Episode 156: Chris Duffy Wrote a Book, and Guess What? It's Hilarious and Awesome
From Emerging Form by Christie Aschwanden
January 15, 2026 · 32 min
About this episode
In this episode, comedian Chris Duffy discusses the importance of humor in nurturing creativity and self-reflection.
“The least dangerous humor is to make fun of yourself and your foibles,” says comedian Chris Duffy. How might such a sense of humor help jumpstart and nourish your creative life? In this episode of Emerging Form, we talk with Chris about * what is a sense humor and why is it essential for our creative lives * why noticing specific details is an essential to both creativity and our humanity * the joy in heckling ourselves * how the feedback loop of a stage differs from the feedback loop of a reading audience * ways to laugh at yourself and why this is so important Both silly and sincere, this is an episode for linking your sense of humor to the rest of your life in a generous, creative way. Chris Duffy is an award-winning comedian, television writer, and radio/podcast host. Chris currently hosts the hit podcast How to Be a Better Human . He wrote for both seasons of Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas on HBO, executive produced by John Oliver. His new book Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy is out now. Image: Chris launching his book on the Staten Island Ferry on his book launch day. He’s the real deal, folks. This is a public episode. If…
People in this episode
Host: Christie Aschwanden
Guest: Chris Duffy
Topics covered
- humor
- creativity
- self-reflection
- comedy
- writing
- personal growth
Keywords
- humor
- creativity
- self-deprecation
- comedy
- writing
- feedback
- personal growth
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: How to Be a Better Human, Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas, HBO
Books & works: Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy
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