Podcast Summary: How to Make 2026 a Year Full of Laughs

How to Be a Better Human (TED)
Date: January 5, 2026
Guests: Chris Duffy (host/guest), Manoush Zomorodi (guest host)

Overview

In this lively and heartwarming episode, Chris Duffy—comedian, author, and regular host—switches roles to become the guest. Guest-hosted by journalist and TED Radio Hour host Manoush Zomorodi, the episode delves into the transformative power of humor, particularly as outlined in Chris’s new book: Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy. The two explore why humor matters, how to find more laughter in everyday life, and why vulnerability and connection are essential to being a "better human" in a world that feels ever more overwhelming.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Importance of Humor in Difficult Times

• Why now: The hosts discuss the divisiveness and overwhelm of modern life, and how humor can act as a bridge.
  • "I think we need to remind each other that a simple way to connect is laughter." (Manoush, 02:09)
• Chris’s approach: Humor isn’t about ignoring problems, it’s about surviving and thriving through them.
  • "The way that laughter works is social... putting yourself out there, taking social risks." (Chris, 16:06)

2. The Three Pillars of Good Humor (from Chris's Book)

I. Be Present and Notice Absurdity

• Pay attention to your surroundings to catch the everyday moments that are amusing.
  • "If you really want to laugh more, you have to actually be there and notice [the absurdity]." (Chris, 08:21)
• Example: Manoush shares noticing a comical pattern on her dog during a routine chore (08:38), illustrating that humor is everywhere when we're attentive.

II. Laugh at Yourself (but Know the Context)

• Self-deprecation can be relatable, but balance is needed to avoid undercutting oneself.
  • "Are you actually bullying yourself and making other people think less of you? [But] there's so much misguided pressure...to be flawless...and actually, that is just, like, not true." (Chris, 10:16)
• Research Reference: People find competent but visibly imperfect individuals most likable (e.g., coffee-spilling job applicant study).
  • "The people who were competent, had the right qualifications, and had just poured a cup of coffee on themselves...people liked them more." (Chris, 12:14)

III. Take Social Risks

• Go beyond surface-level interactions—share small observations, accept odd invitations, and risk being silly.
  • "Point out something odd that you've noticed and ask the other person about it…give them a chance to have fun with you." (Chris, 17:01)
• Stories: Manoush recounts going sledding with friends (18:07), emphasizing shared experience and connection through laughter.

3. Humor as Generosity and Social Glue

• A sense of humor isn’t about being the center of attention, but about shared delight.
  • "A good sense of humor is inherently generous." (Chris, 28:54)
• The best humor often comes from really listening to and appreciating others' contributions.

4. Humor through Hard Times

• Chris talks about “losing” his sense of humor during a hard period as a teacher, and how a funny student, Gary, rekindled it with cafeteria food reviews (22:18).
• The episode touches on humor’s unique capacity to puncture grief, stress, and life’s messiness, creating moments of relief and connection.
  • "The hardest laughs are when you're in a situation that's really not funny, but, oh, it feels so good to puncture that." (Chris, 31:50)
• Chris and Manoush both share personal stories about finding (sometimes dark) humor in challenging family situations (34:24, 34:51).

5. Practical Laughter: Building Connection Amidst Busyness

• Even brief moments of shared laughter (watching a video together for 30 seconds) can reset relationships and improve connection, especially in the chaos of parenting and work (35:21).
  • "It was probably, like, 45 seconds total, and both of us, though, laughed together, and it was incredible what a difference it was before and after..." (Chris, 35:21)

6. Making Humor a Life Theme—Not Just a Resolution

• Chris explains his approach to New Year’s resolutions: adopting annual “themes” (e.g., faith, awe) alongside practical goals. This year’s: "awe"—remembering one’s smallness and seeking wonder.
  • "I would like to feel awe...it's okay to be a little speck, and that's cool." (Chris, 40:31)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the difference between humor and perfection:
  "The way that you make people like you, relate to you… is by showing them the messy human nature of yourself." (Chris, 10:16)

• On the social power of laughter:
  "When you're laughing really hard… you are perfectly in the moment. You are so connected." (Chris, 14:32)

• On humor in relationships:
  "There's a statistic… women say [humor is] 'somebody who makes me laugh,' and men usually say 'someone who thinks I'm funny.'" (Minouche, 29:49)

• On humor in hardship:
  "For me, the magical parts of humor and laughter is the way that it can take a tense situation and relieve the tension, kind of wipe it clean." (Chris, 31:50)

• On the role of humor for a better life:
  "To push back on the idea that if you laugh... that means you're denying the bad parts of the world. This is how we tackle the bad parts of the world." (Chris, 37:42)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction / Switching Hosts: 01:04–02:10
• Chris’s TED Talk Excerpt: 03:12
• Three Pillars of Good Humor: 08:08–16:06
  • Being Present: 08:21
  • Laughing at Yourself: 09:24
  • Taking Social Risks: 16:06
• Childhood Humor (Gary the student): 22:18–25:05
• Humor and Hardship: 31:32–35:21
• Resolutions: Themes and Practical Goals: 40:09–41:55

Final Reflections

The episode wraps with Manoush inviting Chris to share his hopes for the book, and Chris articulates his mission: to help people laugh and connect—not in spite of, but because of—the world’s challenges. He maintains that laughter is an essential tool for dealing with difficulty and for building resilience, intimacy, and joy.

“I do think that one of the things that has come up over and over...is how important it is to just be able to see the lightness, even when there is dark around.” (Chris, 37:42)

For Listeners…

Whether you’re seeking practical tips, a healthy dose of optimism, or just affirmation that “we’re all losers here” (in the best way), this episode provides a roadmap for bringing more laughter and authenticity into 2026. The stories, science, and spirit are as generous as the laughs.

Guest Links:

• Chris Duffy on Instagram: @chrisiduffy
• Book: Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy