The Human Petri Dish
Where human behaviour gets delightfully messy
Welcome to the Lab… and Today!
Hosted by Andrew Boyton, The Human Petri Dish is where we place the wild, messy, and fascinating experiment of being human under the microscope.
This curious and slightly mischievous podcast explores the raw realities of life, relationships, leadership, culture, and technology and how they collide in the modern world. Andrew blends his expertise in leadership, psychotherapy, research, and relational theory with guests who challenge assumptions, puncture myths, and offer sharp insights with unflinching curiosity.
What You’ll Get
For You If…
You're curious about people, fascinated by relationships, and want to explore the hidden forces shaping your personal and professional world. Whether you're a leader, a parent, a partner, or simply a human, this podcast is for you.
Why Listen Now
Because understanding ourselves and others is an experiment worth running — and here, we make the lab fun, quirky, and sometimes a little uncomfortable. Gain clarity, laugh a little, and leave with insights that stick.
Join the Conversation
Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Follow the lab online, join our community, and be part of the ongoing experiment.
#HumanPetriDish #HumanBehaviour #Relationships #Leadership #TheRelationshipLab #RModelTheory #HealthyRelationships #RelationalIntelligence #Trust #OnlineDating #Dating #HumanCentricLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #RegFlags #EmotionalDetox #ToxicRelationships #DatingApps #AICompanions #Marriage #Divorce
The Human Petri Dish
Where human behaviour gets delightfully messy
Welcome to the Lab… and Today!
Hosted by Andrew Boyton, The Human Petri Dish is where we place the wild, messy, and fascinating experiment of being human under the microscope.
This curious and slightly mischievous podcast explores the raw realities of life, relationships, leadership, culture, and technology and how they collide in the modern world. Andrew blends his expertise in leadership, psychotherapy, research, and relational theory with guests who challenge assumptions, puncture myths, and offer sharp insights with unflinching curiosity.
What You’ll Get
For You If…
You're curious about people, fascinated by relationships, and want to explore the hidden forces shaping your personal and professional world. Whether you're a leader, a parent, a partner, or simply a human, this podcast is for you.
Why Listen Now
Because understanding ourselves and others is an experiment worth running — and here, we make the lab fun, quirky, and sometimes a little uncomfortable. Gain clarity, laugh a little, and leave with insights that stick.
Join the Conversation
Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Follow the lab online, join our community, and be part of the ongoing experiment.
#HumanPetriDish #HumanBehaviour #Relationships #Leadership #TheRelationshipLab #RModelTheory #HealthyRelationships #RelationalIntelligence #Trust #OnlineDating #Dating #HumanCentricLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #RegFlags #EmotionalDetox #ToxicRelationships #DatingApps #AICompanions #Marriage #Divorce
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, honesty, and compassion in equal measure.
Together, they unpack the tender questions: Are you ready to love? Are you ready to be trusted? Are you ready to care and share, again?
From the quiet ache of loss to the brave spark of new beginnings, this episode reminds us that healing isn’t linear, and that readiness isn’t about perfection, but presence.
In This EpisodeIf you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too soon to move on, or felt nervous about opening up after being hurt,
this episode offers gentle wisdom and grounded humour. Andrew and Mila bring empathy and playfulness to one of love’s most universal experiences: starting again.
Links:Subscribe, listen, and share your thoughts. Have a story or question about healing and new love? Join our WhatsApp community and be part of The Human Petri Dish conversation.
#DatingAfterBreakup #HumanPetriDish #Healing #ReadyToLove #RelationshipPodcast #MilaSmith #AndrewBoyton #DatingPostBereavement #DatingPostBereavement
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 subtle control patterns to outright destructive behaviours, Andrew dissects the signs of toxicity in relationships and offers practical guidance to identify, reflect, and respond.
This episode is both playful and serious, helping you examine your role and your partner’s role in the dating lab.
What You’ll DiscoverIf you’ve ever wondered “Am I toxic?” or “Is my date toxic?”, this episode provides clarity, practical advice, and reflective experiments to improve your dating life. Learn to make choices that honour both yourself and others.
Links:Listen now, like, subscribe, and share with friends. Want to discuss your dating experiments or ask questions? Join our WhatsApp community and bring your curiosity straight to the lab!
#HumanPetriDish #ToxicDatingPodcast #AmIToxicInARelationship #DatingToxicitySigns #RelationshipBoundaryPodcast #Boundaries #Relationships #Dating #Flags #RedFlag
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 flags, and everything in between.
Whether you're a seasoned dater or just testing the waters, prepare for a rollercoaster of insights, laughs, and aha moments. If you're ready to take your relationship game to the next level, this episode is for you!
What You’ll DiscoverIf you’ve ever wondered whether someone’s behaviour is a warning sign or a green light, this episode provides clarity, actionable insights, and a fun, experimental approach to dating. Learn to make choices that support healthier, happier connections.
Links:Listen now, like, subscribe, and share with friends. Have questions or stories about dating to discuss? Join our WhatsApp community and bring your curiosity straight to the lab!
#HumanPetriDish #DatingPodcast #RedFlags #GreenFlags #MilaSmith #RelationshipAdvice #Dating #ReadytoDate #Singles
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, Mila shares her secrets on avoiding dating disasters and embracing the quirks that make us unique. Get ready for a rollercoaster of laughs and aha moments as you learn to navigate the dating scene with clarity, honesty, and a whole lot of fun!
What You’ll DiscoverIf you want to approach dating with clarity, honesty, and a sense of fun, this episode is your guide. Learn how to connect authentically, laugh along the way, and make wiser relationship choices.
Links:Listen now, like, subscribe, and share with friends. Have questions or stories about dating to discuss? Join our WhatsApp community and bring your curiosity straight to the lab!
Tags: #HumanPetriDish #DatingPodcast #RelationshipAdvice #MilaSmith #SelfDiscovery #FindingLove #Singles #Loneliness
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 journey from relationship mishaps to matchmaking mastery, offering playful yet profound insights into trust, mutuality, and the art of loving wisely. Tune in for a rollercoaster of revelations and a sprinkle of humour as we navigate the wild world of relationships!
What You’ll DiscoverIf you’re ready to explore the playful, messy, and enlightening side of love, this episode is your perfect companion. Learn to navigate dating challenges, recognize patterns, and approach relationships with curiosity, humour, and wisdom.
Links:Listen now, like, subscribe, and share with friends. Want to discuss your dating experiences or ask questions? Join our WhatsApp community and bring your curiosity straight to the lab!
#HumanPetriDish #DatingPodcast #RelationshipAdvice #MilaSmith #TrustAndMutuality #Coaching #Relationships #DatingApps #Dating
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 placement of an emoji, they explore how intention, empathy, and curiosity can turn digital exchanges into genuine human connection.
It’s a conversation about presence in a world of pings and previews — and how understanding the psychology of response can help us build trust, care, and clarity through the screen.
In This EpisodeWhether you’re managing a team remotely, texting a partner, or navigating online communities, this episode will help you reflect on how to communicate with care and clarity. Expect humour, honesty, and some “aha” moments about the modern language of empathy.
About Andrew BoytonAndrew is a dedicated coach, counsellor, and consultant with over 23 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and achieve their goals. He works with people to gain inner peace, develop resilience, and build healthy, lasting relationships.
With care, commitment, and compassion, Andrew specialises in supporting individuals and organisations who are dealing with trauma, loss, or struggle, especially those who feel misunderstood, lost, confused, or hopeless. His work bridges psychology, leadership, and relational science to help people grow stronger together.
Mila SmithMila is a certified relationship and dating coach dedicated to helping individuals build and maintain healthy, fulfilling connections. After spending years in the corporate world, she decided to pursue her true passion: guiding men and women in their quest to find ideal partners and cultivate lasting happiness in their relationships.
Drawing on her extensive experience and training, Mila provides insightful advice, practical strategies, and personalised support to empower her clients in achieving their relationship goals. Her approach blends humour, empathy, and realism — creating a safe space where people can rediscover trust, confidence, and joy in connection.
Links:Listen, like, and share with friends — and if you’ve got your own digital dilemmas, we’d love to hear from you! Join our WhatsApp community and keep the conversation alive beyond the inbox.
#HumanPetriDish #DigitalConnection #Reciprocity #Empathy #Relationships #Dating #OnlineCommunication #Relationships #AndrewBoyton #MilaSmith #TheRelationshipLab
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 real-world insights, the duo highlights the emotional and cultural impact of professional endings, revealing how a human-centric approach can transform transitions into opportunities for growth and goodwill.
Key Themes:Whether you’re a leader, HR professional, or someone navigating change, this episode offers fresh perspectives on how to end well—and why every ending is also a beginning.
Links:A dedicated coach, counsellor and consultant with 23 years of experience helping individuals, couples and families navigate life challenges to achieve their life goals. He works with people to gain inner peace, develop resilience, and build healthy, lasting relationships. With care, commitment, and compassion, he specialises in supporting individuals and organisations dealing with trauma, loss, or struggle, especially when feeling misunderstood, lost, confused, or hopeless.
Join the ConversationListen, subscribe, and share your reflections. How does your organisation say goodbye? What could ending well look like for you?
#DigitalCommunication #Modern #Relationships #Texting #Etiquette #Reciprocity #EmotionalIntelligence #OnlineDating #HealthyConnection #EmpathyInRelationships #RelationshipPodcast #TheHumanPetriDish #AndrewBoyton #TheRelationshipLab
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 navigate the intricate dynamics of human interaction, offering insights and reflections that resonate on both personal and professional levels.
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 they share personal insights and reflections on how to foster meaningful connections and embrace the journey of growth together.
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 of empathy and self-discovery.
Tune in for a thought-provoking journey into the heart of identity and human interaction.
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 conversation offers a profound look at how authenticity and energy shape our connections.
Join Jericho and Āndrew as they navigate the complexities of self-awareness and leadership, aiming to foster more vibrant and meaningful relationships.
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:
Expect curious questions, playful tangents, and a couple of “aha” moments you won’t see coming. Think of it as science-meets-storytelling with a dash of humour and science.
Jericho and Drew are in the Relationship Lab, and you’re invited to join the experiment.
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 point where people stop holding it together, yet carry on as if nothing’s wrong. It’s not dramatic, it’s not loud, but it’s deeply disruptive.
So in this conversation, we’ll ask:
Because in the end, understanding quiet cracking isn’t just about spotting fractures — it’s about learning how to create spaces strong enough to hold human vulnerability, before silence turns into collapse.
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?
Join us as we explore the difference between trust-in and trust-on relationships, and what that means for how we live, love, and work with others.
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
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 slippery world of virtual connection, online attachments and “real‑time” vs “virtual‑time” relationships.
What’s on the Slide for YouIn a world where we swipe, message, filter, ghost and double‑tap our way through connection, this episode asks: what is the reality of a relationship when time is flattened, fragmented or manipulated? Understanding this isn’t just curious—it’s essential for our personal lives, our leadership roles, our teams, and the culture of connection we’re building.
For You If…You’ve ever found yourself wondering whether a late‑night DM counts as “relationship time”, you’ve felt the ghost of a video‑call linger, or you lead—or follow—others in hybrid, digital‑first environments that test how we connect, commit, and covenant.
Join the ExperimentSubscribe, rate & review this show wherever you listen. Follow the lab online. Share your own virtual‑connection stories and join the conversation with our hashtag community.
#HumanPetriDish #VirtualRelationships #OnlineConnection #TimeAndRelationships #DigitalLoveLab
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, friendships, and leadership. Hear real stories, expert insights, and practical tips that will make you rethink who (and what) you rely on.
Why Listen?Join the Experiment! Listen now, like, subscribe, and share with friends. Want to ask questions or discuss your own trust experiments? Join our WhatsApp community and bring your curiosity straight to the lab!
Tags: #HumanPetriDish #TrustInRelationshipsPodcast #Trust #Relationships #Leadership #Culture #TeamTrust