Conversation starters with new friends, or people you just met
You met someone new, and you’d like to get to know them. But how do you go from small talk to a deeper connection? Here … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
Ian Chew, MHFA
As part of my journey to overcome social anxiety, I also cold emailed top entrepreneurs and leaders. At first, I had tons of rejections — well, no one responded! As I got better at the art of outreach however, I ended up working with people like Eben Pagan, Michael Simmons (Inc. 30 Under 30), and Amir Ahmad Nasr (coach to 9-figure CEOs), ultimately helping them reach tens of millions of people online.
For my work and projects, I've been featured by top media outlets including Fortune, CBC, Inc. Magazine, and Canadian Geographic. I also did a TEDx speech on my experience talking with strangers (link below).
I started Deeper Conversations to share everything I've learned — and am learning — about communication and relationships.
(Here's the full back story on why I created the site.)
Education
Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) at Mount Allison University
Certifications
- Social Anxiety Disorder Comprehensive Training Course, PESI
- 2-Day Certificate Course: CBT For Anxiety, PESI
- ACT for Depression & Anxiety Disorders, Psychwire
- Rewire the Anxious Brain: Neuroscience-Informed Treatment of Anxiety, Panic and Worry, PESI
- The Power Of Awareness, Greater Good Science Center - University of California, Berkeley
- Psychological First Aid, John Hopkins University
- Mental Health First Aid, Malaysian Mental Health Association
Media features
- Inc. Magazine: Want to Win People's Trust? This TEDx Speaker Says Do This 1 Thing | Inc.com
- TEDxMoncton: What I learned from 700 interviews in three years | Ian Chew
- CBC: Humans of Sackville
Latest articles
50 deep conversation starters with your best or close friend
You know almost everything about them (way better than scientists who only know 35% of the earth!) They know just as much about you too. … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
28 deep conversation starters for parents and grown kids
For the lucky ones, talking to their parents is a walk in the park. For others including myself, it can often be a challenge. But … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
18 conversation starters for meaningful family gatherings
For many, family gatherings are like canned peas — they aren’t bad, but they aren’t memorable either. Why is this the case? Priya Parker, the … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
11 long weekend conversation starters for deeper connection
Most of us have a complicated relationship with weekends. Especially if it’s a long weekend. Do you rest? Do you party? Do you — God … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
5 church conversation starters to make new friends
You’re going to a church, but you don’t know anyone… How do you start making new friends? In this article, I got my close friend … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
25 pillow talk conversation starters for deeper connection
There’s nothing more intimate than curling up in bed together and chatting before you fall asleep. Amanda Denes, a relationship researcher, said: “During pillow talk, … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
5 simple, non-creepy conversation starters at a bar
Alright, you’re sitting around at a bar, either waiting for a friend or all by yourself. And you notice that someone is right beside you, … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
25 questions to cultivate kindness towards yourself and others
In a world that worships accomplishments and success, kindness can sometimes be seen as less important… or even unnecessary. But kindness is how we truly … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
How to be a great leader: 31 leadership conversation questions
We are all leaders in our own ways. And if you want to accomplish anything bigger in life, you will end up working with leaders … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
24 Christmas dinner conversation starters
Growing up in Malaysia, I only had a vague idea of Christmas — I always thought of it as a “turkey holiday”(turkey dinner was the … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
20 dinner table conversation starters for deeper connection
In my family, dinner talk was unusual… until this extrovert decided to change things 🙂 According to research, you feel closer to each other by … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
23 fun & deep book club conversation starters
Love learning and sharing what you’ve learned? Join book clubs — they are the intellectual version of sex stores 🙂 Here’s a list of questions … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
19 fun & deep birthday party conversation starters
My first birthday party was at Kentucky Fried Chicken, and being the fast-food-deprived kid, I loved it. Since then, I’ve been a fan of birthday … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
23 fun & deep campfire conversation starters
Chatting around a campfire is often a magical experience. As the embers burn, you can hear the breeze whistling and the birds chirping between the trees, … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
16 easy ways to start a conversation with your neighbor (without being awkward)
When I moved back home, I found myself not knowing any of my neighbors, and it took me months to build relationships from scratch… here’s what I learned:
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
10 easy ways to start a conversation with a coworking space member (without being awkward)
My first internship wasn’t in a conventional office environment. It was in a coworking space — the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto. Over the … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
7 ways to start a conversation with a retail store owner (without being awkward)
Want to improve your social skills? Talk to strangers. If you learn how to talk to strangers, you can talk with pretty much anyone. Now … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
7 easy ways to start a conversation with a rideshare driver (without being awkward)
Want to improve your social skills? Talk to strangers. If you learn how to talk to strangers, you can talk with pretty much anyone. Now … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on:
7 easy ways to start a conversation with a store clerk (or cashier)
Want to improve your social skills? Talk to strangers. If you learn how to talk to strangers, you can talk with pretty much anyone. Now … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
Published on: