Tony Esteves, the Human Connection Guide, is keynote speaker on human connection and social health, workshop facilitator, and retired circus performer. Through his platform, Talk2MorePeople.com, he helps leaders of creative organizations and their teams build stronger communication, connection, and collaboration. For Tony’s speaking website, visit TonyEsteves.com.

 

In 2016, Tony launched the Talk2MorePeople Project by meeting one new stranger every day for a full year. This initiative encouraged people to get off their devices and back into meaningful, face-to-face conversations. This is something he believes has the power to change lives. His book, Talk2MorePeople: Change Your Life by Meeting People, shares practical tools to do just that.

In June 2025, Tony presented at TEDx Victoria to share how connection helped him overcome depression and how micro-bravery and social interaction can transform your life and health. His talk is called, “How Meeting Strangers Saved My Life.”

Tony’s work blends interactive facilitation, storytelling, and improvisation, grounded in experience from five continents. He holds a B.A. in Communication Studies, speaks five languages, and has lived, worked, or traveled in 42 countries.

When he’s not coaching or speaking, you’ll find him outdoors, traveling, or documenting connection adventures on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Audiences leave Tony’s sessions entertained, educated, and empowered.

Tony in the media

Plan To Endure Podcast with Richard Martin. February, 2026

In this podcast interview between Tony Esteves and Richard Martin, they discuss human connection and many other important topics. Tony touches on the myth of perfectionism, mindfulness and manifestation.

The Big Venture Zone Podcast Interview January, 2026

This is a podcast interview between David Cohen and Tony Esteves, where they talk about human connection, creativity and community.

Deena Kordt and Tony Esteves on the Life Changes Channel

Here’s a really in-depth conversation between Deena Kordt and Tony Esteves, about the importance of having and maintaining good social health and human connection.

CBC Article September 21, 2025

Tony’s work is mentioned in this CBC article on the lost art of talking to strangers.

Mountain FM Interview June, 2025

In this Mountain FM interview, Tony Esteves speaks with Rob Murry about his experience doing a TEDx talk. They touch on overcoming depression through meeting strangers, and Rob shares his experience of having interviewed thousands of people over the past 23 years.

Mountain FM Interview June, 2025

Tony speaks with Rob Murray at Mountain FM in Canmore, Alberta, Canada. This time, they discuss what happened on Tony’s recent “Global Connection Quest” where he met strangers in 5 countries early 2025.

TEDx Talk June 10, 2025

On June 10, 2025, Tony Esteves delivered his TEDx Talk at TEDx Victoria at the McPhearson Playhouse for a sold-out audience of more than 700 people. The talk is called, “How Meeting Strangers Saved My Life.”

Connectors Podcast June 1, 2025

Through personal stories, practical tips, and a heartfelt reflection on overcoming depression, Tony reveals how small moments of human interaction can lead to massive transformation.

November 27, 2024

Watch the video summary of the second Gen Well “Talk to a Stranger Week” where Tony led a team of volunteers in Victoria, BC.

November 21, 2023

Here you can listen to a segment on The Calgary Eyeopener on CBC from November 21, 2023. This interview took place as a part of the inaugural Talk To A Stranger Week in Calgary.

November 21, 2023

Here you can watch a CBC TV News story when Tony was interviewed during the inaugural Talk To A Stranger Week in Calgary.

March 28, 2023

What a joy for Tony to be a Community Co-Host on 106.5 Mountain FM in Canmore, Alberta. He and host Rob Murry discuss the Talk2MorePeople book, upcoming events, the circus, improv and the upcoming Social Connection Guidelines in Canada.

March 4, 2023

Tony speaks with Abdul on the “What Sets Them Apart” podcast about how to build self-confidence and how to maintain friendships. This episode is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

October 19, 2022

Here we have Tony as the Mirror Man in an interview with the Wikkid Witch on Spray Lakes in Canmore Alberta. These two characters bumped into each other while paddling in folding kayaks. Watch this video for a discussion about being a performing artist and the importance of being connected to people.

September 24, 2022

Mirror Man (aka, Tony Esteves) was interviewed by CITY News as a part of the Beakerhead festival. Tony was performing with colleagues from the Cirque Nuit Arts Foundation for this event.

November 20, 2021

This was a great conversation with Stephanie Staples and Barry Lewis Green on the “Talk Reel” podcast. Listen to this podcast for a discussion about human connection and how meeting strangers lifts your mood.

November 5, 2021

Tony had a really enjoyable conversation with Sue Styles on the “Mind Your Own Business” podcast. Listen to this podcast to learn about entrepreneurship, and for tips on how to meet people today. This podcast is also available on Amazon, iTunes and Spotify.

July 12, 2021

Tony was thrilled to be the first guest on the “Excuses to Connect Podcast” hosted by Richard Lee. Listen to this podcast for conversations and resources on human connection.

June 5, 2021

This is the most detailed and accurate book review of the Talk2MorePeople book that Tony has seen since he published the book. It was written by his friend, colleague and Psychotherapist, Patricia Morgan. For a detailed overview of the book, read Patricia’s article.

June 1, 2021

Here is a 2021 podcast interview with “The Social Ninjas”. Jeremy and Kyle speak with Tony about mental health and entrepreneurship.

March 9, 2021

Tony references the research of Gillian Sandstrom in the Talk2MorePeople book. He participated in this study and Science Weekly briefly used Tony’s voice in this podcast episode. Have a listen, and enjoy learning about what the research proves about meeting strangers (hint: it’s good for you!)

February 22, 2021

CITY News did a short interview with Tony Esteves about the importance of connecting with strangers during the pandemic. “If you can leave the house to get groceries, you can meet people” Watch the TV segment here.

January 29, 2021

Dolphin Kasper and Tony Esteves had a rich conversation for the “Conversations for Change” podcast. Have a listen to this discussion on human connection and the importance of it at this time.

June 27, 2017 - Leaders Like Me Podcast

Tony was featured in June 2017, on the Leaders Like Me Podcast. Trent Schumann Interviews Tony Esteves about his work experience on a US Military Base in Uzbekistan.

October 31, 2016

Tony was interviewed by Rob Brown on the Alberta @ Noon radio show in the middle of his Talk2MorePeople Project in 2017. Listen to his excitement while he was on the journey of intentionally meeting strangers every day for a year.

October 24, 2016

Tony was interviewed by David Gray on the Calgary Eyeopener radio show. Click the image to listen to the interview.

August 26, 2015

Here is an article by Russell Thomas in his blog,  The Middle Age Bulge.  It is about the benefits of doing 30-Day Challenges.

June 18, 2013

Author, Ann Bracken shares what her experience was like as a participant in one of Tony’s juggling workshops in 2013.