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.

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Episodes

Sunday Pick: How do you approach gender as a parent? (with LB Hannahs) | How to Be a Better Human

Thinking and talking about gender is complex for anyone, and for some people it’s a frequent conversation–especially for parents. In today’s episode, LB Hannahs, a genderqueer parent, shares their experience of parenting and discusses why they try to center authenticity and gender expansive thinking in the way they live their lives–both in how they interact with their kids, and how they work and show up in their community. Plus, from rethinking the gifts we give children to embracing the spectru...

Jun 01, 202537 min

How do you take the right risks? A photographer and brand builder answer | David Suh and Molly Graham

How do you find the courage to take risks — and succeed? Portrait photographer David Suh and brand builder Molly Graham explore the challenges of building confidence, navigating setbacks and learning to embrace the real "you." (This conversation is part of "TED Intersections," a series featuring thought-provoking conversations between experts navigating the ideas shaping our world.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 31, 202529 min

Beyond the Talk: Ariel Ekblaw on space-based technology and architecture

"We should be protecting the Earth — and we can use space technology to do that," says aerospace architect Ariel Ekblaw. Following her talk at TED2025, Ekblaw sat down for a special conversation with Elise Hu, host of TED Talks Daily, to discuss how space-based technology can improve daily life on Earth. From creating artificial retinas in zero gravity to installing solar panels above the atmosphere to capture sunlight, Ekblaw discusses the different technological advancements that help humanity...

May 30, 202522 min

How to build in space for life on Earth | Ariel Ekblaw

Is space the “final frontier” — or the perfect place to revolutionize life on Earth? Space architect Ariel Ekblaw reveals how self-assembling structures could build orbiting real estate in space dedicated to solving humanity’s greatest dilemmas on Earth, leading to scientific and medical breakthroughs only possible in zero gravity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 30, 202512 min

Why does uncertainty bother us so much? | Adam Kucharski

Why do we find it easier to trust some concepts and ideas over others? Mathematician Adam Kucharski explores the science of uncertainty, revealing how the very human need for explanation shapes trust in science, fear of technology and belief in conspiracy theories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 28, 202513 min

The future isn't just coded — it's built | Lauren Dunford

Look around — almost everything you see was manufactured, from baby formula to AI data centers and beyond. Yet we rarely think about how it’s all made. Factory fixer Lauren Dunford pulls back the curtain on modern manufacturing, revealing just how thrilling and world-shaping this unsung engine of progress can be. Discover how reinventing this overlooked industry could be one of the most important opportunities of our time — and why we all have a role to play. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...

May 27, 202512 min

Let your garden grow wild | Rebecca McMackin

Many gardeners work hard to maintain clean, tidy environments ... which is the exact opposite of what wildlife wants, says ecological horticulturist Rebecca McMackin. She shows the beauty of letting your garden run wild, surveying the success she's had increasing biodiversity even in the middle of New York City — and offers tips for cultivating a garden that can be home to birds, bees, butterflies and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 26, 202514 min

Sunday Pick: How to say no | WorkLife with Adam Grant

In a world filled with requests, many of us are struggling to stay afloat. Even if you’re not a people-pleaser, the desire to maintain a positive reputation can make it hard to turn others down. In this episode, Adam explores the art and science of delivering an effective “no.” He highlights strategies for setting boundaries with others to create space for yourself—and healthier relationships with those around you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 25, 202537 min

A comedian's take on how to save democracy | Jordan Klepper

Conversation is a battlefield with only one winner. Or is it? Comedian and author Jordan Klepper believes we can get better at talking to each other (and perhaps save democracy) by learning how to lose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 24, 202510 min

Is this the time of monsters — or miracles? | Angus Hervey

Headlines warn of a world in collapse, but solutions journalist Angus Hervey finds the overlooked triumphs that never make the news — from the rollout of malaria vaccines to the recovery of sea turtles. With hard data and stories from the frontlines, he reveals the hidden progress that perseveres even as it feels like the world is falling apart, and challenges us to decide which future we'll help write. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 23, 202512 min

Why love is harder in a second language | Magdalena Hoeller

Saying “I love you” often feels more meaningful in your first language than in any other language you learn later in life, explains linguist and polyglot Magdalena Hoeller. Unpacking the hidden challenges of intercultural relationships — from language barriers and humor gaps to subtle power dynamics — she shares how couples can turn these struggles into opportunities to grow closer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 22, 202517 min

This is what the future of media looks like | Hamish McKenzie

What if the polarizing mess of social media, clickbait headlines and addictive algorithms isn't a breakdown of media but a transition to something better? Substack cofounder Hamish McKenzie explores how independent creators are growing a new media "garden," where trust beats engagement metrics and audiences matter more than ads. Learn why clicking “subscribe” doesn’t just signal support; it gives you power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 21, 202513 min

The catastrophic risks of AI — and a safer path | Yoshua Bengio

Yoshua Bengio — the world's most-cited computer scientist and a "godfather" of artificial intelligence — is deadly concerned about the current trajectory of the technology. As AI models race toward full-blown agency, Bengio warns that they've already learned to deceive, cheat, self-preserve and slip out of our control. Drawing on his groundbreaking research, he reveals a bold plan to keep AI safe and ensure that human flourishing, not machines with unchecked power and autonomy, defines our futur...

May 20, 202515 min

How to make climate stories impossible to ignore | Katherine Dunn

In environmental reporting, “it's not always about the big climate story,” says journalist Katherine Dunn. She challenges newsrooms to rethink how they cover climate change, connecting to the things readers love — whether that’s jobs, football or even a good mango — with three actionable tips for making overlooked stories irresistible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 19, 202512 min

TED Talks Daily Book Club: Start With Why, 15th Anniversary Edition | Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek is an inspirational speaker and author of the bestselling book, “Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action.” In this TED Talks Daily Book Club interview, with host Elise Hu, Simon reflects on his message 15 years later and explains why it’s important to stay true to your why, both in the short- and long-term. He also tells us how to identify purpose-driven leaders and shares actionable steps you can take to find your own why. The TED Talks Daily Book Club seri...

May 18, 202536 min

The economic opportunity hidden in the climate transition | Marielle Remillard

The energy grid of the future demands a massive amount of materials: billions of solar panels, millions of wind turbines and more. Climate strategist Marielle Remillard reveals why there may be critical shortages ahead — and breaks down how this could also be the biggest business opportunity since the Industrial Revolution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 17, 202514 min

What if the climate movement felt like a house party? | Matthew Phillips

You’re invited into a bold new vision for the climate movement — a space of trust and honesty, where artists inspire action and everyone has a role to play. Social impact leader Matthew Phillips explores how shared purpose and imagination can revive the fragmented approach to climate action and unlock the power of collective momentum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 16, 202510 min

The AI revolution is underhyped | Eric Schmidt

The arrival of non-human intelligence is a very big deal, says former Google CEO and chairman Eric Schmidt. In a wide-ranging interview with technologist Bilawal Sidhu, Schmidt makes the case that AI is wildly underhyped, as near-constant breakthroughs give rise to systems capable of doing even the most complex tasks on their own. He explores the staggering opportunities, sobering challenges and urgent risks of AI, showing why everyone will need to engage with this technology in order to remain ...

May 15, 202527 min

The delicious potential of rescuing wasted food | Jasmine Crowe-Houston

What if solving hunger isn't about growing more food but wasting less of it? Social entrepreneur Jasmine Crowe-Houston has made that idea her mission with Goodr, a platform that reroutes surplus food to people in need. In conversation with journalist and "TED Radio Hour" host Manoush Zomorodi, she shares how a viral moment led to a nationwide effort to fix the food waste problem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 14, 202515 min

Are we cooked? How social media shapes your language | Adam Aleksic

Gen Z slang is rife with new words like "unalive," "skibidi" and "rizz." Where do these words come from — and how do they get popular so fast? Linguist Adam Aleksic explores how the forces of social media algorithms are reshaping the way people talk and view their very own identities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 13, 202515 min

How I make vegan food sexy | Pinky Cole

At the plant-based burger chain Slutty Vegan, Pinky Cole is flipping the script on vegan food with bold style. In conversation with host of "TED Radio Hour" Manoush Zomorodi, she shares the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey, from her roots in Baltimore to the grease fire that took her first storefront in Harlem. Learn more about the authenticity, resilience and community that went into building a multimillion-dollar vegan food empire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...

May 12, 202520 min

Sunday Pick: The poetry of Nepal's bridges | Far Flung

To get to school, work, or another town in Nepal, it helps if you don't have a fear of heights. That's because this mountainous terrain (it's home to Mount Everest after all) is connected via THOUSANDS of bridges. Whether permanent or seasonal, made of bamboo and rope or pulleys and wire, suspended above incredible mountains or rapid waters, the Nepalese have networked their country through amazing, unique, and exhilarating engineering. Find out how building and re-building bridges became a part...

May 11, 202529 min

The poetry of family | Duncan Keegan (Kelly Corrigan takeover)

Duncan Keegan doesn't consider himself a poet, but this deeply beautiful talk shows otherwise. With simple grace and quiet eloquence, he celebrates family, connection and togetherness, often most called for at the hardest of times. This is episode seven of a seven-part series airing this week on TED Talks Daily , where author, podcaster and past TED speaker Kelly Corrigan — and her six TED2025 speakers — explore the question: In the world of artificial intelligence, what is a parent for? To hear...

May 10, 202529 min

Can AI help with the chaos of family life? | Avni Patel Thompson (Kelly Corrigan takeover)

Tech innovator Avni Patel Thompson designed an app to shield busy parents from the chaos of scheduling school pickups, coordinating playdates, planning birthday parties and more — but as the product developed, something felt off. What might we lose when AI smooths over the friction of everyday family life? Patel Thompson explores her surprising discovery and how you can leverage AI to connect more deeply with the ones you love. This is episode six of a seven-part series airing this week on TED T...

May 09, 202527 min

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
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