Welcome to the TED Radio Hour's exploration of the subtle art of embracing our awkwardness. The show delves into the science of awkward psychological traits and their intersection with autism spectrum disorders. Host Manoush Zomorodi sits down with psychologist Ty Tashiro to unpack the differences between everyday awkward interactions and inherent awkwardness. Ty identifies three key traits shared by those who struggle with social interaction: difficulty understanding social expectations and executing the correct social skills, struggles in communicating their intentions to others, and an obsessiveness with specific interests.
As the conversation unfolds, Manoush and Ty delve into the complexities of autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause social skills difficulties. They discuss the growing awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity, and the gray area between clinical diagnoses and the everyday experiences of people who may just have a few awkward traits.
The show also features interviews with social scientist Ty Tashiro, cartoonist Liana Finck, journalist Melissa Dahl, and sex and relationship counselor Erin Chen. They share their personal experiences with awkwardness and how they've learned to embrace and even thrive in these circumstances. Ty Tashiro offers practical advice on how to channel the hyperfocus of awkwardness into a passion, as illustrated by New Yorker cartoonist Liana Finck.
So, if you're looking for a show that tackles the big questions of life, explores the psychology of awkwardness, and encourages you to embrace your own尴尬 self, then the TED Radio Hour is the perfect podcast for you.