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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Algorithms and AI don't just show us reality — they warp it in ways that benefit platforms built to exploit people for profit, says etymologist Adam Aleksic. From ChatGPT influencing our word choices to Spotify turning a data cluster into a new musical genre, he reveals how new technology subconsciously shapes our language, trends and sense of identity. "These aren't neutral tools," he says, encouraging us to constantly ask ourselves: How am I being influenced? (After the talk, Aleksic sits down...
Film is generally a fixed medium: the scenes are shot, the edits are made, and the final version is the one and only movie you'll see. Filmmaker Gary Hustwit flips this convention on its head, introducing his project "Eno" — a documentary about the musician and composer Brian Eno that reinvents itself every time you watch it ... and never ends the same way twice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As anxiety grows around what AI means for the future of work, technologist Vlad Tenev delivers a clear-eyed look at what happens when the majority of today's jobs disappear — and why it's not what you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What do you get when you combine a major flood and near-bankruptcy? For Whole Foods cofounder John Mackey, the answer reshaped his business into a household name. He takes us back to the night his first store was destroyed, showing how shifting from a win-lose mindset to a "win-win-win" worldview helped him achieve success — and why it can work for you, too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Up to 80% of people experience impostor syndrome at some point in their lives—a feeling of inadequacy and anxiety about perceived flaws. In this episode, Anne and Frances break down exactly what impostor syndrome is, why we tell ourselves stories that distort reality, and how to break free from these harmful thought patterns. They also introduce some close relatives of impostor syndrome and discuss the pathway back to confidence and a clear-eyed relationship with our own abilities. Hosted on Aca...
What does it feel like to see Earth from outer space and imagine humanity's next steps? Astronaut Chris Hadfield, who has flown two Space Shuttle missions and served as commander of the International Space Station, explores the recent leaps in space exploration. From the thrills and risks of commercial space travel to collaborating as a species to shape the future, Hadfield reflects on what inspires innovation and our dreams of visiting the stars. (This conversation, hosted by TED's Whitney Penn...
We are living through what may be the largest economic bubble in history, spanning AI, cryptocurrency and tech company stocks, says financial analyst Henrik Zeberg. He explores why the current AI-crypto bubble mirrors the great economic frenzies of the past, revealing the psychological forces behind them — and why it looks like we're repeating the same patterns again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Everything successful starts with heart — even the most pragmatic business plan, says Sharon Price John, CEO of Build-A-Bear. She shares how she led a purpose-centered approach to save the beloved teddy bear company from bankruptcy and get it back to global profitability, all by asking one powerful question. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Daredevil Michelle Khare has trained with Olympians, run seven marathons on seven continents in a single week, and even escaped Harry Houdini's deadliest stunt. She shares how embracing fear, failure and an "amateur’s mindset" transformed her from a cautious child into someone who proves that daredevils aren't born — they're developed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When kids say school is "fine," that's the sound of potential fading, says education innovator Aylon Samouha. He introduces Transcend, the nonprofit engaging communities across the US to redesign their schools and connect learning to the world kids are growing into. Check out what school looks like when students are solving real-world problems and building things that matter, not just studying what's on the test. (This ambitious idea is part of The Audacious Project, TED's initiative to inspire ...
In 1999, a NASA mission to Mars failed ... not from a technical glitch, but because people weren't talking to each other. Psychology professor Tessa West explores how assumptions, overlooked details and "hidden languages" can quietly sabotage even the smartest teams — and explores the small shifts in communication that can make a big difference in how information lands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Host Elise Hu interviews Oliver Burkeman about his book, "Meditations for Mortals," exploring his journey from a productivity-focused columnist to advocating for embracing life's inherent limitations. They delve into how recognizing our finite time and relinquishing the quest for perfect control can lead to greater presence, meaningful action, and genuine "resonance." The conversation covers practical applications, including managing attention and redefining ambition, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from "starting from sanity" and living the life you desire now, rather than endlessly striving for an unattainable ideal.
For the first time in climate negotiations, leaders are asking the question that actually matters: not just how do we solve the climate crisis — but why aren't we? Join Nobel laureate Al Gore for an in-depth conversation with Wanjira Mathai and Karenna Gore, leaders of the Global Ethical Stocktake: an urgent, values-first reset that seeks to center justice, phase out fossil fuels and elevate Indigenous and Global South leadership. Discover the initiative that's making fossil fuel lobbyists squir...
The late Stanford neuroscientist Nolan Williams shares his research on the potential of a plant-derived psychoactive compound called ibogaine to help people with traumatic brain injury recover from PTSD, depression and anxiety. (Followed by a brief Q&A with Head of TED Chris Anderson) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Every minute somewhere in Europe, a house is demolished — along with the memories and sense of community it holds, says architect Olaf Grawert. Exposing the human and environmental cost of demolition for profit, he highlights a bold alternative that could address the growing housing crisis. Learn how rethinking the value of the buildings we already have could create sustainable, affordable homes for millions and reshape the future of cities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...
After finding himself alone in an unreported wildfire in the woodlands of California, John Mills decided to take matters into his own hands. Hear the incredible story of how he rallied fire survivors and retired first responders to create Watch Duty, the nonprofit emergency alert system that’s beating official government warnings and buying people precious minutes to escape danger. (Following Mills talk at TED Next 2025, he sat down for a special conversation with Elise Hu, host of TED Talks Dai...
How did Misty Copeland break barriers and become one of the world's most famous ballerinas? In this powerful talk, she charts her rise from childhood adversity to history-making dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre — and gives a peek at what she plans to do next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"How are the children? How are the cattle? Is it raining?" Filmmaker Jackie Lebo discovered the meaning of this traditional greeting when she and nine other artists explored Turkana, an isolated part of Kenya where the discovery of oil has disrupted pastoral life. Through film, photography and music, she and musicians Elizabeth Korikel and Eddie Grey share the deep cultural roots of art — and highlight the true connectedness of humanity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio...
Tencent is one of China’s biggest tech companies, running the popular Chinese messaging app WeChat and the world’s largest video game vendor. Now, it’s also an up-and-coming force in the field of carbon removal. Xu Hao, the vice president of Sustainable Social Value at Tencent, oversees two of those initiatives: the Carbon Neutrality Lab and CarbonX. He sits down with Sherrell Dorsey, host of the “TED Tech” podcast, to talk about how megacorporation can help advance the climate movement. He also...
Can AI help people without a traditional credit history get access to fair loans? Impact entrepreneur Mercedes Bidart shows how AI is letting informal entrepreneurs in Latin America transform "invisible data" on their phones into a financial identity, helping them get credit and grow on their own terms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sarah Kay performs "The minister of loneliness," a heartwarming poem imagining what life would look like if homes were connected with tin-can telephone strings, creating a universe of curiosity, joy and connection. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Timm Chiusano was having one of the worst days of his career when he found himself inexplicably fascinated by a mundane part of the world on his walk home. That moment sparked a life-changing realization: he was addicted to appreciation, and it was actually his superpower. He shares a disarmingly simple practice that will make you happier, more present and better equipped to navigate your most challenging days. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
"As jobs disappear, so will identity," says AI futurist Akram Awad, outlining the three types of people that will emerge as AI continues to replace the workforce. He introduces the blueprint for a society built not on wealth and job titles but on societal contributions, offering a framework to reimagine who you are — and a way for society to avoid a collective identity crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Scientists estimate that 80 percent of life on Earth is still unknown to humanity. But as global temperatures rise, habitats shrink and food and water sources dry up, we're losing these species faster than we can discover them. AI naturalist Sara Beery reveals how the knowledge to study (and save) the natural world may already exist, buried in millions of images, recordings and observations. We just need to learn how to read them before it's too late. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m...
What if your kitchen fridge is just the tip of an iceberg that's reshaping the world? Food storyteller Nicola Twilley reveals how the massive “artificial Arctic” we built to keep our food fresh is simultaneously melting the real one. She shows why we're at a critical moment to rethink our relationship with the cold chain and refrigeration — and explores the emerging technologies that could keep food fresh without putting the planet on thin ice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf...
Loving where you live means caring for the people who make that place home, says cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib. He invites poet Sarah Kay and Chris Duffy, host of the podcast “How to Be a Better Human,” to his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, to show off what makes it so special. From sneaker shops and record stores to public parks, Abdurraqib talks about how he builds community — and how anyone can learn to love their hometown This episode is part of a series of bonus videos from "How to Be a Bet...
For decades, investor and business leader Steve Howard watched companies pour money and effort into sustainability initiatives ... and still fall short. The problem isn’t a lack of will, he says; it’s that capitalism and climate have been wired to work against each other. He shares four realities that explain why even well-intentioned businesses fail at climate action — as well as a plan to flip the system, making green innovation so powerful the market can’t resist it. Hosted on Acast. See acas...
Impact investor Tom Chi challenges a dangerous assumption: that economic growth and ecological health are opposing forces. He reveals how advances in AI and robotics are enabling a radical shift towards innovation as a force for restoration. Imagine mines that extract less, farms that regenerate soil and fleets of robots that can plant 100,000 mangroves in a single day. What if the same technologies that power our economy could actively repair the planet at the same time? Hosted on Acast. See ac...
In a world obsessed with instant answers, scientist and storyteller Harini Bhat champions the power of not knowing. She recounts her journey from a PhD student seeking certainty to a celebrated YouTuber, making groundbreaking scientific discoveries accessible and exciting to millions through shared curiosity. Bhat challenges listeners to embrace their inner 'why,' fostering a culture where asking questions is more valuable than having all the answers.
Who let the dogs out? Jennifer Crank, a world champion in dog agility competitions like Westminster, brings her border collie onto the TED stage to demonstrate the secrets of interspecies communication. Watch as her four-legged friend bounds through an obstacle course at lightning speed — as Crank gives a lesson on how to effectively communicate with any kind of audience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
