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
79 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.
31 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.
18 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.
57 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 29min
How do you stop caring what others think? A filmmaker and a therapist answer | TED Talks Daily
How do you quit people-pleasing? Internet filmmaker Baron Ryan and family therapist Stephanie R. Yates-Anyabwile unpack the all-too-common fear of rejection and explore the practices necessary to reclaim your ability to finally say “no” and stop caring about what other people think. (This conversation is part of “TED Intersections,” a series featuring thought-provoking conversations between experts navigating the ideas shaping our world.)For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
19 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 27min
How Texas became America’s biggest producer of wind energy (from Speed & Scale)
Pat Wood, former chair of the Texas Public Utility Commission and key figure in Texas's energy revolution, shares insights on how Texas transformed from an oil-rich state to the leading producer of wind energy. He reflects on his early skepticism about renewables and discusses the pivotal 1995 law that drove consumer engagement in energy policy. The conversation explores the impact of Senate Bill 7, strategic transmission investments, and the unique political environment that allowed Texas to embrace wind power, reshaping its energy landscape.
79 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 11min
A practical guide to taking control of your life | TED Talks Daily
Cate Hall, a former Supreme Court attorney and TED speaker, shares her inspiring journey from addiction to becoming the CEO of Astera Institute. She emphasizes the importance of personal agency over intelligence, explaining how it leads to meaningful life choices. Hall discusses how desperation can fuel transformative change without destruction and shares tactics for increasing agency, such as embracing opportunities and seeking honest feedback. Her insights reveal how anyone can discover hidden freedoms to enhance their lives.
118 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 35min
How to strengthen your relationships — one airport ride at a time (w/ Kasley Killam)
Kasley Killam is a social scientist and author of The Art and Science of Connection. In this discussion, she introduces the 5-3-1 Rule for fostering meaningful relationships, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing social health like physical health. Kasley highlights the danger of AI chatbots as substitutes for genuine connection and offers practical tips for building relationships through small favors and regular check-ins. She also explores the decline in men's friendships and the importance of community in combating isolation.
16 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 41min
How to build your kid's confidence — by leaving them alone (w/ Lenore Skenazy)
Lenore Skenazy, founder of the Free Range Kids movement, discusses the importance of giving children independence to foster confidence and competence. She argues that constant parental supervision can harm kids' development and advocates for experiential learning. Lenore shares insights on how free play is essential for mental health and suggests practical steps for parents to embrace hands-off parenting. With personal anecdotes and cultural comparisons, she highlights that letting kids navigate the world themselves builds resilience and curiosity.
217 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 39min
How to talk so people will listen (w/ Julian Treasure)
Julian Treasure, a renowned author and sound expert, shares his insights on the power of effective communication. He emphasizes the significance of both content and delivery, revealing techniques for clear speaking and conscious listening. Julian introduces the RASA method for better listening and advocates for using silence strategically. He also discusses the H.A.L.I. principles for authentic communication and highlights the differences in listening styles to enhance relationships. Plus, find out his favorite sound—gentle rain!
174 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 37min
How to communicate better (w/ Charles Duhigg)
Charles Duhigg, author of Super Communicators and The Power of Habit, shares his insights on effective communication. He discusses the elements that make someone a supercommunicator, emphasizing trust and emotional engagement. Duhigg explains the importance of asking deep questions and active listening for meaningful dialogue. He also addresses the nuances of digital communication, where tone and context can drastically change interpretations. Finally, he offers strategies for fostering authentic connections and navigating the complexities of modern conversations.
