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

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

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 Thought-provoking, sometimes uncomfortable conversations that make you reflect on trust, power, silence, and reciprocity. Unexpected perspectives on personal and professional life, inviting deeper understanding of human behaviour. A mix of serious insight and playful exploration, from dating and family life to teams, leadership, and culture. 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

Episodes

March 7, 2026 48 mins

The Human Petri Dish: Episode IntroMusic, 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: using neuroscience-inspired music to ...

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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 difficult questions.


Drew, a therap...

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    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 focusing on someone's present circumsta...

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    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 traditional addiction treatment, th...

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    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 themes of endings, healing, and emotio...

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    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, honesty, and compassion in equal measure.

    Tog...

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    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 subtle control patterns to outright de...

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    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 flags, and everything in between.

    Whether y...

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    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, Mila shares her secrets on avoiding...

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    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 journey from relationship mishaps to mat...

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    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 placement of an emoji, they explore how intent...

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    September 25, 2025 30 mins
    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 real-world insights, the duo highlight...

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    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 ...

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    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...

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    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.

     

    ...

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    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 h...

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    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 forward, si...
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    Jericho and Drew  Behind Closed Doors 1

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

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