Ep24: “Discomfort is a small price to pay for knowledge" | Kyle Emile, Free Intelligent Conversation

 
 

Kyle Emile talks to strangers. A lot. In cities across the country, and now around the world. His group, Free Intelligent Conversations (FreeIC for short) is on a mission to bridge divides one conversation at a time. The approach is simple: hold a sign bearing “Free Intelligent Conversation” in a high foot traffic area. What happens next is unscripted and magical and gets people talking in ways we could all benefit from in 2019. Because talking to strangers not only offers a mood boost, but can change our world views.

And they’re not alone in their thinking. NPR published an article this summer entitled, “Want To Feel Happier Today? Try Talking To A Stranger.” Malcom Gladwell’s latest book is titled, “Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know.”

Kyle first started Free IC in 2012 as a college student. While the pulse of the nation has changed since then, Kyle says that the ease and flow of facilitated conversations with strangers has remained equally rewarding. In this episode, Kyle discussed what he’s learned as he’s grown his idea to have a foothold in over 50 cities world wide.

“When people stop and talk and engage in a face to face manor, they’re far more personable. And that doesn’t mean that they don’t disagree. I want to be clear on that. ”
— Kyle Emile

Episode Notes:

Audrey Scagnelli