. Omri Gillath: The Rise of AI Romantic Chatbots and How Screen Time Impacts Our Brain
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Omri Gillath is an Israeli-American social psychologist. As a professor of social psychology at the University of Kansas, Gillath has spent over 20 ye...
#26 - Matt Pool of RPG: How Focusing On Building Community Changed a Town
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Pool is an owner of Restaurant, Pub, & Games (RPG) in Lawrence, KS. Alongside three other owners, Matt opened up RPG six months before the CO...
#25 - Mia Santarelli: The Importance of an Intergenerational Community
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mia Santarelli is a street photographer, the Activity Director at Pioneer Ridge Independent Living, and the founder of the Joyful Palette Project. I&...
#24 - Kevin Tietz: Embrace Failure & Embrace Growth, You're Michelangelo's David
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kevin has served as Director for Young Life College at the University of Kansas for 13 years. His passion is to build meaningful relationships with co...
#23 - Mike Montague: How to Have Fun With the People Around You
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike Montague is a game show host, public speaker, podcaster, and writer at Playful Humans. He has been a radio DJ, karaoke host, virtual game show ho...
#22 - Rachell Weiss: Skip the Small Talk is Connecting People Around the World
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rachell lives smack dab in the middle of the US in Kansas City. She’s a corporate trainer by day and a Skip The Small Talk (STST) Facilitator by nig...
#21 - Keontay Gaines: Pick Good People to Build a Great Legacy
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Keontay Gaines is the Assistant Director of Student Athlete Development at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). Keontay and I met in Lawrence, K...
#20 - Annie Miller: Communication Tips for a Healthy and Connected Relationship
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Annie Miller is a former teacher of relational communication, an expert of belongingness, and an all-around all-star. Annie and I met in grad school a...
#19 - Damon Parker: Leveling Up My Mental Health Alongside a Champion
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Damon Parker spent 21 years as a teacher and coach in both Missouri and Kansas. He has coached his wrestling teams to 4 Kansas state championships. Si...
#18 - Scott Base: How Self-Defense Classes Are Bringing Communities Together
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Scott Base is a Martial Arts Instructor for Prime Martial Arts. What I like most about Scott is his ability to work with the community, be it via teac...
#17 - Santiago Paredes: Never Be Afraid of Small Beginnings
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Santiago is a friend, inspiration, and overcomer. As an immigrant from Ecuador to the United States, he broke down barriers and found purpose. This co...
#16 - Adam Bush: Performing on Broadway, the Power of Storytelling
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Bush is comedian from Tulsa, OK. In 2018, he won a contest to perform stand-up comedy on Broadway, this beginning his comedy career. His Dry Bar ...
#15 - Paul Harwerth: A Guide to Creating Joy, The Art of Social Media
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Paul is the older half of the duo named TwinSauce. Their journey in the world of social media has been a long tedious 12 years. He is an Emmy nominate...
#14 - Shawn Abhari: Music Brings People Together and Builds Relationships
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn Abhari is a published songwriter that has written and worked alongside multiple international Grammy winning and platinum-record songwriters and...
#13 - Rick Cagan: Breaking the Stigma, Insights from a Mental Health Advocate
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rick served as Executive Director for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Kansas from 2005-2018. Most recently, he directed the Behavioral Heal...
#12 - Christie Ambrosi: Winning an Olympic Gold Medal and Empowering Women Along the Way
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Christie is a champion in multiple aspects, excelling in both business and athletics. Her accomplishments include winning a college national champions...
Exciting Update, An Opportunity for You, and Looking Ahead
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for an UPDATE. After 11 episodes, its time to share some exciting opportunities, reflect on the previous episodes, and share an opportu...
#11- How This High School Teacher Navigates Technology and Education [Zane O'Brien]
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Zane O'Brien is a highschool biology teacher. When I spoke of starting a podcast, Zane was one of my first supporters. He is a great example of a...
#10 - Championing Financial Literacy for Student Athletes in NIL [PAT BROWN]
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pat Brown is an investment advisor and a former football player who has a heart for teaching financial literacy to student athletes. While playing for...
#9 - A Counselor's Wisdom in Overcoming Addiction and Shame [KRIS WALKER]
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kris Walker has spent over 30 years empowering clients to overcome addiction and shame as a mental health technician, addiction counselor, and treatme...
#8 - How to Challenge Corporate Culture and Redefine Leadership [TRACY GREEN]
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tracy Green is a project manager for a large healthcare technology company. She has a passion for developing a safe environment and she puts her money...
#7 - How to Bridge the Gap Between Technology and Relationships [DR. JEFF HALL]
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jeff Hall is a Professor of Communication Studies at the University of Kansas (KU) and the Director of the KU Relationships and Technology Lab. He...
#6 - From the Gym to the Lab; the Science of Building Muscle and Staying Fit [JEREMY PEARSON]
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremy Pearson is a 3rd year PhD student at the University of Kansas studying muscle stem cell activity in response to exercise. Jeremy has published ...
#5 - How to Communicate Vision and Find Balance in Leadership [MIKE GERRISH]
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike Gerrish is the Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. He has been an executive at several companies and ...
#4 - How You Can Use Creativity to Create Vibrant Community [MIA SANTARELLI]
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mia Santarelli is a creative, a photographer, and an art historian expert. While attending The Savannah College of Art and Design, she traveled to Ita...
#3 - What We Can Learn About Communication From Door-to-Door Sales [NICK WOLF]
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nick Wolf is a hands-on contractor by day, hot rod builder by night, and musician on the weekends. Please support the podcast by checking out the link...
#2 - Nate Andre: Law Enforcement, Ministry, and Haiti
01 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nate Andre is a law enforcement officer. Please support the podcast by checking out the links below:Follow on Apple PodcastsFollow on SpotifyFollow on...
#1 - How I Met My Wife and Why I'm Starting This Podcast [Annie Miller]
01 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The inaugural episode is with my wife - an expert in many things, especially people. An easy way to send me a message? Click the link here.Have you e...
What's This Podcast About?
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast is a collection of conversations that I have had with a variety of people. Some deal with love, pain, ups and downs, or simply a passion ...