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
10 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 39min
How to confront your inner critic (w/ Anu Gupta)
Anu Gupta, author and educator who helps people reduce bias and deepen inner resilience, shares mindfulness-based methods for addressing the judgmental voice. He tells personal stories of trauma and healing. He outlines practical tools like PRISM, links bias to ecology and culture, and talks about building loving, pro-social practices to shift society.
6 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 44min
How to make social risks pay off (w/ Ben Swire)
Ben Swire, designer, founder of Make Believe Works and author of Safe Danger, leads workshops on creative risk and team connection. He explains the idea of safe danger and why shallow icebreakers fail. He shares practical activities to build trust, design culture rituals, use humor and curiosity, and practice vulnerability to make social risk useful.
43 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 47min
What it means to truly pay attention (w/ Kevin Townley)
Kevin Townley, a meditation teacher and comedian, shares his unique blend of art and Buddhist wisdom. He discusses how humor can make museums more accessible and help people feel a sense of belonging. Townley reveals the importance of looking beyond quick judgments, illustrating how longer observations lead to deeper understanding of artwork. He connects creative processes to spiritual growth and emphasizes the significance of patience in finding inspiration, all while reminding us to find humor in daily life.
8 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 42min
How to experience the world like a good dog (w/ Alexandra Horowitz)
In this dialogue, Alexandra Horowitz, a cognitive scientist and expert in dog perception, explores how dogs communicate and perceive the world. She shares insights on whether dogs feel guilt or simply respond to cues from their owners. Alexandra discusses the joys of noticing the little things, likening it to humor and presence. She even suggests practical ways to expand our attention by following our dogs' noses. Plus, she reveals how dogs can sense human emotions, creating a unique bond that enriches our daily lives.
23 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 38min
How to make 2026 a year full of laughs (w/ Chris Duffy and Manoush Zomorodi)
In this fun conversation, guest host Manoush Zomorodi interviews Chris Duffy, a comedian and author known for his humor-centric insights. They explore the 'Three Pillars of Good Humor'—being present, self-deprecation, and social risks. Chris shares how noticing absurdities and relatable mistakes enhances humor and likability. He recounts heartwarming stories, reflecting on how kids inspire playfulness and the importance of laughter, especially during tough times. Finally, they discuss Chris's new book, Humor Me, and practical ways to cultivate joy in everyday life.
11 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 30min
Interview: The razor-thin line between contagion and connection w/ Dan Taberski | from TED Health
Dan Taberski, a documentary podcaster known for his work on Missing Richard Simmons, dives into a mysterious outbreak of tics among high school students in Leroy, New York. He explores the thin line between contagion and connection, revealing how stress and social bonds can trigger mass psychogenic illness. Taberski discusses the implications of storytelling in reshaping medical discourse and emphasizes the need for empathy in understanding patients' experiences. His insights connect personal health with broader themes of belonging and societal reaction.
45 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.
25 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.
79 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.
