It's time for our periodic update of good news from Angus Hervey, founder of Fix the News, an independent publication that reports stories of global progress. In a quick talk, he shares three major updates of recent human progress on eradicating ancient diseases, establishing massive new ocean sanctuaries and transforming children's rights. (This conversation was recorded on December 2, 2024.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 27, 2024•10 min
Scientists are getting closer to giving humans the power to communicate with their thoughts alone. In a live demo, researcher Chin-Teng Lin shows how brain-computer interfaces can translate a person's neural signals into text on a computer, potentially opening up a new realm of communication that turns silent thought into words. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 26, 2024•13 min
The sight of mistletoe may either send you scurrying or, if you have your eye on someone, awaiting an opportunity beneath its snow-white berries. But how did the festive tradition of kissing under mistletoe come about? Carlos Reif explains how this long-lived custom intertwines the mythology and biology of this intriguing plant. [Directed by Bálint Gelley, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Gergely Buttinger]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 25, 2024•6 min
Can artificial intelligence be funny, or is comedy a uniquely human trait? In this witty and insightful talk, cartoonist Bob Mankoff explores the art of humor, the evolution of AI and what happens when the two collide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 24, 2024•13 min
The end of the year is often a time to reflect and spend time with family — activities that may seem joyful or anxiety-inducing, depending on your circumstances. Psychologist Guy Winch offers actionable advice on how to manage your emotions with confidence during the holidays, from setting boundaries to healing heartache — above all reminding you that emotional health is possible, as long as you're informed and willing to do the work. (This live conversation was hosted by TED's Whitney Penningto...
Dec 23, 2024•57 min
Each Sunday, TED shares an episode of another podcast we think you'll love, handpicked for you… by us. This is an episode of Fixable, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective. Do you feel like you’re hitting a wall at work? This week, Anne and Frances are joined by Master Fixers Bob Sutton and Huggy Rao. Bob and Huggy are professors at Stanford University and authors of “The Friction Project: How Smart Leaders Make the Right Things Easier and the Wrong Things Harder”. Together, the four dis...
Dec 22, 2024•37 min
In a lively conversation from TED's brand-new Next Stage, social scientist Kasley Killam, technologist Apolinário Passos and futurist AC Coppens explore the intricate dynamics of human-AI relationships — and show how AI is already changing the ways we live, work and connect with each other. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 21, 2024•40 min
TED Fellow and composer Sahba Aminikia brings the healing power of dance, storytelling, music and performance to some of the most dangerous places on Earth. By celebrating children and their communities with beauty and joy, he shows how to cultivate hope, connection and love — even in conflict zones. "The ultimate power is in unity," Aminikia says. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 20, 2024•20 min
Is embracing your inner teenager the key to thriving in adulthood? Neuroscientist Adriana Galván shares three powerful lessons from decades of research into adolescent brain development, exploring what teens can teach us about embracing uncertainty, challenging the status quo and taking strategic risks — all tools for a bold, brave life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 19, 2024•9 min
When it comes to tackling the climate crisis, the majority of the workforce in Africa believes their role is in the labor-intensive, low-income work — not in the strategic, analytical or leadership-based spaces, says climate visionary and entrepreneur Joshua Amponsem. He advocates for a shift in climate funding that fosters local talent and leadership, envisioning a future where African youth are key innovators in the climate movement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 18, 2024•11 min
Gabriella Lascano rose to prominence as a plus-size influencer, advocating for respect at any size with her natural blend of confidence and self-love. She shares how a friend's death led to a candid reassessment of her own health and sparked a viral conversation about the complex intersection of body image, community and personal growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 17, 2024•10 min
When making a big decision, should you trust your gut or follow the data? Emergency manager Jonathan Reimer draws on his experience responding to some of Canada's largest wildfires to share advice on high-stakes decision-making that you can take to your boardroom, kitchen table or anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 16, 2024•15 min
Each Sunday, TED shares an episode of another podcast we think you'll love, handpicked for you… by us. Today, an episode of The TED AI Show. 2024 was the biggest election year in modern history, with over 50 countries going out to the polls across the globe. And artificial intelligence has fully seeped into global politics – from deepfakes to AI bots that can ingest thousands and thousands of documents to make policy decisions. The TED AI Show host Bilawal Sidhu talks with journalist Vittoria El...
Dec 15, 2024•40 min
In the long term, shutting down a coal mine means cleaner air and a healthier environment — but in the short term, it can devastate a community or family that relied on the mine's paychecks to make ends meet. Environmental justice advocate Payton M. Wilkins thinks we can protect both workers and the planet with an age-old solution: unions. He digs into the economic fallout of ditching fossil fuels and shows why unions are well-positioned to push the transition to clean energy and green jobs. Hos...
Dec 14, 2024•10 min
Looking to level up your presentations? It might only take a poorly-drawn sketch, says professor Martin J. Eppler. He offers three tips to use visualizations at work, laying out how these simple tricks can boost creativity and communication, improve decision-making and lead to better collaboration among colleagues. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 13, 2024•12 min
Math isn't just for "math kids" — it's for everyone, says learning expert Shalinee Sharma. She outlines four simple steps to transform your approach to math, creating an environment where any kid can develop a strong mathematical mind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 12, 2024•13 min
Why does losing weight often feel like an uphill battle? Physician Katherine Saunders unpacks how our bodies are wired to store fat, revealing that obesity isn’t simply a lack of willpower — it’s a complex, chronic disease rooted in evolutionary biology. She shares the science behind the latest breakthroughs in treatment, from lifestyle interventions to powerful new medications. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 11, 2024•13 min
TED Fellow and renewable energy expert Norah Magero envisions an Africa that pioneers its own technological future, shifting the narrative from dependence and consumption to self-reliance and innovation. She shares how she developed VacciBox — a solar-powered refrigeration system made in Kenya to keep vaccines cold in off-grid areas — and highlights the power of homegrown solutions to transform health care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 10, 2024•16 min
What was your favorite toy when you were a kid? Your answer might reveal more about you than you expect, says toy historian Chris Byrne. From Matchbox cars and Barbie to Rubik's Cube and Squishmallows, he explores how playthings reflect cultural values and influence who you become as an adult. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 09, 2024•12 min
Each Sunday, TED shares an episode of another podcast we think you'll love, handpicked for you… by us. This week on TED Health, Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider is taking you on a special journey to embrace your healthiest self. Join her and experts from across the healthcare space for our “A Healthier You” series, where we dive deeper into ideas and knowledge that could change the way you think about health — from your heart to your brain to your gut. Up first: how to advocate for yourself. The doctor’...
Dec 08, 2024•12 min
Why do so many of us get nervous when public speaking? Communication expert Lawrence Bernstein says the key to dealing with the pressure is as simple as having a casual chat. He introduces the "coffee shop test" as a way to help you overcome nerves, connect with your audience and deliver a message that truly resonates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 07, 2024•16 min
A nightmare scenario happened to politician Cara Hunter: just weeks before her election, she became the victim of a deepfake scam that threatened to upend her life and career. In a fearless talk, she explores AI's potential to undermine truth and democracy — and offers a path forward to harness this powerful technology as a force for good. (This talk contains mature language.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 06, 2024•15 min
How do we protect ourselves from being misled online? Counter-terrorism expert Vidhya Ramalingam reveals how disinformation is being weaponized to justify violence — increasingly against climate scientists — and introduces a powerful tool called "prebunking": a proactive approach that empowers people to recognize and reject manipulative messages before they take root. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 05, 2024•16 min
Lily Yeh calls herself a barefoot artist: she travels the world with a suitcase full of art supplies, working with whoever wants to join her. In an inspiring talk, she shares the fruits of her collaborative art projects that bring color, community and beauty to public spaces often seen as “broken." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 04, 2024•14 min
Success in your career looks different for everyone — but no matter your industry, you'll need to take risks. Company and community builder Molly Graham shares three key skills to learn before jumping off the metaphorical cliff, outlining a path off the corporate ladder and into true professional and personal growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 03, 2024•11 min
Can AI compress the yearslong research time of a PhD into seconds? Research scientist Max Jaderberg explores how “AI analogs” simulate real-world lab work with staggering speed and scale, unlocking new insights on protein folding and drug discovery. Drawing on his experience working on Isomorphic Labs' and Google DeepMind's AlphaFold 3 — an AI model for predicting the structure of molecules — Jaderberg explains how this new technology frees up researchers' time and resources to better understand...
Dec 02, 2024•18 min
Each Sunday, TED shares an episode of another podcast we think you'll love, handpicked for you… by us. How many relationships should we maintain, and what are the different kinds of friendships we need anyway? In this episode of Am I Normal?, a podcast from the TED Audio Collective, data scientist Mona Chalabi asks evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar what he's learned from been studying social relationships for 50 years. Then, Mona maps out her own relationships against the averages -- and in...
Dec 01, 2024•20 min
GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke discusses Europe's readiness to lead the next era of AI innovation, examining how the continent's tech ecosystems stack up against those in the US. In conversation with TEDAI Vienna co-curator Vlad Gozman, Dohmke explains the three key shifts that will help Europe thrive in the age of AI — and shows how GitHub's initiatives can empower anyone to build new ideas around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 30, 2024•21 min
Songs are the soundtrack of our lives. But why exactly do they make us feel the way they do? Songwriter Scarlet Keys sits down at a piano to deconstruct the tools musicians use to make a melody unforgettable — from tone and repetition to lyrics and chords — and sheds light on music's ability to transform moments into memories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 29, 2024•21 min
When you think of North American cuisine, do Indigenous foods come to mind? Chef Sean Sherman serves up an essential history lesson that explains the absence of Native American culinary traditions across the continent, highlighting why revitalizing Indigenous education sits at the center of a better diet and healthier relationship with the planet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 28, 2024•18 min