The Human Petri Dish | Understanding Each Other | Dating & Relating

The Human Petri Dish: Episode Intro Music, Minds and the Conversations We've Been Avoiding Most parents and educators feel powerless against the relentless tide of online harm. But what if music could change everything? Welcome to The Human Petri Dish . I'm your host, Andrew Boyton, and today we're diving into one of the most urgent and underexplored spaces in modern child safeguarding...

What happens when we stop avoiding the conversations that quietly shape our lives? In this episode of The Human Petri Dish , Hawk and Drew explore the uncomfortable but necessary terrain of trauma, silence, and human connection. Together they examine why society struggles to talk about abuse, shame, vulnerability, and sexuality and what becomes possible when someone is brave enough to ask the diff...

Dating coach Mila Smith shares practical strategies for building resilient, meaningful connections without emotional overwhelm. The episode centres on her "Keep it Short, Sincere" framework, keeping early dates brief and engaging to build intrigue while avoiding the trap of oversharing too soon. Rather than rushing into deep personal disclosures or dwelling on past relationships, she advocates foc...

In this episode, we sit down with Luke Ballantyne , Alcohol & Addiction Recovery Coach, to explore the complex landscape of addiction, recovery, and personal transformation. Luke shares his insights on the psychological underpinnings of addictive patterns, the role of attachment and trauma in substance use, and what it really takes to build sustainable recovery. We discuss the systemic gaps in...

Welcome back to The Human Petri Dish . In this episode, Andrew Boyton is joined once again by relationship coach Mila Smith to explore what new beginnings really mean in dating and relationships. Moving beyond “New Year, New You” clichés, they dig into how to date with clarity, courage, and self-awareness, without dragging old patterns into new connections. Episode Summary Andrew and Mila revisit...

Dating After a Difficult Ending | The Human Petri Dish   What happens when love leaves a mark? In this heartfelt episode of The Human Petri Dish , Andrew Boyton and relationship coach Mila Smith explore what it really means to date after a difficult ending. Whether you’re freshly single, still healing, or wondering if you’re ready to open your heart again, this conversation stirs curiosity, honest...

Red Flag | Is Your Date Toxic? Or, Are You the Problem? Welcome to The Relationship Lab: In this episode of The Human Petri Dish, host Andrew Boyton is joined by relationship coach Mila Smith and puts the microscope on dating dynamics. Are your romantic choices toxic, or is it you? Together, we explore dating behaviours, red flags, and boundaries in the messy experiment of human connection. From s...

Red Flags or Green Flags | Dating Coach Mila Smith Explains Flags Welcome to the Lab! Welcome to The Human Petri Dish , where we stir up the science of relationships with a splash of humour and a pinch of wisdom! Join your host, Andrew Boyton, as he chats with the delightful relationship coach, Mila Smith. In this episode, we dive into the colourful world of dating, exploring red flags, green flag...

Green Flag | Exploring the Whimsical World of Dating | Mila Smith & Andrew Boyton Welcome to the Lab! Join the delightful duo, Mila Smith and Andrew Boyton, as they dive into the whimsical world of dating and relationships! In this episode, we unravel the mysteries of love, from the art of self-discovery to the magic of finding your perfect match. With a sprinkle of humour and a dash of wisdom...

Ready to Date? | Dating Coach Mila Smith Gives Advice Welcome to the Lab! Get ready to dive into the delightful chaos of love with relationship expert Mila Smith and your ever-curious host, Andrew Boyton! In this episode, we unravel the tangled web of romance, exploring why finding "the one" might just be a myth and how emotional baggage can be your unexpected travel companion. Mila shares her jou...

Reciprocity in the Digital Age | The Human Petri Dish Welcome to The Human Petri Dish , where we examine what makes modern connection thrive, or sometimes glitch. In this episode, Andrew and Jericho take a closer look at reciprocity in digital communication, that delicate dance of give-and-take that defines how we connect online. From the emotional weight of a “seen” message to the artful placemen...

Ending Well: The Art of Professional Goodbyes In this thought-provoking episode, Āndrew delves into the often-overlooked art of ending professional relationships with care and intention. They explore why goodbyes matter, not just personally, but organisationally and how companies can evolve their exit processes to foster trust, dignity, and long-term connection. Through candid conversation and rea...

In this episode, Jericho and Āndrew delve into the complexities of relationships, exploring themes of self-worth, purpose, and the critical role relationships play in our lives. They discuss the importance of intentionality in relationships, the concept of connected autonomy, and how understanding the purpose of a relationship can lead to healthier, more sustainable connections. Join them as they...

In this thought-provoking episode, Jericho and Andrew delve into the complexities of human relationships and the R model, exploring themes of endings, beginnings, and the critical role of relationships in our lives. They discuss the impact of past experiences on our present and future, the importance of relationship awareness, and the challenges of navigating life's uncertainties. Join them as the...

In this engaging episode, Jericho and Āndrew delve into the intricacies of the R-Model, exploring its application in understanding self-awareness and relationships. They discuss how the R-Model can be used to navigate different worldviews and the effects of isolation on personal development. Through insightful dialogue, they encourage listeners to examine their own connections and the significance...

In this episode of "The Human Petri Dish," hosts Jericho and Āndrew delve into the intricate dynamics of identity and essence.   They explore the R-Model's insights into human relationships, discussing how understanding the essence of self can enhance personal and professional interactions.   From the significance of psychological safety in the workplace to the impact of unspoken words, this conve...

This week, Jericho and Drew dive headfirst into the messy, fascinating experiment we all live inside: human relationships. 💥   They’ll play with three big ideas: Confidence — what it really takes to show up boldly with another person.   The Vital-Base — the foundation of who we are and why ignoring it makes everything wobble and unstable.   Motivations & Desires — the sparks that drive us for...

Jericho and Drew  Behind Closed Doors 1

Do Relationships Exist? | The Phantasy with a Phantom of AI

Welcome to The Human Petri Dish — the space where we put human behavior, relationships, and culture under the microscope. In today’s episode, we’re exploring Quiet Cracking: what it is, why it’s happening, and what can be done about it. You’ve probably heard of burnout, quiet quitting, or even moral injury — but “quiet cracking” is something different. It’s that subtle, almost invisible breaking p...

Part 1 | Building Trust-in or Trust-on Relationships? In this episode of The Human Petri Dish, Drew and Jericho take another close look at the building blocks of human connection. This time, the experiment is trust. Do we build relationships on trust, as if it’s the foundation stone? Or do we build relationships designed to hold trust — flexible enough to contain moments of doubt, risk, and repair...

Virtual Relationships | Are They Real?  This was a question from Ali. We hope we answered it. If you have any questions for us to discuss please join our listeners room in The Relationship Lab.  https://chat.whatsapp.com/EmlWL03ItBq2AYRJDhcDUt  

Virtual Relationships — Are Relationships Real? Part 2: Do They Exist in Time? Welcome to the Lab… and Today: In this episode of The Human Petri Dish , we don our goggles and drop the petri‑dish lid on the question: Can a relationship exist in time — especially when it’s digital? Hosted by Andrew Boyton (leadership theorist, relational researcher, psychotherapist‑in‑lab‑coat) we plunge into the sl...

Trust and Relationships, Part 1: Where To Place Trust Welcome to the Lab! In this episode of The Human Petri Dish , host Andrew Boyton dives into the sticky world of trust. Not all trust is the same, are you trusting someone to care ( trust-in ) or just to get the job done ( trust-on )? Knowing the difference could change your relationships forever. Discover how trust works in teams, families, fri...