TED Talks Daily (HD video)
1,788 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 9 hours ago - ★★★★ - 740 ratingsTED is a nonprofit devoted to ideas worth spreading. On this video feed, you'll find TED Talks to inspire, intrigue and stir the imagination from some of the world's leading thinkers and doers, speaking from the stage at TED conferences, TEDx events and partner events around the world. This podcast is also available in SD video and audio-only formats.
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Episodes
How to build democracy — in an authoritarian country | Tessza Udvarhelyi
January 10, 2024 15:42 - 12 minutes Video"Today, Hungary is in the gray zone between a dictatorship and a democracy," says activist Tessza Udvarhelyi. "This did not happen overnight." In a rousing talk, she reminds us just how close any country can come to authoritarianism — and offers on-the-ground lessons for how to keep democracy alive through focus, determination and imagination. (Followed by a brief Q&A with TED curator Cloe Shasha Brooks)
The US vs. itself — and other top global risks in 2024 | Ian Bremmer
January 09, 2024 20:50 - 42 minutes Video2024 will be a dangerous year for the world, says Ian Bremmer, president and founder of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media. Forecasting the top geopolitical risks set to play out in the months to come, he untangles what's in store for the war in Ukraine, the state of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the tensions putting democracy in the United States to the test — all while AI continues to evolve faster than governments can regulate it. (This interview, hosted by TED's Helen Walters, was rec...
It's time for infectious generosity. Here's how | Chris Anderson
January 09, 2024 17:36 - 19 minutes VideoWhat would happen to humanity if generosity went viral? Sharing transformative stories from around the world, head of TED Chris Anderson outlines why the time has come for the internet to realize its power to supercharge small acts of kindness, changing lives at a scale never experienced before. Learn how to cultivate a generous mindset — with or without giving money — and get inspired with tools to amplify your impact. "Be brave. Give what you can, and then be absolutely amazed at w...
Is alternative meat the recipe for a healthier planet? | Tao Zhang
January 08, 2024 15:53 - 10 minutes VideoA Chinese saying goes, "There's no pleasure in eating without meat." And the data backs that up: every year, China consumes 26 percent of the world's meat and 45 percent of its seafood — numbers that could grow alongside rising incomes. Impact investor Tao Zhang shows why getting Chinese consumers to switch to plant-based alternatives is vital to tackling climate change and explores how it's also a massive business opportunity to bring tasty, affordable new proteins to market.
Enough red tape — we need to say yes to clean energy | Rich Powell
January 05, 2024 15:59 - 11 minutes VideoClimate innovation leader Rich Powell dives into the bureaucracy, bottlenecks and not-in-my-backyard attitude preventing the US from achieving its green energy goals, warning that we need about 10,000 new clean energy projects to be built in the US this decade if we're to reach net zero by 2050. Learn more about what's needed to fight NIMBYism, get serious about the energy transition — and get out of our own way.
Don't be a jerk to your barista — and other thoughts on frontline work | Adriann Negreros
January 05, 2024 15:54 - 12 minutes VideoAll jobs, especially those held by frontline workers, should have dignity and the ability to turn into great careers, says change management expert Adriann Negreros. From shift flexibility to ending work on time, he outlines what he calls the "handbook of humanity" — people-centered ideas for change, rooted in empathy — that, when implemented, can redefine the nature of frontline work.
The vital data you flush down the toilet | Newsha Ghaeli
January 04, 2024 15:51 - 9 minutes Video"Everybody pees and poops — and we know that urine and stool contain a rich source of information on our health," says data detective Newsha Ghaeli. Exploring the growing field of wastewater epidemiology, she shows how studying sewage can (anonymously) reveal a lot about the collective well-being of our cities — leading to real-time quality-of-life improvements like tracking pandemics, updating social policies and much more.
What's your leadership language? | Rosita Najmi
January 03, 2024 15:57 - 8 minutes VideoIn a globe-trotting career that has spanned corporations, governments, nonprofits and philanthropy, Rosita Najmi has often found herself translating among them. Instead of focusing on leadership style, she makes the case for becoming fluent in the languages of leadership, explaining how it can help you adapt to audiences across industries and collectively achieve your goals.
Life is hard. Art helps | Liana Finck
January 02, 2024 15:56 - 7 minutes VideoCartoonist Liana Finck's drawings hold our hands through life's predicaments, big and small: dating, breakups, what to make for dinner, how to leave a party without being rude, how to think about our relationship with God. In a funny, moving talk, she shares some of her drawings and shows how she uses creativity to navigate false starts and cluelessness in the search for belonging.
Why businesses need a dreamer's magic and a doer's realism | Beth Viner
December 21, 2023 15:44 - 11 minutes VideoAt work, the dreamers often get credit for the big ideas, but they can also sometimes seem untethered to reality to the doers, who are trying to ... get things done. It's when these two types of humans work in harmony that business magic happens, says culture strategist Beth Viner. She lays out a practical blueprint for harnessing the dreamer's out-of-the-box thinking and the doer's practicality, showing why it's the key to building, growing and innovating in any relationship or orga...
When AI can fake reality, who can you trust? | Sam Gregory
December 20, 2023 15:59 - 12 minutes VideoWe're fast approaching a world where widespread, hyper-realistic deepfakes lead us to dismiss reality, says technologist and human rights advocate Sam Gregory. What happens to democracy when we can't trust what we see? Learn three key steps to protecting our ability to distinguish human from synthetic — and why fortifying our perception of truth is crucial to our AI-infused future.
My mission to change the narrative of mental health | Glenn Close
December 19, 2023 15:45 - 12 minutes VideoLegendary actor and mental health advocate Glenn Close is on a quest to change how we think about mental health, starting with her decision to speak out about her own family's struggles — a brave choice considering the stigma that pervades the topic. In a sweeping conversation with TEDWomen curator Pat Mitchell, Close shares the inspiration behind the advocacy group she founded to combat the crisis, underscoring the transformative power of community and the critical need for comprehe...
Why you should embrace mediocrity | Crispin Thurlow
December 18, 2023 15:57 - 10 minutes VideoFrom "elite" pickles to "premium" baby diapers, marketers are constantly telling us to seek superiority — but "by the simple law of averages, most of us have to live a life more ordinary," says sociolinguist Crispin Thurlow. He invites us to embrace mediocrity for a change, offering a different path to contentedness without comparison.
Why AI will spark exponential economic growth | Cathie Wood
December 15, 2023 19:49 - 14 minutes VideoInvestor Cathie Wood explores this unique moment in technology, which she sees as being marked by the simultaneous evolution of five pivotal innovation platforms — a scenario unparalleled in history. Exploring the role of AI in reshaping economic paradigms, she predicts a surge in global GDP growth and productivity, underscoring the need for businesses and investors to adapt in order to keep up.
"Hey Look Ma, I Made It" / "Believer" | Detroit Youth Choir
December 15, 2023 15:41 - 6 minutes VideoDetroit Youth Choir rocks the house with a performance of "Hey Look Ma, I Made It" by Panic! At The Disco and "Believer" by Imagine Dragons, putting their vocals (and dance moves) on full display.
How to build a global pro-democracy movement | Yordanos Eyoel
December 15, 2023 15:35 - 12 minutes Video"Democracy is the most compelling vision we have for self-governance," says freedom advocate Yordanos Eyoel. Taking a stand against predatory and opportunist authoritarian forces, she shares how to reimagine, accelerate and protect the pro-democracy movement — to build societies that are both functional and inclusive.
What happens as we die? | Kathryn Mannix
December 14, 2023 15:59 - 14 minutes VideoHave we lost the practical wisdom of what happens as people die? With lessons from a career witnessing thousands of people's final breaths, palliative care expert Kathryn Mannix urges us to demystify the experience of death, sharing how a better understanding of what actually happens can reduce fear in the final days, for you and your loved ones.
Why helping people makes you happy | Asha Curran
December 14, 2023 15:56 - 12 minutes Video"We underestimate the power of our own generous actions," says Asha Curran, CEO of the global generosity movement GivingTuesday. Sharing stories of people making a difference through simple acts of kindness, she shows how generosity, even in its simplest forms, can be a transformative force — and explains why we all benefit from a world grounded in giving.
How acts of kindness sparked a global movement | Asha Curran
December 14, 2023 15:56 - 12 minutes Video"We underestimate the power of our own generous actions," says Asha Curran, CEO of the global generosity movement GivingTuesday. Sharing stories of people making a difference through simple acts of kindness, she shows how generosity, even in its simplest forms, can be a transformative force — and explains why we all benefit from a world grounded in giving.
Time is running out on climate change. The metaverse could help | Cedrik Neike
December 13, 2023 15:57 - 9 minutes VideoThe metaverse could be our key to making real progress in the fight against climate change, says engineer Cedrik Neike. Examining how AI-powered modeling eliminates the trial and error of wasteful industries, he explores how this emerging technology is already improving everything from the gigafactories that churn out electric car batteries to the fuel efficiency of your home. Learn more about how these "digital twins" are transforming the world — and not a moment too soon.
Life lessons from Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 | Benjamin Zander
December 11, 2023 15:45 - 19 minutes VideoLegendary conductor Benjamin Zander explains his view on the difference between "positive thinking" and "possibility" (one's a fraud; the other's the real thing, he says) and intersperses delightful stories from a lifetime in music with a sing-along to Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.
TED Explores: A New Climate Vision | TED Countdown
December 11, 2023 14:19 - 56 minutes VideoThe impacts of climate change are growing, but so are the world's attempts to stop them. Hosted by Manoush Zomorodi of the TED Radio Hour, this special TED documentary examines the rapid technological revolution underway — and the real possibility of a better future for all. Featuring urban planner Anika Goss, scientist and carbon expert Julio Friedmann, UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell, auto industry sustainability leader Cynthia Williams, and multi-generational farmers Jim and Jessica...
How stress drains your brain — and what to do about it | Nicole Byers
December 08, 2023 16:07 - 9 minutes VideoDo you ever feel extra forgetful? Stress could be the culprit. In a fascinating talk about how your memory works, neuropsychologist Nicole Byers shares the science behind how stress drains your brain's resources, making it harder to remember things and easier to make mistakes. But fear not: she also shares a simple solution to recharge your brain and get your memory back on track.
Why science needs to get behind natural medicine | Jeff Chen
December 08, 2023 16:00 - 3 minutes VideoPharmaceutical companies often only patent drugs they can monetize, creating synthetic versions of remedies already available in nature. In this quick talk, physician and entrepreneur Jeff Chen offers a path to affordable, effective natural medicines — for everyone.
The unifying power of grace | Sean Goode
December 08, 2023 15:58 - 3 minutes Video"Will you forgive me?" asks community leader Sean Goode. He proposes that the promise of forgiveness before wrongdoing — what he calls "unapologetic grace" — can empower people to share their truths and create space to bridge our differences.
How stem cells orchestrate healing — and how to speed it up | Kevin Stone
December 08, 2023 15:55 - 3 minutes VideoFrom synthetic embryos to lab-grown skin, we live in a brave new world of stem cell advances. So why can it still take years to recover from injury? Orthopedic surgeon Kevin Stone is working to accelerate the body's healing response so you could recover in a matter of days or weeks, not months or years.
The future of repairing the human body | Nina Tandon
December 08, 2023 15:19 - 5 minutes VideoAs humans live longer than ever before, we need our implants to last as long as we do, says bioengineer Nina Tandon. Using stem cells and digital fabrication, she's working on growing anatomically precise spare parts for the human body, replacing damaged bones, cartilage and more with implants that fit perfectly and hold up for a lifetime.
True love — and the myth of "happily ever after" | Francesca Hogi
December 08, 2023 15:15 - 3 minutes Video"The fairytale industrial complex has been lying to you," says love coach and podcast host Francesca Hogi. Having spent years talking to thousands of people about their romantic hopes and dreams, she introduces a new possibility for our collective romantic future, one that recognizes that each of us holds the keys to true love within ourselves.
The transformative potential of AGI — and when it might arrive | Shane Legg and Chris Anderson
December 07, 2023 22:02 - 16 minutes VideoAs the cofounder of Google DeepMind, Shane Legg is driving one of the greatest transformations in history: the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI). He envisions a system with human-like intelligence that would be exponentially smarter than today's AI, with limitless possibilities and applications. In conversation with head of TED Chris Anderson, Legg explores the evolution of AGI, what the world might look like when it arrives — and how to ensure it's built safely an...
AI's single point of failure | Rob Toews
December 07, 2023 19:17 - 11 minutes Video"The world's most important advanced technology is nearly all produced in a single facility," says AI expert Rob Toews. He describes how one company in Taiwan, TSMC, manufactures nearly all the most advanced semiconductor chips — a crucial technology that powers everything from phones to electric vehicles to next-generation artificial intelligence — and breaks down how geopolitical tensions in the region could paralyze the global field of AI.
Can AI catch what doctors miss? | Eric Topol
December 07, 2023 15:59 - 14 minutes VideoAI could propel the biggest transformation in the history of medicine, says physician-scientist Eric Topol. He explains how sophisticated AI models can interpret medical images as well or better than human experts can — and, beyond that, even pick up things that human eyes can't see. Learn all the ways AI is poised to make a difference for both patients and doctors.
What will happen to marketing in the age of AI? | Jessica Apotheker
December 07, 2023 15:57 - 10 minutes VideoGenerative AI is poised to transform the workplace, but we still need human brains for new ideas, says marketing expert Jessica Apotheker. She explores how marketers can find their niche in the world of AI based on their preference for data or creativity, offering a pragmatic and hopeful look at the future of business.
How to find humor in life's absurdity | Maira Kalman
December 06, 2023 15:55 - 14 minutes VideoWith levity and profound insight, artist Maira Kalman reflects on life, death, dinner parties, not knowing the right answers, the joys of eating a hot dog from a street vendor and more. This talk, interwoven with her delightful paintings, is itself an artwork that seems to hold the entirety of life in all its absurd glory.
How to stop the next pandemic? Stop deforestation | Neil Vora
December 05, 2023 15:58 - 9 minutes VideoClearing tropical forests isn't just dangerous to the natural world — it's also a threat to human health and wellbeing, says physician Neil Vora. Tracing how environmental devastation led to deadly epidemics like Ebola, he presents three ways deforestation unleashes disease and calls on each of us to help preserve the delicate ecological balance we depend upon.
Democracy works — we just need better leaders | Lindiwe Mazibuko
December 04, 2023 16:04 - 12 minutes VideoSouth Africa transitioned to democracy in the 1990s with a visionary constitution, but the promises of that constitution are largely unfulfilled to this day. Public leader Lindiwe Mazibuko explores how poor leadership failed to deliver a better life for the country's citizens — and shares her mission to cultivate a new generation of ethical leaders who can revitalize democracy in South Africa and beyond.
A playbook on financing climate solutions | Nili Gilbert and David Blood
December 01, 2023 15:56 - 13 minutes VideoTackling climate change costs a lot of money — and the financial sector is key to getting that money flowing. In a wide-ranging conversation, sustainable investment leaders Nili Gilbert and David Blood discuss where progress is being made on climate solutions, where capital still needs to move faster and why this is an unprecedented opportunity for sustainable growth.
A playbook for financing climate solutions | Nili Gilbert and David Blood
December 01, 2023 15:56 - 13 minutes VideoTackling climate change costs a lot of money — and the financial sector is key to getting that money flowing. In a wide-ranging conversation, sustainable investment leaders Nili Gilbert and David Blood discuss where progress is being made on climate solutions, where capital still needs to move faster and why this is an unprecedented opportunity for sustainable growth.
How to harness abundant, clean energy for 10 billion people | Julio Friedmann
November 30, 2023 15:57 - 12 minutes VideoWe can produce abundant, sustainable and cheap energy — for everyone, says physicist Julio Friedmann. He explores the infrastructure, innovation and investment needed to supply energy to 10 billion people, offering case studies from Chile's refurbished supply chain, built in partnership with Japan, to Namibia's budding clean hydrogen production, inviting us to envision a greener, more equitably powered world.
Can we hack photosynthesis to feed the world? | Steve Long
November 29, 2023 15:50 - 11 minutes VideoPhotosynthesis is one of the most important processes on the planet, helping produce the food we eat and the air we breathe. Crop scientist Steve Long thinks it could be more efficient — and he's intent on giving it a boost. He shows how hacking photosynthesis could help feed the world all while reducing climate change.
Life on the frontlines of war reporting | Jane Ferguson
November 28, 2023 15:45 - 14 minutes VideoCovering global war stories can be hard and thankless — but it's critical work if the rest of us are to understand what's really going on in the world. For nearly two decades, journalist Jane Ferguson has reported on hostilities across Africa and the Middle East, and she's witnessed firsthand the changing face of her profession. Via stories of her own experiences at the heart of complex conflicts, she shares fascinating details of how she and other female colleagues have changed the ...
The science behind how sickness shapes your mood | Keely Muscatell
November 27, 2023 15:58 - 13 minutes VideoYour immune system is more socially aware than you think, says social neuroscientist and psychology professor Keely Muscatell. Investigating the interconnectedness of your mood and your inflammatory system, she offers an evolutionary reason as to why being sick may make you feel depressed — and vice versa.
A case for a new Great Migration in the US | Charles M. Blow
November 27, 2023 15:51 - 13 minutes VideoSocial progress in the United States often seems to take two steps forward and one step back, with hard-fought civil rights wins countered by a seemingly inevitable backlash. In this spirited talk, writer Charles M. Blow makes the case that history, inverted, suggests a potential path forward. It's an unapologetically provocative proposal that Blow thinks just might spark a real shift toward equality in the US.
The case for a new Great Migration in the US | Charles M. Blow
November 27, 2023 15:51 - 13 minutes VideoSocial progress in the United States often seems to take two steps forward and one step back, with hard-fought civil rights wins countered by a seemingly inevitable backlash. In this spirited talk, writer Charles M. Blow makes the case that history, inverted, suggests a potential path forward. It's an unapologetically provocative proposal that Blow thinks just might spark a real shift toward equality in the US.
Why you shouldn't trust boredom | Kevin H. Gary
November 22, 2023 15:31 - 10 minutes VideoAre you actually bored, or is something else going on? Educator Kevin H. Gary shares three practical takeaways to deal with the doldrums, so you can take control of your attention, figure out which feelings to trust and name the real problem.
When Biden met Xi (and what's going on with the US and China) | Ian Bremmer
November 21, 2023 16:10 - 42 minutes VideoUS President Joe Biden and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping recently met in San Francisco. It was the first time Xi had visited the US in six years — and the first time the two leaders had met in person in a year. Geopolitical expert Ian Bremmer explains the implications of the meeting, sharing context and insight on areas where the pair agree — and flagging key areas where tensions might yet arise. (This conversation with TED's Helen Walters was recorded on Nov...
A crash course in making political change | Katie Fahey
November 21, 2023 16:05 - 15 minutes VideoYou don't need political power to make real change, says activist Katie Fahey. She tells the story of how she led a successful movement in Michigan to end gerrymandering — the practice of drawing district lines to favor one political party — and how it all started with a simple social media post.
The exciting, perilous journey toward AGI | Ilya Sutskever
November 20, 2023 22:43 - 12 minutes VideoJust weeks before the management shakeup at OpenAI rocked Silicon Valley and made international news, the company's cofounder and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever explored the transformative potential of artificial general intelligence (AGI), highlighting how it could surpass human intelligence and profoundly transform every aspect of life. Hear his take on the promises and perils of AGI — and his optimistic case for how unprecedented collaboration will ensure its safe and beneficial d...
Meet methane, the invisible climate villain | Marcelo Mena
November 20, 2023 15:54 - 9 minutes VideoA landfill on fire doesn't only emit a horrid stench — it has devastating consequences for the environment, too. The culprit is methane, an often underestimated greenhouse gas produced in large part by food systems, organic waste and yes, cow burps. Biochemical engineer Marcelo Mena explains the source of this sneaky pollutant, why its emissions need to be cut in half by 2050 — and what you can do to help.
The secret perks of driving electric | Cynthia Williams
November 17, 2023 15:59 - 11 minutes VideoElectric vehicles need to be more than just eco-friendly — they have to be more chic, convenient and affordable than their gas-powered alternatives, says sustainability leader Cynthia Williams. She explores what it'll take for an electric revolution to succeed in the US, calling on corporations, policy leaders, investors and more to collaborate in unprecedented ways.
Are you really as good at something as you think? | Robin Kramer
November 16, 2023 15:48 - 10 minutes VideoDoes confidence equal competence? Not quite. In a talk that will make you better aware of yourself, experimental psychologist Robin Kramer delves into the Dunning-Kruger effect — which argues that those who are least capable often overestimate their skills the most — and explores just how good you are at judging your own abilities.