Joe Keohane, author of The Power of Strangers — If you’re like my wife, you’re terrified of talking to strangers. You also probably think it doesn’t really matter, but you’re wrong explains Joe Keohane, author of The Power of Strangers. Keohane is a seasoned writer/editor for many loved publications and becomes obsessed with why we don’t to strangers. It turns out, talking to strangers is easier than you think, and has tangible benefits for you at work and in your personal relationships.
The Power of Strangers

According to Keohane’s website, The Power of Strangers is an “inspiring look at why we don’t talk to strangers, how we can, and what happens when we do.” That’s a very accurate description. He digs through the thick history of various cultures’ struggle with human connection, but most importantly the value of engaging people you’ve never met.
Keohane also shares the research and toxicity of group-think, tribalism, and the truly hilarious social cues that make one particular group more trustworthy than another. For example, to elicit trust all it takes is a Boston Red Sox cap, or a same-color T-Shirt. He also discusses how overcoming our fear of talking to strangers can lead to more innovation, more breakthroughs and better problem-solving.
What would happen if our politicians, and company executives connected to each other, listened, empathized, and trusted each other?
Connect with Joe Keohane
Joe Keohane is a writer and editor for well-known brands like Esquire, Entrepreneur, Wired, Boston Magazine, and The New Yorker.
