No topics are boring, aslong as you talk about in an interesting way. Don't keep off such topics (as it will be something you have in common and a great way to build rapport), but present them in a new and exciting way.
BAD: "So.. do you like going to school?"
GOOD: "Which teacher do you consider to be the sexiest?"
When it comes to changing subject, just change the subject! There is no step-to-step way of running from one subject to the other, just throw out: "Hey, if you could wake up anyplace in the whole world tomorrow, where would you like to wake up?" (or whatever).
This great post about pacing&leading might help:
pacing-and-leading-vt41453.html?highlig ... ng+leading