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: https://holypost.substack.com/p/731-why-you-should-talk-to-strangers?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true   0:00 - Show Starts   0:44 - Theme Song   1:06 - Sponsor - Access Forge - Go to https://www.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 https://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 http://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: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/24/nx-s1-5905327/orcas-ram-sunfish-hard-explodes   From Big Eva to Gig Eva: https://firstthings.com/goodbye-big-eva-hello-gig-eva/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email   Humans Speaking Fewer Words: https://www.theatlantic.com/family/2026/07/talking-less-reasons/688074/   Other Resources: A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection: https://amzn.to/3RIeF6K   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.