How to Be a Better Human

How to Be a Better Human

Author: TED Language: English Episodes: 100
You might find yourself wondering how small shifts in thinking or action could ripple out into your daily life, and that's precisely the space this How to Be a Better Human podcast occupies. Hosted by Chris Duffy, each episode is built from conversations with a range of insightful guests, including past speakers, who share practical wisdom that goes beyond typical advice. The discussions are grounded in real-world application, focusing on how we can all improve in tangible ways-not through grand gestures, but in the nuances of our interactions at work, within our families, and in our own internal dialogues. This isn't about abstract theory; it's about hearing specific stories and strategies that offer clear takeaways you can actually use. The How to Be a Better Human podcast, from TED, digs into those unexpected corners of life where genuine growth happens, exploring how we show up for others and ourselves with more intention. Listeners will find a thoughtful mix of humor, vulnerability, and sharp insights that challenge conventional self-improvement tropes, making the journey toward being better feel accessible and deeply human.
Episodes
The right risks to take for a great career (w/ Molly Graham) (video) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:08
Molly Graham has had a high-powered career at a ton of extremely successful companies—and now she’s joining TED as the new host of the podcast WorkLife with Molly Graham. So what does it take to have a great career? And…
The right risks to take for a great career (w/ Molly Graham) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:08
Molly Graham has had a high-powered career at a ton of extremely successful companies—and now she’s joining TED as the new host of the podcast WorkLife with Molly Graham. So what does it take to have a great career? And…
Want to change your life? Start small! (w/ Eric Zimmer) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:35
Eric Zimmer has learned the hard way that the path to big life changes starts with small everyday behaviors. Whether it’s kicking an addiction, building a business, or writing a book, Eric starts with habits and a clear…
Chris Duffy | from Design Matters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:38
Chris Duffy—comedian, writer, and host of the TED podcast How to Be a Better Human—joins to discuss how humor shaped his path from teaching and improv to podcasting and television. Together, they explore why laughing mor…
How to add more exploration in your life (w/ Alex Hutchinson) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:32
“When was the last time you did something you didn’t do yesterday?” asks journalist and explorer Alex Hutchinson. Alex joins Chris to examine whether the desire to explore is baked into our genes, how he intentionally tr…
How to understand your own consciousness (w/ Michael Pollan) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:52
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, consciousne…
How to find your purpose (w/ Yara Shahidi) (video) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:27
“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. Sh…
How to find your purpose (w/ Yara Shahidi) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:31
“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. Sh…
How to understand money stuff (w/ Matt Levine) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:44
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…