Heather Havrilesky is the author of the book Foreverland: On the Divine Tedium of Marriage. She’s also the writer behind the advice columns “Ask Polly,” and “Ask Molly,” which is written by Polly’s mischievous alterego. In this episode, Heather and Chris navigate how to showcase your whole self – even if it means embracing the messy parts – and how leaning into contradictions can make you happier and healthier. They also discuss how most people’s twenties are a disaster, how to write in a way that feels true, and why it’s necessary to laugh at your own ridiculousness.
This is an episode of TED’s How to Be a Better Human podcast. Listen on your favorite podcast app:
For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts
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@Sveta-r5n
June 11, 2025 at 11:09 am
Hi I love you
@AayushiRohilla
June 11, 2025 at 11:44 am
Thank you 😅
@anasabidi662
June 11, 2025 at 11:11 am
Like if ronaldo is the best player in the history of football
@sooma-ai
June 11, 2025 at 11:11 am
Heather Havrilesky discusses embracing your whole self, including contradictions and flaws. She explores writing authentically, balancing personal and public personas, and resisting pressure to become a simplified brand. Havrilesky advocates for bringing your full self to everything you do to find greater happiness and satisfaction.
@TrườngTranvan-t4i
June 11, 2025 at 11:30 am
*Anyone in 2013?* 💖
@AayushiRohilla
June 11, 2025 at 11:44 am
Feaking bots 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@RoelCandaele
June 11, 2025 at 11:47 am
True 😘💓🫶
@LadyJ1111
June 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm
HEATHER!!!!!! polly molly icon !!!
@LadyJ1111
June 11, 2025 at 12:01 pm
heather i adore you. thank you for putting so much love into your work. you have helped me navigate so many different parts of my life. i adore ya
@Islaras
June 11, 2025 at 1:53 pm
omg my favorite living writer!!
@mozchick2
June 11, 2025 at 2:22 pm
Listening to this woman talk for just 10 minutes I already wanted to buy her book. Shes so genuine and admits to not being perfect which is rare and refreshing. She genuinely seems like a person I would want to be.
@mcricket3326
June 11, 2025 at 2:27 pm
I want Urdu caption
Big audience 230 millions people understand urdu
@BusinessTacticsDaily
June 11, 2025 at 9:27 pm
Are we truly being ourselves when we’re constantly trying to meet society’s expectations? Heather Havleski suggests that sometimes, embracing imperfection is the key to happiness. What do you think about living without worrying about others’ judgments? Share your thoughts below!