The Connection with Marty Moss-Coane

Embracing our imperfections and the messiness of life Nov 15, 2024

Author Oliver Burkeman on why it’s time to settle for your imperfections and ditch the relentless self-help messaging of productivity and control.

The art and imagination of Leonardo da Vinci Nov 08, 2024

Ahead of the Ken Burns documentary on the genius and imagination of Leonardo da Vinci, we talk with the filmmakers and an art historian.

Timothy Snyder on freedom and democracy Nov 01, 2024

Yale University professor Timothy Snyder on American's distorted view of freedom and why it matters.

What drives our morbid curiosity Oct 25, 2024

Why do we love scary stories and films? Why are there so many true crime fans? We talk with psychologist Coltan Scrivner about our morbid curiosity.

Family estrangement and reconciliation Oct 18, 2024

What drives parents and children apart? What does it take to make amends and rebuild the relationship?

Exploring the human-canine bond Oct 11, 2024

Millions of people share their lives with dogs, opening their homes and hearts to their canine companions. It’s a partnership that goes back thousands of years. We love and care for them, feed and groom them and they give us joy, loyalty and what feels like unconditional love. Today we examine the dog-human connection from both perspectives and look at what makes it so unique and fulfilling.

Our guests are Alexandra Horowitz who studies dog cognition at Barnard College and is the author many dog books including, Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know, and Our Dogs, Ourselves, and Clive Wynne, who heads the Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State University and is the author of Dog is Love: Why and How Your Dog Loves You. (originally aired April 5th, 2024)

The case for hopeful skepticism and the science of human goodness Oct 04, 2024

Psychologist Jamil Zaki explains how to avoid cynicism and why most people are better than we think.

Dr. Francis Collins on reconciling science and faith Sep 27, 2024

Dr. Francis Collins, former director of the NIH and the Human Genome Project, on finding common ground and the role of science and faith in his life.

How belonging can bring us together & pull us apart Sep 20, 2024

Belonging is a powerful need for us human beings whether we’re a sports fan, a member of a book group, part of a neighborhood clean up crew or a member of a political party.

The crisis of connection among boys and young men Sep 13, 2024

Psychologist Niobe Way says "boy" culture has led to a crisis of connection for young men. Her new book is "Rebels with a Cause: Reimagining Boys, Ourselves and Our Culture."

How to protect yourself from burnout at work Sep 06, 2024

Stress, exhaustion and negativity can lead to workplace burnout. Kandi Wiens explains how to become more resilient and reset your relationship with work.

How to get a good night’s sleep Aug 30, 2024

Our bodies are built for sleep so why is it so difficult to get a good night's rest?

Biracial identity and belonging Aug 23, 2024

What are you? That's a question people of mixed race hear all the time. Today we talk with a trio of guests about their biracial identity and belonging.

Why we love our stuff Aug 16, 2024

Why does a childhood blanket or teddy bear hold so much meaning? Why do we find it so hard to part with certain objects? This hour, our emotional connection to things.

Why animals talk Aug 09, 2024

Dr. Arik Kershenbaum decodes howls, whistles, squeals, grunts and other sounds of the wild.

The Value of Emotional Intelligence Aug 02, 2024

Yale University's Marc Brackett explains the importance of emotional intelligence in our lives and how it can help us make better decisions and have healthier relationships.

Why we dream: the science and psychology of dreaming Jul 27, 2024

Can our dreams help us make sense of our waking lives?

Redefining how we age Jul 19, 2024

As people live longer, should we rebalance work, family, and friendships? Do we need to rethink what it means to be old and the aging process?

How writer Sebastian Junger came face-to-face with his mortality Jul 12, 2024

Journalist and filmmaker Sebastian Junger almost died. His new book explores coming to terms with his own mortality and what might come after death.

What Inside Out 2 tells us about embracing all our emotions Jul 05, 2024

Inside Out 2 introduces some uncomfortable emotions - embarrassment, envy, ennui, and anxiety. Two psychologists who consulted on the film explain why we should embrace them.

How to give and take criticism Jun 28, 2024

Criticism can be hard to take. So what's the difference between constructive and destructive criticism and how can we quiet the critical voice in our head.

Why we lie and why we’re bad at spotting liars Jun 21, 2024

Everyone lies occasionally, but some people make a habit of it. We look at the nature of deceit, why some people lie more than others, and how to detect it.

Creating a Native Landscape in Your Own Yard Jun 14, 2024

Ecologist Douglas Tallamy talks about an approach to conservation that starts with letting your yard grow wild with native plants to save wildlife in ‘Nature’s Best Hope.’

Why we need poetry Jun 07, 2024

Three poets discuss poetry's power to connect, heal and inspire us.

Dr. Frank Anderson on trauma and transformation May 31, 2024

Psychiatrist Frank Anderson specializes in treating trauma. His new memoir, "To Be Loved" is about facing his own traumatic childhood.

MK Asante’s new memoir ‘Nephew’ May 24, 2024

Filmmaker and author MK Asante's new memoir begins with him sitting vigil beside his nephew's hospital bed at Temple University hospital after he was shot nine times.

How to confront our nation’s troubled history May 17, 2024

If we want to make progress, we need to talk honestly about the most painful parts of America's history. So how do we help people reckon with, and not resist, the past?

Frank Bruni on our culture of complaint May 10, 2024

New York Times columnist Frank Bruni joins us to talk about why Americans feel so angry, outraged and aggrieved these days.

Artist Jamie Wyeth and the Unflinching Eye May 03, 2024

Jamie Wyeth comes from an artist dynasty. His father is Andrew Wyeth and grandfather N.C. Wyeth. Jamie Wyeth join us to talk about finding his own artistic vision.

Why we are so attached to our stuff Apr 26, 2024

Why does a childhood blanket or teddy bear hold so much meaning? Why do we find it so hard to part with certain objects? This hour, our emotional connection to things.

Are Americans Losing Their Religion? Apr 19, 2024

Americans are losing faith with their religious institutions and traditions. That’s a major finding in the latest report from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). A quarter of Americans now call themselves religiously unaffiliated citing the clergy sex abuse scandals and teachings against the LGBTQ community as the reasons they no longer believe.

On the other hand, most Americans identify as Christian even as the country becomes more religious diverse and fewer Americans attend religious services.

In this hour of The Connection, we look at “religious churning” in the country and the role religion, especially Christian Nationalism, is playing in our politics this election season. Our guest is Robert P. Jones, founder and president of PRRI and author of several books including, The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy.

When to Trust Your Intuition Apr 12, 2024

There's something to those gut feelings, the hunches you have that push you toward a decision. We'll talk about where intuition comes from and when to use it.

Our Love of Dogs: Exploring the Human-Canine Bond Apr 05, 2024

Millions of people share their lives with dogs. What makes the dog-human connection so unique and so fulfilling?

Remembering Acclaimed Primatologist Frans de Waal Mar 29, 2024

Primatologist Frans de Waal died last week. We listen back to Marty's interviews with de Waal about our connections to our great ape cousins.

What Improv Can Teach Us About Life Mar 22, 2024

Taking the rules of improv off the stage. We talk about what improv can teach us about life, ourselves, being in the moment…and having fun

Esther Perel on the Future of Love and Desire Mar 15, 2024

Psychotherapist Esther Perel on love and intimacy in a time of conflict

Why Friendship Matters Mar 08, 2024

A conversation on how to make friendship a centerpiece of your life.

Why We’re Built for Sleep and How to Get More of It Mar 01, 2024

Human beings are built for sleep. It’s a normal, natural process and yet many of us have a troubled relationship with it. This Friday on The Connection — how to make sleep your friend. We’ll dive into the fascinating physiology of sleep and explore what our brains and bodies are doing during these “off” hours.

We’ll discuss how sleep affects our memories and mood, how our daily activities affect our sleep cycles and what we can do to get restorative shut eye. And we’ll also dispel some myths…does everyone needs 8 hours a night? Our guests are Duke University sleep medicine specialist Jade Wu, author of Hello Sleep, and Penn Medicine sleep specialist Indira Gurubhagavatula.

Supercommunicators: The Language of Connection Feb 21, 2024

Author Charles Duhigg explores the power of conversation to form deeper connections and bridge divides.

Rethinking Drug Addiction Feb 16, 2024

Neuroscience journalist Maia Szalavitz on recovering from substance use disorder and the myths and misconceptions of addiction.

How We Form Attachments Feb 09, 2024

Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Amir Levine explains the science of our attachments to our children, romantic partners, friends, and pets.

Michele Norris on “Our Hidden Conversations” on Race and Identity Jan 31, 2024

Former NPR host Michele Norris asked Americans to share their thoughts about race on a postcard. "Our Hidden Conversations" is about what she learned.

‘A Memoir of Open Marriage’ Jan 26, 2024

Molly Roden Winter, author of "More: A Memoir of Open Marriage" and husband Stewart Winter discuss non-monogamy, its effect on themselves and their 24-year marriage.

Going Solo: Erasing the Stigma of Single Life Jan 18, 2024

More people than ever are living single -- many by choice. We talk about finding purpose and fulfillment as a single person and erasing the stigma that's attached.

The Appeal of Authoritarianism Jan 12, 2024

We look at dictatorships and authoritarianism. Even with their emphasis on obedience, disinformation, nostalgia and scapegoating, support is on the rise at home and abroad.

How the Arts Can Be an Antidote to Loneliness Jan 05, 2024

Can drawing a picture, gazing at a painting or singing a song help connect us with others? Physician Jeremy Nobel believes art may be the answer to our loneliness epidemic.

Poet Ross Gay and ‘The Book of (More) Delights’ Dec 29, 2023

Poet and writer Ross Gay explains ways to find delight in everyday life, even when we are feeling grief or sorrow.

The Science of Failing Well Dec 22, 2023

Forget 'fail fast, fail often.' Business professor Amy Edmondson explains not all failures are equal. This hour, how we can learn and grow from failing well.

Thriving with Anxiety Dec 15, 2023

Dr. David H. Rosmarin on new ways of thinking about anxiety, why it can be a beneficial emotion and help us thrive.

Navigating Loss and Grief Dec 08, 2023

A conversation on grief and death with a mother coping with the loss of her young daughter and a palliative care physician guiding patients and their families at the end life.

Adam Grant on Tapping Into Our Hidden Potential Dec 01, 2023

Organizational psychologist Adam Grant explains how we can find success and growth by trying new things, making mistakes, and asking for advice.

Parenting adult children Nov 24, 2023

Temple University psychologist Laurence Steinberg on the changing relationship between parents and adult children.

Rethinking Drug Addiction and Treatment Nov 17, 2023

Neuroscience journalist Maia Szalavitz on recovering from substance use disorder, the myths and misconceptions of addiction and the importance of harm reduction.

Is it really that bad to gossip? Nov 10, 2023

Gossip isn't all bad. Turns out it played an important role in our social evolution. We talk about why we gossip and beneficial and harmful aspects of this social skill.

David Brooks on ‘How to Know a Person’ Nov 03, 2023

Columnist David Brooks believes we've lost the ability to connect with one another. His new book, "How to Know a Person" is a guide to seeing others more deeply.

‘Wrong:’ Why People Believe Misinformation Oct 27, 2023

Professor Dannagal Young explains why people believe misinformation. Her new book is "Wrong: How Media, Politics and Identity Drive Our Appetite for Misinformation."

Trauma and Healing Oct 20, 2023

Dr. James Gordon joins us to talk about healing from trauma. His work in conflicts around the world has informed his understanding of what it takes to recover.

PBS NewsHour’s Amna Nawaz Oct 13, 2023

Amna Nawaz on working with Ted Koppel, covering wars, co-anchoring the PBS NewsHour, balancing work and family and role of journalism in our contentious times.

‘Failures of Forgiveness’ Oct 06, 2023

Philosopher Myisha Cherry on the limits of forgiveness and better ways to understand and use it in our personal lives and in society.

Making the Workplace More Welcoming Sep 29, 2023

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs are facing a backlash. What is the best way combat bias and stereotypes and make the workplace more cohesive.

Ross Gay on Finding Everyday Delights Sep 22, 2023

Poet and writer Ross Gay explains ways to find delight in everyday life and how it's connected to sorrow.

Orna Guralnik on ‘Couples Therapy’ Sep 15, 2023

The reality show 'Couples Therapy' puts real-life couples sessions with Dr. Orna Guralnik on camera. Guralnik joins us to talk about relationships and therapy.

Our Human Footprint on the Planet Sep 06, 2023

Princeton University biologist and host of the PBS show, "Human Footprint," Shane Campbell-Staton on our connection to the natural world and how we are transforming it.

The Power of Good Conversation Sep 01, 2023

Good conversation can bridge divides, comfort us, and spark lively debate, but Drexel University's Paula Marantz Cohen believes how we talk to one another is in decline.

The Power of Awe — and Where to Look for It Aug 25, 2023

Researcher Dacher Keltner investigates the elusive emotion of awe, revealing how it transforms our brains and bodies, and how to find more wonder in our everyday lives.

‘The Injustice of Place’ Aug 18, 2023

Why are some rural communities so deeply disadvantage? A conversation about some of the poorest places in America with Princeton University's Kathryn Edin and Timothy Nelson.

James McBride’s ‘The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store’ Aug 11, 2023

In his new book, award-winning author James McBride pairs a page-turning murder mystery set in Pottstown, P.a. with a powerful story of compassion, community and love.

Why People Believe Conspiracy Theories Aug 04, 2023

We explore the psychology of conspiracies and what draws people to them. Author Michael Shermer joins us to talk about why people believe irrational things.

Jeanette Winterson on AI and the future of human connection Jul 28, 2023

Writer Jeanette Winterson explores artificial intelligence and how it may change our lives, relationships, sex, religion -- even death.

A Guide to Parent and Adult Children Relationships Jul 21, 2023

Temple psychologist Laurence Steinberg on the changing relationship between parents and adult children.

Life Lessons from Sports with Sally Jenkins Jul 14, 2023

Sportswriter Sally Jenkins shares life lessons that elite athletes and coaches have gleaned from playing competitive sports.

Why Humans Are Built for Connection Jul 07, 2023

Social scientist and physician Nicholas Christakis on our social evolution, our need for connection and why he is optimistic about human nature and the future.

My Hijacking: A Personal History of Forgetting and Remembering Jun 30, 2023

Historian Martha Hodes explores what happened to her own memories, and how she tried to get them back, after being held hostage on an airplane in 1970 in her new memoir.

The Myths of Aging Jun 23, 2023

We debunk the clichés and stereotypes of getting older with gerontologist Tracey Gendron, author of "Ageism Unmasked," and Lorene Cary, author of the memoir "Ladysitting."

The Power of Awe — and How to Find It Jun 16, 2023

Researcher Dacher Keltner investigates the elusive emotion of awe, revealing how it transforms our brains and bodies, and how to find more wonder in our everyday lives.

Why Do So Many of Us Feel Lonely? Jun 09, 2023

The Surgeon General warns that there's a loneliness epidemic. Why do so many of us feel lonely and how can we reconnect with one another again?

Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: A Guide to a Good Apology Jun 02, 2023

Why is it so hard to say sorry? Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy, authors of the book "Sorry, Sorry, Sorry," share the six essential steps to a good apology.

Clint Smith: On Poetry and Black Fatherhood May 26, 2023

Clint Smith on his new poetry collection, Black fatherhood and contending with the country's racist legacy.

From Coping to Thriving: New Ways to Understand ADHD May 17, 2023

There's a lot of confusion about ADHD. Will a new awareness of neurodiversity help remove some of the stigma?

Taking the Stage: A Conversation with a Dancer, Musician and Actor May 12, 2023

What's it like to perform on stage before an audience? We ask Philadelphia Orchestra's David Kim, Philadelphia Ballet's Ángel Corella, and 1812 Production's Jennifer Childs.

Two Trans Women on Gender, Identity, and the Rise in Transphobia May 03, 2023

Author and English professor Jennifer Finney Boylan and activist and writer Raquel Willis talk about their trans identity and fighting rising transphobia.

The Gottmans’ Love Prescription Apr 28, 2023

Drs. John and Julie Gottman have spent decades studying romantic relationships. They share what they've learned and discuss their new book, "The Love Prescription."

‘The Emotional Lives of Teenagers’ Apr 21, 2023

Psychologist Lisa Damour helps parents understand the intense emotions of adolescents and the best ways to support the young people in their lives.

How to Cope with Climate Anxiety Apr 14, 2023

Two-thirds of Americans report feeling anxious about climate change. There's even a new term for it - eco-anxiety. We'll talk about what it is and strategies for coping.

The Case for a Good Apology Apr 07, 2023

Why is it so hard to say sorry? Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy, authors of the book "Sorry, Sorry, Sorry," share the six essential steps to a good apology.

Clint Smith on the Joy and Terror of Fatherhood Mar 31, 2023

Clint Smith's on his new poetry collection, Black fatherhood and contending with the country's racist legacy.

How Philosophy Can Help Us Deal with Life’s Hardships Mar 24, 2023

Philosopher Kieran Setiya on his book, "Life Is Hard," about accepting adversity, sorrow and pain.

Why We Sometimes Feel Like Imposters Mar 17, 2023

Do you ever feel like a fraud at work or in your daily life? That people overestimate your talent or intelligence? We're digging into the imposter phenomenon this hour.

Why Humans Are Built for Connection, Love and Friendship Mar 08, 2023

Social scientist and physician Nicholas Christakis on our social evolution, our need for connection and why he is optimistic about human nature and the future.

How to Confront Our Nation’s Past Mar 03, 2023

If we want to make progress, we need to talk honestly about the most painful parts of America's history. So how do we help people reckon with, and not resist, the past?

Shedding Light on Depression and Stigma Feb 24, 2023

Will Senator John Fetterman's openness about his depression help remove some of the stigma around mental illness?

Trauma and Resilience After a Disaster Feb 17, 2023

How can survivors of the Turkey-Syria earthquake recover after losing so much? And what helps people withstand large-scale trauma like natural disasters?

Fandom, Identity and Belonging Feb 10, 2023

What drives people to invest so much time, emotion, energy, and money following a sports team, a rock band, or a celebrity? We'll explore the fan mindset.

How Our Siblings Shape Us Feb 03, 2023

For many of us, our relationship with a sibling will be the longest we'll ever have. We'll talk about our sibling relationships and how they shape who we are.

Lessons from the world’s longest happiness study Jan 27, 2023

What makes a happy and healthy life? That’s the question at the heart of the longest study on happiness, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which began in 1938. Researchers have been following participants for 85 years, trying to untangle what it takes to thrive in this world. And the answer they found? Fulfilling relationships. In our debut episode of The Connection, we talk with the study’s researchers about why positive relationships are the essential ingredient to happiness. They’re the co-authors of the new book, The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.

Our guests

ROBERT WALDINGER, professor of psychiatry at Harvard University and director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development and MARC SCHULZ, professor of psychology at Bryn Mawr College and associate director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development.

The Connection with Marty Moss-Coane: Trailer Jan 25, 2023

Who doesn’t feel burnt out by the stresses of life, with the pressures of work and family and the onslaught of bad news? It’s easy to feel helpless, overwhelmed and confused. One key experience that can guide us through the challenges we all face is human connection. It makes us feel understood, valued and gives us a sense of purpose and belonging. In fact, connections have allowed us to survive as a species and are critical to our wellbeing as individuals. Every Friday at noon on WHYY, The Connection with Marty Moss-Coane will feature unique and wide-ranging conversations about developing a richer understanding of the bonds that unite us, the forces that can drive us apart, the possibilities that life offers all of us and the qualities that make us unique…and human.

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