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.

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Episodes

The luminous mystery of fireflies | Wan Faridah Akmal Jusoh

There are more than 2,000 firefly species, found on every continent except for Antarctica — an astonishing diversity of movement and light. Firefly scientist Wan Faridah Akmal Jusoh explores the mysteries of these little beetles that light up the night and details her quest to discover and protect new species as their habitats are at risk of disappearing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 20, 202413 min

Sunday Pick: Why people and AI make good business partners

Each Sunday, TED shares an episode of another podcast we think you'll love, handpicked for you… by us. Today: an episode from TED Tech. From the construction of virtual realities to the internet of things host Sherrell Dorsey guides you through the latest ideas from TED Speakers, uncovering the riveting questions that sit at the intersection of technology and society. What happens when the data-driven capabilities of AI are combined with human creativity and ingenuity? Shining a light on the opp...

May 19, 202417 min

How fantasy worlds can spark real change | Annalee Newitz

When the world's problems have you weary, journalist and science fiction writer Annalee Newitz suggests a good dose of escapist fiction to refresh your perspective. Step into the whimsical world of science fiction, cosplay and "goblincore" to see how fantasy worlds help us reimagine our relationships with our communities and each other — and why the best way to solve your problems may start with escaping them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 18, 202414 min

The science of lifespan — and the impact of your five senses | Christi Gendron

What you experience through your senses — sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch — can impact how healthy you are and how long you live, says neurobiologist Christi Gendron. She explores how environmental cues like temperature, light and even just the sight of death have influenced the lifespan of fruit flies, suggesting your everyday perceptions may have direct repercussions on your ability to live a long, healthy life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 17, 202412 min

The workers rebuilding communities after natural disasters | Saket Soni

As climate change leads to more and more natural disasters, a group of workers is showing up at one site after another to rebuild and repair. Labor organizer Saket Soni tells the stories of Resilience Force — the group of mostly immigrant workers restoring homes after hurricanes, floods and fires — and describes the unexpected bonds developing between the residents whose lives have been turned upside down and the laborers helping put things back together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...

May 16, 202414 min

With spatial intelligence, AI will understand the real world | Fei-Fei Li

In the beginning of the universe, all was darkness — until the first organisms developed sight, which ushered in an explosion of life, learning and progress. AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li says a similar moment is about to happen for computers and robots. She shows how machines are gaining "spatial intelligence" — the ability to process visual data, make predictions and act upon those predictions — and shares how this could enable AI to interact with humans in the real world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...

May 15, 202415 min

Why the world needs more builders — and less "us vs. them" | Daniel Lubetzky

We're programmed to think every issue is binary: "us vs. them." But Daniel Lubetzky, the founder of KIND Snacks, says the real enemy isn't a person but a mindset. He introduces a new initiative that aims to bring together "builders" from around the world to replace extremism with practical problem-solving — and shows how you can join the movement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 14, 202422 min

An activist investor on challenging the status quo | Bill Ackman

Bill Ackman has made billions of dollars — and a name for himself — as an activist investor, buying up stock to push for change at companies. In this wide-ranging conversation with author and business ethics professor Alison Taylor, Ackman discusses how he's bringing his activism into the social and political spheres — and shares his thoughts on free speech, his notoriously long posts on X, the conversation around Harvard and DEI and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat...

May 13, 202425 min

Sunday Pick: How to care for the people who take care of us (w/ Ai-jen Poo)

Each Sunday, TED shares an episode of another podcast we think you'll love, handpicked for you… by us. Today: in celebration of Mother's Day , we're sharing an episode we think you'll enjoy from How to Be a Better Human. Activist, and MacArthur Genuis, Ai-jen Poo believes that caring for others is one of the fundamental acts that make us human. But from nannies to elder-care workers, house cleaners to living assistants, single parents and beyond, globally, caretakers do not earn fair wages or re...

May 12, 202440 min

1 simple question that could improve women's health | Meryam Sugulle

There's a reliable indicator of a woman's future likelihood of cardiovascular disease — but it rarely gets asked about, says obstetrician and researcher Meryam Sugulle. She delves into the role of the placenta in pregnancy, how it can predict health outcomes and the single question that should be worked into routine health screenings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 11, 202416 min

How aerosols brighten clouds — and cool the planet | Sarah J. Doherty

Here's a conundrum: the same aerosol pollutants that harm human health also help cool the climate, says atmospheric scientist Sarah J. Doherty. Is there a way to clean up the air without warming the planet? Exploring the unintended consequences of reducing air pollution, she makes the case for a better understanding of marine cloud brightening — or intentionally adding sea salt aerosols to clouds over the ocean, which could reflect sunlight back into space and potentially reduce global warming. ...

May 10, 202413 min

How far away is a ceasefire? An update on Gaza and the Rafah invasion | Ian Bremmer

In an exploration of conflict and diplomacy, president and founder of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media Ian Bremmer joins TED's Helen Walters to unravel the ideological underpinnings, contrasting objectives and humanitarian crises defining the current situation in Gaza. Listen for the latest on Israel’s invasion of Rafah and what happened to the proposed ceasefire deal as well as a dissection of the elusive quest for peace in a region haunted by the specter of war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri...

May 09, 202448 min

Welcome to the world of audio computers | Jason Rugolo

In an exclusive preview of unreleased technology, designer and inventor Jason Rugolo unveils an entirely new kind of computer you can talk to like a friend. This "audio computer" — which can augment the sounds around you, translate conversations in real time, naturally respond to your voice and more — promises to shake up how we use our devices. It's shown publicly for the first time ever on the TED stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 08, 202414 min

Why US politics is broken — and how to fix it | Andrew Yang

The political system in the United States needs a redesign, says political reformer Andrew Yang. Exposing the flaws of a system built on poor incentives, he proposes a cost-effective overhaul inspired by primary elections already working in places like Alaska and advocates for ranked-choice voting, where voters can choose candidates in order of preference regardless of party, stemming the influence of extreme ideologies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 07, 202411 min

The US has a teacher shortage — here's how to fix it | Randy Seriguchi Jr.

How much should we invest in teachers, and what should new investment actually involve? Education innovator Randy Seriguchi Jr. suggests the US should create a "G.I. Bill" for teachers, with a particular emphasis on uplifting Black male professionals. He shares a model of this idea in action through community partnerships in San Francisco, which provide aspiring teachers with graduate school tuition, subsidized housing, personalized fit assessments and more. "If we truly want to elevate this pro...

May 06, 202412 min

Sunday Pick: The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks

Each Sunday, TED shares an episode of another podcast we think you'll love, handpicked for you … by us. Today: in celebration of Star Wars Day, we're sharing an episode from The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks, TED's first narrative show. It explores how Jar Jar Binks became one of the most polarizing figures in cinematic history when he made his debut in Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. It’s 1999, and sixteen years after its original release, a new Star Wars is finally coming. Fans have bee...

May 05, 202432 min

An updated action plan for solving the climate crisis — and a look at progress to date | Ryan Panchadsaram, Anjali Grover and David Biello

When it comes to climate, what are we doing right and where should we focus our efforts next? Systems innovator Ryan Panchadsaram and strategist Anjali Grover talk with TED science curator David Biello about the latest on the world's progress toward solving the climate crisis — and why there's more reason for optimism than you might think. Using strategic goal-setting tools that have transformed countless organizations, Panchadsaram and Grover explore the urgent actions needed to steer the plane...

May 04, 202412 min

How the US is destroying young people's future | Scott Galloway

In a scorching talk, marketing professor and podcaster Scott Galloway dissects the data showing that, by many measures, young people in the US are worse off financially than ever before. He unpacks the root causes and effects of this "great intergenerational theft," asking why we let it continue and showing how we could make it end. (Note: This talk contains mature language.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 02, 202418 min

How to govern AI — even if it's hard to predict | Helen Toner

No one truly understands AI, not even experts, says Helen Toner, an AI policy researcher and former board member of OpenAI. But that doesn't mean we can't govern it. She shows how we can make smart policies to regulate this technology even as we struggle to predict where it's headed — and why the right actions, right now, can shape the future we want. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 01, 202412 min

My epic journey becoming the fastest person to paddle around Australia | Bonnie Hancock

What challenges lie ahead of a staggering 12,700-kilometer paddle around the entire continent of Australia? Crocodiles and sharks were just the beginning, says Ironwoman Bonnie Hancock. Reflecting on her remarkable feat of becoming the fastest person to paddle around Australia, she shares lessons on perseverance, resilience and finding meaning in life's toughest moments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 30, 202410 min

How AI is unlocking the secrets of nature and the universe | Demis Hassabis

Can AI help us answer life's biggest questions? In this visionary conversation, Google DeepMind cofounder and CEO Demis Hassabis delves into the history and incredible capabilities of AI with head of TED Chris Anderson. Hassabis explains how AI models like AlphaFold — which accurately predicted the shapes of all 200 million proteins known to science in under a year — have already accelerated scientific discovery in ways that will benefit humanity. Next up? Hassabis says AI has the potential to u...

Apr 29, 202425 min

Sunday Pick: The perils of following your career passion

Each Sunday, TED shares an episode we think you'll love, handpicked for you… by us. Today: an episode from WorkLife with Adam Grant, the podcast that explores the science of making work not suck. Is “do what you love” terrible advice? Adam investigates why taking the job that will make you happiest is not as helpful as looking for the one where you’ll learn the most. Find the transcript at go.ted.com/worklifepassion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 28, 202435 min

A climate solution? The wisdom passed down through generations | Louise Mabulo

Louise Mabulo grew up on seemingly strange farming tips from her parents and grandparents — like planting crops during a full moon or burying a rock beneath them. Now a farmer and climate activist herself, she sees how these practical nuggets of wisdom actually have scientific merit. Learn how she's merging traditional knowledge with modern science to help farmers (and the world) adapt to a changing climate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 27, 20247 min

The secret ingredient of business success | Pete Stavros

Too often, employees are unmotivated and unhappy, with no real incentive to invest much of anything into their place of work. Investment expert Pete Stavros thinks there's a better way, and he's on a mission to rethink corporate structures to expand who benefits from a thriving company. Sharing personal stories of his own journey along with the profound impact doing this work effectively can have, this moving talk provides a blueprint for changing the narrative — and outlook — for millions of wo...

Apr 26, 202413 min

How to live with fire | Oral McGuire

Uncontrolled fire threatens nature — but the right kind of fire can maintain the health and balance of the land, says fire management expert Oral McGuire. As a leader in the Nyungar community of southwestern Australia and a former firefighter, he connects traditional wisdom with modern techniques to wield fire in a way that promotes biodiversity and heals the spirit of the land at the same time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 25, 202411 min

The weird and wonderful art of Niceaunties | Niceaunties

Welcome to the "Auntieverse" — a surreal tribute to "auntie culture" by artist Niceaunties, inspired by the spirit of the women who care for each other and their families. From sushi-bedecked cars with legs to hot tub baths full of ramen, Niceaunties shares a visual feast that fuses AI and imagination and celebrates the eccentric, vibrant world of aunties with reverence and awe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 24, 202418 min

The art of persuasive storytelling | Kelly D. Parker

"Storytelling is one of the most powerful marketing and leadership tools there is," says communications expert Kelly D. Parker. She explains how stories make proposals of all kinds more memorable — and shows how you can craft a compelling narrative to connect, persuade and drive meaningful action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 23, 202413 min

What is an AI anyway? | Mustafa Suleyman

When it comes to artificial intelligence, what are we actually creating? Even those closest to its development are struggling to describe exactly where things are headed, says Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, one of the primary architects of the AI models many of us use today. He offers an honest and compelling new vision for the future of AI, proposing an unignorable metaphor — a new digital species — to focus attention on this extraordinary moment. (Followed by a Q&A with head of TED Chr...

Apr 22, 202422 min

Sunday Pick: Unsolicited Advice — Boeing and how to lead in a crisis

Each Sunday, TED shares an episode of another podcast we think you'll love, handpicked for you… by us. Today: an episode from Fixable, TED's business call-in advice show hosted by leadership experts Anne Morriss and Frances Frei. Multiple deadly crashes, a door flying off mid-flight, a CEO forced to step down Boeing has had more than a few disasters. And in case anyone at Boeing is listening, Anne and Frances have some advice to offer for our first ever "Unsolicited Advice" episode. How can a co...

Apr 21, 202419 min

Can cannabis help you sleep? Here's the science | Jen Walsh

Can cannabis actually treat insomnia? It's complicated, says sleep physiologist Jen Walsh. While the plant has been used across time and cultures, there's been little scientific research on how it impacts sleep disorders like insomnia. That's precisely where she and her team come in. Learn about the world's first study into the potential of medicinal cannabis as a safe, accessible treatment to help us all rest easy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 20, 202412 min
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