How to Say Hi

Many of us learn about community events through Facebook. It’s so easy to click ‘interested’ or ‘going’ but the actual follow-through…it takes a bit more effort. Tune in to this season finale that’s all about setting intention, conquering nerves, and feeding your soul. It’s amazing how a collective effort to accomplish some good can truly impact you. Maggie, who recently attended a community clean-up by herself, reflects on her experience. She shares tips for quieting social shyness and engaging with other participants. Sometimes it’s about embracing your inner child and simply asking, “Want to be friends?” Listen now for ideas on how to join a group, what to talk about and how to ensure you’ll remember the incredible feel-goods that follow. And yes, we said season finale! This is our final official episode of Season 1, however, we are working hard to bring you Season 2 which will take a deeper dive into creating a more thoughtful, interconnected, and inclusive community through the simple act of saying hi. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out. In the meantime, we will continue sharing our silly Say Hi anecdotes, challenges and experiences on Instagram and Facebook. As always, we’d love to hear your stories too! Send them via email Would you do us a HUGE favor? Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify so others can find the show and we can continue to grow this happy, engaged community! Say hi! Subscribe wherever you find podcasts. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod. And, send us your stories! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and other music you hear on this podcast. Listen to their latest album, Pillow and Blankey.

The #ReturnToWork has also brought about the Return to Networking. But we believe it doesn’t have to be anxiety-inducing or cringy. Networking, when done well, can be a great opportunity for genuine connections and cheerful moments. BONUS! A lot of the ideas shared in this star-studded episode easily transfer to other types of social scenarios, too! Welcome to the stage, Peter Larsen, networking extraordinaire and professional business speaker. He’s joining us to share his expert advice for creating a positive and rewarding networking experience. From building your confidence with high-spirited affirmations to leaning on the event leader for an introduction, this episode is filled with ideas to help you walk into a room ready to spark up conversations. Peter Larsen is an Office Technology Sales Professional at Cobb Technologies and motivational speaker. We’re sure you’ll feel his energy and excitement in this episode. If you’re interested in hearing more from Peter, find him on LinkedIn or Twitter. Say hi! Subscribe wherever you find podcasts. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod. And, send us your stories! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and other music you hear on this podcast. Listen to their latest album, Pillow and Blankey.

Finding the best taco joint in town or getting to know the local sweet spots doesn’t happen overnight. In this episode, we share our experiences moving to new places and embarking on new adventures. Just like reading a book, we discuss how diving in and avoiding preemptive judgments is key. Find out how long we feel it takes to truly get acquainted with a new community! To help us with this topic, we’ve brought in a special guest who has moved 8 times in 15 years! Rebecca Alwine is a writer, editor, mother of 3 and a military spouse. She shares her advice for getting settled in a new home, building a network and asking for help. Did you know on average, military families move every 2-3 years? This episode is full of ideas for building community so that you can thrive in your new home or next adventure. And, for those of you who like staying put, get insight on how you can be part of the welcoming committee. If you liked what you heard, we also mentioned Episode 13: One Generation to the Next, and Episode 12: Embracing the Newbie Status. Give them a listen! Say hi! Subscribe wherever you find podcasts. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod. And, send us your stories! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and other music you hear on this podcast. Listen to their latest album, Pillow and Blankey.

Find out the best movies, the best eyebrows, the best dad jokes, feelings about dad jokes, and famous laughs. Mouse and Weens recap their first 100 episodes with a bunch of Top 10 Lists. Confused? Bet you are! It’s April Fools Day so we swapped episodes with an awesome podcasting duo, Mouse and Weens to give you a taste of something new. SoCal sisters Joelle & Julianne talk human behavior & fascinating people. They’re on a mission to bring more laughter and joy to the world…which is definitely something we can get behind. So kick back and enjoy this Friday treat. If you like it, be sure to subscribe and follow Mouse and Weens on social media. We’ll be back with more How to Say Hi on April 6. Song credits: “Ernie and Bert” by Julianne Eggold Voice actor: Matt Thompson Podcast promo: The Cretin’s Guild Special shoutouts: Tamara Til the Break of Dawn Mouse and Weens podcast is part of the Podfix Network You can watch this episode on our Mouse and Weens YouTube channel. A transcript of this episode is on http://www.mouseandweens.com Please follow and contact us via Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube @mouseandweens Say hi! Subscribe wherever you find podcasts. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod. And, send us your stories! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and other music you hear on this podcast. Listen to their latest album, Pillow and Blankey.

It’s funny how people from the same generation just hit it off. They reminisce about having the same graduation song, laugh at the past fashion trends… it’s easy to relate and find common ground. On the flip, when we start having conversations with people much older or younger than ourselves, it can sometimes be a struggle to get going. Often, we even begin changing the way we talk. In this 20 min episode, we discuss common mistakes that happen when talking to others of a different generation and how to avoid them. With key takeaways and a few realizations, we have a feeling this episode will spark some enjoyable conversations, new perspectives, and belly laughs. In the end, we are all just humans who want to be treated as equals – and, come to find out, our experiences really aren’t all that unique. Thanks to Laura and Molly for sharing their knowledge based on many years of teaching children. We also perused a few of these articles for more ideas. Lifehacker - How to Talk to Little KidsThe Guardian - How to talk to children, even if you don’t have anyEdutopia - How to Talk to ChildrenGriswold Home Care - Senior Conversation StartersAging Care - 10 Tips for Communicating with a SeniorSay hi! Subscribe wherever you find podcasts. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod. And, send us your stories! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and other music you hear on this podcast. Listen to their latest album: Pillow and Blankey.

We’ve spent a lot of time talking about quick hellos and kind gestures in small bursts, but what happens when you need to think of something to say…for 5, 10, 45 minutes? An hour?! This could happen at a work event, a wedding reception, a birthday party of a friend, or when you join your new significant other for an event with their friends. How do you make conversation and stay engaged but still keep it light and friendly? If you’re like Katelyn, you may be sweating at the thought of it. But even she has some great advice for killing time and making connections (Heads Up, anyone?) This episode is all about being in the moment, deciding to make the most of it and having a few tricks up your sleeve (literally, if that’s your style) to get you through the night. Want to be a better question-asker? Maggie mentioned this article by Josh Spector on Medium. Harvard Business Review has more ideas, including leaning into those follow-up questions. Tune in for more ideas for how to go deep, without getting too personal. Say hi! Subscribe wherever you find podcasts. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod. And, send us your stories! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and other music you hear on this podcast. Listen to their latest album, Pillow and Blankey.

Pulling from a recent experience at a group yoga class, Katelyn realized that she had written some false perceptions about the people around her. Perceptions that were sort of intimidating. Then, she realized they were all made up in her head! After learning the truth and laughing at the silliness, she was able to have a more authentic and joy-filled experience. So whether you’re taking a class, in a group tour, or sitting down to eat with other groups at a Japanese steakhouse, we encourage you to stop writing stories about the people around you and simply say, hi! How to Say Hi is a short, commuter-length podcast that encourages listeners to find joy and tackle social anxieties in their daily routine – all by simply saying hi. Its light, conversational style shares tips for success, community connection, and happy living. Say hi! Subscribe wherever you find podcasts. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod. And, send us your stories or episode ideas. Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Mentioned in this episode, the marvelous Julie Batisto. You can find her creations on Instagram @Shape.Shift.Clay or on her website. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and other music you hear on this podcast. The Wimps released a new album last month! Listen to Pillow and Blankey.

You deserve to be on the trail just as much as anyone else. Katelyn is an experienced backpacker, former Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer and all-around nature-enthusiast. Maggie considers herself semi-outdoorsy but needs a little confidence boost to get out there sometimes. Maybe you relate? With the promise of spring and more people taking advantage of public parks and trails, let’s discuss the written and unwritten rules of enjoying these spaces together. If you’re looking to use nature to socialize or want to find like-minded people to hike with, we suggest searching Facebook or other platforms for groups that might interest you. For example, there are Girls Who Hike Virignia and She Opts Out for female hikers. @MikahMey is an LGBTQ+ advocate for outdoor adventuring. For more information on how to leave a space better than you find it, visit Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Your state and national park websites are also great tools for hiking tips and trail maps to plan ahead and prepare. Lastly, here’s a fun blog Katelyn wrote back in the day about the magic of trail names. Thanks to Donna Frostick for suggesting this week’s topic! Say Hi! Drop us a line on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod. And, send us your stories or an idea for an episode! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Subscribe wherever you find podcasts. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and other music you hear on this podcast. The Wimps released a new album last month! Listen to Pillow and Blankey.

Controversial POV: Maybe talking to customer service reps on the phone isn’t so bad… Sometimes we love an experience even before it happens…like going to an amusement park or getting a mani-pedi. Our thoughts around the activity are buzzing with positivity, often making them even better than we expected. But, what if the opposite is true. What if things like calling in to a help desk have been made out to be worse than they actually are. This week, we are talking about bringing awareness to your mindset before making that call to your internet or insurance provider. If you’re going into it with a ‘vibe’, that’s likely how it will go — let’s make that vibe a bit more hopeful and optimistic. They are, after all, there to help. Rather than leaning into old, maybe unfair, expectations that calling any customer service line will be torturous, let’s start fresh and change it up. Keep an open mind, be kind, and remember they’re a person just doing their job. In this episode, we offer a few ways to change the script when it comes to call customer service: Get your mindset right before you call. Go for a walk, do something that brings you joy.Remember your both humans and deserve a little patience. Take a deep breath as the rep enters your address and pulls up the account. These things really do take time and they can only work within the system they have. Whatever your issue is, it was not caused by this rep. They are here to help. They don’t make the rules or write the bills.Learn their name and use it! Say hi, how are you, hope you’re having a good day…before you launch into your complaint. Studies show you get a better result when you’re nice.Smile! It’ll lighten your mood and bring some good energy to the call.Tell them when they did a good job or fixed your issue. Even if things aren’t completely resolved, thank them for their time and acknowledge that they did what they could. And, leave a positive review, if prompted! Say hi! Subscribe wherever you find podcasts. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod. And, send us your stories or an idea for an episode! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and other music you hear on this podcast. The Wimps released a new album last month! Listen to Pillow and Blankey.

We’re shaking things up a little bit in light of the new year. It’s a time when many are making goals and resolutions, or simply taking a closer look at the life they want to be living. Katelyn and Maggie reflect on the goal of this feel-good podcast and their own thoughts around ‘saying hi’. While each of our episodes, so far, has included 1-3 challenges or tasks to take on, it’s really about a bigger shift in thinking. Saying hi isn’t ‘one and done’ or a task to check off your to-do list. It’s about reflecting on what we put into society. It’s about being curious and optimistic. It’s about understanding the positive impact we can have on one another and how, collectively, they create a more joyful and interconnected world. And yes, we do include a few challenges as we look ahead to the rest of 2022. If you’re new to our easy-listening podcast, this is a great place to begin your feel-good journey. As mentioned in this episode, we’re huge fans of Gretchen Rubin, a writer who focuses on happiness, good habits, and human nature. You can read about her One Minute Rule here and find her podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, wherever you listen to podcasts. You can tell we’re a curious duo, so we’d love to hear how your thoughts around how saying hi have changed in the last few months and what questions or anxieties still remain. Or do you have your own advice on making happy connections with those around you? Find us on social media or leave a review! Say hi! Subscribe wherever you find podcasts. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod. And, send us your stories! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and other music you hear on this podcast. The Wimps released a new album last month! Listen to Pillow and Blankey.

Say you come across someone raising money outside the grocery store. Or you’re minding your own business at home and a canvasser or home security salesman interrupts your afternoon. You’ve got a choice here: duck your head and hide, orcreate a positive moment – without wasting anyone’s time. We vote for the latter. To help us understand what that looks like, we have our very first How to Say Hi guest, Katie Hancock! Katie has first-hand experience with knocking on doors, and some stories we can all learn from. This week’s challenge is all about kindly but firmly saying “no, thank you” when a solicitor crosses your path. Remember, they’re people, too. People who are doing their job or taking an active role in something they truly care about. Thank you to our special guest Katie, who is also a podcaster covering everything horror. Find Necropolis here or wherever you listen to podcasts and tiptoe over to her Instagram, it’s very entertaining! Say hi! Subscribe wherever you find podcasts. Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or rate us on Spotify. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod. And, send us your stories! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and other music you hear on this podcast. The Wimps released a new album this month! Listen to Pillow and Blankey.

COVID-19 moved a lot of work and play online. It didn’t take long before Zoom-fatigue became a thing. In this episode, we are discussing your internet connections; not the dial-up speed, but the connections we’ve had to maintain virtually over the past year. Do they feel slow and choppy? Or, has this new norm been seamlessly wired into our dailies and heightened our interactions with others? Either way we slice it, those awkward pauses and forced introductions still exist, and we are here to help. Maggie and Katelyn share good and bad virtual hangout experiences, from meetings and workshops to birthday parties and happy hours. Key takeaways: Keep the chit-chat positive.Use your observational skills to ask fun questions or move the meeting along.Focus on other people, rather than your reflection, to make some meaningful connections. Tune in for more ideas! Curious about the sangria drag show Maggie attended? It was put on by Drag Taste. Follow them here. Say hi! Subscribe, rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod And, send us your stories! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and other music you hear on this podcast.

One in four people feels they have a sense of community in their neighborhood. Where do you fall in? Do you feel excitement when the lady in the brown house pulls in at the same time? Or do you suddenly have to check your Instagram until she passes? In this episode, we share our history of funny neighborhood interactions, the unspoken rules of connecting across the property lines, and some ideas for getting to know your neighbors. Whether you live in the middle of nowhere or in a giant apartment building, remember, you don’t have to make a new best friend. But a happy wave and casual hello just might help create a more comfortable and joyful community...and potentially more puppy playdates and packages saved from unexpected rainstorms. In this episode, Maggie claims that knowing your neighbors helps with safety and security. It’s real! This article on PsychologyToday cites some research on it and AAG lists it as a top reason to get to know your neighbors. Say hi! Subscribe, rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod And, send us your stories! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and other music you hear on this podcast.

We asked and you answered...holiday get-togethers can be a little tense. This episode is all about how to say hi to the loved ones you only see a couple of times a year. While this means different things to everyone, most of us have experienced the pressure of chatting with extended family, who can sometimes feel like strangers. Listen for ideas on how to slow down and create more meaningful moments during family gatherings -- all the while dodging the loop of “how have you been” questions. Say hi! Subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple Podcast or other podcast platforms. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod. And, send us your stories! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and all the music you hear on this podcast.

We spend a lot of time at work, but that doesn’t mean we all embrace the opportunity to connect with those we work with. Some people adopt a different persona entirely or simply leave parts of your personality, social life and interests at home. Maybe you don’t even interact with people you’re not required to and simply clock out and head home as soon as you can. But work isn’t going away, so why not try to enjoy it? This episode discusses the power of making small connections in the workplace. You’ll be surprised how it can liven things up and transform a daily task into something that feels good. Articles and such relevant to this episode: The Awkward But Essential Art of Making Small Talk by Lindsay Mannering, The New York TimesHow to Make Small Talk at Work by Leslie Moser, The MuseThe Importance of Small Talk at Work by Barbara Bissonnette, ForwardMotionNerdcropolis, a podcast by our fab friend, Katie HancockMeet Star Trek’s 7 of 9 [gif]Like the show? Subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple Podcast or other podcast platforms. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod And, send us your stories! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and all the music you hear on this podcast.

Bonus Episode! Hi! It’s election season, well for those of you in the USA. We’re bringing you some tips on how to elevate your voting experience - in the social sense that is. Because beyond doing your civil duty, this is one of those notable moments when your whole community gathers. Listen to cover Katelyn’s secret to dowsing pre-vote nerves. Plus, get behind-the-scenes knowledge from Maggie who has served for 4 years as an actual Election Officer! Don’t worry. This episode will steer clear of politics and focus on encouraging you to enjoy the event and open up a bit while you’re there. In case you need to check what’s on the ballot or where to vote: ballotpedia.org or vote.org. You can also visit your state’s election website for important registration dates and ID requirements. Like the show? Subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple Podcast or other podcast platforms. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod And, send us your stories! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and all the music you hear on this podcast.

Errands are not the most fun part of adulting. But, rather than rushing through them, why not try to make it a special part of your day...or someone else’s! We share some awkward and silly examples of how getting groceries, running to the Post Office, or filling up at the gas station can bring a little joy to those often-dreaded errands. In this episode, we chat about some simple ways to liven up your to-do list while connecting with people along the way. Laughing is good for you! The researchers at Mayo Clinic say so here. Like the show? Subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod And, send us your stories! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and other music you hear on this podcast.

Whether you naturally befriend everyone you meet or the thought of small talk gives you hives, we are here to celebrate the power of friendly hellos and candid interactions. Here is, How to Say Hi! Tune in every other Wednesday for curious stories, science-backed research, and challenges aimed to help you recognize the opportunities for happy connections with the people around you. The article mentioned in today’s episode is How Casual Daily Interactions Protect Your Health by Jennifer Breheny Wallace, The Washington Post. Drop us a hello on Instagram and Facebook at @HowtoSayHiPod. And, send us your stories! Our email is HowtoSayHiPod@gmail.com. Subscribe, rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Together, we can help create a more feel-good kinda world. Cover art and graphics are by the kind and talented Brent McCormick. Thanks to The Wimps for the theme song and other music you hear on this podcast.