Something More Human
Something More Human is hosted by Sam and Elliot, who explore how to build a better world through deep, meaningful connection and real change. Each week they challenge themselves and listeners to reimagine society and improve their social health. The show is for anyone trying to make friends as an adult, level up their social well-being, or imagine a better future. They also invite listeners to join their Patreon community, The Something More Society, and connect on Instagram and TikTok.
Episodes
What Are The Facts?
Sometimes your brain tricks you into thinking you didn't have a great year. But what if you really did? We're kicking off 2026 by making the case for documenting your life and opting for analogue in a digital world. We're sharing our annual tradition for facing the facts of how we spent the last 12 months and how it shapes what we want out of the next 12 months. This is your permiss
Die With A Smirk
The most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one you have with yourself. But how do you deepen it (or even get started)? Our thoughts, self-concept, emotional habits, and belief systems shape the quality of every connection we have. Ryan Fila walks us through internal navigation and how to reach the end of your life with a sh*t eating grin. This conversation is a masterclass in curiosit
In Praise of the Meandering Life
What if freedom and fulfillment came from being bad at things on purpose? What if you let yourself suck at something… and still loved doing it? We're exploring the art of meandering; embracing hobbies, conversations, and careers that don't follow a straight line in order to uncover what it means to live a life rooted in curiosity, not productivityBonus: maybe you'll finally sign up
How To Find The Right People
This week, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes (and one that feels especially relevant during the holidays). We're diving into five essential qualities to look for in the people closest to you and what it really means to cultivate a strong inner circle. This conversation will make you reflect on who’s in your corner and why that matters now more than ever.Support the show by be
Rejection Therapy
What if the fear of rejection is really just the fear of being seen? A simple question at a brewery set off a chain of events that reshaped an entire evening during our recent anniversary trip. We're unpacking how practicing Rejection Therapy can lead to unforgettable connections, unexpected joy, and a more confident approach to life. From Sam's unapologetic strategy for accepting reject
Get Your Ass To The Party
Going to the party is arguably more important than self-care for your overall health. Okay, but what does that mean? We're uncovering the urge to bail, balancing rest with connection, and how to show up with intention. Plus: creative ways to host unforgettable gatherings, showing up as the best guest, how to be a “villager,” and why Google Calendar might be the ultimate relationship tool.Supp
Copy This Cure For Loneliness (in Denver)
"The Company" is redefining what connection looks like in adulthood and absolutely changed the way we felt about moving to a city where we knew no one and felt immensely lonely. Ivan and Livvy Ruiz-Knott are fellow married friends and co-founders (2 of 3) of "The Company." What started as a few friends gathering in a living room is now something much bigger: a space of connecti
This Is Your Sign To Shoot Your Shot
How the tables have turned! Today's guest is none other than SMH co-host, Samantha Archuleta. We're digging into the reality of marrying young, what legacy really means to a 20-something, and unpacking how Sam seems to make life her b*tch in every possible way (if you know Sam, you know). Elliot reminds us that even when you feel like you know everything there is to a person, there&apos
Deepen Your Relationship With Your Closest Friends
This week's guest is none other than SMH co-host, Elliot Archuleta. With all that's going on in the world, we're reminded how crucial it is to sit with one another and exchange perspectives. We hope that you steal these questions and learn more about even your closest friends (or spouse!). Support the show by becoming a member of the Something More Society and gain access to exclusi
Why Connection Feels So Hard with Tim Jones
What if the most radical thing you could do… was invite someone to dinner? We sit down with executive director of Longer Tables (and host of the Mile Long Table!), Tim Jones, to get real about the deep seated fears holding us back from connection. From everything you need to know to successfully set your own table and extend an invitation to Tim's top questions for meaningful conversation, we
The Lost Art of Curiosity
Ever left a social gathering feeling empty because no one asked you a single question? Today I'm swapping Elliot for guest co-host Amanda Fowler and we get real about the conversational give-and-take, why curiosity is the ultimate connection fuel, Amanda's top tips for being a good house guest, and why storytelling is timeless. Plus, Amanda teaches me about MILF Etiquette. Watch our firs
What If You Don’t Want to Go?
You committed to an event and when the day comes... you really don't want to go. Why do we say no to connection, even when we want it most? From attending the Mile Long Table in Denver to peer pressuring our future selves, we're getting real about the emotional resistance to social events and why (and how) to go anyway. Whether you're unsure what to do in a room full of strangers or
Spend Your Time Like Your Life Depends On It
The thing that weighs heaviest the older we get? Regret. What does accepting the finitude of our own lives have to teach us about our values? Whether it's "rejection therapy" or building the muscle of saying "no," we're unpacking the art of doing nothing and the trap of convenience in favor of reclaiming our presence (especially in our ever busier world). Books and vi
Are We CHOOSING Loneliness?
We've been named the "Anti-Social Century," but are we truly opting out of in-person connection or have we been conditioned to retreat into isolation with our phones as companions? We're diving into how our culture may be the culprit, how we're unconsciously rewriting our sense of loneliness, and two questions that could radically reshape how you connect. Articles and vide
$50 Amazon Gift Card VS 50 Minutes of Therapy
What did the ten friends we ask choose? Does spending money on others make you happier? Is $50 enough to get you out of a rut? What does budgeting reveal about our values? And what would happen if the government gave everyone $50 to spend on someone else every month? (Seriously, we did the math.)Sam & Elliot answer all of it and more.Support the show by becoming a member of the Something More
PowerPoint Parties Will Save the World
It's creative. It's weird. It's way more meaningful than you'd expect. And it might just change how you gather.Born out of a tight budget and a desire to go deeper with the people in our life, we're uncovering how structure actually empowers people to open up, why public speaking isn’t just for big stages, and how to host your own with themes, time limits, and creative twi
How I Stretched Time and How You Can Too
If a year can feel like just a moment, what does that say about 270 days, or our lives for that matter? By the time Elliot is 60 he calculates he'll only have had 270 days with the people he loves the very most. How can he make those 270 days feel like a lifetime? Elliot thinks he has the answer. Support the show by becoming a member of the Something More Society and gain access to exclusive
The Most Underrated Emotion In History
Sam wakes up in a dream—and inside that dream, a quiet, powerful desire surfaces. What unfolds is a search for something deeper than happiness. Together, Sam and Elliot explore our relationship to fulfillment, the difference between chasing and building, and what it really takes to feel at home in your own life. From fuzzy dream guides to mind movies and mac n cheese, this episode asks: What’s the
Digital Dementia
Did you know Gen Zers will spend 19.2 years of their life on their phone? We might just be losing our minds to our screens, but there's something we can do about it. Digital Dementia is a real term coined in 2012 by neuroscientist Dr. Manfred Spitzer, which refers to cognitive decline caused by excessive screen use, often mimicking symptoms of early dementia like forgetfulness, mental fatigue
No More Lonely Friends
How do you deal with jealousy in friendship and friendship breakups? We sit down with Marissa Meizz, founder of No More Lonely Friends, to talk about the reality of friendship expectations, the hardest part of maintaining friendships as an adult, and why we should treat our friendships with the same care we treat our romantic relationships. Check out No More Lonely FriendsFollow No More Lonely Fri
How to Talk to Strangers (and make friends)
Sounds dramatic, but every friendship, opportunity, and connection starts with a conversation. So why is talking to strangers so hard? And how can we fix it?In this episode, we’re breaking down:Why our brains make socializing harder than it is6 simple ways to start conversations (even if you’re shy)The small talk debate: does it actually matter?What a perfect government would do about lonelinessAr
Becoming the Social Century
Support the show by becoming a member of the Something More Society. Exclusive episodes + ad free listening, and more intimate ways of connecting.We live in the Anti-Social Century—a world designed for isolation, where community has been replaced by convenience, and loneliness is at an all-time high. But if one cultural shift got us here, another can bring us out.In this episode, Elliot and Sam di
Solving Loneliness if Just for One Night
Support the show by becoming a member of the Something More Society. Exclusive episodes + ad free listening, and more intimate ways of connecting.On January 30, in Denver, Colorado, we brought together 52 strangers, gave them each an equal voice and role to play, created structured rules and an atmosphere of deep engagement and we witnessed firsthand how intentional gatherings can spark meaningful
Can Boundaries Exist When AI Can Read Your Mind?
A device that can read your mind… and it’s available for pre order?! Sam and Elliot talk about its potential positive applications; the return of the Humanity Is In the Comment Section segment & more. Support the show on Patreon and become a Something More Society member! We have a live event coming up very soon! Our first live podcast & gameshow is taking place at the Denver Press Club
The Dopamine Menu
In preparation for this episode, we did a 48 dopamine detox where we stayed off social media and spent as little time on our phones as possible. Now, we're sharing our dopamine menu items and challenging you to discover what makes you smile and belongs on your own dopamine menu. Stay Connected with Sam & ElliotDive deeper with The Something More Society! The go-to place to level up your c
Life, Performed On Purpose
What scripts are shaping your life without you even realizing it? In this episode, we sit down with Chris Peck to explore how small moments—like starting a conversation or choosing kindness—can create powerful ripple effects. We talk about embracing vulnerability, navigating the tension of being "too much," and uncovering the hidden narratives that guide our decisions.Packed with insight
Weapons Grade Imposter Syndrome with John Block
From growing up in a trailer park eating ketchup soup as a child to COO of the world’s largest art dealer, John Block talks with us about imposter syndrome, fear of failure, and how to know when you’ve outgrown a friendship. Thank you so much to The Clayton Hotel & Member's Club for hosting our live podcast and sponsoring this episode! Learn more about membership or plan your next Denver
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Hanging upside down from a hot air balloon to pick cotton with some friends; a reluctant trip to New Mexico turns into 33 years of never missing the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and an induction into the Balloon Fiesta hall of fame; turning two balloon pins into 200,000 pins. We dug through our communities and connections to find some iconic characters of the worlds largest hot air bal
The Loneliness Economy
How does loneliness impact our health and what can we do about it? We just wrapped up The Art and Science of Connection by social scientist Kasley Killam in The Something More Society book club and we're unpacking our key takeaways, outlining how you can benefit from feeling connected in your day to day life. Sam takes us back to a research fellowship she did in 2017, reminding us that commun
Can I LEARN to Love Myself? with Sarah Smyth
Self-love isn’t a quick fix; it’s a journey made up of small, intentional choices. Elliot unpacks his toughest questions with our guest, Sarah: How did she learn to embrace herself, even in difficult moments? This episode doesn’t offer a ‘perfect’ solution, but instead, explores the real steps toward self-acceptance that anyone can try. With surprising tools, and reflections from Sam, this is your
Are We in a Friendship Crisis?
If we're in a friendship crisis, what do we do about it? We discuss data from The American Survey Center and the US Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community to better understand what it means to be in a friendship crisis.And of course, we'll never leave you high and dry. We outline 4 strategies for improving your relationships, overall life sat
The Power of a Question
Improve your relationships by becoming a better conversationalist. We often hear complaints after a first date or catching up with a friend that the other person didn't seem invested because they didn't ask any questions. Tony Robbins says "the quality of your life is determined by the quality of the questions you ask" and we believe that questions hold the power to enable us t
Dan Harris: A Problem Shared Is A Problem Halved
What if the key to a fulfilling life isn't found in achievement, but in connection? In this episode, we sit down with Dan Harris, former ABC News anchor and renowned meditation advocate, to explore the power of deep relationships, the inner struggles we all face, and how mindfulness can change the way we live.Dan opens up about his infamous 2004 panic attack on live TV, and how it set him on
Generate Your Own Hype
How to get people to care about your projects? People can only be as excited about something you're working on as YOU are. We uncover the ideas behind manufacturing your own hype and what that looks like from artists to entrepreneurs to 9-5ers. Elliot says "don't take the wind from the sails of the boat that you built."I also share with Elliot the power behind recognizing momen
Ben Higgins: Tell Me More
From being all alone in a new city to navigating the intense spotlight of The Bachelor Season 20, Ben Higgins faced the most Googled breakup of 2017. In this candid conversation, Ben opens up about the challenges of separating his identity from 'Ben the Bachelor' and the pitfalls of social media, including the comparison and envy that can come with it. He shares how a friend's life-
Ask Your Friends for Help!
Sam says, "Not allowing your friends to help robs them of the joy of being a great friend" and I felt that. Asking your friends for help is easier said than done. When was the last time you explicitly asked your friend to help you with something related to your relationships, mental well being, professional development, creative expression?Sam and I talk about how we feel compelled to li
Failure Is A Rite of Passage
Action creates clarity, failure is a rite of passage, don’t let perfect be the enemy of good! During her mindset coaching sessions around the time our podcast was just forming, Sam, inspired by her coaching, asked me, 'If I told you that episode 20 was where we figured it out, how fast would you fail through the first 19 to get there? If you apply that anywhere in your endeavors, only good th
Handling Success and Relationships As A Young Female Entrepreneur with CEO Anna Zesbaugh
How do your relationships and community change when you experience growth and success in entrepreneurship? We sat down with our new friend Anna Zesbaugh who owns not one, not two, but three successful businesses in Denver and discuss imposter syndrome, ego inflation, and transforming relationships. If you're in the Denver area, you can knock out three birds with one stone and experience a H
Join Our New Community, The Something More Society
Announcing The Something More Society! We’ve noticed the social fabric of our society wearing down and believe the best way to heal it is through intentional connection and community where art, voice, and written words are celebrated. Our mission with Something More Human has always been to create a movement and a space where this is possible. We’re creating the community we think society is in ne
Ditching Surface Level Relationships for the Real Thing with Amanda Fowler
If we can’t talk surface level stuff and then go realllyyy deep, we don’t want it.Amanda dives into the mindset of meeting people and making friends, why all human connection starts with a connection to self, and why curiosity is a lost art. You'd think we've known Amanda for a long time but this was our first time meeting her!Connect with AmandaInstagramAmanda's podcast, Just Mands
Do You Really Want to Find the Thing You’ve Been Looking for Your Whole Life?
The answer seems obvious enough. But, do we really? Elliot tells Sam all the time of his dreams and visions of the future, but so often gets in his own way of achieving them. Together, we break down the reason for that.We talk about how to get out of your own way, transcend your Upper Limit, and find the things you’ve been looking for your whole life, starting today… RIGHT NOW!Grab your new favori
Catastrophic Loss, Immeasurable Hope with Dr. Kimberly Harms
Overcoming the loss of her mother and son to suicide and her husband whose death she believes was from a broken heart, Dr. Kimberly Harms flew to us from Minnesota to discuss how. We discuss the sneaky feelings of guilt and shame in the journey of grief and how to leverage your community during mourning. Kim is the author of "Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For" and shares th
Return to Real Life
Could we get 100+ people to leave their phones behind and exist in the present moment for three consecutive hours? We created Return to Real Life, a phone-free in person experience, to find out. This episode is inspired by Jonathan Haidt’s new book, The Anxious Generation, which touches on the mental health crises of adolescents that began in the early 2010s. He believes, and so do we, that our ph
Navigating Your Inner Circle and How to Choose Wisely
How do you know who belongs in your inner circle? We all like to think we know who makes up our inner circle and why but do we really? Are there people in there currently who no longer belong? We break down 5 tips to help you determine who is best suited for your inner circle (and who isn’t).Grab your new favorite tea from New Mexico Tea Company HEREStay Connected with Sam & Elliot Shop our br
How To Build Authentic Community Working Remotely & Living on the Road: Van Life w Maria Bitner
Is it possible to create and maintain a strong community while choosing van life, traveling full time, or working remotely? Maria shares everything from the challenges and risks to the power and fulfillment in choosing to live as a nomad doing remote work. Yes, it does include fractured ribs and expensive van repairs, but Maria also shares invaluable insight about not only how to make a living on
The Journey of Coming Out as An Adult, Overcoming Emotional Trauma & Building A Supportive Community
Coming out as an adult is difficult enough, but in the midst of processing emotional trauma, relocating, and going to school full time, that’s enough to overwhelm anyone. We talk with one of our very best friends, Meghan, about her newfound insights as a lesbian, coming out as a 26 year old, how she cultivated self love after coming to terms with her trauma, and how that brought her to the love of
The Case for A One Day Digital Detox And What To Do Instead
A simple, cost-effective way to reconnect with our loved ones by putting our phones out of reach and prioritizing presence of mind, fun, and relaxation. We talk about how allowing ourselves the time and space to ask powerful questions creates an opportunity to explore and learn more about each other and ultimately reconnect our friendship. Elliot also talks about a realization he had about how to
When To End It, Getting Over a Breakup, and Dating Without Apps with Relationship Coach & Therapist Christina Abood
How long does it take to get over a breakup? We sit down with relationship coach and therapist, Christina Abood, to discuss when to know to end it, how to get closure when you leave a relationship, recognize your dating patterns, get back out there without dating apps, and the do’s and don’ts for leaning on your community.Mentioned in this episode: Signs It’s Time To Let Go Of A RelationshipMore a
43 Years of Marriage, Parenthood, and Close Encounters in 1979 Rural Florida with Elliot's Parents
What happened on Friday the 13th, 1979 to a couple of lovebirds on their way to see Alien at the theatre? You may have a hard time believing what you hear, but Elliot's parents tell us about their close encounter on that night in 1979. Elliot realizes a specific Dateline NBC episode may be the starting point for the majority of his irrational anxieties. How do folks in their 60s feel about ag
Why Knowledge is a Literal Divine Download (and what to do with it)
Personal growth leads to growth everywhere else. In this episode, Sam downloads massive learnings from her first ever business conference and Elliot shares the easiest way to make friends in a foreign environment. Listen to this episode when you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next. Remember, there are no rules and there is no way.Our favorite quote from the episode comes from
Discovering Human Connection in Coffee with Novel Point
In this episode, we talk with Alex, Erin, and Ariel, co-owners of the third wave coffee shop, Novel Point, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They get real with us about the grind of growing a small business, how they see their shop and community growing in the next several years, and how they’re engaging the coffee community in Albuquerque. If you ever find yourself at Novel Point, Elliot demand
Navigating Life, Love, and Business: A Modern Couple’s Guide with George & Toviah Carter
George and Toviah Carter take us through their journey from corporate America and retail to selling weed on the side of a mountain to starting a family. As business owners and collaborators, parents, and a couple that’s been together for over 20 years, Sam & Elliot ask them about their strategies for keeping all the plates spinning at once, navigating conflict, and the keys for staying happy i
500 Hours in Europe
Your personal sh*t doesn't magically melt away when you go on vacation. Our first night in Paris was spoiled and we talk about why, what could have been done to avoid it, what we did to prevent it from happening again, and what it’s like to be with someone else in a foreign country for 500 hours straight. Want to know more about how Sam travel hacked us into business class lay flat seats? You
If it's corny, you're on the right track
In this episode, we dive into what we learned with our first 4 guests and challenge ourselves (and you) to a few ways to live a fuller life of human connection. We discuss personal development, consistency, listening to your intuition, and stepping out of your comfort zone to build connections.Challenge #1: Research therapy or a personal development modality THIS WEEK to start exploring. Challenge
Supernatural Epiphanies, Rethinking Competition, and The Case For Pedicures For Men with Nadia Mousleh & Tess Coats
In this episode, we’re in conversation with brick and mortar small business owners Nadia Mousleh and Tess Coats; both shop owners in Old Town, Albuquerque. We discuss how building connection among business owners facilitates collaboration and diffuses competition, the moments of human connection that transformed the trajectory of their businesses, and touch on topics like self care, self love, and
Reciprocity in Friendship, Emotional Intelligence, and Self Doubt with Kay Maes & Mel Bork
In this episode, we’re in conversation with Kay Maes and Mel Bork. We discuss how human connection and our relationships change over time, tips and strategies for maintaining friendships, and listen to Kay & Mel’s personal stories of how to approach friendship dynamics, emotional intelligence, and self doubt. Stay Connected: Kay Maes website: https://www.wellbykay.com/ instagram: https://www.i
How Do You Know You Found The One?
We sit down and answer some of your burning questions. We discuss how to know if you’ve found the one, what it really means when people say “when you know, you know,” platonic love, and longevity in romance. Stay Connected with Sam & ElliotVisit our website and stay in touch with us on Instagram @somethingmorehuman and TikTok @somethingmorehuman.Want us to answer your question, address a speci
Welcome to Something More Human
Welcome to Something More Human! We're so happy you're here. We are passionate about human connection and crave community. It's our hope that this podcast opens doors for us, our guests, and our listeners to get raw and honest about connection and its impact our lives. Upcoming episodes will cover personal stories, inspiration, and tangible strategies to empower you to forge more me
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