TED Talks Daily
1,315 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★ - 9.5K ratingsEvery weekday, TED Talks Daily brings you the latest talks in audio. Join host and journalist Elise Hu for thought-provoking ideas on every subject imaginable — from Artificial Intelligence to Zoology, and everything in between — given by the world's leading thinkers and creators. With TED Talks Daily, find some space in your day to change your perspectives, ignite your curiosity, and learn something new.
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Episodes
3 skills every middle school boy needs | Jerome Hunter
March 17, 2023 14:49 - 9 minutes - 5.71 MBMiddle school is a time like no other, as significant biological and emotional changes coincide with profound personal growth, says educator Jerome Hunter. The middle school for boys that he founded centers on a program that helps redefine masculinity through what he calls the three "Cs" -- confidence, communication and community. He shares the growth he's seen when boys are encouraged to explore their own empathy -- and how it could lead to a more just world.
The surprising psychology behind your urge to break the rules | Paul Bloom
March 16, 2023 14:57 - 10 minutes - 6.31 MBWe all experience it: that desire to do something wrong just for the sake of it. Whether it's walking on manicured grass or sticking your finger in a friend's ice cream, psychologist Paul Bloom invites us to see the clever, creative and beautiful side of these minor impulses to do bad. He dives into the psychology behind this all-too-human condition -- and proposes that it helps make our world a little more unpredictable and fun.
Your 3-step guide to setting better boundaries at work | Nedra Glover Tawwab
March 15, 2023 14:22 - 6 minutes - 3.88 MBKnow you should establish clear limits at work but not sure how to do it? Here are a few strategies from relationship therapist and author Nedra Glover Tawwab that can help you feel more empowered and less overwhelmed, both on and off the job.
Who owns the internet of the future? | Ordinary Things
March 14, 2023 14:57 - 10.3 MBThe emergence of data-driven mass surveillance "is threatening to turn privacy into a relic of the 20th century," says the anonymous YouTube creator known as Ordinary Things. Meanwhile, state-funded troll farms are spreading disinformation and curating chaos on platforms meant to connect us and revolutionize the way we live. Ordinary Things gives an enlightening account of the internet's strengths and weaknesses, warning that the fight for a free internet is a fight for our collectiv...
3 elements of true fun -- and how to have more of it | Catherine Price
March 13, 2023 15:00 - 20 minutes - 12 MBWhat comes to mind when you think about the most fun moments of your life? Science journalist Catherine Price asked thousands of people across the world this question, and their answers led her to a new definition of "true" fun: a special confluence of playfulness, connection and flow. Hear her thoughts on why having fun is good for your mental and physical health and how to identify the tell-tale signs of "fake" fun -- as well as actionable tips for identifying what brings you joy. ...
How to be a team player -- without burning out | Rob Cross
March 11, 2023 11:00 - 5 minutes - 3.59 MBCollaboration in the workplace is more important than ever -- but it's making us less productive in some ways. Here's what collaboration pioneer Rob Cross says is driving us to take on way too much -- and how we can reclaim our time and our peace of mind.
Gourmet food for the final frontier | Phnam Bagley
March 10, 2023 15:55 - 10 minutes - 5.96 MBWhat does an in-flight meal look like when you're traveling to Mars? Designer Phnam Bagley envisions a future where astronauts have nourishing, flavorful food reminiscent of home -- a giant leap from their current staple of "goop-in-a-bag." Learn more about her team's gourmet creations for galactic travel and how these innovations can improve life here on Earth.
How video games can level up the way you learn | Kris Alexander
March 09, 2023 15:50 - 12 minutes - 7.42 MBVideo games naturally tap into the way we learn: they focus our attention and track our progress as we head toward a clear goal. Kris Alexander, a professor of video game design and passionate gamer himself, thinks the same elements should be used in traditional education to cater to different learning styles and engage students across the world, both in-person and online.
What if women built the world they want to see? | Emily Pilloton-Lam
March 08, 2023 11:00 - 12 minutes - 6.41 MBOnly four percent of construction workers are female -- that's totally unacceptable, but it's also a huge opportunity both for women and for the trades, says youth educator and builder Emily Pilloton-Lam. She makes the case for putting power (and power tools) into the hands of young women and gender-expansive youth, dreaming of inclusive construction sites and daring to ask: What if women built the world they want to see? (Plus, Pilloton-Lam dazzles with a live demo of her own woodwo...
The clean energy hub of the future | Rebekah Shirley
March 07, 2023 15:55 - 7 minutes - 4.81 MBWhy aren't more people investing in Africa's green energy? Environmental researcher Rebekah Shirley outlines the continent's immense potential for renewable power and calls for collaborative international investment -- and partnership -- in Africa's climate future. "Let's cut past the talk and focus on unleashing the avalanche of a clean energy future that Africa is ready to deliver," says Shirley.
The fantastically weird world of photosynthetic sea slugs | Michael Middlebrooks
March 06, 2023 15:45 - 6.09 MBMeet the fantastically colorful and astonishingly adaptable sea slugs that found a way to photosynthesize (or create energy from sunlight) like plants. Diving deep into these often overlooked creatures, invertebrate zoologist Michael Middlebrooks introduces the solar-powered slugs that lost their shells -- but gained the ability to directly harness the power of the sun.
How to quit your job -- without ruining your career | Gala Jackson
March 04, 2023 11:00 - 6 minutes - 3.91 MBStuck in an unfulfilling or stagnant job? To achieve a smooth departure without burning bridges, try this three-step exit strategy from career coach Gala Jackson. She'll help you move on to your next position with courage, confidence and clarity.
How one small idea led to $1 million of paid water bills | Tiffani Ashley Bell
March 03, 2023 15:45 - 11 minutes - 6.88 MBWhen programmer Tiffani Ashley Bell learned that thousands of people in Detroit were facing water shutoffs because they couldn't afford to pay their bills, she decided to take action -- in the simplest, most obvious way possible. It's an inspiring story of how one person with tenacity and an idea can create monumental change -- and a demonstration that each of us can find our own way to help the world, even if it means starting without all the answers.
How to escape the cynicism trap | Jamil Zaki
March 02, 2023 11:00 - 12 minutes - 7.58 MBSome days, it's hard to be optimistic. But cynicism -- the idea that people are inherently selfish, greedy and dishonest -- is making humanity lonelier and more divided, says psychologist Jamil Zaki. Presenting fascinating research on cooperation, empathy and trust, Zaki makes the scientific case for optimism and shows us how to break out of the cynicism trap.
The nostalgia behind your favorite Chinese food | Vincent Yeow Lim
March 01, 2023 11:00 - 5.56 MBAs a proud and passionate restaurant owner, Vincent Yeow Lim takes after his father and grandfather in the family tradition of Chinese cooking. Lim makes a delicious case to elevate the reputation of Chinese food, sharing why the comforting flavors behind iconic dishes -- like a hearty helping of perfectly made fried rice -- come from a long line of love, nostalgia and mastery that deserves to be recognized.
The fascinating physics of insect pee | Saad Bhamla
February 28, 2023 15:52 - 9 minutes - 5.1 MBScientist Saad Bhamla is on a mission to answer a question most people don't think to ask: How do insects pee? Taking inspiration from the incredible "butt flickers" of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Bhamla presents a fascinating study of the physics behind how bugs take care of business and invites us to be more curious about the seemingly mundane.
3 steps to getting what you want in a negotiation | Ruchi Sinha
February 27, 2023 11:00 - 5 minutes - 3.26 MBWe negotiate all the time at work -- for raises, promotions, time off -- and we usually go into it like it's a battle. But it's not about dominating, says organizational psychologist Ruchi Sinha. It's about crafting a relationship, understanding your needs and the other person's. Her three key steps will help you master this essential skill.
What women athletes need to unlock their full potential | Kate Ackerman
February 24, 2023 16:11 - 9.58 MBAs a sports scientist, athlete and director of the Female Athlete Program at Boston Children's Hospital, Kate Ackerman understands that women athletes need more than pretty sports bras or new sneakers to achieve peak performance -- they need true investment committed to their health and well-being. Ackerman advocates for a long overdue sports medical system that's dedicated to the study and development of women athletes, supporting lifelong success on and off the field.
What girls and women in sports need to unlock their potential | Kate Ackerman
February 24, 2023 16:11 - 9.58 MBAs a sports scientist, athlete and director of the Female Athlete Program at Boston Children's Hospital, Kate Ackerman understands that women athletes need more than pretty sports bras or new sneakers to achieve peak performance -- they need true investment committed to their health and well-being. Ackerman advocates for a long overdue sports medical system that's dedicated to the study and development of women athletes, supporting lifelong success on and off the field.
The surprising climate benefits of sharing your stuff | Tessa Clarke
February 23, 2023 16:04 - 11 minutes - 6.88 MBThere's something simple we can all do to help the planet -- and it's probably not what you think. With one-third of all the food we produce globally each year being thrown away, entrepreneur Tessa Clarke believes that sharing more and wasting less is an underrated solution to the climate crisis. Learn more about how you can join the growing movement reducing waste and building community worldwide.
4 proven ways to kick your procrastination habit | Ayelet Fishbach
February 22, 2023 15:53 - 29 minutes - 17 MBYou've got a long list of things you want to do, but there's just one problem: you can't seem to get -- or stay -- motivated. Social psychologist Ayelet Fishbach is here to help. She offers insights on the science of motivation along with tips and cognitive tricks to help you reach your goals while staying happy, healthy and engaged. (This conversation, hosted by TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers, was part of an exclusive TED Membership event. Visit ted.com/membe...
The massive machines removing carbon from Earth's atmosphere | Jan Wurzbacher
February 21, 2023 15:47 - 11 minutes - 6.7 MBTo restrain global warming, we know we need to drastically reduce pollution. The very next step after that: using both natural and technological solutions to trap as much excess carbon dioxide from the air as possible. Enter Orca, the world's first large-scale direct air capture and storage plant, built in Iceland by the team at Climeworks, led by climate entrepreneur Jan Wurzbacher. This plant is capable of removing 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the air each year. With affordabi...
The massive machines cleaning Earth's atmosphere | Jan Wurzbacher
February 21, 2023 15:47 - 11 minutes - 6.7 MBTo restrain global warming, we know we need to drastically reduce pollution. The very next step after that: using both natural and technological solutions to trap as much excess carbon dioxide from the air as possible. Enter Orca, the world's first large-scale direct air capture and storage plant, built in Iceland by the team at Climeworks, led by climate entrepreneur Jan Wurzbacher. This plant is capable of removing 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the air each year. With affordabi...
3 rules to help you build a successful business | Julissa Prado
February 20, 2023 11:00 - 4 minutes - 2.96 MBHave an idea you're yearning to turn into a business? Julissa Prado, founder and CEO of Rizos Curls, explains how she was inspired by the Latino and immigrant communities she grew up in -- and shares 3 principles that guide her in her work.
3 steps to help kids process traumatic events | Kristen Nguyen
February 17, 2023 15:54 - 11 minutes - 6.74 MBWhat do we say to kids when intensely traumatic events interrupt everyday life? Whether you're a teacher, parent or community builder, educator Kristen Nguyen provides three research-backed steps for navigating these difficult conversations, restoring a sense of safety and facilitating collective healing.
What if buildings created energy instead of consuming it? | Ksenia Petrichenko
February 16, 2023 11:00 - 13 minutes - 8.03 MBBuildings are bad news for the climate -- but they don't have to be. While our structures are currently responsible for a third of global energy consumption and emissions, a future where they create more energy than they consume is possible. Energy policy analyst Ksenia Petrichenko has a three-tiered strategy for thinking differently about buildings, transforming them from passive users to active players in the energy system and bringing us closer to our climate targets.
How everyday interactions shape your future | Mesmin Destin
February 15, 2023 16:01 - 9.78 MBA few words can change the course of a life; they have the power to shrink, expand or transform someone's identity -- even your own. Social psychologist Mesmin Destin explores how everyday interactions and experiences play a powerful part in who we become, sharing the key moments and messages that can inspire us to grow into our best selves.
The science of falling in love | Shannon Odell
February 14, 2023 11:00 - 6 minutes - 2.76 MBLove is often described as heartwarming, heart-wrenching, or even heartbreaking— and your brain is responsible for all these feelings. The journey from first spark to the last tear is guided by a symphony of neurochemicals and brain systems. Shannon Odell explores what happens in your brain when you fall in love, how it responds to a relationship, and how it reacts to a breakup. [Directed by Biljana Labović, narrated by Alexandra Panzer, music by Samuel Bellingham].
3 steps of anxiety overload -- and how you can take back control | Lisa Damour
February 13, 2023 16:03 - 21 minutes - 12.4 MBAnxiety is a normal part of life, so why are we so afraid of it? Psychologist Lisa Damour breaks down how to recognize when anxiety is helpful and when it's harmful, offering simple solutions for calming yourself and taking back control when you feel it slipping away. (This conversation, hosted by TED science curator David Biello, was part of an exclusive TED Membership event. Visit ted.com/membership to become a TED Member.)
What working parents really need from workplaces | Angela Garbes
February 12, 2023 11:00 - 4 minutes - 3.25 MBWhat if we started treating parenting like the real work it is? Podcast host and CEO Angela Garbes details how working families have evolved -- and how companies haven't -- and gives insight into what parents really need from their colleagues and workplaces.
Something in the Water: Where Do Great Athletes Come From? | Good Sport
February 10, 2023 11:00 - 34 minutes - 20.2 MB"Muck City," Florida. Kinston, North Carolina. The courts of New York City in the 80s and 90s. These places share one unique trait: they found a way to produce a particular kind of great athlete, over and over. Is there something in the water – or is it something else? In our first episode, host Jody Avirgan talks to sports journalist Bomani Jones and Olympic table tennis coach Rajul Sheth about talent "hotbeds," the role opportunity and access play in crafting success, and the impor...
Is democracy doomed? The global fight for our future | Timothy Snyder
February 08, 2023 15:59 - 32 minutes - 19.1 MBIf you think democracy is some kind of inevitable, default setting for the world, then you aren't going to have it for very long, says historian and author Timothy Snyder. From World War I to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Snyder dives into the structures that uplift and tear down political systems, offering a historical perspective on the current state of democracy around the world as well as the patterns of thought that lead to tyranny. Learn more about a new approach to democrac...
A for-profit mindset for nonprofit success | Tolu Oyekan
February 07, 2023 15:42 - 12 minutes - 7.42 MBHow can nonprofits accelerate their impact and move the needle on intractable problems? Looking to bring the urgency of a profit motive to every initiative, inclusive finance promoter Tolu Oyekan shows how scalable, data-driven solutions are expanding access to banking and financial services across Africa -- and shares the mindset that can help any business meet its goals with speed and precision.
5 tips for dealing with meeting overload | Cindy Solomon
February 06, 2023 11:00 - 5 minutes - 3.32 MBCould this meeting have been an email? The phenomenon of "calendar creep," where meetings completely take over your work days, is wasting time, energy and productivity -- but you can take back control. Leadership expert Cindy Solomon shares her five tips for clearing up your schedule and getting your calendar to work for you, not against you.
Could fungi actually be the key to humanity's survival? | David Andrew Quist
February 03, 2023 16:10 - 8.5 MBAfter a billion years of evolution, fungi are masters of invention and resilience. What wisdom can we draw from their long, remarkable existence? Mycologist David Andrew Quist explores how fungi's innate biointelligence, penchant for collaboration and incredible regeneration abilities can show us new ways to think about complex problems -- and may hold the secret to humanity's survival on Earth.
The secret to making new friends as an adult | Marisa G. Franco
February 02, 2023 15:53 - 31 minutes - 18.5 MBMaking friends as an adult can feel like a baffling obstacle course. Why was it so much easier to connect as kids? To help you find well-rounded and fulfilling friendships, psychologist Marisa Franco discusses science-backed tips on how to make (and keep) friends, like the optimism-inducing "acceptance prophecy" and the shame-reducing "theory of chums." Learn more about the power of platonic love and how it can help you experience the full richness and complexity of who you are. (Thi...
How Black queer culture shaped history | Channing Gerard Joseph
February 01, 2023 15:57 - 8 minutes - 5.01 MBNames like Bayard Rustin, Frances Thompson and William Dorsey Swann have been largely erased from US history, but they and other Black queer leaders played central roles in monumental movements like emancipation, civil rights and LGBTQ+ pride, among others. In this tribute to forgotten icons, queer culture historian and TED Fellow Channing Gerard Joseph shares their little-known stories, connecting the origins of drag in the 1880s to the present day and exploring the awesome power to...
The fairy tales of the fossil fuel industry -- and a better climate story | Luisa Neubauer
January 31, 2023 15:48 - 9 minutes - 5.97 MBThe fossil fuel industry is a factory of fairy tales, says activist and School Strike for Climate organizer Luisa Neubauer. Tracing the industry's five-decade trickle of lies about climate science, she busts the myth that economic growth and stability are dependent on fossil fuels -- and issues a resounding message about how we can actually move towards a just world. "[The future] won't be built for those who have brought us into this mess," she says. "It will be built for everyone e...
How to participate in your own legal defense | Lam Ho
January 30, 2023 16:06 - 6 minutes - 4.15 MBLawyers are advocates for their clients -- and, in court, they're usually the ones who do the talking. Should that always be the case? In an effort to shift this power dynamic, TED Fellow and legal aid activist Lam Ho shares how lawyers can create space for people to tell their own stories in the courtroom, making them active participants in the legal process and producing surprisingly positive results.
5 values for repairing the harms of colonialism | Jing Corpuz
January 27, 2023 15:50 - 13 minutes - 8 MBIndigenous wisdom can help solve the planetary crises that colonialism started, says lawyer Jennifer "Jing" Corpuz. Her ancestors, the Kankanaey-Igorot people of the Philippines, are known for creating the Banaue Rice Terraces: centuries-old irrigated mountain terraces that illustrate the magic of humanity living in harmony with nature. Corpuz shares five values that have guided her people as they successfully fought against development aggression and invites everyone to pursue a mor...
The ecstasy of Eskista, an ancient Ethiopian dance | Melaku Belay
January 26, 2023 15:54 - 14 minutes - 5.18 MBBy mastering the Eskista, an ancient Ethiopian dance, TED Fellow Melaku Belay survived a childhood on the streets and became a voice for his country. He shares how traditional dances can connect the wisdom of the past to the energy of the future -- and, after the talk, delivers a thrilling performance of Eskista accompanied by a free-jazz ensemble. (In Amharic with consecutive English translation by filmmaker Mehret Mandefro)
Hidden connections that transcend borders and defy stereotypes | Aparna Bharadwaj
January 25, 2023 15:38 - 12 minutes - 6.42 MBGlobal consumer strategist Aparna Bharadwaj shares a fascinating glimpse at under-the-radar affinities that transcend cultures and borders -- from the way people snack in China and Saudi Arabia to how people shop for clothes in the US and Russia. "There are patterns where you least expect them," she says -- and paying attention to them just might bring the world a little bit closer.
How millennials and Gen Z can invest in a better future | Miguel Goncalves
January 24, 2023 11:00 - 9 minutes - 5.66 MBMillennials and Gen Z will inherit 30 trillion dollars of wealth in the coming decades, and what they do with their money will have an incredible impact on the future of the planet, says impact investor Miguel Goncalves. He makes a case for ESG investing -- or putting money in funds that weigh environmental and social factors -- and proposes a societal shift towards a more sustainable and equitable future, led by a forward-thinking next generation.
The one question every aspiring leader needs to ask | Constance Hockaday
January 23, 2023 15:57 - 6 minutes - 3.82 MBWhat does inclusive leadership look like? Artist and TED Fellow Constance Hockaday shares how the captain of a trans-Atlantic community raft taught her how to voice her hopes and desires, inspiring a vision of possibility for the future. Hockaday calls for mentors everywhere to step up and invites aspiring leaders to answer one crucial question in order to unlock their agency and power.
The case for free, universal basic services | Aaron Bastani
January 20, 2023 15:54 - 19 minutes - 11.3 MBSeveral crises are set to define the next century -- but journalist Aaron Bastani believes we have the technological ability to meet our biggest challenges and create unprecedented levels of prosperity for all. He shows how we could get there by ditching capitalism as the world's economic operating system and adopting "universal basic services," where governments would freely provide life essentials like housing, health care, education and transport. (Followed by Q&A with head of TED...
A socialist perspective on the pursuit of happiness | Aaron Bastani
January 20, 2023 15:54 - 19 minutes - 11.3 MBSeveral crises are set to define the next century -- but journalist Aaron Bastani believes we have the technological ability to meet our biggest challenges and create unprecedented levels of prosperity for all. He shows how we could get there by ditching capitalism as the world's economic operating system and adopting "universal basic services," where governments would freely provide life essentials like housing, health care, education and transport. (Followed by Q&A with head of TED...
Where does your sense of self come from? A scientific look | Anil Ananthaswamy
January 19, 2023 15:59 - 12 minutes - 7.45 MBOur memories and bodies give us clues about who we are, but what happens when this guidance shifts? In this mind-bending talk, science writer Anil Ananthaswamy shares how the experiences of "altered selves" -- resulting from schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, foreign limb syndrome or other conditions -- shed light on the constructed nature of identity. He breaks down where our sense of self comes from and invites us to challenge our assumptions about who we are, with the aim of building a b...
Can we feed ourselves without devouring the planet? | George Monbiot
January 18, 2023 15:49 - 15 minutes - 9.29 MBFarming is the worst thing humanity has ever done to the planet, says journalist George Monbiot. What's more: the global food system could be heading toward collapse. Detailing the technological solutions we need to radically reshape food production -- from lab-grown, protein-rich foods to crops that don't require plowing -- Monbiot shares a future-focused vision of how humanity could feed itself without destroying the planet.
How to recognize privilege – and uplift those without it | Mariam Veiszadeh
January 17, 2023 16:12 - 15 minutes - 7.47 MBDepending on your lot in life, you may see the status quo as a result of unearned privilege or a simple reflection of merit. Backed by statistics and personal stories, lawyer Mariam Veiszadeh offers a much-needed perspective check on the quasi-equality touted in business today, calling for real change in workplace diversity and inclusion that routs out biases rather than replicating them.
How to recognize privilege – and uplift those without it | Mariam Veiszadeh
January 17, 2023 16:12 - 15 minutes - 7.47 MBDepending on your lot in life, you may see the status quo as a result of unearned privilege or a simple reflection of merit. Backed by statistics and personal stories, lawyer Mariam Veiszadeh offers a much-needed perspective check on the quasi-equality touted in business today, calling for real change in workplace diversity and inclusion that routs out biases rather than replicating them.