How to Be a Better Human

Priya Parker, author of "The Art of Gathering" and a renowned expert on building community, shares insights on hosting unforgettable events. She emphasizes the importance of rituals in enhancing gatherings and fostering meaningful connections. Priya discusses how thoughtful planning can transform social interactions and strengthen community ties. The conversation highlights the value of choosing the right people for our gatherings, as well as the unique strengths introverts bring to hosting, ensuring deeper connections for all guests.

Lori Gottlieb, a therapist and bestselling author of "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone," shares her insights on the narratives we create about ourselves. She highlights the transformative power of storytelling and the need to recognize our inner unreliable narrators. Relationships, she argues, should be viewed as a dance focused on personal growth rather than changing others. Gottlieb also emphasizes the importance of finding the right therapist to help edit our life stories, encouraging listeners to embrace change for true happiness.

Nedra Glover Tawwab, a licensed therapist and bestselling author, guides listeners through the world of boundary setting. She emphasizes the importance of identifying personal needs and communicating them effectively. Nedra discusses the complexities of family dynamics, feelings of guilt, and societal pressures that make boundary setting challenging. She provides practical strategies for personal empowerment, encouraging a drama-free approach to conflict. With insights on navigating relationships and personal struggles, she equips you to advocate for yourself and find peace.

Dr. Lucy Hone, a resilience researcher and co-director of the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing & Resilience, shares her powerful journey after the tragic loss of her daughter. She discusses the essential role of community support in overcoming challenges and the importance of confronting grief openly. Hone emphasizes resilience as a learning process through adversity, encouraging the integration of personal storytelling in healing. With practical strategies for acceptance and reflection, she illustrates how connections with loved ones can aid in cultivating resilience.

Anita Rao, a journalist and the host of the podcast 'Embodied,' dives into the often uncomfortable conversations surrounding bodies and sexuality. She discusses how societal taboos can impact our self-acceptance and the importance of breaking down barriers for open dialogue. Anita highlights the challenges of navigating body image and intimacy in a digital age while advocating for authenticity in our personal narratives. She emphasizes the need for community discussions about sex and relationships to combat shame and foster understanding across generations.

Simran Jeet Singh, a history professor and author of "The Light We Give," discusses the transformative power of Sikh wisdom. He explores how optimism and humor can combat prejudice and foster connections. The conversation delves into navigating challenges linked to cultural identity, emphasizing the importance of compassion and curiosity toward others. Singh shares his belief that embracing Sikh principles can enhance self-worth and promote community unity, while humor serves as a vital tool for resilience against racism.

In this insightful conversation, Logan Ury, a behavioral scientist and dating coach at Hinge, shares her expertise on finding love intentionally. She emphasizes the importance of viewing dating as a skill to develop, offering actionable tips on meeting people and navigating first dates. Logan discusses 'dating blind spots' and how tech influences modern dating dynamics. With insights applicable to any age, her practical advice aims to help listeners build fulfilling long-term relationships. Her book, 'How to Not Die Alone,' is a must-read for those seeking connection.

Mónica Guzmán, a journalist and author of "I Never Thought of It That Way," shares her insights on fostering deeper conversations in our divided society. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity in political dialogues and offers practical tools to find common ground, especially during family gatherings. By advocating for listening and understanding, Mónica illustrates how genuine engagement can shift perspectives and break down barriers. Her anecdotes and strategies inspire listeners to navigate difficult conversations with empathy and open-mindedness.

Anne Morriss, a leadership coach and co-author of "Move Fast and Fix Things," teams up with Frances Frei, a Harvard Business professor and her co-author, to tackle the art of problem-solving. They argue that every problem, whether business-related or personal, can be resolved through simple logic, authenticity, and empathy. They introduce the 'trust triangle' framework and share a structured five-day approach to enhance team collaboration. Plus, discover how humor can foster a positive environment while overcoming challenges!

Zeynep Ton, Professor at MIT Sloan and co-founder of the Good Jobs Institute, dives into the concept of 'good jobs' and their societal importance. She argues that fair pay and better working conditions for low-wage frontline workers lead to greater productivity and satisfaction. Zeynep rethinks the narrative around service sector jobs, urging companies to create fulfilling roles. Her insights reveal the profound impact of supporting workers on individual well-being and overall business success.