How to Talk to Strangers (Icebreakers) - SimplyPodLogical

Just dropped: @HoloTaco Fire & Ice Bundle 🔥🧊 ➡️ holota.co/podfireandice
On this episode of SimplyPodLogical, Cristine and Ben talk about their trip to Raleigh, North Carolina for the Holo Taco x Safiya truck event, and discuss icebreakers or how to start a conversation with somebody.
0:00 - Hey what’s up holo everyone
0:57 - We got back from filming with Safiya and Tyler in Raleigh, North Carolina
2:24 - Cristine and Ben went shopping with Safiya
7:09 - Meeting internet friends in real life
11:31 - Let’s practice how to talk to start a conversation
16:54 - Do people still exchange phone numbers?
21:17 - If you had a magic lamp and three wishes…
24:48 - Do you know how to read?
29:48 - What’s your most controversial opinion?
32:31 - There’s no secret sauce having a conversation
34:44 - Team building (icebreaker) activities
35:53 - Introducing somebody else in pairs
40:20 - Break the ice with statistics
46:04 - Throw paper balls at people
49:27 - Anonymous sharing
54:49 - Ben hates icebreaker activities
58:15 - Something about pennies
1:00:57 - Should Ben wear a hat that says “dump him”?
1:02:45 - Should a customer speak up when someone else is being rude to the staff in a coffee shop?
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©Simply Nailogical Inc. All opinions are our own.

[@andressaguerra6711]

"So you’re biased against hot guys" "Well, I never talk to them" "You talk to me every day" "eXCEPT YOU" 😂😂😂 I love these two ❤😂

[@sam4lotr]

Such a good burn 🔥 😂😂😂

[@ellevictor474]

wholesome relationship

[@mary_catherine2554]

Does Ben actually think people wouldn't miss the podcast?

[@lynnevetter]

That's madness, I say!

[@Spearsa]

If he does he’s crazy!! I always love the convos in the podcast!

[@adriannahowell2359]

I literally refresh at 8am for it!

[@burnttoastno]

Right?? It’s the only podcast I listen to and look forward to.

[@redblacklife]

Silly Ben, almost 1/2 million ppl willingly subscribed to listen to Ben and Cristine banter.

[@cristinabaeza5163]

flirty ben is so elevated by that dump him hat and his oat milk shirt lmaooo

[@joakuz]

😂😂😂

[@emacd520]

I feel like if I wore this outfit I would have as much rizz as Ben ✨his influence✨

[@mimiwilhelm5484]

Okay, watching Ben flirt with Cristine as if for the first time is the most adorable

[@lillianv6805]

From a retail worker perspective, it's always super appreciated if a customer calls out a fellow customer. If you don't feel like that's possible without making the situation worse, then when the problem customer leaves tell the associate "wow, they were really rude. I'm sorry you had to deal with that" just acknowledging it is really nice too.

[@billyjean3118]

Yes!!! It makes up for the trauma from being treated like that all day long.

[@-TheDogOfWar]

I'm sorry to any worker that's had to deal with unjustified drama, however, not all workers are respectful towards the customers. I've dealt with a cashier that is friends with a neighbour that I don't get along with. You can probably figure out where the rest of the story goes. I'll just say that she displayed tyrant-like behaviour and got put in her place.

[@lillianv6805]

@@-TheDogOfWar yeah, not everyone is good at their job, some workers are shitty. Buy I was replying to Ben's specific circumstances he gave.

[@NedaTGames]

Also the problem customer might actually listen more to another customer, even if it's not immediately. In their head the staff members are being rude or incompetent so if a fellow customer said that they're the rude one in the situation it might mean more to them.

[@arelyamaya3822]

Even if another customer just makes a comment to you once the problem customer leaves is super helpful. For me as a retail employee sometimes it’s like is anyone else seeing this? It’s nice to know people think you handled something good or that this certain customer was extra. It gives me relief

[@jinxie8]

I didn’t know the Britney shirt, but I actually found it hilarious. I thought it was a joke on the fact that every AITA someone says to dump him.

[@johndododoe1411]

I don't know the old Britney reference, but to me it looks like a suggestion that Simply breaks up with Ben 😮

[@addaline09]

The best kind of phone call is a text message.

[@its_clean]

The best kind of phone call is please just do your job and stop calling me about it 😂

[@andrealadealado]

These icebreakers seem like how Ben hit on Cristine 😂😂😂He truly had a tough crowd

[@hollydancergirl5592]

Ben being a little flirty is f****** cute! I love them together.

[@nance8157]

Omg Ben’s energy is so chaotic 😂😂😂

[@FadedThreadsAndFeelingDead]

Big Aries Boi Energy

[@anais7362]

it's the hat

[@fresapreso1491]

ben and cristine reliving their dating days

[@slightlycrummy]

I've been yelled at while working in customer service a lot before & every time someone intervened and was just like "hey, please don't yell at this person who's just doing their job" it always helped or at least made me feel better because I could never say anything that would further upset an angry customer without thinking I could get fired lol

[@zane1567]

I died of laughter when Ben said Miranda sings meet and greet and cristine uncomfortably screamed 😂

[@uribove]

Timestamp?

[@lilacorn]

@@uribove 42:01

[@fresapreso1491]

this is just ben and cristine flirting disguised as a podcast

[@pboplatypus]

Ben needs to wear the "Dump Him" hat with his pineapple shirt and he'd get all the ladies 👍👍

[@lexyeast4896]

This feels like trying to become friends with people in the Sims

[@jacaen]

I think what Ben is missing about socializing for some people, and why it's anxiety-inducing, is that our minds just go blank. Like, I get the same advice from my therapist to focus on the other person and ask questions, but my mind just freezes up. I get so caught up in the moment of listening that I can't think of any questions to ask. But more personally, I'm also afraid of being too intrusive. I also have a tendency to assume that people will tell me what they want to without me prompting, which is what my family does. That's not what most people do though. They kind of set me up for failure there lol.

[@Nadzglam]

Icebreaker idea: Hey! You look like you know how to fold fitted sheets. 😂

[@christinemarsh4827]

That is a rare skill to have!

[@andressaguerra6711]

I didn't know the 'dump him' was a Britney thing, I thought it was just a joke on those forums posts which a girl is complaining about her boyfriend being a jerk and everyone's immediate response is just to say 'dump him' 😂 I thought it was very funny, nonetheless

[@Synfonya]

As someone who deals with unreasonable customers at work sometimes I find that it helps to just say "I won't continue this conversation if you keep treating me like this"

[@tammyh4491]

WAIT BECAUSE VIDEO IDEA‼️ we tell Christine and Ben our secrets and they read them on the podcast. This could either be really funny or really bad😅

[@TCat13]

I would be SIMPLY SO SAD if you stopped doing this podcast 😭 Don't know if you realize the value and positive energy you two bring to so many people 💜 I absolutely love it and watch and listen to this all the time. Even play past episodes while I'm driving and doing work around the house. Long live the Simply podcast!! 🙏😍💖

[@peacechickification]

Hi Ben! Please wear the DUMP HIM hat, and also please speak up for your local baristas! They can’t speak up, and customers do often need to be put in their place. If even to show solidarity to the staff. I’ve been on both sides of the counter in that situation and I regret nothing.

[@bunnymom]

This podcast is everything to me. Whenever I feel depressed or at night when I can't fall asleep, I always listen to you guys . Love you sooo much ❤

[@belindarocky961]

Love this. You basically use the pod as ASMR ✨️💕

[@kylaheaton]

Good morning Simplys!

[@LindseyLoodles]

I saw a little old lady once ask a woman who was freaking out at Starbucks if she needed at nap and it was hilarious. The woman was so mad she left without her coffee.

[@eloise_ae]

I love the subtle drops of tea Ben sips and serves during the podcasts. He keeps its classy but equally he keeps it real😂 P.S keep the hat it’s iconic😅

[@brianabriggs9408]

Yes please don’t stop the pod! We love it!

[@brannenstack]

I WOULD miss the podcast!!!!!!!!!!!! I used to listen to Ben spill the tea in her old videos before the podcast and I would live for those small moments and was so grateful we got more beyyyn in podcast form. He’s just so calming and catty at the same time

[@alyssaferry600]

The 'Dump him' hat is hilarious to me. I wouldn't think anything of it in public

[@caylarivera2804]

Dan Howell did some cool ice breaker type activities at his live tour. He put different celebrities and concepts and problematic people on the big screen and had us all boo or cheer if we wanted to cancel or keep them around lol! It was very cathartic and really satisfied the urge to scream into the void. And was a goodsubstitutefor a poll when thousands of people show up. I think he also asked us to literally scream into the void together. It was iconic. One of the first live events I've actually talked to strangers at.

[@_bebeboudeur_]

oh no i wanted to go so badly !! it seemed noice

[@mourya438]

Beynn, never even think about stopping the podcast. I'm a huge fan and love every single episode!

[@lynnevetter]

Ben! We love the Podcast! And phew, the Jurassic Park book is way scarier than the movie. I think they should make a movie based more off the book than the 90s one. The 90s one is classic and amazing, but a rated R Jurassic Park would RULE ALL!

[@darayadaraya]

Your podcast is exactly what I need to get through my workday today

[@charlottecieters1634]

I can't explain how much I love this podcast. It's just really nice to listen to you guys.

[@svelli7473]

Glad to hear the podcast will not be canceled yet ❤!! If you watch Black Mirror, it would be fun to see a podcast about the new season, your thoughts and theories about it :)

[@VivianArthurs]

I know and love the Britney reference. I don't feel negative energy from u. In a serious light: if a woman actually sees your hat andt starts pondering the validity of their relationship, thats not bad. All your choices in life should be meanigful and if a hat influences that 😂 then is your relationship so solid?

[@otakuchiclifeisbeautiful_n7471]

I was the weirdo at stop 3 you spoke too at arrival and I blurted out that I am Otakuchic in lives and chats and y'all struggle to pronounce it lol. My daughter was like omgsh mommm. But I was so excited and Ben just walked up and started talking to me and I totally forgot how to act normal lol.

[@AkashaOConnell]

If you see someone being mean to someone in customer service, PLEEEEAAASE SAY SOMETHING!!! People are so freakin rude and need to be taken down a notch.

[@Pulled-Pork]

I agree a lot of what's being said about dealing with a problematic person, but I don't agree with stepping in/getting involved in someone elses business. It's not your place, so it's best to keep out of it.

[@XverreauX]

The podcast makes me feel like I'm hanging out with you guys ❤

[@laurac86]

Me too! I look forward to it every week 😁

[@m4keoutcreek]

ben and simply never stop the POD!!! it’s my favourite tuesday reminder and really allows me to calm down with a funny video

[@paulasiemek]

This cap's message would go well with the pineapple shirt 😂

[@saminnippon]

i’m attending a banquet for an academic conference on thursday and this is so timely lmao how to be human edit: okay maybe not all of it :benstop:

[@thischickDEJ]

laughing at you forgetting that Ben is involved in this podcast 😂😂😂😂 *ben stop emoji*

[@holokiki182]

I love the dump him hat!! Iconic. Also, Bens ~life before you were born~ monologue proved so fast why he is not the kind of person who needs icebreakers lol. Trust us Ben, chatting is not that easy for some of us 😅

[@EmblaDK]

As someone who worked in the service industry for many years: it is always appreciated when someone else says something, especially if you just validate our experience afterwards, like "wow that was a crazy person huh" kinda thing 😅

[@CoachLouise]

I encouraged both my children and my grandchildren to spend at least a little time in a job in food service or other kind of service like a grocery store. I felt they needed to know what it's like to be on the other side of the counter. I think it makes you a better customer and human being.

[@Bluessoulphoenix]

The way they passionately disagreed about collecting data vs. learning about people was so funny to watch 🤣🤣🤣

[@lizalove91]

“I never talk to hot guys” HAHAHA cris you walked right into that one 😂

[@amberrivers2560]

This podcast is a breath of fresh air, and I really believe the internet needs more of 'this' type of content...You guys are so funny and insightful while being so authentic and genuine with your conversations (While keeping things level and pc, still don't know how you get it right but Im sure it can be exhausting) Anyways, just know you guys are so appreciated... And I would listen to you guys debate/discuss anything from the big topics to the totally mundane

[@MeganHT]

i had no idea the "dump him" was from Britney Spears! As someone who wasn't aware of the association, I still wasn't bothered by the dump him hat! i think its silly and fun 😄

[@amberrivers2560]

Same 😅

[@eliza1780]

Hi, so glad u guys are back! I'm ill today and this is the pickup I need

[@tayahdemers373]

Feel better soon

[@alenamichaelaa]

i got the britney reference right away, and i think ben looks great in it!

[@mooseli4180]

Ben is lucky he found Cristine cuz he would be fucked with these pickup lines LMAO luv u beynnn

[@louisonbodin8194]

an hour of embarrassing flirting, it was hilarious.

[@lexvranick5217]

I'm honestly with Cris on the whole icebreakers thing. Sometimes they're goofy and annoying, but as someone with extreme social anxiety, having a task or prompt helps a lot, especially when surrounded by new people (& as an instructor, it helps me get to know students, especially early on!).

[@SUSPENDERSnLACE]

“I dream of Jeanie” the sitcom had a genie that had a bottle and not a lamp

[@RCrystal34]

Yes! I was like screaming this at them! Lol

[@trishlehecka1199]

My teenagers just say “wow” when they hear someone say something rude and people will check themselves. It points out the bad behaviour without being aggressive

[@omgwtfMindyloo]

I knew "dump him" was a thing, but I didn't know Brittney Spears kicked it off.

[@pattycakes6851]

10:43 I was one of those people who got so excited to just be there and meet you and Saf that I completely blanked on what to say! You helped so much by asking my name and reminding me how normal conversation works 😂 Thank you for taking the time to come down and meet all of us, I had an amazing time!!

[@onebuckcanuck]

My favourite line I ever heard said to someone being rude to a customer is an even-toned "excuse me, are you going to die because your coffee is colder than you want?" The person went from absolutely loosing their mind to silence because they were processing what was said, and I think it gave them a good reality check. That said if they were screaming about giving them a peanut butter cookie and they're severely allergic, don't think that would work quite the same 😂

[@CortneyMegan3191]

Yay! Best Tuesday I've had in two weeks 😅

[@jackielapash9346]

About the Mayo vs ketchup discussion: I mix ketchup and Mayo and dip my fries in it. Delicious!!

[@honeyb.981]

I think the exercise of throwing papers with people's challenges written on them, and then to have them anonymously read out loud is an exercise to practice empathy. It can be so easy in a workplace or a class to feel like everybody else is doing fine while we're the only ones struggling, since we never talk about our struggles. So, it is a way to protect your privacy but still learn more about each other's struggles. I took a writing creative nonfiction class at my university, and started out thinking that everybody was floating while I was sinking, just coming out of a very dark period. However, my mind was expanded as everybody wrote about their trauma and their dark moments, and I saw how all of us were dealing with different things.

[@_bebeboudeur_]

thisss

[@lalabeatrizmakeup]

I don't need any fanfic or wattpad when I have Beyn talking dirty like that to Cristine lol. I love your love you guys are hilarious and awesome. Don't ever stop this.

[@caitdoesnails181]

I definitely prefer ketchup with my fries rather than Mayo! But if they are REALLY good fries you shouldn’t need a dip

[@redheadangel96]

Tbh cristines take on the coffee shop thing might contribute to the bystander effect. Most people would not expect a random stranger to be like “hey you’re being rude” or “hey they’re just doing their job” and I think they’re more likely to back down or be surprised which will pull them out of the rage for a moment. I don’t think most people would resort to violence immediately or redirect their anger to the person intervening. I think we just see more of that on the internet. If we don’t intervene in some situations, then people will think they can continue to be a menace to society.

[@unhealthyhomeostasis]

The bystander effect actually isn't as big of an effect and not nearly as present as media has made it seem. The case which much of the early theorizing and research was based on (Kitty Genovese's murder) was very poorly and incorrectly reported on and there were important factors in why people were cautious to intervene (Kitty was gay, but even so the police were still called by 2 separate people). More recent research actually suggests people intervene the majority of the time.

[@katc2040]

​@hannahthomson6779 actually witnessing human interactions tells me that the bystander effect is very real and affects everyone. I've witnessed situations where one person says something and it goes badly and so everyone else just bystands. Happens alot

[@unhealthyhomeostasis]

@katc2040 I certainly think here in the US it may be more prevalent due to gun access. But there is a 2019 study done outside the US using camera footage that showed in about 90% of incidents there was at least on bystander intervention. It also showed there is more intervention the more people there are.

[@KarnizArchada]

I don't listen to many Podcasts but I always look forward to Taco Tuesdays! The whole opening was hysterical, too. Cackling at Ben just being... well, Ben. And I agree the fashion from the 90's coming back is EXTREMELY JARRING... Should've never thrown out my wardrobe from back then! haha~

[@daphnethegamer]

I had a customer at work a few weeks back who was incredibly rude to one of my colleagues. He called her useless and thought it was her job to help him with something when in fact it wasn't, so instead of helping his wife unpack/pack, he just stood there with his phone like a f*cking idiot. He even turned to me at one point and said "you, you're not doing anything, you go do that" I just looked at him and walked away. If I wasn't in my uniform, and this might've been a different store, I would've said something, 100%. I hate rude customers and always will.

[@Look_look_at_my_cats]

Casual conversation with strangers is my kryptonite! I live in agony of the simple "How are you?" interaction. It started in college. Someone says "How are you?" I say "Fine", panic and walk away. I can't make myself say "and how are you?" back. I can't I can't I can't (why yes, I have social anxiety!)

[@sashimb11]

Ben I’ve definitely encountered that type of situation at grocery stores before (and being on the employee side of things from retail and healthcare experience ) and felt the same way about it, so I ended up telling the cashier right after the rude person started walking away -but still within earshot- “ jeeze, sorry you had to deal with her! She was super rude to you” it would always result in the person hearing it and turning around and clearly being embarrassed by their behavior but also recognizing with the employee that that it isn’t fair that they have to deal with somebody like that.

[@jacqweee]

so glad the pod is back 🥰

[@Marityoutube]

Love the podcasts!! Can’t wait for new episodes.

[@whitneyjax945]

I wasn’t offended about the hat and also didn’t know it was from Britney but makes sense. I honestly didn’t notice the hat till y’all said something.

[@mary_catherine2554]

Same!

[@honeyilove2101374]

yes! thank you very much for the podcast. I enjoy it a lot!

[@estefaniamartinezv]

Love to see another pod episode ❤

[@caras.4332]

A lot of us Americans also are shocked by the portions at restaurants. I think it's partially because Americans do eat more but also so they can charge you more for a meal because it's so much food. Also P.S Mayo mixed with Ketchup is the elite condiment for dipping fries in. But I usually just do ketchup because I'm lazy.

[@annasullivan2564]

I think a lot of people don't like when they see small portions on their plates, they want to feel stuffed or have leftovers. I personally would prefer generally smaller portions so I can try more things. Appetizer sizes for different sized groups would be nice too

[@dariateodora8943]

also mayo and sriracha

[@nezamariannek6319]

Thank you for this podcast 😌😌🥰

[@Ambivlaent]

I love this podcast please don’t stop as long as it’s fun for you guys 🫶🩷

[@mrnmnr06]

Love you guys, Love the podcast

[@nutaellaballii3709]

I love Listening to the Podcast at work... makes it fun and bearable lol

[@franciscariveramartinez]

I love the podcast! It allows us to see a different side of you guys and your opinions about both meaningful and meaningless stuff and your view in life... and as someone else already said, it feels like hanging out with u, so fun

[@AerialBookwyrm]

Great to hear the podast again!

[@Edgygamertags]

big fan of the podcasts Could listen to y’all talk about anything for the longest

[@hapsate]

I love these podcasts!

[@AnnaSoan]

I know exactly the weird feeling when you meet people you know online in real life. I work in international team, spend hours each day on call with my colleagues. We consider each other friends. And when we met in real life, it was like talking to strangers you know tons of stuff about. The conversation in real life was suddenly so hard. It felt like they are not the same people. 😅

[@YandereDay]

We have a meeting like that next week. I'm so excited to see them but also scared to meet them? It feels like meeting your partners family, except you already know them!

[@AnnaSoan]

@@YandereDay Good luck with your meeting. I hope you will enjoy it ☺️

[@lilymatcha]

Hi Cristine and Ben! This week's pod had me laughing so hard on my way to work. Thanks for brightening my day 😄

[@MissNoonaIva]

Love you guyss.

[@andreamendez2295]

I'm only 3 minutes in but YES cristine we understand the "dump him" reference, and I think its a cool hat

[@yelljal2764]

I kept thinking it was a Hooters hat

[@pewpandagamermom]

That would have been so fun! I'm glad you guys had that idea! You made so many people's days!

[@makiya_hughes]

With the coffee shop bully, I find a well placed "Whoa," under my breath does wonders. If they escalate, "Sorry I just saw x on my phone!" *eye contact with the cashier* and otherwise, they'll gasp, and stop talking

[@CoachLouise]

I did the penny exercise with a business group and they loved it...many people really like to talk about their experiences.

[@MsMashachek]

Hi! Nice to see you again!

[@gabriellereed5108]

I'm with Ben on the topic of what to dip your French fries in. I like dipping them in mayo instead of ketchup.

[@lupitamustdie]

Motion picture soundtrack makes me break into tears immediately haha 23:25

[@carinen8119]

Totally relate to the negative bias towards very handsome people (because they were often mean/ conceited growing up). Doing by best to give them a chance, though. ;)

[@JayJayGeeKay]

I knew the Britney reference with Ben's hat and it made me love it that much more! Please never stop the Pod, I look forward to it every week when I'm commuting to my job :)

[@swatisahay7150]

YAY HAPPY 150TH PODCAST!

[@iAmTheKookie]

I look forward to this podcast every week! It is the only podcast I listen to 😅

[@Kyu_97]

I laughed so hard with this one, I really like Ben being so confident in camera, he's so funny 😂

[@PatrickSpainhour]

Honestly the advice I really need

[@lucisna]

starting my morning the right way