64 Comments

Ankit, since you have mastered putting strangers on the spot, and since Sean's question nudged me to summon the confidence to ask -- Whom in your life do you want to thank that you rarely thank?

A version of this question was in your post and is also fresh in my mind after virtually partaking last night in a five-year anniversary celebration of an amazing community built over gratitude dinners.

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Hello friends! We are just crossing the 1hr mark. Ankit said he'll do his best to answer some remaining questions, so be on the lookout for some final responses, but the Popcorn Hour official time is now "closed."

Thanks to everyone who showed up and brought such lovely questions to the table, and to Ankit for being who he is! Appreciate y'all.

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Hi Ankit! I'm just here to say how inspired I am by you on a regular basis, and to thank you again for being the person who helped me see that it's possible to make "supporting and growing communities" one's life work.

Here's my question: What's something amazing you've learned about yourself in the last year?

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❓QUESTION OF THE DAY

As Ankit answers your specific questions, we have a question for you all.

What is your “go-to question” when getting to know strangers?

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Hi, I'm Sean from the suburbs of Chicago and I am so happy to be here to pick Ankit's brain! I'm interested in better understanding how to communicate common ground and understanding when discussing people in a social and political lens. Also just excited to learn more about the featured guest!

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👋🏻Welcome, we are happy you are here!

To get started in the chat: Tell us where you are tuning in from today and share the community work that is on your mind.

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You talked a lot about offline, in-person communities in your podcast episode. How do you think the Internet and social media can play a role in fostering human connections + meaningful interaction?

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I want to know! What was one of the best questions you ever asked a stranger / heard a stranger was asked at a Tea with Strangers?

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Who do you look to for guidance and advice both in your inner circle and in the wider world?

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My question for Ankit: Do you ever worry about the perils of becoming "internet famous"? If so, how do you personally navigate that? (For me it's a huge concern - a long but favorite post: https://tim.blog/2020/02/02/reasons-to-not-become-famous/)

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I'm "tuning in" from Gainesville FL but we are nomads. Community Work on my mind: How can we create more delightful ways for people to connect right now, when half the world is covering their faces and scared to leave their homes?

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Hi! Is this a video, or an audio feed?

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What was your motivation to write your essay "Being Alone"? I imagine it must have taken a lot of time to write, so what made it worth it for you?

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When you first started this initiative.. how many did actually turn up?

What type of location did you choose?

Was it tough and dis hearting at first?

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I imagine you must have so many types of people in your life—from new, brief acquaintances you've met through Tea with Strangers to closer, more intimate relationships you've developed through Silent Hike Society, your weekly neighborhood gatherings, etc. How do you think about the different roles these relationships play in your life?

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How do you summon the confidence that is sharing your thoughts with the world?

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Question: when you bring together strangers in a forum like Tea with Strangers, do you have intention around how you navigate charged political topics? In a climate where echo chambers are just as common as fever pitched ideological arguments, I'd be curious 1) whether that seems to be present in these conversations and 2) how you think about that when bringing a group of perfect strangers together.

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