How to make (and keep) friends | from A Slight Change of Plans episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 16, 2026 · 37 MIN

How to make (and keep) friends | from A Slight Change of Plans

from How to Be a Better Human

Many of us tend to prioritize our romantic and familial relationships over friendships — and that could be harming our wellbeing and health. In this special episode from our friends at A Slight Change of Plans, cognitive behavioral scientist and bestselling author Dr. Maya Shankar looks at how friendships expand our sense of self. Maya is joined by psychologist Dr. Marisa Franco, who offers research-based strategies to make new friends and deepen our existing friendships, including helpful concepts like mutuality and the mere-exposure effect. Marisa and Maya also discuss how to stay friends through big life changes, why fighting could make your friendship stronger, and how to break up with a friend with clarity and kindness.On A Slight Change of Plans, Maya explores how we experience change and provides strategies we can use to better navigate moments of upheaval. Find A Slight Change of Plans wherever you get podcasts.For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscriptsFill out our survey at bit.ly/BHSurvey6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Feb 16, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

How to make (and keep) friends | from A Slight Change of Plans

0:00 37:18

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of How to Be a Better Human?

This episode is 37 minutes long.

When was this How to Be a Better Human episode published?

This episode was published on February 16, 2026.

Can I download this How to Be a Better Human episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!