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- How to Be a Better Human
174 episodes
How to Be a Better Human
by TED · English
How To Be A Better Human isn’t your average self improvement podcast. Each week join Chris Duffy in conversation with guests and past speakers as they uncover sharp insights and give clear takeaways on how YOU can be a better human. From your work to your home and your head to your heart, How To Be a Better Human looks in unexpected places for new ways to improve and show up for one another. Inspired by the popular series of the same name on TED’s Ideas blog, How to Be a Better Human will help you become a better person from the comfort of your own headphones. Follow Chris on Instagram and TikTok at @chrisiduffy. Buy his book Humor Me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes
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Do all my friends secretly hate me? | from Corner Piece
Adult friendship anxiety after a “friendship breakup,” exploring whether friends secretly hate you, why friendships fade, and how to rebuild trust and connection.
15 Oct 2026 · 41m · 8 chaptersDoes it Take a Twisted Mind to Write Twisted Stories? | from Better In Person
Harlan Coben discusses how he writes “twisted” thrillers that create immersion and lingering unease, and how he adapts books for TV/Netflix without aiming for fidelity.
7 Sep 2026 · 44m · 20 chaptersSummer Fridays: Lessons from 102-year-old swimmer Maurine Kornfeld (re-release)
A re-release of How to Be a Better Human’s “Summer Fridays” episode focused on swimming, community, humor, and aging well through the life of 102-year-old (at the time) world-record swimmer Maureen…
7 Aug 2026 · 25m · 5 chaptersHow to understand your family history (w/ Keith Rushing)
The episode explores how genealogy and ancestry—especially Gullah Geechee roots—can shape identity, spirituality, and resilience, and how historical erasure continues through gentrification and land…
27 Jul 2026 · 43m · 12 chaptersWhat the data shows about youth mental health (w/ Candice Odgers)
Youth mental health and the claim that smartphones/social media are the main drivers of a “crisis,” versus what data and adolescent psychology actually show.
20 Jul 2026 · 43m · 12 chaptersWhy you are starved for creativity—and how to fix it (w/ Katina Bajaj)
How to communicate clearly when you’re put on the spot—especially in spontaneous moments, Q&As, layoffs/apologies, and constructive feedback.
6 Jul 2026 · 42m · 19 chaptersHow play is the secret to success at work (w/ Maxwell Pearce)
How play and a playful mindset improve success at work by strengthening connections, emotional resilience, creativity, and follow-through without losing seriousness.
29 Jun 2026 · 41m · 13 chaptersHow to give up control - advice from neuroscientist Heather Berlin
Neuroscientist Heather Berlin argues that “thriving” requires balancing control with purposeful loss of control, not maximizing control.
22 Jun 2026 · 41m · 13 chaptersWhy you should try improv comedy (w/ Rick Andrews)
The episode argues that improv comedy builds “people skills” by training attention, empathy, playfulness, and especially managing uncertainty—helping reduce anxiety and improve how you listen and…
15 Jun 2026 · 40m · 12 chaptersWhy you need to get up and move—right now! (w/ Manoush Zomorodi)
The episode argues that long, uninterrupted screen-based sitting causes measurable physical and mental fatigue, and that “movement breaks” (especially about 5 minutes every 30 minutes) can quickly…
8 Jun 2026 · 43m · 18 chaptersStressed, stuck, and overthinking? The science of moving forward w/ Ranjay Gulati | 10% Happier
The episode explains “courage” as a trainable skill for escaping fear-driven paralysis and overthinking, especially under uncertainty.
1 Jun 2026 · 53m · 19 chapters
Why you should take a risk every day with Julie Zhuo | from WorkLife with Molly Graham
How to practice “everyday risk” to build confidence—through small, uncomfortable actions done repeatedly—and how managers can create psychological safety for risk-taking.
25 May 2026 · 37m · 14 chaptersHow algorithms changed the way we communicate (w/ Adam Aleksic
How social media algorithms reshape language and communication, changing what people can say, how fast words spread, and how reality is perceived.
18 May 2026 · 41m · 17 chaptersHow to handle uncertainty (w/ Simone Stolzoff)
How to handle uncertainty by treating it as valuable “not knowing,” distinguishing acute vs ambient uncertainty, and building tolerance through planning, anchors, and curiosity.
11 May 2026 · 42m · 14 chaptersHow to mentally reset when you’re stressed out (w/ Dr Jenny Taitz)
How to mentally reset when stressed, using “stress resets” (minutes-long interventions) that change mind, body, and behavior; includes stress cycles, reappraisal, and DBT-based tools (mindfulness,…
4 May 2026 · 40m · 17 chaptersAre you feeling emotionally stuck? Here’s how to get past it (w/ Yowei Shaw)
The episode explores how to get unstuck emotionally by “investigating” feelings rather than treating them as mere facts.
27 Apr 2026 · 41m · 17 chaptersThe right risks to take for a great career (w/ Molly Graham)
How to build a great career in a changing work landscape without relying on a linear “stairs” model; instead use exploration, “J-curve” jumps, and risk-taking with safety nets.
20 Apr 2026 · 41m · 22 chaptersThe right risks to take for a great career (w/ Molly Graham) (video)
How to build a great career in a changing work landscape by avoiding the “stairs” model, embracing “J-curve” jumps, and defining success around meaning, happiness, and financial safety—not titles or…
20 Apr 2026 · 41m · 18 chaptersHow to have great sex (w/ Siphumeze Khundayi and Tiffany Mugo) (re-release)
The episode argues that “great sex” starts with letting go of shame and internalized, restrictive ideas; it emphasizes open communication, consent, and emotional/holistic sexual health (not just…
13 Apr 2026 · 36m · 17 chaptersWant to change your life? Start small! (w/ Eric Zimmer)
How to change your life through “small changes” that compound into meaningful results, emphasizing habit-building as a learnable skill rather than a personality trait.
6 Apr 2026 · 38m · 16 chaptersChris Duffy | from Design Matters
Chris Duffy’s career and philosophy of humor—how laughter can heal, teach, and sustain connection.
2 Apr 2026 · 1h 23m · 40 chaptersHow to add more exploration in your life (w/ Alex Hutchinson)
The episode argues that “exploration” is a daily, active choice to pursue uncertainty—seeking surprise, learning, and memorable experiences—rather than just novelty or “being an explorer.” It…
30 Mar 2026 · 41m · 18 chaptersHow to understand your own consciousness (w/ Michael Pollan)
Michael Pollan discusses his book A World Appears and how to understand consciousness beyond the idea that it’s only a brain-based, human-only phenomenon.
23 Mar 2026 · 39m · 10 chaptersHow to find your purpose (w/ Yara Shahidi) (video)
Finding purpose and deciding what to say yes to, framed as “figuring out who you want to be” and how to keep optimism practical amid setbacks.
16 Mar 2026 · 40m · 12 chaptersWe use cookies.They keep VO running smoothly and help us improve it. Privacy policy