How To Be A Better Human isn’t your average self improvement podcast. Each week join 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.
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How long have you been sitting today? If you’re still on the couch or the office chair, then this is your PSA to get up and move! In this episode, Manoush Zomorodi, host of NPR's TED Radio Hour, joins Chris to share the detrimental effects of sitting all day. They talk about the joy of adding more positive interruptions in your life, why going off-camera helps you improve your mind-body connection, and more! Featured guest Follow Manoush Zomorodi on Instagram , LinkedIn , and at https://www.mano...
In today’s special featured episode of 10% Happier with Dan Harris, hear from Ranjay Gulati, a Harvard professor and author whose pioneering work focuses on unlocking organizational and individual potential—embracing courage, nurturing purpose-driven leaders, driving growth, and transforming businesses. Find out how you can decipher courage and recklessness, build moral anchors for your decision-making, and take action when you’re feeling stuck. 10% Happier with Dan Harris is a show about how to...
When you think about risk, you probably think about big, dramatic moves: quitting your job, moving across the country, saying something controversial. But the people who are actually good at taking risks are the ones who practice small challenges every day. Julie Zhuo was one of the earliest product and design leaders at Facebook, and is now the co-founder of Sundial, a company that uses AI to help organizations make better decisions. In this episode, Molly and Julie dissect what it actually mea...
This episode features linguist Adam Aleksic discussing how social media and algorithms transform language, giving examples like the word "unalive." He draws parallels with historical shifts in communication while highlighting unique aspects of algorithmic influence, such as censorship leading to "algospeak." Aleksic emphasizes the importance of media literacy and critical thinking to navigate a world where language, culture, and even reality are increasingly shaped by digital platforms and their profit-driven structures.
Journalist Simone Stolzoff explores the pervasive nature of uncertainty in modern life, from career choices and global events to personal relationships. He distinguishes between acute and ambient uncertainty, offering practical strategies like finding personal anchors, focusing on the "next right action," and cultivating intellectual humility. The discussion also delves into AI's impact on our expectation of definitive answers and how diversifying identity can foster resilience.
Dr. Jenny Taitz, author of "Stress Resets," delves into coping with overwhelming stress by explaining what a "stress reset" is and how it differs from mental buffers. She introduces Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), emphasizing simultaneous acceptance and change, and provides actionable techniques like reappraising stress, using physical resets, and challenging negative core beliefs to live a more fulfilling life.
What if your hardest emotional challenges could be solved by talking to a stranger? A person who has gone through the exact same situation or something very similar. That’s the premise of Proxy, a podcast that investigates your niche emotional conundrums with host Yowei Shaw. In this episode, Yowei and Chris talk about the power of knowing you’re not the only person going through something, however specific. Whether it’s losing your job, a friend breakup, or an alternate version of your life tha...
This episode features Molly Graham discussing modern career navigation, deconstructing the illusion of linear 'stairs' paths and introducing the 'J-curve' for growth through taking unqualified risks. She emphasizes defining personal success over external validation, managing financial anxieties, and prioritizing happiness and self-discovery to build a truly meaningful and sustainable career.
Molly Graham, host of WorkLife by TED, discusses navigating today's evolving career landscape. She challenges the traditional "stairs" model of linear progression, advocating instead for a "J-curve" approach that involves taking risks and learning from perceived failures. Molly and Chris explore how to define personal success beyond external titles and money, emphasizing the importance of happiness, self-discovery, and building safety nets when making significant career transitions.
Sex is a normal part of human life, but it can also get complicated–whether you’re having it or not! The way we approach, think, and engage with our sexuality varies widely our culture, community, identity, and more. But one thing we can all strive for is healthy and safe sex. Siphumeze Khundayi and Tiffany Mugo are two sex educators and the co-founders of HOLAAfrica (HOLAA!) a Pan-Africanist digital platform that focuses on creating spaces that deal with safe sex and pleasure. Today they share ...
Chris Duffy and Eric Zimmer discuss how to achieve significant life changes through small, consistent daily actions. Eric, author of 'How a Little Becomes a Lot,' shares his recovery journey, emphasizing that habit-building is a skill, not a test of willpower. They delve into strategies for breaking down overwhelming tasks, embracing self-compassion, and aligning daily choices with long-term values, moving beyond society's push for instant gratification.
Comedian and TED podcast host Chris Duffy shares his journey, highlighting how curiosity and improvisation shaped his career from teaching to stand-up and podcasting. He delves into his new book, "Humor Me," explaining that genuine laughter is about presence, connection, and self-acceptance, rather than just being funny. Duffy also explores how humor helps us navigate life's challenges, including burnout and grief.
Journalist Alex Hutchinson discusses how exploration, whether grand or everyday, is wired into our brains through a "Dopamine-driven prediction error" mechanism. He shares personal anecdotes, including an adventurous first date and finding local adventures with children, highlighting how embracing the unknown boosts memory and cognitive function. The conversation also delves into balancing planning with spontaneous discovery, advocating for curiosity to guide life choices for more meaningful experiences.
What is consciousness? Humans and animals have it, but do plants have sentience? These are the questions journalist Michael Pollan studies. Michael is the author of ten books on the relationship between food, consciousness, and psychedelics. Michael joins Chris to discuss why humans ruminate, how people should get comfortable with boredom, and whether we can really trust our own memories? Featured guest Follow Michael Pollan on Instagram and at michaelpollan.com/ Connect with the team Follow Chr...
“Optimism is not what exists in a vacuum on your best day, but how you're pulling through for yourself on your worst days,” says actress Yara Shahidi. Yara is known for her sitcoms Black-ish and its spinoff Grown-ish. She shares what she learned from creating a “Hard Yes” list, why she chose to attend Harvard after acting, and why she thinks anyone can find their highest order if they pay attention. Featured guest Follow Yara Shahidi on Instagram and at yarashahidi.com/ Listen to The Optimist Pr...
Yara Shahidi, known for Black-ish and Grown-ish, discusses finding purpose and defining oneself beyond career and academic achievements. She explains how optimism is a daily practice, not naive bliss, and introduces her "Hard Yes List" for cultivating joy and resilience. Shahidi also explores the importance of continuous learning, developing informed opinions, and embracing hobbies for the sheer enjoyment of being an amateur, fostering a holistic approach to life.
Matt Levine is the author of Bloomberg’s “Money Stuff” newsletter where he writes about Wall Street and finances. Matt joins Chris to break down common money questions such as what exactly is commodity trading? How do AI companies make money? How do companies balance ethics and virtues with increasing profits for shareholders? They also discuss how Matt uses comedy and humor to make complicated money topics accessible. Featured guest Follow Matt Levine at mattlevine.co/work Subscribe to Bloomber...
If we accept that work-life balance is a necessity, then why are stress and burnout still increasing? Guy Winch is a psychologist and was the first guest ever on the How to Be a Better Human podcast. Guy returns to the show six years later to share strategies on how to stop indulging in unhealthy ruminations, start identifying harmful triggers, and why it’s necessary to change your perspective and view problems as solvable. Featured guest Follow Guy Winch on Instagram , LinkedIn , and at guywinc...
If you could switch places with someone and peek into their mind, who would you pick? For journalist Courtney Martin, she chose her aging dad with advanced dementia. Courtney joins Chris to talk about her deep desire to understand her father’s experiences, what it’s like to witness a loved one's health decline, and why it’s important to practice asking for help. This is a perfect episode to listen to if you’re taking care of a loved one (or know someone who is) and want practical ways to be kind...
Many of us tend to prioritize our romantic and familial relationships over friendships — and that could be harming our wellbeing and health. In this special episode from our friends at A Slight Change of Plans, cognitive behavioral scientist and bestselling author Dr. Maya Shankar looks at how friendships expand our sense of self. Maya is joined by psychologist Dr. Marisa Franco, who offers research-based strategies to make new friends and deepen our existing friendships, including helpful conce...
Love coach Francesca Hogi is dedicated to helping daters find “lasting love in the midst of a broken dating culture.” In this episode, Francesca shares her approach to analyzing romantic patterns and feeling more empowered in your love life. From discussing romantic manifestations to reflecting on bell hooks’ claim that humans are unskilled at love, Chris and Francesca talk about the ways you can be more open to finding love. Featured guest Follow Francesca Hogi on Instagram , LinkedIn , and at ...
How do you quieten the judgmental voice in your head? Educator and entrepreneur Anu Gupta suggests you actually listen to it.Anu joins Chris to discuss the effects of human biases on our psyche and how to combat self-destructive habits by swapping out harmful emotions with constructive thoughts. They also talk about how individuals, when they come together, can create a society that is anchored around a loving, not critical, culture. Featured guest Follow Anu Gupta on Instagram , LinkedIn , and ...
Many company cultures can feel stagnant and uninspiring, says designer Ben Swire, whose job is to help people take creative risks. Ben shares why icebreakers, compliments, and competitive bonding games can undermine workplace camaraderie. Later Ben shares how he finds success leaning into creativity and provides five activities for more meaningful connections. Featured guest Follow Ben Swire on Instagram , LinkedIn , and at benjaminswire.com/ Buy Safe Danger by Ben Swire Learn more about Make Be...
Kevin Townley is a meditation teacher. But he’s also a comedian who leads museum tours and an actor whose career spans Men in Black 3 and Law & Order. In today’s episode, Kevin talks about how to practice the art of looking and the deep Buddhist wisdom that can be found in every museum. Inspired by his book Look, Look, Look, Look, Look Again: Buddhist Wisdom Reflected in 26 Artists, Kevin shows Chris how letting go of judgment—and engaging Buddhist principles—can change the way we view the w...
Can our dogs feel guilt? Or have they successfully trained us with their puppy eyes to win a treat and extra kibble? Alexandra Horowitz is a researcher and head of the Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard College; she joins Chris to chat about how dogs make us laugh and ways to be more present in life. Featured guest Follow Alexandra Horowitz on Instagram and at dogcognition.weebly.com/ Connect with the team Follow Chris on Instagram and at chrisduffycomedy.com Buy Chris’ book, Humor Me Watch How to Be ...
For the past five seasons, host Chris Duffy has been interviewing guests from psychotherapist Dr. Orna Guralnik to poet Sarah Kay to author Andrew Leland and more on how they work to become better humans. In this special episode kicking off season 6, Chris is now in the hot seat. Manoush Zomorodi, host of NPR’s TED Radio Hour, joins as guest host to interview Chris on finding joy and how a 5th grader taught Chris humor. They also discuss Chris’ debut book Humor Me and the lessons he learned from...
After a mysterious wave of tics and twitches swept through a small-town high school in New York, documentary podcaster Dan Taberski set out to investigate what was really happening. Drawing on extensive research and intimate interviews with the people involved, he explores the roots of mass hysteria — and what it reveals about the line between illness and belonging. What happens when the very thing that makes us sick ... is also what connects us? After the talk, Shoshana interviews Dan on how hi...
Relationships of any kind can be tricky—but therapists are here to help. In this special episode, Anne and Frances talk to clinical psychologist Dr. Orna Guralnik, star of the hit show Couples Therapy, to translate her advice for romantic relationships to the professional world. Together, they discuss the art of deep listening, underline the importance of patience and working through differences, and reframe relationships as a constant cycle of rupture and repair. Dr. Guralnik also reflects on t...
Many of us are entering the new year with a similar goal — to build community and connect more with others. To kick off season five, Priya Parker shares ideas on how to be the host with the most. An expert on building connection, Priya is the author of “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters.” Whether it's a book club, wedding, birthday or niche-and-obscurely themed party, Priya and Chris talk about how to create meaningful and fun experiences for all of your guests — including you...
Remember those fun high school superlatives like the “Class Clown” or the “Biggest Flirt”? In this special How to Be a Better Human season finale, you will be hearing from our previous guest Dallas Youth Poet Laureate Naisha Randhar and our team of editors, marketers, producers, fact-checkers and more on their favorite episodes this year. How to Be a Better Human 2025 Superlatives Most Likely to Make You Rethink Your Place in the World Most Inspiring Story Most Likely to Make You Feel Your Feels...
