10 easy, fun ways to make new friends in London
As a former digital nomad and a remote freelancer/entrepreneur, I know how daunting it can be to make friends in a new city. You probably … 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
10 easy, fun ways to make new friends in San Diego
As a former digital nomad and a remote freelancer/entrepreneur, I know how daunting it can be to make friends in a new city. You probably … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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9 easy, fun ways to make new friends in Toronto
As a former digital nomad and a remote freelancer/entrepreneur, I know how daunting it can be to make friends in a new city. You probably … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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8 easy, fun ways to make new friends in Singapore
As a former digital nomad and a remote freelancer/entrepreneur, I know how daunting it can be to make friends in a new city. You probably … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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8 easy, fun ways to make new friends in Kuala Lumpur
As a former digital nomad and a remote freelancer/entrepreneur, I know how daunting it can be to make friends in a new city. You probably … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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127 fun food conversation Qs to ask your friends and family
To make this as comprehensive as possible, I interviewed Chef James Makinson, a chef who worked at top restaurants such as Berners Tavern, Hotel Arts Barcelona, and La Rotonde (Casino Le Lyon Vert)…
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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72 Whacky, Meaningful Road Trip Qs To Spark Conversations
Have you ever been on a road trip or car ride where there’s a bit too much awkward silence? That doesn’t have to be the … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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52 art conversation Qs to talk with anyone (including artists)
As an artist and conversationalist, here’s my list of art-related conversation starters to help you spark conversations!
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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42 celebrity conversation starters to talk with anyone
Love ’em or hate ’em, celebrities are great conversation fodder. Here’s a list of celebrity-related conversation starters and questions…
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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89 sports conversation starters and questions to talk with anyone
To make the article more comprehensive, I’ve also interviewed Daphne Ng, a former national badminton player, and Jess Lim, my physiotherapist who worked at Singapore General Hospital for many years.
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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29 hobbies conversation starters to spark meaningful conversations
Did you know that Jack Ma loves singing in public? Even the most boring/quiet guy has a hobby he’s obsessed about. That’s why I enjoy … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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74 habits conversation starters and questions to spark meaningful conversations
I love talking about habits. It’s one of the easiest topics to start a conversation and keep it going. Why? a) We are all creatures … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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54 goals conversation starters to spark deep conversations
Gurus: There’s a magic formula to setting and achieving goals! Just buy my book and course nowww. Reality: Goal-setting is a discovery process. It’s not … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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47 dreams conversation starters for adults and kids
Dreams? What are they good for anyway? Oops. That’s just the cynical middle-aged man in me speaking. Bad Ian. Anyhoo! However jaded we might be, … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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77 career conversation starters for employees, bosses, networking professionals
If you know how to spark meaningful career conversations, you’re a lot more likely to be successful. Why? Opportunities can be found anywhere — only … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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50 midlife crisis questions to spark deep conversations
A midlife crisis — or even a quarter-life one — can change a lot of things. When you hit these age milestones, you can end … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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30 lifestyle conversation starters for deeper connections
There are a million questions you could ask in a conversation. Should you just bombard them with all the questions you can think of… or … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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8 easy ways to talk to strangers at a party (without being awkward)
Will they think I’m weird or creepy? What if they don’t want to talk? What do I even say!? Want to talk to strangers at … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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10 easy ways to talk to strangers at a cafe
Will they think I’m weird or creepy? What if they don’t want to talk? What do I even say!? Want to talk to strangers at … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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8 easy ways to talk to people at a gym (without being creepy)
Will they think I’m weird or creepy? What if they don’t want to talk? What do I even say!? Want to talk to people at … Read more
Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA
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