TED Health - podcast cover

TED Health

What does exercise do to your brain? Can psychedelics treat depression? From smart daily habits to new medical breakthroughs, welcome to TED Health, with host Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider. TED speakers answer questions you never even knew you had, and share ideas you won't hear anywhere else, all around how we can live healthier lives.


Follow Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider on Instagram at @shoshanamd and LinkedIn at @shoshanaungerleidermd

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Episodes

Will humans one day hibernate? | TED Radio Hour

Bears and squirrels hibernate to survive harsh conditions; why not humans? If we want to travel deep into space or combat deadly diseases, physiologist Matteo Cerri says hibernation might be the key. This is part of "Work, Play, Rest" from the TED Radio Hour. In this series, TED speakers share evolving notions of what it means to pay bills, feel joy in play, and rest our minds and bodies. To hear the full episodes, find and follow the TED Radio Hour wherever you're listening to this. Want to hel...

Mar 08, 202215 min

A new way to help young people with their mental health | Tom Osborn

TED Fellow Tom Osborn wants more young people to have access to the mental health support they need. With the Shamiri Institute, he and his team are training 18- to 22-year-olds to deliver evidence-based mental health care to their peers in Kenya -- which has only two clinicians for every million people. Hear how their community-first, youth-oriented model could become a template to help kids across the world lead successful, independent lives. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill ...

Mar 01, 20227 min

It's impossible to have healthy people on a sick planet | Shweta Narayan

The doctrine of "first, do no harm" is the basis of the Hippocratic Oath, one of the world's oldest codes of ethics. It governs the work of physicians -- but climate and health campaigner Shweta Narayan says it should go further. In this essential talk, she highlights the interdependence of environmental and human health and emphasizes the necessity of placing health at the heart of all climate solutions. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member tod...

Feb 22, 20229 min

The mood-boosting power of crying | Kathy Mendias

Here's a talk about tears -- and why crying isn't something to be afraid or ashamed of. Exploring the science behind the mood-boosting power of crying, childbirth and lactation educator Kathy Mendias shows how tears can enhance your physical and mental well-being and deepen your relationship to yourself and others. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 15, 202212 min

The life-changing power of assistive technologies | Jane Velkovski

"This chair is my legs -- this chair is my life," says accessibility champion Jane Velkovski, who uses a wheelchair after being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). With clarity and poise, he shares how his first motorized wheelchair empowered him with independence and ability -- and why assistive technology should be available to anyone who needs it. "Freedom of movement, no matter on legs or on wheels, is a human right," he says. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out ...

Feb 08, 202214 min

The anxiety that comes from being treated like an outsider | Valerie Purdie-Greenaway

The stress you may feel being otherized or stereotyped can take a significant toll on your health and well-being. In this thoughtful conversation, social psychologist Valerie Purdie-Greenaway reveals the true source of this anxiety (hint: it isn't the individual) and shares strategies on building resilient systems of support for ourselves and others -- so that we can build a more inclusive, empathic and just world. (This conversation, hosted by TED curator Cloe Shasha Brooks, is part of TED's "H...

Feb 01, 202211 min

How we could eat real meat without harming animals | Isha Datar

What if you could eat chicken nuggets without harming a chicken? It's possible through "cellular agriculture," says Isha Datar. In a talk about cutting-edge science, she explains how this new means of food production makes it possible to eat meat without the negative consequences of industrial farming -- and how it could fundamentally change our food systems for the better. "It's our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a second chance at agriculture," she says. Want to help shape TED’s shows g...

Jan 25, 202212 min

3 ways community creates a healthy life | Olivia Affuso

Maintaining a healthy weight takes more than diet and exercise, says physical activity epidemiologist Olivia Affuso. In this actionable talk, she shows how you can kickstart a healthy life by tapping into the collective power of a community that supports and motivates your health goals. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jan 18, 202210 min

A simple solution to maintaining life-saving vaccines | Nithya Ramanathan

Refrigerators do much more than store your groceries -- they're also vital to preserving and distributing vaccines. Illustrating the realities of (and threats to) global vaccine supply chains, technologist and TED Fellow Nithya Ramanathan describes how smart sensors placed in fridges that store medical supplies can provide crucial, real-time data and ensure people get the life-saving care they need. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at ...

Jan 11, 20226 min

The brain science of obesity | Mads Tang-Christensen

Your belly and your brain speak to each other, says obesity researcher Mads Tang-Christensen. Offering scientific proof that obesity is a disease influenced by genetics and the environment, he introduces a molecule discovered in both the brain and gut that helps control appetite -- and which could be engineered to promote healthy weight loss for those living with obesity. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted ...

Jan 04, 202210 min

The cure for burnout (hint: it isn't self-care) | Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

With the end of the year fast approaching, you may be experiencing burnout and not even know it. That’s why we’re bringing back this introspective and deeply relatable conversation, where authors (and sisters) Emily and Amelia Nagoski detail three telltale signs that stress is getting the best of you -- and share actionable ways to feel safe in your own body when you're burning out. (This conversation, hosted by TED curator Cloe Shasha Brooks, is part of TED's "How to Deal with Difficult Feeling...

Dec 28, 202118 min

Maternal and child health is a human right | Aparna Hedge

Overcrowded clinics, extensive wait times and overworked doctors are taking a devastating toll on mothers and children in India. In this eye-opening talk, urogynecologist and TED Fellow Aparna Hegde exposes the systemic gaps that lead to preventable deaths every minute -- and introduces a scalable, affordable and empowering tech solution that improves maternal and child health habits, upends patriarchal family dynamics and saves lives. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our s...

Dec 21, 20218 min

An NFL quarterback on overcoming setbacks and self-doubt | Alex Smith

Former 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.) Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...

Dec 14, 202114 min

How humanity doubled life expectancy in a century | Steven Johnson

Doubling human life expectancy in a century is our greatest achievement, says author Steven Johnson. How did we make it happen -- and can we keep it going? Backed by fascinating historical anecdotes, he shares some life-lengthening innovations and reminds us of three key things needed to make sure all of humanity enjoys these advancements in health. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...

Dec 07, 202112 min

Could you recover from illness ... using your own stem cells? | Nabiha Saklayen

What if diseases could be treated with a patient's own cells, precisely and on demand? Biotech entrepreneur Nabiha Saklayen explains how we could harness advances in biology, machine learning and lasers to create personalized stem cell banks -- and develop medicine uniquely designed for each of our bodies. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Nov 30, 202111 min

Is drinking milk essential for building strong bones? | Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter

Got milk? When it comes to building strong bones, you shouldn’t just stick to the dairy aisle—but many people are starting to skip it all together, with a demonic narrative evolving around milk in recent years. So which should we believe? To find out, Jen travels to the hills of Mongolia to learn all about lactase and breaks down the basics of what makes bones weak, and where to find the key ingredient to make them stronger (spoiler: it’s not in your grocery cart). This is an episode of Body Stu...

Nov 23, 202128 min

The Spermageddon is coming | Am I Normal?

"You should start thinking about kids at your age! Your biological clock is ticking!” When we talk about fertility, there's one section of the population that's consistently subjected to fear mongering: the people with the ovaries. But is that worry backed up by data? Should we be stressed out about sperm too? Scientist Joe Osmundson divulges his own fears and findings on the journey to save his sperm, and Mona breaks down the scientific, cultural, and psychological elements that have shaped the...

Nov 16, 202126 min

The future of psychedelic medicines and healthcare | Shoshana Clubhouse Conversation

We’re in the midst of a psychedelic renaissance, where this once demonized class of drugs is now front and center receiving attention among entrepreneurs, investors, clinical trials and even patients. In this special conversation, TED Health’s Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider speaks with 3 psychedelic medical experts: internist Dr. Molly Maloof, psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Dave Rabin and palliative care and oncologist Dr. Anthony Back, about how these compounds may revolutionize the future of me...

Nov 09, 202138 min

The inaccurate link between body ideals and health | Nancy N. Chen

Global obesity rates are on the rise, but body shaming campaigns are doing more harm than good, says medical anthropologist Nancy N. Chen. Reflecting on how the cultural histories of body ideals have changed over time, she offers a new way to view ourselves and our health by enhancing body diversity to close the gap between what's ideal and what's real. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast...

Nov 02, 202110 min

The power of venom -- and how it could one day save your life | Mandë Holford

Venom can kill ... or it can cure. From killer sea snails to platypuses and slow lorises, marine chemical biologist Mandë Holford shares her research into animal venom and explores its potential to one day treat human diseases like cancer. Although the mechanism behind this powerful substance is still mysterious, someday, Holford says, "snail venom might just save your life." Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hos...

Oct 26, 20219 min

Am I Normal? with Mona Chalabi

Today, a trailer from Am I Normal? with Mona Chalabi, a new TED Original podcast. ​​Everyone wants to know if they're normal. Is my body normal, is my brain normal, are my feelings normal? When it comes to defining “normal,” data journalist Mona Chalabi isn’t interested in averages: she goes beyond the spreadsheet and digs into the deviations, talking to experts, strangers (even her Mum!) to see the bigger picture. Along the way, she will tackle urgent, random and sometimes deeply personal quest...

Oct 19, 20213 min

What if mental health workers responded to emergency calls? | Leslie Herod

When you report an emergency in the US, police, firefighters or paramedics answer the call. What if mental health professionals responded, too? Colorado State Representative Leslie Herod shares a straightforward and research-backed approach that brings heart and humanity to criminal justice rather than unnecessary fines and arrests -- and keeps crises from escalating into traumatic, or even deadly, events. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member to...

Oct 12, 202110 min

A smart bra for better heart health | Alicia Chong Rodriguez

Could an everyday clothing item help protect your health? In this quick talk, TED Fellow Alicia Chong Rodriguez introduces us to a smart bra designed to gather real-time data on biomarkers like heartbeat, breath and temperature. Learn how this life-saving gadget could help close the gender gap in cardiovascular research -- and, finally, usher women's health care into the 21st century. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com...

Oct 05, 20216 min

The tiny balls of fat that could revolutionize medicine | Kathryn A. Whitehead

What if you were holding life-saving medicine ... but had no way to administer it? Zoom down to the nano level with engineer Kathryn A. Whitehead as she gives a breakdown of the little fatty balls (called lipid nanoparticles) perfectly designed to ferry cutting-edge medicines into your body's cells. Learn how her work is already powering mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines and forging the path for future therapies that could treat Ebola, HIV and even cancer. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward...

Sep 28, 202113 min

The anxiety that comes from being treated like an outsider | Valerie Purdie-Greenaway

The stress you may feel being otherized or stereotyped can take a significant toll on your health and well-being. In this thoughtful conversation, social psychologist Valerie Purdie-Greenaway reveals the true source of this anxiety (hint: it isn't the individual) and shares strategies on building resilient systems of support for ourselves and others -- so that we can build a more inclusive, empathic and just world. (This conversation, hosted by TED curator Cloe Shasha Brooks, is part of TED's "H...

Sep 21, 202111 min

Meet the scientist couple driving an mRNA vaccine revolution | Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci

As COVID-19 spread, BioNTech cofounders Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci had one goal: to make a safe, effective vaccine faster than ever before. In this illuminating conversation with head of TED Chris Anderson, the immunologists (and married couple) share the fascinating story of how their decades of mRNA research powered the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine -- and forecast what this breakthrough science could mean for the future of vaccines and other immunotherapy treatments. Want to help shape TED’s shows...

Sep 14, 202121 min

3 ways to create a menopause-friendly work culture | Andrea Berchowitz

Hot flashes, joint pain, anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping -- these unforgiving menopause symptoms directly impact work but often go overlooked and under-discussed as a taboo topic, says entrepreneur Andrea Berchowitz. She gives practical advice on how to create a menopause-friendly work culture that supports gender equity and diversity retention in the workplace. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted o...

Sep 07, 20219 min

How to find meaning after loss | David Kessler

You may be familiar with the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. After decades of research and his own experience with tragic loss, grief expert David Kessler ventured beyond that classic framework and sought a sixth, crucial stage: meaning. He shares practical wisdom and strategies for anyone seeking to honor a loved one's memory and move through life in light of personal loss. (This conversation, hosted by TED curator Cloe Shasha Brooks, is part of TED's...

Aug 31, 202113 min

Could we treat spinal cord injuries with asparagus? | Andrew Pelling

Take a mind-blowing trip to the lab as TED Senior Fellow Andrew Pelling shares his research on how we could use fruits, vegetables and plants to regenerate damaged human tissues -- and develop a potentially groundbreaking way to repair complex spinal cord injuries with asparagus. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Aug 24, 20217 min

An innovative way to support children with special needs | Billy Samuel Mwape

After his son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Billy Samuel Mwape realized that his project management skills might be put to use to support his child's special needs. In this inspiring, personal talk, he describes how project management -- the process of leading a team's work to achieve goals on a tight timeline -- can help you tackle life's biggest challenges. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted on Acast...

Aug 17, 202113 min
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