Free Daily Podcast Summary
How to Be a Better Human: Daily Summaries Delivered
by TED
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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 days ago42 min
Who are you descended from? (w/ Keith Rushing)
Journalist Keith Rushing has spent years trying to report on his most difficult story - the history of his own family. Who do we come from? What do we inherit from the past? How can understanding our ancestors make us better humans today? To find out the answers, Chris invites Keith to talk about his book Descended: Searching for my Gullah-Geechee Roots. They cover how everything from the history of slavery to the cultural significance of African connections to the Gullah-Geechee people. This is a conversation about how you can spark your own curiosity to start researching your own family history.Featured guestFollow Keith Rushing on Instagram and LinkedInBuy Descended: Searching for my Gullah-Geechee RootsConnect with the teamFollow Chris on Instagram and at chrisduffycomedy.comBuy Chris’ book, Humor Me Watch How to Be a Better Human videos on YouTube at TEDPodsFollow TED on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTokFor the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscriptsFill out our survey at bit.ly/BHSurvey6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 5 days ago34 min
Summer Fridays: How to find “your thing” (or your many things) (w/ Constance Hockaday) (re-release)
Some people are born knowing exactly what they want to do with their life – and because of that, they’re able to get to the top of their field. But most of us have multiple passions and identities, making it difficult to visualize our own unique paths. So, how do we explore who we are and what we love to do in our careers and in our lives? This week, guest & TED Fellow Constance Hockaday helps us navigate and voice our deepest hopes and desires. She walks us through her perspective as an artist, what she’s learned from immersing herself into small and sometimes very isolated communities, and gives tips on how to find liberation by pursuing your passion. (This episode originally aired in 2024.)For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscriptsFill out our survey at bit.ly/BHSurvey6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 1 weeks ago42 min
What the data shows about youth mental health (w/ Candice Odgers)
“Social media and screen time aren’t the most important factor in teen mental health,” says development psychologist Candice Odgers. While this claim sounds counterintuitive, Candice shares why it’s so pervasive—scary stories sell. They always have. In this episode, Candice joins Chris to discuss social inequity and the five areas that would be more effective in helping improve teens mental health than banning social media.Featured guestFollow Candice Odgers on LinkedIn and at https://candiceodgers.com/Watch Candice's TED TalkConnect with the teamFollow Chris on Instagram and at chrisduffycomedy.comBuy Chris’ book, Humor Me Watch How to Be a Better Human videos on YouTube at TEDPodsFollow TED on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTokFor the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 1 weeks ago37 min
Summer Fridays: How to get your sense of wonder back (w/ Nate DiMeo) (re-release)
How do you make sense of the present? Nate DiMeo might suggest you look at the past. Nate is the host of the podcast and book, The Memory Palace. Nate joins Chris to discuss how the past can teach us to live life in a new, rich, and complex way. Nate shares how to exercise the muscle of curiosity, how to tap into your sense of wonder to escape algorithmic filters, and urges you to seek moments of meaning in between life’s biggest plot points.This is an episode of TED's How to Be a Better Human podcast. Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://tedtalks.social/4gmAZt3 For the full text transcript, visit https://go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Audio excerpted courtesy of Penguin Random House Audio from THE MEMORY PALACE by Nate DiMeo; excerpt read by Nate DiMeo. © 2024 Nate DiMeo ℗ 2024 Penguin Random House, LLC. All rights reserved.This episode originally aired in 2025.For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 2 weeks ago41 min
How to think fast and talk smart (w/ Matt Abrahams)
Matt Abrahams is a communication expert who teaches strategic communication at Stanford University, hosts the podcast Think Fast Talk Smart, and wrote the new book Think Faster, Talk Smarter. In this episode, he joins Chris to share his insights on mastering communication on the spot. From breaking down the four-step format on how to give an excellent speech to identifying which peers would be most effective as your test audience, Matt’s tips demonstrate the clues you can use to help you communicate better and deliver messages worth remembering.Featured guestFollow Matt Abrahams on Instagram, LinkedIn, and at https://mattabrahams.com/Connect with the teamFollow Chris on Instagram and at chrisduffycomedy.comBuy Chris’ book, Humor Me Watch How to Be a Better Human videos on YouTube at TEDPodsFollow TED on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTokFor the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 3 weeks ago43 min
Why you are starved for creativity—and how to fix it (w/ Katina Bajaj)
Katina Bajaj is a scientist studying “creative health.” She looks at the role of play, fun, art, and creativity in our overall wellbeing. When was the last time you’ve gone on an “awe walk?” For Katina, carving out time where she’s not listening to music or podcasts on her walks but instead smelling the hydrangeas or allowing her mind to wander is a key way to destress. Katina joins Chris to talk about why adults are starved for creativity and why it’s important to push through the discomfort when trying something new for the first time.Featured guestFollow Katina Bajaj on Instagram, LinkedIn, and at https://www.katinabajaj.com/Subscribe to Katina's Substack Creative HealthWatch Katina's TED TalkConnect with the teamFollow Chris on Instagram and at chrisduffycomedy.comBuy Chris’ book, Humor Me Watch How to Be a Better Human videos on YouTube at TEDAudioCollectiveFollow TED on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTokFor the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Jun 29, 202640 min
How play is the secret to success at work (w/ Maxwell Pearce)
Why is it so fun to watch your team win in the World Cup or to be a Knicks fan as they finally get an NBA championship? There’s a collective joy in sports that can also be found in art, theater, and comedy. In this episode of How to Be a Better Human with Maxwell Pearce, Chris talks to him about his accomplishments as a mixed media artist and a Harlem Globetrotter. Maxwell integrates playfulness into his art and in sports—whether it’s using shoelaces as texture in his artwork or training his body to perform a basketball trick shot. Maxwell shares how play is the secret ingredient in his career and how changing the way he thinks about the rules and mistakes allows him to have more fun and more successes.Find more ways you can make more room for play in your life with PLAY@TED. Learn more from conversations, ideas and moments at ted.com/playFeatured guestFollow Maxwell Pearce on Instagram and at https://theartofanathlete.com/View Maxwell's Harlem Globetrotter's profileConnect with the teamFollow Chris on Instagram and at chrisduffycomedy.comBuy Chris’ book, Humor Me Watch How to Be a Better Human videos on YouTube at TEDAudioCollectiveFollow TED on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTokFor the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Jun 22, 202641 min
How to give up control - advice from neuroscientist Heather Berlin
Heather Berlin is a neurologist and associate clinical professor who studies the science of giving up control. She joins Chris to talk about finding the balance between knowing when to hold on to control and when to let go and be present in the moment. They also discuss why you don’t need to always be productive or in a constant state of self-optimization, but how there are benefits in learning to lose track of time and practicing boredom.Featured guestFollow Heather Berlin on Instagram, LinkedIn, and at https://heatherberlin.com/Buy Heather's book The Fine Art of Losing ControlTune in to Heather's TED Talk, coming soon in November 2026Connect with the teamFollow Chris on Instagram and at chrisduffycomedy.comBuy Chris’ book, Humor Me Watch How to Be a Better Human videos on YouTube at TEDAudioCollectiveFollow TED on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTokFor the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get How to Be a Better Human summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
TED Talks Daily
Daily audio from TED Talks worldwide, featuring leading thinkers and doers on ideas ranging from artificial intelligence to zoology.
A Bit of Optimism
Conversations with thinkers and doers exploring what drives purpose, growth, and meaning in life.
Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement
Explores the science behind lasting self-improvement through psychology, neuroscience, and timeless wisdom traditions.
The One You Feed | Personal Growth, Emotional Resilience & Purpose
Insightful conversations with leading thinkers on personal growth, emotional resilience, and living with purpose.
The Tim Ferriss Show
Deconstructs world-class performers across diverse fields to uncover practical tools and tactics for self-improvement.
ReThinking
Adam Grant explores how top thinkers and leaders rethink their assumptions through candid conversations that reveal surprising insights.
TED Health
Examines medical breakthroughs and science-backed habits that improve health through curated TED Talks.
10% Happier with Dan Harris
Practical mindfulness and meditation advice from experts, blending science and ancient wisdom for skeptics.
The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka
Gary Brecka explores health, longevity, and human performance through conversations with experts in science, fitness, and wellness.
Influence Anyone
Explores the psychology of influence through expert interviews on mindset, persuasion, branding, and leadership.
Modern Wisdom
Discussions with experts on psychology, philosophy, and self-improvement to help navigate life’s challenges.
The Jordan Harbinger Show
Conversations with top performers across fields, distilling actionable insights on success, relationships, and personal growth.
About How to Be a Better Human
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.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from How to Be a Better Human in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's How to Be a Better Human daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of How to Be a Better Human as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the How to Be a Better Human podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official How to Be a Better Human product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by TED.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does How to Be a Better Human release new episodes?
How to Be a Better Human publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does How to Be a Better Human cover?
How to Be a Better Human covers topics including Education, Self-Improvement. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting How to Be a Better Human summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.