TED Talks Daily - podcast cover

TED Talks Daily

Want TED Talks on the go? Everyday, this feed brings you our latest talks in audio format. Hear thought-provoking ideas on every subject imaginable – from Artificial Intelligence to Zoology, and everything in between – given by the world's leading thinkers and doers. This collection of talks, given at TED and TEDx conferences around the globe, is also available in video format.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

The next computer? Your glasses | Shahram Izadi

Picture this: you're wearing a normal-looking pair of glasses, but they give you the ability to quickly summarize a book, translate between languages or remember where you left your keys. In a live demo of unreleased technology, computer scientist Shahram Izadi unveils Google's new Android XR platform, which aims to give users the power of AI via smart glasses and headsets. He's joined onstage by two colleagues, giving a glimpse of the future of "extended reality" (XR) devices — smart, seamless ...

Apr 17, 202517 min

Stop telling single people to get married | Peter McGraw

Why do we assume single people aren’t happy? Behavioral economist (and lifelong bachelor) Peter McGraw advocates for a world in which single life is just as accepted as marriage, debunking the myth that getting hitched is the only path to fulfillment. From spinsters to cat ladies, he outlines the power in chosen family — and invites you to reconsider what it means to live a remarkable life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 16, 202513 min

OpenAI's Sam Altman talks ChatGPT, AI agents and superintelligence — live at TED2025

The AI revolution is here to stay, says Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI. In a probing, live conversation with head of TED Chris Anderson, Altman discusses the astonishing growth of AI and shows how models like ChatGPT could soon become extensions of ourselves. He also addresses questions of safety, power and moral authority, reflecting on the world he envisions — where AI will almost certainly outpace human intelligence. (Recorded on April 11, 2025) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more ...

Apr 15, 202547 min

Why thinking about death helps you live a better life | Alua Arthur

As a death doula, or someone who supports dying people and their loved ones, Alua Arthur spends a lot of time thinking about the end of life. In a profound talk that examines our brief, perfectly human time on this planet, she asks us to look at our lives through the lens of our deaths in seeking to answer the question: "What must I do to be at peace with myself so that I may live presently and die gracefully?" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 14, 202520 min

Can big tech and privacy coexist? | Carole Cadwalladr and Chris Anderson

“If you can’t respect the basic fundamental underlying principles with which we order society — which is ‘Do not steal’ — then what are you left with?” asks investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr. Following her TED2025 stage talk, Cadwalladr is in conversation with Chris Anderson, head of TED, to warn about surveillance fascism. What happens when big Silicon Valley companies take over communication platforms and intellectual property is weaponized against you? She suggests that when you feel...

Apr 13, 202535 min

The art of vulnerability and connection with comedian Mae Martin | ReThinking with Adam Grant

Mae Martin is a comedian, improviser, screenwriter, and podcast host. Their work on Netflix includes the stand-up special “Sap” and the aptly-named TV series “Feel Good.” Adam and Mae chat about the value of vulnerability in connection, snapping out of procrastination, shame spirals, and life lessons from the art of improvisation.  Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 12, 202536 min

Meet NEO, your robot butler in training | Bernt Børnich

What if doing your chores were as easy as flipping a switch? In this talk and live demo, roboticist and founder of 1X Bernt Børnich introduces NEO, a humanoid robot designed to help you out around the house. Watch as NEO shows off its ability to vacuum, water plants and keep you company, while Børnich tells the story of its development — and shares a vision for robot helpers that could free up your time to focus on what truly matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 11, 202515 min

This is what a digital coup looks like | Carole Cadwalladr

"We are watching the collapse of the international order in real time, and this is just the start," says investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr. In a searing talk, she decries the rise of the "broligarchy" — the powerful tech executives who are using their global digital platforms to amass unprecedented geopolitical power, dismantling democracy and enabling authoritarian control across the world. Her rallying cry: resist data harvesting and mass surveillance, and support others in a groundsw...

Apr 10, 202519 min

Why are we sending critical metals to the dump? | Jeff More

The world is heading toward a massive copper shortage that could derail the clean energy transition, says mining expert Jeff More. He shows how advanced sensing technology could get us back on the right track, drastically cutting down on the wasted materials from traditional mining and helping meet the growing demand for essential metals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 09, 20257 min

Norse mythology’s climate lessons for the future | Lauren Fadiman

What if ancient myths are warnings for the future? Contemporary folklorist Lauren Fadiman explores how the Norse tale of Ragnarök may stem from real climate catastrophe, revealing how folklore preserves lessons of resilience and can guide how we adapt to our own time of crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 08, 20258 min

Parkour! How the sport keeps your body and mind fit | Taylor Lynn Carpenter

Parkour isn't just for extreme athletes — it's a life skill that can help anyone navigate the world more easily, says professional parkour athlete Taylor Lynn Carpenter. She pulls off some slick vaults, jumps, dives and rolls onstage, showing how the basic movements of parkour can help you maintain mobility, overcome obstacles and rediscover your sense of adventure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 07, 20257 min

Sunday Pick: How to mix business and family | Fixable

What to do when your boss is your father-in-law, your colleague is your cousin, and your business partner is also your life partner? In the last episode of the season, Anne and Frances help a frustrated listener discover new ways to help her family business bounce back. She struggles to innovate when disagreements with her colleagues — who also happen to be her in-laws — repeatedly undermine progress. Together, they explore how to navigate personal relationships in business and how brave communi...

Apr 06, 202534 min

The brilliance of "Bluey" — and why parents love it, too | Sarina Petersen

"Bluey," the Australian children's show, is a global phenomenon. But how did a cartoon for kids become a smash hit with adults, too? Sarina Petersen, who studies social psychology, explains how "Bluey" keeps viewers of all ages hooked with a unique blend of humor, authenticity and nostalgia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 05, 202516 min

The best way to lower Earth’s temperature — fast | Daniel Zavala-Araiza

There's an invisible super-pollutant heating up the planet — but it's surprisingly easy to reduce, if we try. Revealing how methane contributes (way) more in the short term to global warming than carbon dioxide, chemical engineer Daniel Zavala-Araiza highlights the emerging technologies and bold new policies that are part of a worldwide effort to hold oil and gas companies accountable for polluting our skies with this harmful gas. It's an optimistic glimpse into a future where global cooperation...

Apr 04, 202511 min

The rise of China's homegrown brands — and why they matter | Roger Hu

A generational shift is transforming business in China, says consumer expert Roger Hu. He describes the young, ambitious entrepreneurs taking over family businesses across the country, positioning local Chinese enterprises to emerge as innovative and globally competitive giants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 03, 20258 min

The power of gaming together in a lonely world | Laura Miele

Can gaming with friends help combat loneliness? Laura Miele, the president of EA Entertainment & Technology, dives into how video games unite millions worldwide in a vibrant network of social hubs. With personal stories, research and a glimpse into the future of AI in gaming, she shows why playing together isn't just fun — it’s vital for human connection. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 02, 202511 min

How disgust drives your politics | Cindy Kam

Would you eat a bug? How about fine-crafted chocolate — shaped like poo? Your answer depends on both your disgust at the prospect and whether you choose to act on that emotion, says political psychologist Cindy Kam. She dives into how the feeling of disgust — whether motivated by real or imagined contamination — can connect or divide us, from everyday decisions to political alliances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 01, 202517 min

Is parenting advice leading to more anxious kids? | Mathilde H. Ross

Today's experts often overwhelm parents with alarming warnings of treacherous roads ahead for their children, sometimes turning dutiful parents anxious and obsessive. Instead of chasing trends, psychiatrist Mathilde H. Ross recommends trusting your instincts — and picking up a surprising source of simple, positive guidance on bonding and development. Her reassuring message? "You are quite literally evolved for this." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 31, 202510 min

Sunday Pick: What happens to sex in midlife? A look at the "bedroom gap" | TED Health

Menopause isn't just hot flashes, says gynecologist and sexual medicine specialist Maria Sophocles. It's often accompanied by overlooked symptoms like painful sex or loss of libido. Shedding light on what she calls the "bedroom gap," or the difference in sexual expectations of men and women in midlife due to societal norms, Sophocles advocates for education, medical advancement and a new understanding of menopause — because sex should be pleasurable and comfortable for everyone. After the talk, ...

Mar 30, 202536 min

Work is broken. Gen Z can help fix it | Amanda Schneider

Would you rather stay in your current job until you retire, or change jobs every year? Researcher Amanda Schneider says Gen Z's answer to this question says a lot about the evolving workplace. Sharing data-driven insights on the young workforce, she debunks common misconceptions about Gen Z employees and explains why their preferences are key to unlocking a more flexible, effective workplace for everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 29, 202513 min

Why joy and flexibility are good for business | Rosie Sargeant

“In the future, companies will succeed or fail based on how much their people enjoy their work,” says management consultant Rosie Sargeant. She offers three tips to make work more joyful, increase employee retention and boost customer satisfaction, suggesting how fun (like kangaroo-themed employee check-ins) can be both professional and profitable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 28, 20258 min

How industrial fishing sinks communities | Lamin Jassey

What happens when the fish that sustain a community start disappearing? Environmental activist Lamin Jassey shares how industrial fish meal factories are devastating local waters, livelihoods and health in The Gambia — and how communities are organizing to defend their coasts and reclaim their future, one catch at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 27, 20259 min

A fresh approach to resolving conflicts | Darya Shaikh

Conflict is an unavoidable part of any relationship. But what if the point of arguing isn't to win, but rather to grow from the experience? Facilitator Darya Shaikh presents a powerful framework for managing conflicts, showing how you can navigate complex conversations and identify pathways for mutual progress despite differences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 26, 20259 min

The “hot shot rule” to help you become a better leader | Kat Cole

Kat Cole discusses how to build confidence through action and introduces the 'hot shot rule,' a practice of envisioning someone admired in your role and acting on what they would do differently. She emphasizes the importance of proactive reflection and action to overcome complacency and drive personal and professional growth. This method has led to significant changes in her leadership and personal life.

Mar 25, 20259 min

The key to navigating change with confidence | Kristy Ellmer

What if the change you fear most is actually the best thing for you? Change leader Kristy Ellmer shares a powerful lesson on how even the most difficult transitions, including layoffs and company-wide transformations, can open unexpected doors. She offers tools from behavioral science to help you shift your mindset and navigate uncertainty with confidence — even when every instinct tells you to resist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 24, 202514 min

TED Talks Daily Book Club: Talk to Me | Rich Benjamin

Rich Benjamin is a cultural critic, anthropologist, and author of the new memoir  Talk To Me: Lessons From A Family Forged By History . In this live taping for the TED Talks Daily Book Club, Elise Hu interviews Rich about the powerful role history plays in shaping generations – and how he tells the story of two nations through the intimate search for answers in his own family’s story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 23, 202541 min

An NBA champion's advice on being a top teammate | Shane Battier

What if the secret to success isn’t being in the spotlight, but making everyone else around you shine? Former NBA player Shane Battier shares how his most impactful moments didn’t come from scoring points but rather from small, underrated actions that helped his team win — and why prioritizing "we" over "me" can create a lasting legacy, both on and off the court. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 22, 202512 min

A survival guide for musicians in the age of AI | Harvey Mason jr.

Artificial intelligence can write a song in seconds, but does that mean human songwriters will become obsolete? Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. doesn’t think so. A songwriter himself, he offers a four-step “survival guide” for human creators to endure the age of AI, urging musicians to embrace technology while preserving the emotional essence of human artistry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 21, 202514 min

Is generosity the most underrated leadership skill? | Joe Davis

Leadership isn’t about a title or position — it’s about generosity, says organizational expert Joe Davis. Drawing on his extensive experience as a people manager, he shares three essential tips for leaders to unlock the potential of their teams by listening generously, embracing vulnerability and leading with humanity — and shows how it's possible to both earn trust and drive results. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 20, 20259 min

An ethicist's guide to living a good life | Ira Bedzow

It's easy to say you have values — but how can you actually put them into action? Ethicist and rabbi Ira Bedzow helps people wrestle with this big question so they can navigate life with a sense of meaning and direction. He sits down with Shoshana Ungerleider, physician and host of the "TED Health" podcast, to discuss why you may have more than one singular purpose, how to define success on your own terms and the role of community in a fulfilling life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for ...

Mar 19, 202526 min