TED Talks Daily
1,679 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 20 hours ago - ★★★★ - 9.8K 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
The unsung heroes fighting malnutrition | Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju
March 07, 2024 16:43 - 12 minutesThe pastoralists in Africa sustainably produce meat and milk to help feed the continent. But their way of life — and work — is under threat. Food systems advocate Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju explains how best to preserve these vital communities and why they're key to solving the nutritional challenges of Africa's children.
How to find creativity and purpose in the face of adversity | Suleika Jaouad
March 06, 2024 17:15 - 39 minutesHow can you find strength during life's most difficult moments? Author Suleika Jaouad's experience detailed in the documentary "American Symphony," an intimate portrait of her life as she grapples with illness, is a testament to finding a pathway to healing through artistic expression. In this sweeping conversation with TED's Susan Zimmerman, Jaouad reveals how following curiosity can lead to inspiration — even when it feels like there is none to be found. (Visit ted.com/membership ...
How to bridge political divides — from two friends on opposing sides | Samar Ali and Clint Brewer
March 05, 2024 16:37 - 17 minutesOn paper, law professor Samar Ali and public affairs strategist Clint Brewer seem to come from very different — and perhaps opposing — backgrounds. But their friendship shows why political polarization in the US isn't as intractable as we might think. In an enlightening conversation, they talk about how to address deepening divides in the US and around the globe — and show the value in discarding the "scare script" by which we demonize others. (This conversation is hosted by TED cur...
How business can improve the world, not just the bottom line | Esha Chhabra
March 04, 2024 15:59 - 12 minutes"Sustainability has become more marketing than action," says environmental business journalist Esha Chhabra. Challenging conventional business models solely focused on profit, she shares how regenerative companies that embed purpose into every facet of their operations can drive real change — and make things better for people and the planet.
What will you do with your one wild and precious planet? | How to Be a Better Human
March 03, 2024 07:10 - 34 minutesMost of us get that climate change is a global problem we need to solve, fast. But that can feel incredibly overwhelming when most of us don't even know where to start. Bill McKibben is an environmentalist, author, and journalist who has written extensively about climate change and global warming with a refreshing lightheartedness and frank outlook. On this episode of How to Be a Better Human, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective, Bill discusses the emotions, ideas and data...
What will you do with your one wild and precious planet? | How to Be a Better Human
March 03, 2024 07:00 - 34 minutesMost of us get that climate change is a global problem we need to solve, fast. But that can feel incredibly overwhelming when most of us don't even know where to start. Bill McKibben is an environmentalist, author, and journalist who has written extensively about climate change and global warming with a refreshing lightheartedness and frank outlook. On this episode of How to Be a Better Human, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective, Bill discusses the emotions, ideas and data ...
The billion-dollar problem in education | Tanishia Lavette Williams
March 02, 2024 07:10 - 12 minutesStandardized testing is deeply woven into the fabric of US education, but does it foster genuine learning? Educator Tanishia Lavette Williams sheds light on the racial biases, financial costs and limited effectiveness of this kind of testing — calling for a fundamental shift to prioritize teacher-led instruction and empower students.
How AI and democracy can fix each other | Divya Siddarth
March 01, 2024 18:00 - 10 minutesWe don't have to sacrifice our freedom for the sake of technological progress, says social technologist Divya Siddarth. She shares how a group of people helped retrain one of the world's most powerful AI models on a constitution they wrote — and offers a vision of technology that aligns with the principles of democracy, rather than conflicting with them.
A meditation on Rumi and the power of poetry | Leili Anvar
February 29, 2024 16:08 - 10 minutesIn an ode to the Persian language, author Leili Anvar unfurls the work of 13th-century mystic poet Rumi and reflects on how poetry gives meaning to our lives.
A meditation on Rumi and the power of poetry | Leili Anvar
February 29, 2024 15:39 - 9 minutesIn an ode to the Persian language, author Leili Anvar unfurls the work of 13th-century mystic poet Rumi and reflects on how poetry gives meaning to our lives.
What's the point of digital fashion? | Karinna Grant
February 28, 2024 16:15 - 11 minutesWhat if you could own more clothes without crowding your closet or growing your carbon footprint? Introducing the dematerialized future of your wardrobe, digital fashion entrepreneur Karinna Grant talks about the brands selling pixelated clothes via NFTs and augmented reality — and explores the creative and sustainable potential of fashion that transcends physical constraints.
How poop turns into forests | Ludmila Rattis
February 27, 2024 16:49 - 7 minutesDid you know the world's largest tropical forest is partly formed by seeds emerging from poop? Ecologist Ludmila Rattis reveals the surprisingly fruitful benefits of letting nature take care of its own business, sharing how the digestive habits of tapirs — pig-like creatures that roam Amazonia — spread seeds that help regenerate the forest and promote climate resilience worldwide. (Even nature's waste is put to good use!)
How clicking a single link can cost millions | Ryan Pullen
February 26, 2024 16:07 - 14 minutesIs cybercrime getting easier? Cybersecurity expert Ryan Pullen dives into his work investigating massive digital breaches and testing security blindspots — which led to him gaining access to the software controls of a well-known building in London. Learn more about how cybercriminals exploit human vulnerabilities and hear the latest on how to recognize and protect yourself from scams.
The artists re-framing Chicago | Far Flung with Saleem Reshamwala
February 25, 2024 07:10 - 35 minutesThe Bean needs to move over — there's a new art movement in Chicago, and it's led by artists who are completely reimagining how residents think about the spaces around them. Join Far Flung host Saleem Reshamwala on a bold, creative and winding road trip to witness the power of place-based art. From abandoned homes that turn into artwork when they are painted in colors rooted in Black culture, to multimedia projects that examine segregation and connect people who live on opposite sid...
The 5 tenets of turning pain into power | Christine Schuler Deschryver
February 24, 2024 07:10 - 11 minutesA supportive community is the key to cultivating resilience and unlocking healing. Sharing the story of a transformative recovery program for survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, human rights activist Christine Schuler Deschryver details how her team at City of Joy empowers people to reclaim their lives after trauma and turn their pain into power. (This talk contains a graphic story. Discretion is advised.)
TED is 40 — here's how it all started | Chris Anderson and Richard Saul Wurman
February 23, 2024 16:33 - 54 minutesTo celebrate TED's 40th anniversary, Head of TED Chris Anderson and TED's founder Richard Saul Wurman reflect on the conference's transformative journey — from its inception as a daring experiment blending technology, entertainment and design to its expansion into a global platform for world-changing ideas. Get a glimpse into the minds behind a movement that has sparked innovation, redefined the art of storytelling and fostered community worldwide in a conversation brimming with unh...
TED is 40 — here's how it all started | Chris Anderson and Richard Saul Wurman
February 23, 2024 15:10 - 53 minutesTo celebrate TED's 40th anniversary, Head of TED Chris Anderson and TED's founder Richard Saul Wurman reflect on the conference's transformative journey — from its inception as a daring experiment blending technology, entertainment and design to its expansion into a global platform for world-changing ideas. Get a glimpse into the minds behind a movement that has sparked innovation, redefined the art of storytelling and fostered community worldwide in a conversation brimming with unhe...
Can nanoparticles help fight hunger? | Christy L. Haynes
February 22, 2024 17:39 - 11 minutesA game-changing solution to the global food crisis could come from something so tiny you can't see it with the naked eye. Nanomaterials chemist Christy Haynes describes her team's work designing nanoparticles that could protect plants from disease and crop loss, helping farmers reap abundant harvests and grow food that will make its way to markets and dinner tables.
Is climate change slowing down the ocean? | Susan Lozier
February 21, 2024 16:54 - 10 minutesOcean waters are constantly on the move, traveling far distances in complex currents that regulate Earth's climate and weather patterns. How might climate change impact this critical system? Oceanographer Susan Lozier dives into the data, which suggests that ocean overturning may slow as our climate warms — and takes us on board the international effort to track these changes and set us on the right course while we still have time.
Why ocean currents are slowing — and what it means for you | Susan Lozier
February 21, 2024 16:54 - 10 minutes - 5.89 MBOcean waters are constantly on the move, traveling far distances in complex currents that regulate Earth's climate and weather patterns. How might climate change impact this critical system? Oceanographer Susan Lozier dives into the data, which suggests that ocean overturning is slowing down as waters gradually warm — and takes us on board the international effort to track these changes and set us on the right course while we still have time.
How to design for dignity during times of war | Slava Balbek
February 20, 2024 17:03 - 12 minutesWhat happens when architecture meets empathy? Through the challenges of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, architect and humanitarian Slava Balbek, who volunteers part-time on the front lines, highlights the importance of designing for dignity when building temporary housing for the people of Ukraine who have lost their homes. A stirring reminder of the healing power of the built environment — and how it can provide comfort amidst chaos.
The Herds, a vast act of theater to spark climate action | Amir Nizar Zuabi
February 19, 2024 07:05 - 9 minutesTheater has the power to transform the most pressing issues of our time from news stories into human stories, says director and playwright Amir Nizar Zuabi. Recounting his work on the journey of Little Amal — a 13-foot puppet symbolizing the refugee experience — Zuabi unveils his newest project: "The Herds," a vast theatrical production of animal puppets that will "migrate" from West Africa to Norway in 2025, aimed at sparking climate change awareness.
Hidden Figures author Margot Lee Shetterly on reframing the stories we tell | ReThinking with Adam Grant
February 18, 2024 07:10 - 37 minutesMargot Lee Shetterly used to be an investment banker, a business owner and a content marketing and editorial consultant. Now she's the author of the number-one New York Times bestseller "Hidden Figures," which chronicles the challenges and contributions of the Black women who worked at NASA from the 1930s through the 1960s. In this episode of ReThinking with Adam Grant, another episode from the TED Audio Collective, Margot and Adam talk about the process of finding and researching t...
An Israeli and a Palestinian talk peace, dignity and safety | Ali Abu Awwad and Ami Dar
February 17, 2024 07:10 - 43 minutesIsrael and Palestine have grappled with enduring territorial disputes and complex geopolitical tensions across generations. In this profound TED Membership conversation, Palestinian peace activist Ali Abu Awwad and Israeli founder of Idealist.org Ami Dar envision a future built on mutual respect, recognition and nonviolent activism, where both identities coexist harmoniously. Listen for a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the belief that, despite entrenched conflic...
What the world can learn from Ukraine's fight for democracy | Olesya Khromeychuk
February 16, 2024 17:11 - 11 minutes“A flourishing democracy next door is a scary thing for an autocrat,” says Ukrainian historian Olesya Khromeychuk. Detailing the history of Ukraine’s long struggle for sovereignty and freedom — against Russian tsars, communist dictators and now the Kremlin’s army — she shares three lessons anybody can use to join the global fight for democracy.
When you inform women, you transform lives | Paige Alexander
February 15, 2024 16:50 - 10 minutesAccess to information is the key to unlocking human rights for all, says equality champion Paige Alexander. From educating female entrepreneurs on how to launch life-sustaining businesses to murals, billboards and other creative ways of sharing vital resources, Alexander shares how she and her team at the Carter Center connect people to the information they need — when they need it the most.
True love — and the myth of "happily ever after" | Francesca Hogi
February 14, 2024 07:10 - 3 minutes"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.
How sci-fi informs our climate future — and what to do next | Zainab Usman
February 13, 2024 16:23 - 10 minutesScience fiction authors have warned us for decades: division among global leaders can quickly create dystopia. Political economist Zainab Usman thinks present-day power struggles may seriously hinder the world’s ability to fight climate change, with similarly disastrous results. She highlights three areas of particular economic concern, urging scholars, business leaders and policymakers to do more to align against the growing threat. (Contains spoilers for "The Three-Body Problem" b...
Life's an obstacle course — here's how to navigate it | Maryam Banikarim
February 12, 2024 16:40 - 11 minutes"Instead of seeing life's challenges as obstacles, I see them as an obstacle course — a fascinating array of tests that I'm curious to see if I can pass," says community builder Maryam Banikarim. Telling the story of her experience emigrating from Iran as a child, Banikarim shares how her search for belonging led her to realize that community can help each of us overcome life's hurdles.
The hidden world of stadium deals | Good Sport
February 11, 2024 07:15 - 30 minutesStadiums are not just a place for sports fans to cheer on the home team -- they're also concert venues, convention centers and even serve as makeshift shelters in emergencies. Stadiums are important. So why does it seem that instead of enjoying them, cities end up dealing with the mess (and the bill) that dealmakers leave behind? This is an episode of Good Sport, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective, hosted by Jody Avirgan. In this episode, Jody talks to David Samson, the f...
An NFL quarterback on overcoming setbacks and self-doubt | Alex Smith
February 10, 2024 07:15 - 13 minutesFormer NFL quarterback Alex Smith almost died after a particularly rough tackle snapped his leg in 2018 -- yet he was back on the field just two years later. In this inspiring talk, he shares his hard-won insights on overcoming fear, self-doubt and anxiety that could help anyone endure life's challenges. (This talk contains graphic images.)
The climate solutions worth funding — now | Jonathan Foley
February 08, 2024 16:02 - 10 minutesWhen it comes to climate solutions, "now is better than new, and time is more important than tech," says scientist Jonathan Foley. He presents a six-part framework to more efficiently address climate change, from better aligning capital with carbon to utilizing affordable solutions that are ready to go now. Learn more about what the data says to do — and how the solutions might be cheaper than we think.
6 tips on being a successful entrepreneur | John Mullins
February 07, 2024 17:08 - 15 minutesSometimes, you need to break the rules to innovate — but which ones? Entrepreneurship professor John Mullins shares six counter-conventional mindsets for entrepreneurs looking to think strategically, navigate challenges and change the world.
What makes someone vote against their political party? | Sarah Longwell
February 06, 2024 16:35 - 11 minutesOur brains are hardwired to crave community and belonging — a tribal instinct that drives politics in the United States, says political strategist Sarah Longwell. She shares what she learned trying to convince people to vote against their political party in a recent election and shows why telling a better story about democracy is key to bridging the ideological divide.
Wild, intricate sculptures — made out of my hair | Laetitia Ky
February 05, 2024 16:36 - 8 minutesArtist Laetitia Ky has a unique medium: using the hair on her head (and some wire), she creates incredible sculptures of objects, animals, people and more, promoting messages of bodily autonomy and self-acceptance. She shares how she came to create these surprisingly intricate forms and offers a joyful message of creative perseverance.
How to think critically about history — and why it matters | How to Be a Better Human
February 04, 2024 07:15 - 28 minutesHave you ever recalled a story only to have someone point out "that's not how it went"? Well, what happens when what we misrepresent are our historical narratives? David Ikard is a professor of African American and Diaspora Studies at Vanderbilt University. In this episode of How to Be a Better Human, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective, Ikard talks to host Chris Duffy about the societal and personal dangers of inaccurate narratives — and uncovers the real story of one of ...
How to think critically about history — and why it matters | How to Be a Better Human
February 04, 2024 07:00 - 28 minutesHave you ever recalled a story only to have someone point out "that's not how it went"? Well, what happens when what we misrepresent are our historical narratives? David Ikard is a professor of African American and Diaspora Studies at Vanderbilt University. In this episode of How to Be a Better Human, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective, Ikard talks to host Chris Duffy about the societal and personal dangers of inaccurate narratives — and uncovers the real story of one of h...
You don't actually know what your future self wants | Shankar Vedantam
February 03, 2024 20:29 - 14 minutes"You are constantly becoming a new person," says journalist Shankar Vedantam. In a talk full of beautiful storytelling, he explains the profound impact of something he calls the "illusion of continuity" -- the belief that our future selves will share the same views, perspectives and hopes as our current selves -- and shows how we can more proactively craft the people we are to become.
How babies think about danger | Shari Liu
February 02, 2024 16:14 - 8 minutesAre babies oblivious to danger? It's not that simple, says cognitive scientist Shari Liu. Sharing surprising insights (and plenty of baby videos) from studies of early human development, Liu highlights the unexpected ways babies perceive and respond to risky situations — and what these findings could unravel about the inner workings of our minds.
Lessons from the past on adapting to climate change | Laprisha Berry Daniels
February 01, 2024 16:21 - 9 minutesLaprisha Berry Daniels' grandparents left the Southern United States and migrated north to Detroit in the 1950s — a move that could be considered a big "climate change." Now, as a public health social worker, Berry Daniels mines the survival strategies of her grandparents to think about how we can all learn from the past to better prepare for current and future environmental climate change.
Leadership in the age of AI | Paul Hudson and Lindsay Levin
January 31, 2024 16:34 - 18 minutesLeaders can't be afraid to disrupt the status quo, says pharmaceutical CEO Paul Hudson. In conversation with TED's Lindsay Levin, he shares how AI eliminates "unglamorous work" and speeds up operations while collaborations across competitors can dramatically boost sustainability. Hear some powerful advice for the modern leader — and learn why it's time for businesses to embrace AI.
Leadership in the age of AI | Paul Hudson and Lindsay Levin
January 31, 2024 15:55 - 17 minutesLeaders can't be afraid to disrupt the status quo, says pharmaceutical CEO Paul Hudson. In conversation with TED's Lindsay Levin, he shares how AI eliminates "unglamorous work" and speeds up operations while collaborations across competitors can dramatically boost sustainability. Hear some powerful advice for the modern leader — and learn why it's time for businesses to embrace AI.
A reframing of masculinity, rooted in empathy | Gary Barker
January 30, 2024 17:14 - 13 minutesUrging us to turn away from voices perpetuating harmful stereotypes, gender equality advocate Gary Barker shares three insights on fostering a culture of care, compassion and connection among men. "We are the most wired-to-care species on the planet," he says. "But if you don't use it ... you don't get good at it."
What if a simple blood test could detect cancer? | Hani Goodarzi
January 29, 2024 16:44 - 7 minutesCatching cancer at its earliest stages saves lives. But in a body made up of trillions of cells, how do you spot a small group of rogue cancer cells? Biomedical researcher Hani Goodarzi discusses his lab's discovery of a new class of RNAs that, when paired with emerging AI tools, could help detect cancer earlier, more precisely and even through routine blood work — potentially transforming our understanding of the disease.
Could AI give you X-ray vision? | Tara Boroushaki
January 26, 2024 16:47 - 6 minutesWhat if a robot could find and deliver your lost phone? AI researcher Tara Boroushaki presents how she's using wireless signals and sensors to create AI-powered goggles with "X-ray vision," creating a dynamic new tool with applications from improving efficiency in commercial warehouses to aiding emergency rescues.
Can a simple brick be the next great battery? | John O'Donnell
January 25, 2024 16:28 - 9 minutesThe world relies on manufacturing, and manufacturing relies on heat — a massive contributor to global carbon emissions, responsible for a quarter of the world's fossil fuel use. Energy entrepreneur John O'Donnell has figured out a better, cleaner way to generate the heat we need to make the stuff we want. Learn how his team turned simple bricks and iron wire into a powerful, unconventional "heat battery" that could deliver industrial heat at scale without the emissions — and why he ...
Advice for leaders on creating a culture of belonging | Melonie D. Parker
January 24, 2024 17:20 - 18 minutesGoogle's chief diversity officer Melonie D. Parker joins journalist and host of the "TED Tech" podcast Sherrell Dorsey for a conversation on fostering belonging and opportunity in the workplace. Learn more about how companies can sustainably promote diversity, equity and inclusion — and why you should aim to "add in," not "fit in."
Your creative superpowers can help protect democracy | Sofia Ongele
January 23, 2024 16:57 - 10 minutes"Democracy is more fun and inviting when you take it into your own hands," says creator and activist Sofia Ongele. Sharing how she's using coding and social media to defend democracy, Ongele invites us to identify our own creative superpowers — whether it's community organizing, making music or telling stories — and use them to cause a ruckus and bring movements to life. For more go to: audio.colllective.ted.com
Do gut microbes control your personality? | Kathleen McAuliffe
January 22, 2024 16:23 - 10 minutesBiologist Kathleen McAuliffe dives into new research that suggests certain bacteria in your gut can influence major parts of who you are, from your personality to life-changing neurological disorders. Learn more about how this emerging science could change how we treat disease — and discover the impact of your internal microbial makeup on your mood, weight and more.
Do gut microbes control your personality? - Kathleen McAuliffe
January 22, 2024 15:55 - 10 minutes - 6.16 MBBiologist Kathleen McAuliffe dives into new research that suggests certain bacteria in your gut can influence major parts of who you are, from your personality to life-changing neurological disorders. Learn more about how this emerging science could change how we treat disease — and discover the impact of your internal microbial makeup on your mood, weight and more. For more go to: audiocollective.ted.com