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You Can Talk to Anyone

Alex MacLaren, Tom Salinsky and Deborah Frances-White 38 Episodes Oct 10, 2025

Alex MacLaren, an actor and communications coach at The Spontaneity Shop, teams up with Tom Salinsky and Deborah Frances-White to explore how we talk, present and build relationships in the age of remote work. Each episode offers practical advice and insights to help listeners improve their communication skills and connect with anyone, whether in business or everyday life.

Episodes

New podcast - All British Comedy Explained Oct 10, 2025 59:25 All British Comedy Explained… to Abigoliah Schamaun, by Tom SalinskyListen now: https://podfollow.com/all-british-comedy-explained/1.1: Monty Python’s Flying CircusThe seminal comedy show which ran for 45 episodes between 1969 and 1974 on BBC1 (first three series) and BBC2 (final series). It made stars of writer-performers Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and anim

35. You Can't Say Anything These Days - Sadowitz, Rushdie and Freedom of Speech Aug 15, 2022 30:55 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 35. You Can't Say Anything These Days - Sadowitz, Rushdie and Freedom of SpeechPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyTwo different men have found themselves having their so-called freedom of speech curtailed, one with what could have been fatal consequences.You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a vo

34. Clothes Maketh the Man Aug 1, 2022 29:05 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 34. Clothes Maketh the ManPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyWhat we wear is something that some people fret over endlessly and others barely consider at all, but it can speak volumes about who you are and who you want to be. Even if you're only visible on camera from the shoulders up.You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop o

33. Lights Camera Anxiety Jul 25, 2022 26:04 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 33. Lights Camera AnxietyPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyBeing on camera (or behind a microphone) used to be something which only a few people experienced regularly, but now it's become part of the way we do business. Has that helped or hindered our ability to be natural while being recorded?You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @Spontan

32. Masters and servants Jul 18, 2022 22:37 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 32. Masters and servantsPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyThe days of Downton Abbey may be long past, but echoes of the relationships between powerful landowners and domestic staff linger in all sorts of situations.You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-sho

31. Sorted for booze and cigs Jul 11, 2022 25:54 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 31. Sorted for booze and cigsPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyPeople all over the world use alcohol, caffeinated drinks, tobacco products and much else besides as social rituals and mood-enhancers. Do you? Why or why not?You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontane

30. The question of questions Jul 4, 2022 23:36 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 30. The question of questionsPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyIs there really no such thing as a stupid question? And if there is, should that stop you from asking it?You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.To find out more about the training we of

29. Do you want to know a secret? Do you promise not to tell? May 30, 2022 21:03 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 29. Do you want to know a secret? Do you promise not to tell?Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyTom and Alex tell stories about telling stories and the power of telling stories.You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.To find out more about the traini

28. Once Upon a Time May 23, 2022 25:39 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 28. Once Upon a Time - the power of storytelling.mp3Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyTom and Alex tell stories about telling stories and the power of telling stories.You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.To find out more about the training we off

27. Confidence Part Two - with Ned Sedgwick May 16, 2022 28:56 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 27: Confidence Part Two - with Ned SedgwickPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky and special guest Ned SedgwickIn this episode we talk to Young Person Ned Sedgwick about whether confidence increases with age or ebbs away as you learn more.You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcas

26. Confidence Part One May 9, 2022 25:35 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 26. Horrible BossesPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyIn this episode we explore how everyone can 'get the confidence of a mediocre white man'!You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

25. Horrible Bosses May 2, 2022 26:57 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 25. Horrible BossesPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyManaging up is an art in itself, but it can't be denied that some people make that easy and other people... don't.You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.To find out more about the training we off

24. Polite Company - politics, religion and money Apr 25, 2022 22:51 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 24. Polite Company - politics, religion and moneyPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyTom and Alex talk about the un-talk-about-able.You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.To find out more about the training we offer, check out our websitehttps://www.

23. Playing Your Part at a Party Apr 18, 2022 23:26 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 23. Playing Your Part at a PartyPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyTom and Alex consider who had the biggest impact on their communications styles.You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.To find out more about the training we offer, check out our web

22. Role models - who taught us what we're teaching others Apr 11, 2022 26:26 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 22. Role models - who taught us what we're teaching othersPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyTom and Alex consider who had the biggest impact on their communications styles.You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.To find out more about the training w

21. Audience Feedback - the compliments conundrum Apr 4, 2022 25:58 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 21. Audience Feedback - the compliments conundrumPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyAlex and Tom respond to a question from a listener who has difficulty escaping a compliments spiral.You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.To find out more about the

20. Teasing - the use and misuse of abuse Mar 28, 2022 26:55 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 20. Teasing - the use and misuse of abusePresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyTeasing our friends can be wonderful fun, but being teased can be ghastly. What makes the difference and how can we use teasing to build relationships, rather than to simply shore up our own positions?You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can

19. Five Quick Wins Mar 22, 2022 29:50 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 19. Five Quick WinsPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyWe present five quick ideas about how to improve your communications.You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.To find out more about the training we offer, check out our websitehttps://www.the-spon

18. How Touching Mar 14, 2022 23:53 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 18. How Touching - When, with whom and how should we be tactilePresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyThe pandemic has left some people starved of physical contact - and others relieved that they no longer have to endure it.https://youtu.be/BAtDe5Mfq84 (some bad language)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Surrender_of_BredaYou can get in touch with us via Twitter,

17. Eye Contact Mar 7, 2022 22:18 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 17. Eye contact - who's looking at you kid?Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyWhy does it matter who's looking at who and when? How can we make eye contact during video calls? What is the approved method for entering a crowded lift?You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the

16. Two Case Studies Feb 28, 2022 33:57 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 16. Two case studies - what would Tom Hanks do?Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyOn this episode, we look at two examples of communications issues from the last couple of weeks and try and find productive ways forward.You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-

15. Table Manners Feb 14, 2022 26:56 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 15. Table Manners - which way up is your fork and does it matter?Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskySitting down to eat with someone else bonds us like nothing else, but what happens if we don't share the same arbitrary rules about appropriate use of flatware?You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or

14. Tough Customers Feb 7, 2022 28:58 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 14. Tough CustomersPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyReleased: Monday 7 February 2022Lots has been written and said about being a good salesperson, but what is life like on the other side of the purchasing equation?You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-sho

13. All Shapes and Sizes - with Susan Harrison and Lucy Trodd Jan 31, 2022 30:37 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 13. All Shapes and SizesPresented by Alex MacLaren with special guests Susan Harrison and Lucy TroddReleased: Monday 31 January 2022The bodies we bring to our meetings are things we can't change. How is it different for people who are outside the "norm" - whatever that means?One Size Fits All https://youtu.be/CmbgFnEC_Zchttps://susanharrisoncharacters.comhttps://twitt

12. Dropping the F-bomb Jan 24, 2022 23:51 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 12. Dropping the F-bombPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyReleased: Monday 24 January 2022In every language, some words are granted a little extra power to provide emphasis, offend or even shock. When should we use them and when should we refrain?https://theconversation.com/piss-off-annoy-shit-on-why-macrons-use-of-the-french-swear-word-emmerder-is-so-hard-to-

11. The Rules of the Round Jan 17, 2022 23:27 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 11. The Rules of the Round - Fairness in friendshipsPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyReleased: Monday 17 January 2022We may be seeing more of our real family and less of our work family over the next few days or weeks. What do these two families have in common, and how are they different?You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityS

10. Locker Room Talk Jan 10, 2022 23:04 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 10. Locker Room Talk - How boys talk to boys and girls talk to girlsPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyReleased: Monday 10 January 2022What happens in single sex groups that can seem so toxic and can it possibly have any benefits?You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-s

9. Resting Bastard Face Jan 3, 2022 24:43 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 9. Resting Bastard Face. Unconscious social signals – the things we would like not to be projectingPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyReleased: Monday 3 January 2022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v98CPXNiSkWhat does your face say about you and what can you do about what it?You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can

8. Why is it Different Online? Dec 27, 2021 27:03 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 8. Why is it different online? Digital communications for analogue creaturesPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyReleased: Monday 27 December 2021The art of letter-writing is dead but we are all firing off emails, Tweets and Facebook posts with reckless abandon.You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or

7. We're All One Big Happy Family Dec 20, 2021 24:32 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 7. We’re all one big happy family: Real and work familiesPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyReleased: Monday 20 December 2021Read the transcript: https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/episode-7-were-all-one-big-happy-family/We may be seeing more of our real family and less of our work family over the next few days or weeks. What do these two families have in co

6. What Shall I Bring? Dec 13, 2021 23:25 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 6. What shall I bring? Gifts and meaningsPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyReleased: Monday 13 December 2021Bringing someone a gift should delight both of you, but in some cases both buying a gift and receiving it can be fraught with danger and anxiety.You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voi

5. Stop me if you’ve heard this one Dec 6, 2021 24:29 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 5. Stop me if you’ve heard this one: Making jokesPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyReleased: Monday 6 December 2021Laughing together is incredibly bonding and many people running meetings, presenting to groups or standing on stage at a conference want to start with a joke. But should they? And can they? And how do they know?Read the transcript https://www.the

4. Social Disaster First Aid Nov 29, 2021 19:39 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 4. Social disaster first aidPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyReleased: Monday 29 November 2021In social situations or at work, we can all of us, say the wrong thing, be caught out or just not hit the right note. How can you deal with the very strong feelings which these horrible events bring up and how can you recover gracefully?Read the transcript: https://

3. Oh no, networking Nov 22, 2021 24:29 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 3. Oh no - NetworkingPresented by Alex MacLaren and Tom SalinskyReleased: Monday 22 November 2021Read the transcript: https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/episode-3-oh-no-networking/Having the opportunity to mix and mingle, meet new people and have some drinks and snacks sounds lovely - until we give it the label "networking". How can we mitigate the damage this label

2. In the Spotlight Nov 15, 2021 27:10 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 2. In the Spotlight: Talking to AudiencesPresented by Alex MacLaren, Deborah Frances-White and Tom SalinskyReleased: Monday 15 November 2021On this episode we talk about addressing an audience and how the spotlight can profoundly change the way we behave - and in some cases leave us with crippling anxiety. But where does that anxiety come from and how can we learn to

1. My One Shot Nov 8, 2021 27:52 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 1. My One Shot: Making a Good First ImpressionPresented by Alex MacLaren, Deborah Frances-White and Tom SalinskyReleased: Monday 8 November 2021On this episode we talk about how to get a relationship off to a good start, whether it's a check-in clerk you'll likely never see again, or an important client, or your own colleagues who've you only previously met on Zoom.Re

0. Our First Conversation Oct 27, 2021 20:09 You Can Talk to AnyoneEpisode 0: Our First Conversation: Introducing ourselves and the podcastPresented by Alex MacLaren, Deborah Frances-White and Tom SalinskyRead the transcript here: https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/you-can-talk-to-anyone-episode-0/To find out more about The Spontaneity Shop and our training courses, you can visit our website: https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-c

You Can Talk to Anyone - trailer Oct 27, 2021 1:41 You Can Talk to Anyone is the new podcast from The Spontaneity Shop.Alex MacLaren is an actor who has worked as a communications coach since 2002. Now so much business is being conducted remotely, the ways in which we talk, present, build relationships and connect is changing. In this podcast, we want to explore all the issues and prove to you that – no matter who you are – You Can Talk to Anyone.

You Can Talk to Anyone

Episodes

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