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

Why change is so scary — and how to unlock its potential | Maya Shankar (re-release)

Unexpected change like an accident, an illness or a relationship that suddenly ends is inevitable -- and disorienting. With a heartfelt and optimistic take on life's curveballs, cognitive scientist Maya Shankar shares how these challenging moments can inspire transformation, offering three questions to ask when facing uncertainty, so you can let go of rigidity and embrace change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Oct 19, 202516 min

The difference between healthy and unhealthy love | Katie Hood (re-release)

In a talk about understanding and practicing the art of healthy relationships, Katie Hood reveals the five signs you might be in an unhealthy relationship -- with a romantic partner, a friend, a family member -- and shares the things you can do every day to love with respect, kindness and joy. "While love is an instinct and an emotion, the ability to love better is a skill we can all build and improve on over time," she says. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Oct 18, 202512 min

The new era of AI-powered protein design | César Ramírez-Sarmiento

With the advent of AI, scientists can develop new proteins at an astonishing rate, helping tackle our biggest biomedical and environmental issues. Protein engineer and TED Fellow César Ramírez-Sarmiento delves into the evolution of protein design and imagines a future where the next generation of Latin American scientists have the tools to explore nature’s untapped terrain and reshape the future of humanity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Oct 17, 202527 min

What it’s really like to win the lottery | Matt Pitcher

What happens when ordinary people win the lottery? Financial planner Matt Pitcher shares lessons from more than a decade of advising lotto winners, revealing how sudden wealth can unbalance life and spark consumerism — or create profound opportunities for meaning. This talk just might make you rethink the link between money and happiness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 16, 202513 min

Tax the rich — and save the planet | Esther Duflo

Nobel Prize-winning economist Esther Duflo brings her data-driven precision to the climate crisis — and the numbers are damning. While world leaders haggle over finances at endless summits, rising temperatures will kill millions in the poorest countries by the end of this century. She calculates the staggering cost of wealthy nations pumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, proving that getting billionaires to pay their fair share in taxes is the best way to cover these damages. Hosted on A...

Oct 15, 202512 min

A pastry chef works his chocolatier magic — live | Amaury Guichon

Get a taste of the chocolatier life from world-renowned pastry chef Amaury Guichon as he shares his story — and the secrets of his craft — with podcaster Latif Nasser. Learn what it takes to construct elaborate, lifelike (and delicious) sculptures from 100 percent confectionery ingredients as Guichon puts the final touches on his signature decadent chocolate clock pastry, complete with delicate gears. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Oct 14, 202511 min

The flourishing future of women's sports | Kate Johnson

Women's sports are surging in popularity around the world, with record-breaking viewership, attendance and revenue growth. And yet, social media algorithms still skew towards covering men's sports. Olympic rower Kate Johnson, who now leads global marketing strategy for sports and entertainment at Google, unpacks why this is still happening — and what it will take to level the playing field for women’s sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Oct 13, 202514 min

TED Talks Daily Book Club: Essential questions to ask your future self | Meg Jay (re-release)

How much do you think about your future self? If your answer is not much, you're not alone. It can be difficult to plan for a version of yourself you haven't met yet, says psychologist Meg Jay. Sharing how to close the empathy gap between you and your future selves, she outlines courageous questions to ask about how your present and future can align, so you can begin to achieve your goals. (This conversation, hosted by TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers, was part of a TED Mem...

Oct 12, 202513 min

How to raise confident kids in an age of anxiety | Lenore Skenazy

The secret to reducing childhood anxiety is actually quite simple: just let kids do more stuff on their own, says Lenore Skenazy, cofounder and president of Let Grow, an organization dedicated to normalizing childhood independence. In conversation with TED’s Whitney Pennington Rodgers, Skenazy discusses why parenting has become more demanding in our safety-obsessed world — and offers a more joyful, trusting alternative to helicopter parenting, with tangible steps for how to start safely (and san...

Oct 11, 202544 min

The hidden cost of buying gold | Claudia Vega

Gold may glitter, but the hidden cost of mining it is devastating. Amazon researcher and TED Fellow Claudia Vega exposes how mercury pollution from artisanal gold mining poisons local communities and destroys rainforests — and shows why protecting the planet is far more valuable than any treasure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 10, 202533 min

How we’re turning pollution into toys, toothpaste and more | Xu Hao

It took alcohol 200 years to go from scientific discovery to industrial revolution, but tech innovator Xu Hao says we can’t afford to wait that long to tackle the climate crisis. He explores why most climate solutions are still stuck in labs — despite breakthrough science that can turn planet-warming CO2 into everyday products like toothpaste, water bottles and smartphone components — and explains what it will take for a clean future to arrive sooner than we think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...

Oct 09, 202514 min

The best thing that could happen to the energy industry | Matt Tilleard

History has been written by whoever controls the dominant fuel of the era — until now, says renewables entrepreneur Matt Tilleard. He explains why, as the clean energy transition ramps up, we’re moving from a world where energy comes from burning fuels to one where it will come from using technology. Learn why this could change everything about global power dynamics — and why the future belongs not to those who control resources, but to those who build and share technology. Hosted on Acast. See ...

Oct 08, 202514 min

Inside the Gaza peace plan | Ian Bremmer

October 7 marks the second anniversary of Hamas' horrific attack on Israel — and Israel's devastating response. Political scientist Ian Bremmer unravels the intricate dynamics of President Trump's ambitious peace plan, the stark realities facing Gaza, how Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is navigating this moment and whether a genuine path to peace is possible. (This interview, hosted by TED’s Helen Walters, was recorded on October 6, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...

Oct 07, 202540 min

Going viral taught me the internet is broken — but fixable | Deja Foxx

Digital strategist Deja Foxx recounts her journey after a viral moment revealed the harsh realities of online fame, from cyberbullying to the profit-driven nature of platforms. She introduces the "girl internet," a growing ecosystem of women-led platforms like Archive of Her Own, Sunroom, and DM, which prioritize user privacy, safety, and community. Foxx argues that these initiatives are building a more equitable and inclusive online world, reclaiming the digital public square from current flawed models and empowering users to shape a better future.

Oct 06, 202512 min

Beyond the Talk: Deja Foxx on finding alternative online spaces

"Teen girls have solutions to save us from some of our biggest problems," says digital strategist Deja Foxx. Following her talk at TED2025, she joins Elise Hu, host of TED Talks Daily, to discuss the power, innovation and intelligence of teen girls — especially amid a rise in online platforms censoring women's health and creativity. Foxx reflects on how she went viral for speaking up at a town hall meeting, talks about the importance of carving out space for a different kind of internet and shar...

Oct 06, 202526 min

Sunday Pick: How Texas became America’s biggest producer of wind energy | Speed & Scale

This is the surprising story of how Texas – rich in oil and gas – became America's biggest producer of wind energy. For our first episode, Ryan and Anjali talk with Pat Wood, once George W. Bush’s right hand man and head of Texas's Public Utility Commission, to uncover the innovative approach that turned Texas into a renewable energy powerhouse. It’s a story about what could get done before partisan politics got in the way of good climate policy, and it shows that economic incentives for consume...

Oct 05, 202528 min

Your relationship expectations could be holding you back | Stephanie R. Yates-Anyabwile (re-release)

What if the secret to a happy relationship isn’t following the rules, but rewriting them? In this refreshing talk, couples therapist Stephanie R. Yates-Anyabwile explores why letting go of traditional societal expectations of romantic relationships — like sharing the same routines or even, in some cases, living together — can help couples embrace their individuality, reduce conflict and build stronger, more fulfilling connections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Oct 04, 202511 min

Can AI make us more human? A social psychologist and a business leader answer | Heidi Grant and Barry Cooper

As AI continues to integrate into our workplaces, how do we ensure we don’t lose what makes us human? Social psychologist Heidi Grant speaks with NiCE's CX Division president Barry Cooper about why the current era of AI is misunderstood and how working with this new technology — instead of against it — can help you grow both inside and outside of your career. (This content is made possible by NiCE. It however does not necessarily reflect the views of NiCE.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

Oct 03, 202527 min

What separates us from chimpanzees? | Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall hasn't found the missing link, but she's come closer than nearly anyone else. The primatologist says the only real difference between humans and chimps is our sophisticated language. She urges us to start using it to change the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 02, 202529 min

3 simple ways to build stronger relationships at work | Alyssa Birnbaum

Doing the best at your job isn't just about working harder — it’s also about connecting better, says psychologist Alyssa Birnbaum. She shares practical, research-backed tips for strengthening relationships with your coworkers (whether you’re together in person or working remotely) in order to boost engagement, fight burnout and make work better for everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 01, 202517 min

This TED Talk is full of bad ideas | Gabe Whaley

Artist Gabe Whaley, leading the collective Mischief, explores the fascinating potential of 'bad ideas' in art. He recounts how projects like selling 5,000 keys to a single car, a microscopic handbag, or an ATM displaying bank balances surprisingly go viral and sell for thousands. Whaley highlights how embracing the absurd, even when initially uncomfortable, can lead to remarkable outcomes, fostering community and challenging perceptions of value and interaction.

Sep 30, 202513 min

How Dolly Parton led me to an epiphany | Jad Abumrad (re-release)

How do you end a story? Host of "Radiolab" Jad Abumrad tells how his search for an answer led him home to the mountains of Tennessee, where he met an unexpected teacher: Dolly Parton. This episode originally aired on July 12, 2021. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 29, 202514 min

TED Talks Daily Book Club: How to Be Free: A Proven Guide to Escaping Life’s Hidden Prisons | Shaka Senghor

Note: this talk contains mature content. Shaka Senghor is a resilience expert and New York Times best-selling author, who spent 19 years in prison–including 7 in solitary confinement–for a crime committed when he was young, before finding his path to freedom. In this TED Talks Daily Book Club interview, Elise Hu speaks with Shaka about newest book, How to Be Free: A Proven Guide to Escaping Life’s Hidden Prisons . Elise and Shaka discuss the lessons he learned while incarcerated, and why he beli...

Sep 28, 202544 min

How do you turn hope into action? A doctor and a public health expert answer | David Fajgenbaum and Celina de Sola

How do you hold on to hope while still being realistic about the work that needs to be done? Immunology researcher David Fajgenbaum and public health expert Celina de Sola discuss how they scaled personal missions into organizations making long-term impact on communities near and far. They explore how to stay motivated, discover your leadership style and uncover overlooked solutions hiding in plain sight. (This conversation is part of "TED Intersections," a series featuring thought-provoking con...

Sep 26, 202532 min

Inside India's astonishing solar revolution | Kanika Chawla

Energy expert Kanika Chawla shares the remarkable story of how India transformed from a major coal consumer into a global solar leader, exceeding its ambitious targets by focusing on economic viability rather than ideology. She explains how innovative business models, strategic market design, and government experimentation helped overcome significant financing challenges. This approach provides a blueprint for other developing nations to achieve large-scale energy transitions through practical levers like planning, innovation, and localization.

Sep 25, 202510 min

The emerging science of finding critical metals | Mfikeyi Makayi

Your smartphone, computer and electric car all depend on one thing — critical minerals buried deep underground. But there’s a catch: the mining industry has gotten dramatically worse at discovering new deposits just when we need them most, says mining innovator Mfikeyi Makayi. She introduces new AI-powered technology that could fix this problem by predicting mineral locations 10,000 times faster than conventional methods and transforming an industry essential to a sustainable future. Hosted on A...

Sep 24, 202510 min

Inside WWE's storytelling machine | Paul "Triple H" Levesque

From his electrifying entrances as a professional wrestler to his current work as WWE's chief content officer, Paul "Triple H" Levesque knows how to entertain a crowd. In this conversation with TEDSports co-chair Patrick Talty, Levesque pulls back the curtain on WWE's approach to storytelling, gives a peek at what's coming next and explains why pro wrestling belongs in the same conversation as the world's biggest sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Sep 23, 202534 min

How we took on an oil giant — and won | Melinda Janki

Oil companies may seem invincible, but they are more vulnerable than you think, says climate justice litigator Melinda Janki. She tells the story of how she took on ExxonMobil in her home country of Guyana, notching historic wins against the oil giant — and proving that we can turn existing laws into powerful tools for change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 22, 202512 min

Sunday Pick: Mexico City | Far Flung

Harnessing the creativity of a megalopolis isn't easy, but Mexico City shows us how it's done. Follow a real-life superhero who dons a luchador mask and cape to protect his fellow residents from speeding cars, learn how citizens are hacking their way to a better public transport system, and see what it takes to crowd-source a constitution from a city with 21 million minds. This is an episode from another podcast from the TED Audio Collective. Get more Far Flung wherever you get your podcasts. Ho...

Sep 22, 202523 min

(#1) Elise’s Top Ten: The psychology of your future self | Dan Gilbert

"Human beings are works in progress that mistakenly think they're finished." Dan Gilbert shares recent research on a phenomenon he calls the "end of history illusion," where we somehow imagine that the person we are right now is the person we'll be for the rest of time. Hint: that's not the case. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 20, 20259 min
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