TED Talks Daily (SD video)
1,303 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 14 hours ago - ★★★★ - 1.7K 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 high-def video and audio-only formats.
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Episodes
CRISPR's next advance is bigger than you think | Jennifer Doudna
September 26, 2023 14:50 - 7 minutes VideoYou've probably heard of CRISPR, the revolutionary technology that allows us to edit the DNA in living organisms. Biochemist and 2023 Audacious Project grantee Jennifer Doudna earned the Nobel Prize for her groundbreaking work in this field -- and now she's here to tell us about its next world-changing advancement. She explains how her team at the Innovative Genomics Institute is pioneering a brand new field of science -- precision microbiome editing -- that uses CRISPR in an effort ...
4 tips to future-proof your career | Michelle R. Weise
September 26, 2023 14:34 - 4 minutes VideoChances are you will have many jobs over the course of your career, but how do you prepare for the ones that don't even exist yet? Education and workforce strategist Michelle R. Weise offers practical advice to help you identify the skills and talents to ace your next career change -- and all the ones to come.
How I found myself -- by impersonating other people | Melissa Villaseñor
September 25, 2023 15:01 - 12 minutes VideoEver think you'd hear Sandra Bullock, Britney Spears and Dolly Parton in one TED Talk? Here they are, courtesy of "Saturday Night Live" star Melissa Villaseñor. She shares the life lessons of a comedian -- complete with celebrity impressions -- and reminds us to embrace all of our voices, even if they're a little silly.
Are we the last generation -- or the first sustainable one? | Hannah Ritchie
September 22, 2023 14:54 - 13 minutes VideoThe word "sustainability" gets thrown around a lot these days. But what does it actually mean for humanity to be sustainable? Environmental data scientist Hannah Ritchie digs into the numbers behind human progress across centuries, unpacking why the conventional understanding of sustainability is misleading and showing how we can be the first generation of humans to actually achieve it.
The simple solution to fast fashion | Josephine Philips
September 21, 2023 14:56 - 8 minutes VideoYour favorite pair of jeans -- the ones you refuse to throw out -- are actually a part of a global climate solution, says fashion entrepreneur Josephine Philips. When you value your existing clothes instead of chasing the latest trends, you help reduce waste and protect our planet for generations to come. Learn more about the impacts of what you wear -- and the incredible power of repairing your clothes.
The secret to successfully pitching an idea | Mar Hershenson
September 21, 2023 13:54 - 4 minutes VideoHave a great idea but sure how to sell it? Investor and teacher Mar Hershenson has you covered. Whether it's sharing a new product with a client or vying for a promotion, these three steps will help you tell an irresistible story and get the "yes" you're looking for.
Can AI help solve the climate crisis? | Sims Witherspoon
September 20, 2023 14:53 - 12 minutes Video"AI can be a transformational tool in our fight against climate change," says Sims Witherspoon, a leader at the AI research lab Google DeepMind. Using wind power as her case study, she explains how powerful neural networks can help us better predict Earth's changing ecosystems and accelerate the breakthrough science needed to create a carbon-free energy supply.
How to supercharge renewables and energize the world | Rebecca Collyer
September 19, 2023 14:57 - 6 minutes VideoThe power sector generates the electricity that sustains modern life -- but it's also the number one contributor to climate change. We need a swift and equitable shift to renewable energy, says 2023 Audacious Project grantee and ReNew2030 executive director Rebecca Collyer. In conversation with TED's David Biello, she introduces a new coalition of governments, businesses and communities that aims to drastically scale wind and solar capacity in the 30 highest-emitting countries. Learn...
An economy powered by sun and wind -- it's almost here | Kala Constantino
September 18, 2023 14:47 - 5 minutes VideoWith some of the highest energy bills in Southeast Asia and extreme weather to match, the Philippines experiences the climate crisis -- and climate activism -- as a part of daily life. Clean energy advocate Kala Constantino highlights how people across the country are coming together to transform policies, power and the economy as the island nation maps out its green revolution.
An extreme weather report from America's weatherman | Al Roker
September 15, 2023 11:26 - 10 minutes VideoIt's not just you: the weather is getting worse. And if there's one person who would know, it's "America's weatherman," Al Roker, who's spent decades reporting live from some of the worst storms and natural disasters in history. He explains how we can each take action to address climate change and work towards a more sustainable, hopeful future for generations to come.
How to solve the world's biggest problems | Natalie Cargill
September 14, 2023 14:45 - 16 minutes VideoSometimes the world's biggest issues can seem so intractable that meaningful change feels impossible. But what if the answer has been right in front of us all along? What if the answer is actually throwing money at the problems? In this thought-provoking talk, philanthropic advisor Natalie Cargill shares what might happen if we came together to spend 3.5 trillion dollars on fixing the world. And, yes, she also has a plan for where to get the money from. (Followed by a Q&A with Anna V...
Can the US and China take on climate change together? | Changhua Wu
September 13, 2023 14:58 - 13 minutes VideoClimate change doesn't care about ideological divides, says policy analyst and China expert Changhua Wu. Here's what she says the US can learn from the progress China has made on the clean energy revolution -- and why collaboration instead of competition is the key to avoiding climate catastrophe.
The single most important parenting strategy | Becky Kennedy
September 13, 2023 11:46 - 14 minutes VideoEveryone loses their temper from time to time — but the stakes are dizzyingly high when the focus of your fury is your own child. Clinical psychologist and renowned parenting whisperer Becky Kennedy is here to help. Not only does she have practical advice to help parents manage the guilt and shame of their not-so-great moments but she also models the types of conversations you can have to be a better parent. (Hint: this works in all other relationships too.) Bottom line? It's never t...
Birds aren't real? How a conspiracy takes flight | Peter McIndoe
September 12, 2023 15:03 - 13 minutes VideoPeter McIndoe isn't a fan of birds. In fact, he has a theory about them that might shock you. Listen along to this eye-opening talk as it takes a turn and makes a larger point about conspiracies, truth and belonging in divisive times.
How to succeed in your new job | Gorick Ng
September 12, 2023 14:33 - 5 minutes VideoStarting a new job can be really scary, but it doesn't have to be. Here's what career navigation expert Gorick Ng says are the keys to making a great first impression, plus what you can do to ensure your new workplace is a great fit long term.
Does more freedom at work mean more fulfillment? | Sarah Aviram
September 11, 2023 14:43 - 10 minutes VideoThe flexibility to work from anywhere won't necessarily make you love your job, says HR leader Sarah Aviram. Sharing practical wisdom from research conducted while working remotely in 12 different countries, she reveals the real challenges that hybrid work policies can't fix -- and shows how to truly thrive at your job no matter where you get it done.
Our creative relationship with AI is just beginning | K Allado-McDowell
September 08, 2023 15:08 - 9 minutes VideoK Allado-McDowell has co-written three books with AI, so they speak from experience when they say that nurturing a creative relationship with these systems can open minds and make new worlds possible. Before giving the stage over to a performance of "Song of the Ambassadors" -- their otherworldly opera, also co-created with AI -- Allado-McDowell presents three principles for a future where machines preserve and even enhance what it means to be human.
How to take the BS out of business speak | Bob Wiltfong
September 07, 2023 14:50 - 19 minutes VideoAt its worst, "business speak" -- or the particular language we use at work -- can be jargony, confusing and even exclusionary. But it doesn't have to be, says journalist and comedian Bob Wiltfong. Showcasing a smattering of corporate acronyms and phrases that don't make much sense without context (think: "OKRs" and "when pigs fly"), he gives three tips on how to cut the BS out of business speak so we can all better understand each other at work.
Why you should stop setting goals (yes, really) | Emmanuel Acho
September 06, 2023 14:58 - 11 minutes VideoIn athletics, in business, in life, everyone sets goals. But that's not the way to excel, according to former NFL player Emmanuel Acho, now an author and TV sports analyst. Here's what he says to do instead.
How to hack your brain when you're in pain | Amy Baxter
September 05, 2023 14:50 - 16 minutes VideoHave we misunderstood pain? Researcher and physician Amy Baxter unravels the symphony of connections that send pain from your body to your brain, explaining practical neuroscience hacks to quickly block those signals. Her groundbreaking research offers alternatives for immediate pain relief -- without the need for addictive opioids. (Followed by a Q&A with TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers)
How "digital twins" could help us predict the future | Karen Willcox
September 01, 2023 14:59 - 15 minutes VideoFrom health-tracking wearables to smartphones and beyond, data collection and computer modeling have become a ubiquitous part of everyday life. Advancements in these areas have given birth to "digital twins," or virtual models that evolve alongside real-world data. Aerospace engineer Karen Willcox explores the incredible possibilities these systems offer across engineering, climate studies and medicine, sharing how they could lead to personalized medicine, better decision-making and ...
The AI-powered tools supercharging your imagination | Bilawal Sidhu
August 31, 2023 14:57 - 6 minutes VideoHow is AI changing the nature of human imagination and creativity? Through a mind-bending tour of new techniques he's been tinkering with, creative technologist Bilawal Sidhu shows how anyone can use AI-powered tools -- like 3D scans that let you redesign the physical world in real time -- to expand the possibilities of artistic expression, often within just minutes.
Why rivals are working together to transform shipping | Bo Cerup-Simonsen
August 29, 2023 14:45 - 7 minutes VideoWhat would it take to make global supply chains cleaner and greener? Bo Cerup-Simonsen -- who's helping decarbonize the maritime industry as CEO of the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping -- discusses why tenacious collaboration is key to orchestrating systemic change. In conversation with TED's Lindsay Levin, he shares important lessons on collective problem-solving and decision-making that could benefit any industry making a green transition.
The first-ever cargo ship powered by green fuel | Morten Bo Christiansen
August 29, 2023 14:42 - 8 minutes VideoThe shipping industry is vital to the global economy, but it's also a huge contributor to the climate crisis. Morten Bo Christiansen, a leader of the energy transition for the global shipping company A.P. Moller – Maersk, talks to TED's Lindsay Levin about the launch of the first-ever cargo ship powered by green methanol, the industry's urgent need to shift away from fossil fuels -- and what it could all mean for people's pockets.
The dream of digital ownership, powered by the metaverse | Yat Siu
August 28, 2023 15:00 - 10 minutes VideoTechnologist Yat Siu believes the "open metaverse" -- a decentralized version of the internet also known as web3 -- is laying the foundation for a freer, fairer, more prosperous society. In a future-focused talk, he explores the transformative possibilities of web3, from enabling digital ownership and the creator economy to providing a much-needed update to capitalism.
The "adjacent possible" -- and how it explains human innovation | Stuart Kauffman
August 25, 2023 15:00 - 12 minutes VideoFrom the astonishing evolutionary advances of the Cambrian explosion to our present-day computing revolution, the trend of dramatic growth after periods of stability can be explained through the theory of the "adjacent possible," says theoretical biologist Stuart Kauffman. Tracing the arc of human history through the tools and technologies we've invented, he explains the impact human ingenuity has had on the planet -- and calls for a shift towards more protection for all life on Eart...
How AI art could enhance humanity's collective memory | Refik Anadol
August 24, 2023 14:58 - 5 minutes VideoWith data as his paintbrush, media artist Refik Anadol trains AI algorithms to visualize the disappearing wonders of nature. He gives a beautiful tour of his recent work -- imagery of artificial coral reefs, flowers, rainforests -- and ponders: Can we use AI to preserve our memories of the fading natural world?
What's it like to be a giant sequoia tree? | Ersin Han Ersin
August 23, 2023 14:57 - 9 minutes VideoArtist Ersin Han Ersin invites us to step inside a giant sequoia tree, peering through the bark into the tapestry of life within. Discover how his multisensory installations explore the concept of "umwelt," or the unique sensory experience of different organisms, and reveal the deep interconnectedness of humanity with the natural world.
The molecular love story that could help power the world | Olivia Breese
August 22, 2023 14:57 - 12 minutes VideoThe key to revolutionizing the world's energy landscape may lie in an unlikely love story, says energy innovator Olivia Breese. She details the fateful marriage of a green electron and a water molecule -- a powerful source of carbon-free, sustainable energy -- and calls for universal investment in this potentially transformative resource. "A world which runs entirely on green energy, it's not a luxury. It's a necessity," she says.
How to meet your child's difficult behavior with compassion | Yvonne Newbold
August 21, 2023 14:38 - 17 minutes VideoYvonne Newbold's son, Toby, is one of the millions of young people living with a disability. Parenting Toby has offered her some lessons on how to help children move from anxiety-led behavior towards happier times. Drawing on her personal experience, she outlines some of the most effective and actionable of these strategies -- starting with a dash of curiosity, kindness and creative thinking.
The climate crisis is expensive -- here's who should pay for it | Avinash Persaud
August 17, 2023 14:47 - 12 minutes VideoThe developing world is most affected by climate change but has contributed the least to the problem. Meanwhile, rich countries historically exacerbated the environmental crisis and grew wealthy as a result -- but aren't helping developing countries build climate resilience, which is now more crucial than ever to slowing climate change everywhere. Economist Avinash Persaud has an ambitious proposal to reimagine that dynamic: the Bridgetown Initiative, a groundbreaking vision of how r...
Why real change is about more than just going viral | Taylor Cassidy
August 16, 2023 15:00 - 14 minutes VideoTikTok content creator Taylor Cassidy has a hot take: going viral won't necessarily change the world. Inviting us to rethink what it means to be successful online, she shares how to retain your voice on social media -- and reminds us all where true impact lies.
A mysterious design that appears across millennia | Terry Moore
August 15, 2023 14:49 - 6 minutes VideoWhat can we make of a design that shows up over and over in disparate cultures throughout history? Theorist Terry Moore explores "Penrose tiling" -- two shapes that fit together in infinite combinations without ever repeating -- and ponders what it might mean.
Is the US headed towards another civil war? | Barbara F. Walter
August 14, 2023 14:53 - 12 minutes VideoBased on her work for a CIA task force aimed at predicting civil wars, political scientist Barbara F. Walter examines the rise in extremism and threats to democracies around the globe -- and paints an unsettling picture of the increasing likelihood of a second civil war in the United States.
How targeted ads might just save your life | Sandersan Onie
August 09, 2023 15:19 - 10 minutes VideoCould the tech industry's complex algorithms support people during their darkest times, rather than just deliver targeted ads? Drawing from his own experience with depression, global mental health researcher Sandersan Onie shows how internet search behaviors can provide valuable insights into suicide risk and potentially help save lives by reaching people in a deeply personal way, at a crucial moment.
In the age of AI art, what can originality look like? | Eileen Isagon Skyers
August 08, 2023 14:52 - 6 minutes VideoWhat happens when human and machine creativity meet? From an AI model trained on classic works to generate a seemingly infinite stream of portraits to a neural network that envisions otherworldly life-forms in impossible detail, media art curator Eileen Isagon Skyers showcases mind-bending art that embraces our increasingly technological future, showing how AI can stretch the scope of human imagination and help create worlds we could never design alone.
What the fossil fuel industry doesn't want you to know | Al Gore
August 07, 2023 14:59 - 25 minutes VideoIn a blistering talk, Nobel Laureate Al Gore looks at the two main obstacles to climate solutions and gives his view of how we might actually solve the environmental crisis in time. You won't want to miss his searing indictment of fossil fuel companies for walking back their climate commitments -- and his call for a global rethink of the roles of polluting industries in politics and finance.
The magic of a creative career | Michael Sheen
August 04, 2023 15:05 - 16 minutes VideoThe city of Port Talbot in South Wales is known for a few things: a steel mill, a proudly working class population and a passionate commitment to the arts that produced Hollywood superstars Richard Burton and Anthony Hopkins. In this sweet, personal talk, actor Michael Sheen shares how he was also able to take advantage of all the city had to offer, why he's worried that a change in approach to arts education means that kids now don't get the same kind of chances -- and the steps he'...
Climate action is on the cusp of exponential growth | Simon Stiell
August 03, 2023 14:47 - 7 minutes VideoClimate action is speeding up -- and we each have the power to push that transformation forward. As the head of the UNFCCC, the UN's entity supporting the global response to climate change, Simon Stiell points to clear social and technological signals that show we're at the tipping points of a green revolution -- and invites us all to apply our unique skills to defending the planet against the catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis.
Why I built my own time machine | Lucas Rizzotto
August 02, 2023 14:50 - 12 minutes VideoExperiential artist Lucas Rizzotto was going through a tough breakup, so he did what anyone would do: he built a personal time machine. In a playful talk, he shares how his free-ranging experimentation led to various delightful, unexpected innovations that are changing how people think about the relationship between technology and art. "Technology gives us the tools, but art shows us the way," he says.
The power of an image -- and the mind behind it | Misan Harriman
August 01, 2023 14:59 - 12 minutes VideoAs a neurodivergent child going to school far from home, Misan Harriman found solace in the internet -- "an endless library of the extraordinary," as he calls it. In this powerful talk, he shares his journey as a self-taught photographer of extraordinary range, from covering the greatest civil rights movements of our lifetimes to becoming the first Black man to shoot a cover for British Vogue. A reminder that each one of us can find our own ways to create a better world for all.
How today's scraps will be tomorrow's sustainable buildings | Vinu Daniel
July 31, 2023 14:53 - 9 minutes VideoWhat if we could use waste to create resilient and sustainable buildings? Bringing out the beauty of the dirt beneath our feet, climate-responsive architect Vinu Daniel shares how he and his team are giving local and discarded materials (think: mud, plastic and used tires) a second life by using them to create dreamlike homes, schools and other public spaces.
The beauty of building with mud and trash | Vinu Daniel
July 31, 2023 14:53 - 13 minutes VideoWhat if we could use waste to create resilient and sustainable buildings? Bringing out the beauty of the dirt beneath our feet, climate-responsive architect Vinu Daniel shares how he and his team are giving local and discarded materials (think: mud, plastic and used tires) a second life by using them to create dreamlike homes, schools and other public spaces.
Blindness isn't a tragic binary -- it's a rich spectrum | Andrew Leland
July 28, 2023 14:46 - 5 minutes VideoWhen does vision loss become blindness? Writer, audio producer and editor Andrew Leland explains how his gradual loss of vision revealed a paradoxical truth about blindness -- and shows why it might have implications for how all of us see the world.
A case for color blindness | Coleman Hughes
July 28, 2023 14:17 - 13 minutes VideoRacial inequality provokes passionate opinions and varied ideas of how to build a fair, equitable society. One topic that's been contentiously debated for generations is color blindness: the concept that we should look beyond race when thinking about equity. In this talk, writer and podcast host Coleman Hughes makes a case in favor of the idea, sharing why he thinks the key to reducing inequality and easing racial tensions is replacing race-based policies with class-based ones.
Can global food companies make the shift to regenerative agriculture? | Steve Presley
July 27, 2023 14:47 - 10 minutes VideoSharing the inside scoop on how the world's largest food company aims to reach net zero by 2050, Nestlé North America CEO Steve Presley joins TED's Lindsay Levin to discuss the progress they've made so far and where they're investing for sustainability. A big focus will be regenerative agriculture -- producing food in a way that helps the planet instead of harming it -- by working with farmers and other partners across the entire food production process.
How to make sure materials get reused -- again and again | Garry Cooper
July 26, 2023 14:21 - 12 minutes VideoWhat if we could harness the power and value of all that we discard? Circular economy builder Garry Cooper presents a compelling vision for transforming cities into sustainable, circular economies, citing real-world examples of how repurposing materials from buildings to office furniture can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs and foster economic growth. A hopeful reminder of the profound impact individual actions can have on our shared future.
How to make sure materials get reused — again and again | Garry Cooper
July 26, 2023 14:21 - 12 minutes VideoWhat if we could harness the power and value of all that we discard? Circular economy builder Garry Cooper presents a compelling vision for transforming cities into sustainable, circular economies, citing real-world examples of how repurposing materials from buildings to office furniture can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs and foster economic growth. A hopeful reminder of the profound impact individual actions can have on our shared future.
Why change is so scary -- and how to unlock its potential | Maya Shankar
July 25, 2023 14:44 - 13 minutes VideoUnexpected change like an accident, an illness or a relationship that suddenly ends is inevitable -- and disorienting. With a heartfelt and optimistic take on life's curveballs, cognitive scientist Maya Shankar shares how these challenging moments can inspire transformation, offering three questions to ask when facing uncertainty, so you can let go of rigidity and embrace change.
The tree-growing movement restoring Africa's vital landscapes | Wanjira Mathai
July 21, 2023 14:47 - 8 minutes Video2023 Audacious Project grantee Wanjira Mathai is at the forefront of re-greening the planet. Through the forest restoration initiative Restore Local, she's working to help both Africa's people and its landscapes flourish. Learn more about how her team invests in local restoration projects across the continent -- including a tree-growing movement that aims to revitalize 100 million hectares of African land by 2030. (This ambitious idea is a part of the Audacious Project, TED's initiat...