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.

Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

A parent's guide to raising kids after loss | Andy Laats (Kelly Corrigan takeover)

Kelly Corrigan introduces Andy Laats, who shares his experiences as a single parent after the loss of his wife, Liz, and how it transformed his understanding of parenting. Andy emphasizes the importance of deep, empathetic connections with children, highlighting experiences beyond routine tasks. The conversation explores lessons for current parents and technologists, advocating for valuing and integrating the often-overlooked perspectives of mothers and caregivers in AI development.

May 08, 202528 min

You are the bridge to the next generation | Ndinini Kimesera Sikar (Kelly Corrigan takeover)

"Do you know what you want to preserve for the next generation?" asks community leader Ndinini Kimesera Sikar. Drawing on her experience growing up in a family of 38 in a traditional Maasai village in Tanzania — where every chore was shared, every story was sung and belonging meant survival — she explores how we can blend the old with the new to build the life we want, encouraging us all to ponder our list of "must-haves" for the future. This is episode four of a seven-part series airing this we...

May 07, 202528 min

Are we still human if robots help raise our babies? | Sarah Blaffer Hrdy (Kelly Corrigan takeover)

AI is transforming the way we work — could it also reshape what makes us human? In this quick and insightful talk, evolutionary anthropologist Sarah Blaffer Hrdy explores how the human brain was shaped by millions of years of shared childcare and mutually supportive communities, asking a provocative question: If robots help raise the next generation, will we lose the empathy that defines us? This is episode three of a seven-part series airing this week on TED Talks Daily , where author, podcaste...

May 06, 202525 min

The mental health AI chatbot made for real life | Alison Darcy (Kelly Corrigan takeover)

Who do you turn to when panic strikes in the middle of the night — and can AI help? Psychologist Alison Darcy shares the vision behind Woebot, a mental health chatbot designed to support people in tough moments, especially when no one else is around. In conversation with author and podcaster Kelly Corrigan, Darcy explores what we should expect and demand from ethically designed, psychological AIs. This is episode two of a seven-part series airing this week on TED Talks Daily , where author, podc...

May 05, 202531 min

What role will AI play in family life? | Kelly Corrigan’s TED Talks Daily takeover

Kelly Corrigan, host of the podcast Kelly Corrigan Wonders , is taking over TED Talks Daily for the week leading up to Mother’s Day! As a guest curator for TED 2025, Corrigan asks big questions about the role of parents in the growing age of AI, how AI will change family life, and if it should play a role in the first place. In this episode, she’ll guide you through conversations she had with technologists, community leaders, evolutionary anthropologists, and physicians on whether technology lim...

May 04, 202532 min

The artist-driven innovation behind the films we love | Rob Bredow

Rob Bredow explores the evolution of visual effects, highlighting the blending of old and new technologies at Industrial Light & Magic. He discusses key innovations in films like Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones, and the use of virtual production in The Mandalorian. Bredow expresses optimism about AI empowering artists rather than replacing them, showcasing a short film created with generative AI tools.

May 03, 202515 min

How art helped me grapple with grief | Navied Mahdavian

With just a few lines, cartoons can say so much with so little. In a moving talk, cartoonist Navied Mahdavian shares his process for distilling huge concepts into drawings on the page — and shows how his work helped him grieve the death of his beloved grandmother, flaws and all. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Learn more about TED Next at ted.com/futureyou For the Idea Search application, go to ted.com/ideasearch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

May 02, 20259 min

Beyond the Talk: Tristan Harris in conversation with TED Talks Daily

“AI is already demonstrating deceptive, self-preserving behaviors that we thought only existed in science-fiction movies,” says technology ethicist Tristan Harris. Following his talk at TED2025, Harris is in conversation with Elise Hu, host of TED Talks Daily, to explore an “adaptation crisis” — where laws and regulations lag behind the speed of technology. He warns against seeing all innovation as progress, advocating for technology that is aligned with preserving the social life of humans. Wan...

May 01, 202522 min

Why AI is our ultimate test and greatest invitation | Tristan Harris

Technologist Tristan Harris has an urgent question: What if the way we’re deploying the world’s most powerful technology — artificial intelligence — isn’t inevitable, but a choice? In this eye-opening talk, he calls on us to learn from the mistakes of social media’s catastrophic rollout and confront the predictable dangers of reckless AI development, offering a “narrow path” where power is matched with responsibility, foresight and wisdom. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out o...

May 01, 202517 min

Where in the world is Trump taking us? | TED Explains the World with Ian Bremmer

It’s been an eventful first 100 days for the second Trump administration, which has featured tariff turmoil, shifting foreign policy and the upheaval of prior geopolitical relationships. In this discussion, political scientist Ian Bremmer separates signal from noise in the biggest stories of the day, evaluating the global economy, US-China relations, the future of Ukraine and Europe, immigration and more. (This interview, hosted by TED’s Helen Walters, was recorded on April 29, 2025.) Want to he...

Apr 30, 202556 min

A new vision of healthy masculinity | Davonte Green

What does it actually mean to be a "real man" these days? In a personal talk packed with actionable advice, youth advocate Davonte Green challenges age-old stereotypes about masculinity, showing that emotional intelligence and self-control — not aggression — are the keys to moving through the world with confidence and strength. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Learn more about TED Next at ted.com/futureyou For the Idea Search application, go to ted.com/ideasear...

Apr 29, 202513 min

Feeling stressed? The answer isn’t to “just relax” | Aditi Nerurkar

Stress isn’t all bad. In fact, the right kind can fuel growth instead of burnout. In this actionable discussion, physician and author Aditi Nerurkar shares tips for managing your stress, boosting your confidence and increasing your resilience. Discover how to spot your stress signals before they spiral — and turn pressure into progress. (This live conversation was hosted by TED’s Whitney Pennington Rodgers and was part of a TED Membership event. Visit ted.com/membership to support TED today and ...

Apr 28, 202559 min

Sunday Pick: How poetry builds teenagers' confidence (w/ Youth Poet Laureate Naisha Randhar) | How to Be a Better Human

In honor of National Poetry Month, Chris is speaking with Naisha Randhar. Naisha is the Youth Poet Laureate of Dallas, the author of Roses of Arma, and the youngest guest Chris has ever interviewed — she’s a high school sophomore. Chris and Naisha talk about the inspiring work of teaching teenagers poetry and how to balance self-awareness with self-confidence. Naisha also encourages listeners to be witnesses more than interpreters and how it’s equally important to witness yourself and your prese...

Apr 27, 202541 min

The climate movement needs new stories — here's mine | Fenton Lutunatabua

"We are not drowning. We are fighting," says storyteller Fenton Lutunatabua, echoing the mantra of the climate activists he works with across the Pacific. He shares stories of the people and communities at the front lines of the climate crisis, proving they're not waiting to be saved — they're demanding action and putting up a fierce fight for the future. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Learn more about TED Next at ted.com/futureyou For the Idea Search applica...

Apr 26, 20259 min

How to speak up — even when you don’t want to | Sarah Crawford-Bohl

What stops you from speaking up when it matters most? Healthcare leader Sarah Crawford-Bohl offers a practical, compassionate framework to have difficult conversations with clarity and heart — and shows how it can lead to stronger teams and real impact. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Learn more about TED Next at ted.com/futureyou For the Idea Search application, go to ted.com/ideasearch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 25, 202513 min

The AI arsenal that could stop World War III | Palmer Luckey

AI in warfare is no longer hypothetical; it's inevitable, says Palmer Luckey, an inventor and founder of the defense technology company Anduril Industries. He takes us inside the high-tech arms race to build AI-powered weapons, "killer robots" and autonomous fighter jets at scale — and makes the counterintuitive case for why this may be the surest path to deterrence and lasting peace. (Followed by Q&A with technologist Bilawal Sidhu) Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our...

Apr 24, 202516 min

The role of art and forgiveness in democracy | Marc Bamuthi Joseph and Wendy Whelan

Can art pave the way for a politically divided nation to move forward? Artist, cultural strategist and TED Fellow Marc Bamuthi Joseph reflects on the role of art, forgiveness and remembrance in the pursuit of public healing — especially at a time when trust is contested and community forums fractured. Wendy Whelan, associate artistic director of the New York City Ballet, joins him on stage for a rendition of “The Carnival of the Animals,” exploring how the cuckoo bird exemplifies the cycles of i...

Apr 23, 202511 min

Your inner fire is your greatest strength | Xiye Bastida

Hope isn’t just a feeling, but a skill you can practice, explains climate activist Xiye Bastida. Taking cues from the resilience of nature, she shows why trusting Indigenous leaders who’ve protected the planet for generations can help turn despair about the climate into the momentum needed to ignite meaningful change. A powerful reminder that the fire in your heart is your greatest strength for creating a better future. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Learn mo...

Apr 22, 202513 min

Why the only future worth building includes everyone | His Holiness Pope Francis

A single individual is enough for hope to exist, and that individual can be you, says His Holiness Pope Francis in this searing TED Talk delivered directly from Vatican City. In a hopeful message to people of all faiths, to those who have power as well as those who don't, the spiritual leader provides illuminating commentary on the world as we currently find it and calls for equality, solidarity and tenderness to prevail. "Let us help each other, all together, to remember that the 'other' is not...

Apr 21, 202519 min

TED Talks Daily Book Club: Love Letter to a Garden | Debbie Millman

Debbie Millman, host of the Design Matters podcast, another podcast in the TED Audio Collective, doesn’t have a natural green thumb. But when the pandemic hit, she embraced the challenge and picked up gardening as a new hobby. As she learned to grow vegetables in her home garden, she realized the earth had much to teach her about growing as a human being, too. Debbie documents this journey in her new book, “Love Letter to a Garden” — a visual story with bright illustrations and recipes from her ...

Apr 20, 202541 min

How music helped me live through long COVID | Joshua Roman

An accomplished cellist, TED Fellow Joshua Roman has practiced his instrument daily since he was a child — until a severe case of long COVID almost robbed him of his ability to play. In an inspiring talk, he plays a piece by Johann Sebastian Bach, shares how he found his way back to music and then performs a staggering new solo composition, titled "Immunity." Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Learn more about TED Next at ted.com/futureyou For the Idea Search app...

Apr 19, 202518 min

The hidden cost of the green transition's mineral rush | Galina Angarova

What if the race to save the planet is harming the people who protect it? Indigenous advocate Galina Angarova exposes the hidden cost of the green energy transition, where the demand for minerals like nickel and lithium threatens to devastate Indigenous lands and livelihoods. She calls for a radical shift in mindset — one that centers Indigenous leadership, consent and reciprocity as the foundation of a truly just and sustainable future. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our...

Apr 18, 202515 min

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. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Learn more about TED Next at ted.com/f...

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) Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fi...

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?" Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Learn more about ...

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 Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Learn more about TED Next at ted...

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. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our su...

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
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast