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 @chrisiduffyInterested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 4, 2022 • 32min
How to Find the Comedy in A Messed-Up World (with Maeve Higgins)
Maeve Higgins, a comedian and writer who tackles immigration issues with humor, shares her unique perspective as an Irish immigrant in the U.S. She discusses how laughter can shed light on serious topics like the global refugee crisis and border disputes. Through personal anecdotes, Maeve illustrates the power of comedy to reshape perceptions and convey the complexities of identity and migration. The conversation highlights the importance of community support and encourages finding joy amidst societal challenges.
5 snips
Jun 27, 2022 • 29min
How to unite people through art (with JR)
JR, a world-renowned street artist famous for his large-scale black and white portraits, discusses the magic of art in uniting diverse communities. He shares how his work, often in unexpected places like prisons, highlights marginalized voices and fosters understanding. The importance of joy in the creative process and the collaborative nature of art are central themes. JR emphasizes how projects like Inside Out transform perceptions, showcasing art's power to bridge societal gaps and celebrate our shared humanity.
8 snips
May 30, 2022 • 33min
Body Stuff: Do you really need 8 hours of sleep?
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Jen Gunter, a leading voice in women's health, is joined by sleep experts Dr. Colleen Carney and Dr. Ben Reese. They tackle the myth of the '8-hour sleep rule,' diving into how sleep varies individually. Anxiety and technology's impact on sleep quality are explored, along with the historical context of sleep practices. They also debunk melatonin myths and emphasize the importance of sleep hygiene, encouraging listeners to rethink their sleep strategies for better rest.
33 snips
May 2, 2022 • 44min
How To Pitch Your Best Ideas | WorkLife with Adam Grant
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist renowned for his insights on leadership, joins Jessica Houlton, co-founder of a relationship health company, and Franklin Leonard, founder of The Blacklist. They delve into the art of pitching, debunking the myth that only great salespeople can succeed. The conversation highlights the necessity of clear messaging, the balance of confidence and humility, and the transformative power of empathy and storytelling in captivating an audience. They share memorable anecdotes from Hollywood and strategies for tackling common pitching pitfalls.
Mar 21, 2022 • 57min
How to talk to a colleague who offended you
Two colleagues navigate the fallout from a misunderstood social media post, revealing how personal experiences shape professional interactions. They explore the power of impact over intent, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency. The discussion highlights the need for open communication, forgiveness, and understanding diverse perspectives, especially amid complex social issues. With personal anecdotes and reflections, they advocate for thoughtful dialogue as a means to overcome misunderstandings and foster growth in professional relationships.
Dec 20, 2021 • 12min
How to find gratitude everyday
Reflect on your journey of gratitude as the year winds down. Learn to embrace vulnerability, recognizing that confronting personal issues leads to growth. Discover effective listening techniques to enhance conversations and understand diverse perspectives. Explore the importance of self-compassion during challenging times, especially in light of the pandemic. Finally, dive into the transformative power of storytelling, showcasing how sharing personal narratives can connect and inspire communities.
Dec 13, 2021 • 33min
How creating space for joy can build resilience (with Miracle Jones)
Miracle Jones, a community organizer and queer activist leading policy advocacy at 1Hood Media, shares powerful insights on joy as a vital force in challenging times. She discusses practical strategies to incorporate joy into daily life, emphasizing its role in resilience and community empowerment. Miracle addresses the balance between joy and genuine emotions, critiquing toxic positivity while celebrating the transformative power of art and humor. Through personal stories, she highlights that joy can thrive amid adversity, fostering connection and growth.
4 snips
Dec 6, 2021 • 28min
How to nurture your “emotional agility” (with Susan David)
Susan David, a renowned psychologist and author of "Emotional Agility," joins the discussion to unveil the transformative power of emotional agility. She emphasizes the necessity of embracing all emotions, challenging the good-versus-bad mindset. With relatable analogies, including her baking anecdotes, Susan highlights how negative feelings can reveal our core values. Self-compassion emerges as a key theme, urging listeners to acknowledge their humanity and navigate both challenges and personal growth with greater awareness.
13 snips
Nov 29, 2021 • 30min
How to enrich your everyday life with poetry (with Sarah Kay)
Join poet and educator Sarah Kay as she breaks down the intimidation of poetry. Sarah reveals how finding the right poem can spark interest for everyone. She shares playful insights on the joy of language, emphasizing how writing can deepen our connections with others. Engaging exercises make poetry accessible and fun, urging listeners to embrace creativity. Plus, she highlights the importance of vulnerability in enhancing artistic expression and personal relationships. Tune in for a fresh perspective on enriching your life with poetry!
Nov 22, 2021 • 28min
How thinking critically about history shapes our future (with David Ikard)
David Ikard, a Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies at Vanderbilt University, tackles the critical examination of historical narratives. He discusses the dangers of inaccurate histories, particularly highlighting misconceptions surrounding Rosa Parks. Ikard emphasizes the importance of engaging with primary sources to uncover the truth and embraces diverse perspectives to foster meaningful conversations about race. He also provides resources for parents to educate their children about history, encouraging a nuanced understanding of the past to inform the future.
