How to Be a Better Human

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.Host & GuestChris Duffy (Instagram: @chrisiduffy | https://chrisduffycomedy.com/)Guy Winch (Instagram: @guywinch | https://www.guywinch.com/) LinksHumor Me by Chris Duffy: https://t.ted.com/ZGuYfcLMind Over Grind by Guy Winch: https://www.guywinch.com/books/mind-over-grind/

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 kinder to caregivers.Host & GuestChris Duffy (Instagram: @chrisiduffy | https://chrisduffycomedy.com/)Courtney Martin (Instagram: @courtwrites | https://courtneyemartin.com/) LinksHumor Me by Chris Duffy: https://t.ted.com/ZGuYfcLhttps://courtney.substack.com/

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 concepts like mutuality and the mere-exposure effect. Marisa and Maya also discuss how to stay friends through big life changes, why fighting could make your friendship stronger, and how to break up with a friend with clarity and kindness.On A Slight Change of Plans, Maya explores how we experience change and provides strategies we can use to better navigate moments of upheaval. Find A Slight Change of Plans wherever you get podcasts.

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.Host & GuestChris Duffy (Instagram: @chrisiduffy | https://chrisduffycomedy.com/)Francesca Hogi (Instagram: @dearfranny | Website: https://www.francescahogi.com/) LinksHumor Me by Chris Duffy - https://t.ted.com/ZGuYfcLHow to Find True Love by Francesca Hogi - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1538769573

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. Host & GuestChris Duffy (Instagram: @chrisiduffy | https://chrisduffycomedy.com/)Anu Gupta (Instagram: @anuguptany | Website: https://www.anuguptany.com/) LinksHumor Me by Chris Duffy: https://t.ted.com/ZGuYfcLhttps://www.bemorewithanu.com/Follow TED! X: https://www.twitter.com/TEDTalksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tedFacebook: https://facebook.com/TEDLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ted-conferencesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tedtoks Podcasts: https://www.ted.com/podcasts

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.Host & GuestChris Duffy (Instagram: @chrisiduffy | https://chrisduffycomedy.com/)Ben Swire (Instagram: @now.and.ben | Website: https://www.benjaminswire.com/) LinksHumor Me by Chris Duffy: https://t.ted.com/ZGuYfcLSafe Danger by Ben Swire (https://www.amazon.com/Safe-Danger-Unexpected-Connection-Innovation/dp/0306833824/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0)https://www.makebelieveworks.com/Follow TED! X: https://www.twitter.com/TEDTalksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tedFacebook: https://facebook.com/TEDLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ted-conferencesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tedtoks Podcasts: https://www.ted.com/podcasts

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.

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 hosting the podcast throughout the years.