What if having a sense of humor could actually make you a better person – more connected, more able to navigate life’s hardest moments? 

Greater Good hosted an inspiring live conversation with comedian, author, and podcaster Chris Duffy and GGSC’s Kelly Rafferty, Ph.D., exploring humor not as an escape from life’s challenges, but as a way through them. 

Drawing on scientific research and personal experience, Chris and Kelly discussed the surprising ways that cultivating a sense of humor can make us more present, connected, and collaborative as we work together for the greater good, building a better future together. 

This conversation included: 

  • A live practice with Chris to get you laughing (and thinking) right away
  • A conversation drawing on the science of humor as a well-being practice
  • Research-backed tools for cultivating your own sense of humor 
  • A live Q&A ​​

Watch the free recording below.

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  • Chris Duffy is a stand-up comedian who has worked as a television writer (Wyatt Cenac's Problem Areas on HBO, National Geographic Explorer) and is currently host of TED’s hit podcast How to Be a Better Human, winner of the 2025 Webby Award for Advice & How-To Podcasts. He has appeared on Good Morning America, ABC News, and NPR. Learn more on his website.

  • Kelly Rafferty, Ph.D., is the bridging differences content & engagement manager at the Greater Good Science Center. She is an Emmy and Peabody Award–winning documentary producer and writer with a commitment to the transformative power of nonfiction storytelling and collaborative creative practice. She cares a lot about making powerful ideas accessible, entertaining, and actionable for the people who need them most.