The Art of Small Talk: Go Shallow To Go Deep

This audio exclusive by comedians Wilson (host of the podcast Bitch Sesh) and St. Clair (host of The Deep Dive podcast) defies easy categorization. It discusses the ins and outs of small talk in punchy and conversational terms, falling somewhere between comedy and self-help. The book sets out to encourage people to engage in small talk, even if the thought of it makes them uncomfortable. The authors include interviews with Malcolm Gladwell, Amy Poehler, and Tony Hale, as well as experts who present scientific research on isolation and conversation. St. Clair and Wilson even coach a friend through small talk and follow him as he tries to make conversation with strangers. Their post-experiment recap offers insight into what went (really) wrong, what worked, and how he could improve his skills, but the session is so painfully awkward that listeners may find themselves even more averse to small talk. Listeners will appreciate the different perspectives and examples, but the multiple inputs and recordings give the impression of an extended podcast episode as opposed to a cohesive audiobook.