How to Be a Better Human

Raj Jayadev, co-founder of Silicon Valley De-Bug and a MacArthur Fellow, dives into the transformative power of storytelling within communities facing injustice. He discusses 'participatory defense,' a grassroots approach empowering families to support their loved ones in the legal system. Additionally, he highlights the importance of collective action in reshaping power dynamics and combating systemic issues tied to mass incarceration. Throughout the conversation, Jayadev calls for a reimagining of justice rooted in community engagement and shared narratives.

George Blair West, a relationship expert and psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience, shares invaluable insights on building lasting partnerships. He debunks the myth of 'The One' and emphasizes the importance of emotional compatibility instead. Listeners learn practical steps for choosing the right partner and fostering strong connections, highlighting vulnerability, commitment, and communication. The discussion also addresses challenges of modern relationships, including technology's impact and the significance of mutual support during difficult times.

Juli Delgado Lopera, an award-winning author known for exploring language and identity, shares insights into the fluidity of language and its power to foster inclusivity. They discuss the joy of bending rigid language structures and how personal identity shapes linguistic experiences. Juli emphasizes embracing linguistic diversity, especially for non-native speakers, and encourages listeners to find inspiration through creative expression. Their reflections highlight the intricate connection between language and culture, advocating for a playful approach to communication.

What’s your favorite dish — and what culture originated that recipe? Whether you’re thinking about grilled cheese, burritos, curry, pho… (we would go on but we are getting too hungry) trying something delicious opens you up to new experiences and conversations. Sean Sherman, Oglala Lakota, is a chef and food educator who focuses on revitalizing and reclaiming indigenous food systems in a modern culinary context. In today’s episode, he shares how increasing access to indigenous food practices can liberate more than just your taste buds. Sean, also known as The Sioux Chef, uses Native American recipes as well as farming, harvesting, wild food usage, salt and sugar making, food preservation, and land stewardship techniques to feed and educate communities in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area. His vision of modern indigenous foods have garnered him many accolades, including the 2018 Bush Foundation Fellowship and the 2018 James Beard Award for Best American Cookbook, and a 2019 James Beard Leadership Award. You can follow Sean at https://sioux-chef.com/ To learn more about "How to Be a Better Human," host Chris Duffy, or find footnotes and additional resources, please visit: go.ted.com/betterhumanFor the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscriptsHow to Be a Better Human is nominated for the Signal Award for Best Advice & How To. Vote here!Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When most people think about poop, they think about shame and embarrassment. It’s something they don’t want to talk about and that prevents us from learning things—like the number of times a day we should be going number two—that can keep us healthy! On this episode, Dr. Jen Gunter tells us why some of the things we’ve been told about poop are a load of crap, what makes the gut the “second brain” of the body, and how what you eat goes from food to feces. By the end, you’ll know everything you need to achieve “poophoria.” This is an episode of Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective. To hear more episodes, find and follow Body Stuff wherever you're listening to this.For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscriptsHow to Be a Better Human is nominated for the Signal Award for Best Advice & How To. Vote here!Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle Kuo, a teacher, lawyer, and writer renowned for her memoir 'Reading with Patrick,' shares insights on the life-changing power of reading. She discusses the bond formed between educators and students in prisons through shared literature, highlighting the role of reading in promoting empathy and understanding. Kuo also emphasizes the significance of diverse reading choices and the impact of stories on social justice. With passion for communal reading, she inspires listeners to engage deeply with books and nurture connections across different perspectives.

In this engaging conversation, Christopher Robichaud, a Lecturer in Ethics at Harvard, explores how zombies, dragons, and superheroes can enhance our understanding of ethics. He shares how roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons foster empathy and critical thinking. Christopher discusses using pop culture narratives to navigate moral dilemmas and the transformative power of imagination. His innovative methods highlight the importance of storytelling in personal growth, encouraging listeners to reflect on ethical choices through the lens of fiction.

In this engaging conversation, stand-up comedian Aparna Nancherla, celebrated for her sharp wit on social media, reveals how her online presence shaped her career while also taking a toll on her mental health. She discusses the dual nature of social media, sharing personal anecdotes about navigating its ups and downs during quarantine. Aparna emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, valuing genuine connections over external validation, and prioritizing mental well-being amidst the chaos of digital life.

In this engaging conversation, Michael Norton, a Harvard Business School professor and social science researcher, shares his insights on how spending choices impact our happiness. He discusses the surprising benefits of investing in experiences over material goods, and how giving to others can elevate joy more than personal indulgence. Norton delves into the psychology of spending, emphasizing intentional financial habits that align with personal values. He also addresses the misconceptions of money's role in happiness, advocating for mindful spending to enhance overall well-being.

In life and work, we have a hard time changing course. When we wind up in a miserable job, a failing project, or a floundering romantic relationship, we rationalize, make excuses, and stick with our bad decisions—even when the writing's on the wall. Why? Usually we assume the driving force is sunk costs: we don't want to admit we've wasted that time or money. But in fact, the root of our stubbornness is a psychological trap called “escalation of commitment.” Once we understand that, we can start taking steps to protect ourselves from… well, ourselves. This is an episode of WorkLife with Adam Grant, another podcast in the TED Audio Collective. For more episodes, find and follow WorkLife wherever you're listening to this. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscriptsHow to Be a Better Human is nominated for the Signal Award for Best Advice & How To. Vote here!Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.