At the end of each interview, Chris asks guests: What idea, book, or piece of culture has made you a better human? In today’s episode, we compile never-before-heard answers from past guests for the ultimate recommendation list. From emergency physician Leana Wen’s favorite book to moral philosopher Christopher Robichaud’s must-watch show to comedian Aparna Nancherla’s most-listened podcast, tune in to find an eclectic mix of quality content that might inspire YOU. To learn more about "How to Be a Better Human," host Chris Duffy, or find footnotes and additional resources, please visit: go.ted.com/betterhuman
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I'm Chris Duffy, and you're listening to how to be a better human.
You know, whenever people ask me about hosting this podcast, one of the things that I tell them is that I really do actually record this podcast in my bedroom while hiding underneath a little makeshift blanket fort.
That's where I am right now, for real.
And it is a surprisingly effective sound booth.
And the other thing that I tell them is that it is mind blowing to me how much great material we have to cut out of each episode.
Not for me, from our guests.
One thing is we finish every interview by asking our guest, what is something that has made them a better human?
So maybe it's a movie or a book or a song.
And we've gotten so many incredible recommendations from them, and only a few of which have actually made it onto the podcast.
So today we wanted to try something a little bit different.
This is an episode stitched together from many different interviews.
What inspires the brilliant people who have been on our show?
What did they turn to in this episode?
Youre going to find out.
So, first up, we have Franklin.
Leonard Franklin is a film and television producer and the founder of the Blacklist, which transformed the way that Hollywood made movies by celebrating the best unproduced screenplays each year.
Heres how Franklin responded when we started talking about whether any movie hed ever seen had helped him to be a better human.
I don't know if there's anything that I can articulate about what I learn about being human, except for an appreciation for being alive.
I remember watching moonlight at the Toronto Film Festival, and I just remember thinking that everything in this moment, right now, is perfect because a movie like this exists.