How Humans Talk

In the season finale of How Humans Talk, Rune Pedersen turns the microphone inward to explore one of the most personal forms of communication: how we talk to ourselves. From spirals of doubt to pep talk, inner monologues shape our sense of self and how we move through the world. Psychologist Dr. Chris Cheers helps untangle the threads of self-talk, rumination, and childhood schemas, revealing how...

In this episode of How Humans Talk Rune and Stefan tackle one of Australia's most passionate and polarising topics - the great Australian dream of home ownership. Diving into the myths and realities surrounding housing in Australia, they reflect on the emotional and cultural pressure of chasing property ownership - and the ways that language reinforces it. In contrast, they examine Denmark’s model...

Join Rune Pedersen and Stefan Delatovic as they explore how language shapes who we are and where we come from in this episode of How Humans Talk. Stefan sits down with artist and restaurateur Pey Chi to discuss embracing with her cultural roots later in life. Rune speaks with interpreter and translator Jim Hlavac, about the complex roles children play as family language brokers, and the emotional...

In this episode of How Humans Talk, Rune investigates the language of how words shape the doctor–patient relationship, and what’s at stake when communication fails. He’s joined by Dr. Sarah J. White, a conversation analyst and Director of Bedside Manners, and Dr Mary Dahm, a health communication expert and lecturer at Deakin University. Together, they reveal how even well-meaning language can conf...

In this episode of How Humans Talk, Rune wants to understand how some people make words leap off a page, and into our ears. Rune dives into the world of professional voice acting with voice coach and voice actor Abbe Holmes, who has spent decades helping people turn flat scripts into vibrant, believable performances. Together, they explore how voice actors bring life to language - from manipulatin...

In this episode of How Humans Talk, Rune heads to the park to chat with dog owners, speculates with scientists, and barks up a storm with his furry friends. Alongside for the journey is University of Melbourne animal welfare scientist Dr Mia Cobb, who explains the nine different ways we communicate with our canine companions. From playful baby talk and stern commands to quiet, soothing whispers. T...

Rune Pedersen is on a mission to understand the power, and the pleasure, of profanity. In this episode of How Humans Talk, Rune explores swearing as more than just colourful language. From cheeky insults to taboo breakers, curse words carry history, emotion, and even a little magic. Teaming up with renowned linguist Professor Kate Burridge from Monash University, we're going to be taken on a deep...

Rune Pedersen has a new challenge. After becoming a father, and being cooped up at home on parental leave he's relearning how to talk - so to speak. In the first episode of How Humans Talk, Rune dives headfirst into the intricacies of human communication. Guided by speech pathologist and voice expert Dr Sarah Lobegeiger de Rodriguez, he discovers the untapped power of the human voice, exploring wh...

Host Rune Pedersen dives into the fascinating world of everyday language in How Humans Talk—a series about how we connect, persuade, and make sense of each other through conversation. From subtle word choices to cultural quirks, each episode explores how language shapes who we are, how we relate, and the world we live in. Hear from communication pros, cultural observers, and wonderfully curious gu...