How to Be a Better Human
TED
Join How to Be a Better Human as we take a look within and beyond ourselves.How to Be a Better Human isn’t your average self improvement podcast. Each week join comedian 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 at @chrisiduffy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
21 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 41min
Work advice from the world’s favorite couples therapist w/ Master Fixer Dr. Orna Guralnik | from Fixable
Dr. Orna Guralnik, a clinical psychologist and star of the series *Couples Therapy*, shares her insights on improving workplace dynamics through relationship skills. She emphasizes the importance of deep listening and patience, framing interactions as cycles of rupture and repair. Orna encourages cultivating curiosity over judgment and discusses practical tips for fostering healthier communication at work. She also highlights how one person can influence the entire team environment, showing that positive change is within reach.
14 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 38min
Re-release: Throwing good parties and building community (w/ Priya Parker)
Priya Parker, a seasoned facilitator and author of The Art of Gathering, shares her insights on creating meaningful gatherings. She discusses the importance of connection over decor and asserts that hosting is a learnable skill. Priya emphasizes the significance of shared questions in forming sustainable communities and the value of healthy conflict for stronger relationships. She also advocates for generous authority when hosting and the need for rituals to give gatherings deeper meaning. Whether for a book club or a wedding, Priya's tips enhance every gathering.
43 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 28min
2025 Staff Picks - Best of How to Be a Better Human
Explore a vibrant mix of insights that include the transformative power of kindness and spirituality. Delve into candid stories of honesty in sobriety and the complexities of American identity. Discover how food traditions can heal communities and learn about the deep connections of belonging through home and friendship. Unpack life-changing perspectives on aging, rest, and the joy that colors can bring to our lives. This season brings together the most unforgettable moments that inspire and motivate personal growth.
Dec 5, 2025 • 49min
Pods Fight Poverty: Why Giving Money to Others Makes us Happier | from The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Tim Harford, a journalist and economist, shares a touching story about kindness experienced in Cameroon, revealing how trust can prevail in unfamiliar places. Behavioral scientist Katie Milkman discusses the psychology behind our charitable impulses, offering practical hacks to ensure we follow through on our generosity. Psychologist Dr. Maya Shunker reflects on a childhood experience of moral elevation from being defended against bullying, showing how acts of kindness can inspire a lasting impact. The conversation dives into the deeper joy found in giving to others.
38 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 40min
How to find small delights in an uncontrollable world (w/ Sarah Kay)
Join spoken-word poet and educator Sarah Kay as she explores the vibrant connections of her New York City roots. She delves into the power of community and how sharing poetry can create intimate bonds. Sarah emphasizes finding joy in small moments, like a starfish on asphalt, and discusses the importance of converting feelings into action. By nurturing vulnerability and focusing on local impact, she inspires listeners to seek delight amidst chaos, reminding us that hope can flourish in even the smallest gestures.
35 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 33min
How to Eat with Awareness and Purpose (w/ Sean Sherman)
Sean Sherman, Sioux chef and founder of Natives, shares his mission to reclaim Indigenous food sovereignty through his award-winning restaurant, Owamni. He discusses the removal of colonial ingredients and highlights the importance of local, seasonal foods. Sean explores the educational gaps in understanding Indigenous diets and emphasizes food as a means of storytelling and cultural preservation. He advocates for the empowerment of tribes through food sovereignty and reflects on the resurgence of Native representation in food and culture.
43 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 33min
How to find belonging (w/ Hanif Abdurraqib)
Join Hanif Abdurraqib, a celebrated poet and cultural critic from Columbus, as he explores the essence of belonging. Hanif shares his deep love for his hometown, highlighting the power of community through shared experiences like neighborhood gatherings and small acts of care. He delves into how local artists shape cultural identity and the importance of reciprocal connections. Through personal stories, he reflects on the complexities of pride, the challenges of leaving home, and the transformative impact of small gestures in building lasting relationships.
103 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 36min
Why you need to learn how to fight in a relationship (w/ Dr. Julie and John Gottman)
Dr. Julie and John Gottman, esteemed psychologists and co-founders of the Gottman Institute, delve into the science of fighting in relationships. They reveal that the way couples argue impacts their long-term happiness. Healthy conflict resolution can lead to deeper connections, and they stress the importance of asking meaningful questions. The Gottmans also share insights on the destructive 'four horsemen' predicting divorce and offer practical tools for couples to thrive, even when facing external stresses like parenthood.
32 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 40min
How to break bad habits (w/ Edith Zimmerman)
Edith Zimmerman, a talented writer and New Yorker cartoonist, dives into self-discovery and creativity. She shares her journey with sobriety and how it reshaped her life. Edith discusses transforming her private journal into a public newsletter, balancing honesty with audience expectations. She reflects on quitting heavy drinking and the clarity she found through creativity and running. Her passion for art emerges from everyday moments, and she encourages listeners to embrace new activities to evolve personally.
39 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 45min
How to use your muscles — or risk losing them (w/ Bonnie Tsui)
Bonnie Tsui, a journalist and author specializing in movement, discusses the surprising fact that muscle mass can decrease from age thirty. She shares insights on strength training, emphasizing its emotional and philosophical aspects, particularly how women's participation is reshaping cultural norms. Bonnie explores the balance between performance and appearance for female athletes, along with the importance of functional mobility as we age. Tying her love of surfing to muscular practice, she highlights the joy and energy transfer involved in movement.
