Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Cooper.
Jon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved to Austin in 2020 and launched Tiny Talks in 2023 after a few long years trying to figure out what was next in life. Before Tiny Talks I had spent a decade building & operating a digital marketing agency, but I fell out of love with it and wanted to try my hand at something different.
At the same time, a big focus in my first few years in Austin was meeting new people, and I wanted to create the kinds of events and social opportunities that I wish I had when I first moved here. It started with 2-hour cocktail parties at my house (which I learned about from a book by Nick Gray), as well as costume themed dance parties at bars downtown.
But I eventually started to channel most of my energy towards Tiny Talks. Which also overlapped with my desire to discover what other people were passionate about, something that’s been helpful for me as I’ve tried to identify & nurture my own passions.
I also started organizing Pitch-A-Friend as a fun side quest to Tiny Talks for a similar reason (it was an event that I would want to go to as a single guy). But I had no idea it would grow so big, so quick.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It never is but overall I feel extremely fortunate with the hand I’ve been dealt.
We’ve been impressed with Tiny Talks, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
On a Tuesday evening every ~3 months, Tiny Talks is an event that features 8 talks ,~5-8 mins each, on topics that span the full spectrum of human interests. The focus is on entertainment rather than education – great stories and stuff that’s “fun to know” rather than good to know.
And beyond the talks, it’s also a social event, the kind where strangers actually talk to each other.
The goal of the event is to leave everyone feeling a little more excited about life, as well as a deeper sense of feeling Austin is home.
The thing I’m probably most proud of are the stories I’ve been told of those that met at Tiny Talks and became friends afterwards.
What makes you happy?
Dancing to EDM at The Concourse Project because I love music.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tinytalks.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinytalks.atx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TinyTalksATX
