We all want to be known. Most of us just don’t know how to begin. When Jess Janz found herself craving deeper conversations-but trapped in a world of small talk-she took a leap. What started as a casual idea in a hair salon soon became Dinner With Strangers- a growing movement where guests gather around a table, introduce themselves without ever mentioning work, and share who they are beyond the job title. No scripts, no expectations-just curiosity, courage, and a seat at the table. In The Table Where We Meet, Jess reflects on what she’s learned from hosting dinners with more than a thousand strangers across North America. With essays that are both tender and practical, she explores what it means to belong, how to ask better questions, and why connection requires us to risk being truly seen.
