If you’ve ever left a conversation feeling like you missed a chance to truly connect, you’re not alone. We all crave deeper relationships and meaningful exchanges, but it’s easy to get stuck in small talk or shy away from the bigger questions.

While I was in grad school, I met someone who changed the way I see conversations. He was different from most of the other students—he lived life on his own terms, had a sharp wit, and carried himself with a sense of authenticity that drew people in.

We became fast friends, sharing a room during our in-person intensives. It didn’t take long for us to move past the usual surface-level chat. Instead, we dove into conversations about our upbringings, swapped stories about life’s challenges, and dreamed together about how we might change the world.

One night, we found ourselves talking about faith. He had grown up in the Christian church but left after high school, and he wasn’t afraid to ask hard questions. We explored what we believed, challenged each other, and wrestled with doubts. There was a vulnerability in those talks—a willingness to be honest, even when we didn’t have all the answers.

By the end of our second intensive, we were closer than ever. We were excited for the next chance to continue the conversation, to keep digging into the things that mattered most. But that next chance never came. The day after his flight home, he suddenly passed away. The news was devastating. I lost a friend, and the world lost someone who brought light and laughter wherever he went.

That experience changed me. It reminded me that tomorrow isn’t promised, and every conversation is a gift that deserves our full attention. When we choose to go deeper—to ask real questions, listen closely, and connect—we create moments that matter for ourselves and for those we care about.

This is why I started “Having Killer Conversations”—to help you move beyond the surface and start having conversations that truly matter. Because when we’re willing to go deeper, we not only create space for meaningful connection, but we also honor the time we have with each other.

Reflecting on my friend’s story reminds me that our world is filled with noise, distractions, and endless information. But what we need most are moments of clarity—conversations that help us see what’s important. Killer conversations aren’t about having all the right answers; they’re about asking thoughtful questions, listening with intention, and inviting genuine connection. When we do this, we open the door to understanding ourselves, others, and the bigger story we’re living.

Every post in this newsletter is shaped by the lessons I learned from those deep, honest conversations. My goal is to give you practical tools, real stories, and honest questions to help you have better conversations. Whether you’re talking with a friend, a coworker, or someone you just met, I want you to feel equipped and confident steering the discussion toward what matters most. Each post will offer something useful—a question to ask, a story to share, or a tip for listening more deeply.

The real magic of killer conversations happens when we’re willing to go deeper. These moments help us explore topics like faith, purpose, relationships, and meaning. They give us space to wrestle with doubts, share hopes, and discover new perspectives. You don’t have to be an expert—just curious, open, and willing to show up. If you’re ready to move past small talk and start exploring life’s bigger questions, you’re in the right place.

Thanks for joining me. Let’s get curious together.