Ted Talks Daily

Could exposing kids to their fears help them thrive later on in life? Exploring the science of exposure therapy, pediatric psychologist Kathryn Hecht shows how encouraging children to handle discomfort builds confidence and resilience. Through personal stories and practical strategies, she shares the secret for raising kids ready to meet life’s challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After decades working in technology across both the US and China, Alvin W. Graylin sees three possible paths for the future of AI: one where tech giants create a class of trillionaires, one where competition escalates into war or one where humanity builds and shares this technology for the common good. In conversation with TED Radio Hour host Manoush Zomorodi, Graylin cuts through the hype to clarify how we choose the right path. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When entrepreneur Yi Li cofounded Farmworks, she set out to build 1,000 climate-smart farms across Kenya, complete with dams, irrigation and organic fertilizers. The science was sound, but reality proved more complicated. Learn what she discovered about the missing ingredient behind failed climate solutions — and how it challenges a core assumption of the environmental movement on how to create lasting impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, TED Health host Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider invites Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States, to discuss the ongoing loneliness epidemic.After the interview, Shoshana shares a TED-Ed talk from Terry Kupers, "What happens to your brain without social contact?" Everyone needs time to themselves, and peaceful solitude has stress-relieving benefits. But when being alone is forced upon you, the effects can be surprisingly extensive. And though different people experience distinct effects, symptoms tend to become more severe and persistent the longer they're isolated. So, how exactly does isolation affect your body and brain? Terry Kupers investigates. [Directed by Camille Bovey, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Stephen LaRosa]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’re invited into the world of stop-motion animation, where design and engineering collide to create fan-favorite films. Visual effects artist Brian McLean (from the Oscar-winning studio behind “Coraline” and “ParaNorman”) explores how 3D printing is revolutionizing this century-old craft, showing how creative obsession paired with cutting-edge technology can reinvent the way we make things. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bacteria are the most incredible creatures on Earth, says biotechnologist and TED Fellow Patricia Aymà Maldonado. She presents a groundbreaking technology that “trains” bacteria to transform organic waste into biodegradable plastic that behaves like the real thing. Learn how this creative, sustainable approach could revolutionize the plastics industry.Following the talk, Lily James Olds, director of the TED Fellows program, interviews Maldonado on what it's like to make 100% biodegradable plastic at the tech company she co-founded, VEnvirotech, why the current recycling system actually increases plastic use, what other biotechnology companies can do to quickly scale for sustainability, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the secret to a good life isn't just what you achieve but how deeply you love? Drawing on wisdom from Aristotle, Jesus and modern social psychology, philosopher Meghan Sullivan offers tips on how to expand your capacity for love, even in the face of our modern challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI is setting up residence in the final frontier, says technologist Philip Johnston. He shares the incredible work being undertaken to build data centers in outer space — and how they might harness both solar power and frigid temperatures in order to address the AI energy challenge. Learn more about the affordability of this wild idea and how it could address concerns about the resources needed to keep up with the AI boom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Picture this: a rocket ship crash-lands on a planet, and an alien approaches the spacecraft. What do you see in your mind when you visualize this scene? For Alex Rosenthal (and many others), the answer is: absolutely nothing. Exploring the fascinating science of aphantasia, or the inability to generate mental images, he shows why our minds are much more different than we think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The most powerful stories are the ones told simply to connect with each other, says author Khaya Dlanga. Through humorous anecdotes and moving memories, he explores why it's the conversations we have without strategy or agenda that actually allow us to see one another. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Impostor syndrome is one of many therapy-speak words that have gone mainstream in the past few years — but what is it, really? Aparna Nancherla knows all about it. Aparna is a comedian and the author of Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself, and Impostor Syndrome. Despite her success as a performer, she isn’t immune to self-doubt. In this episode, she talks about the ways she’s learned to deal with impostor syndrome: like creating a resume listing all her failures, or making up words at parties to gauge other people’s reactions. She also shares how she learned to put less stock in success and what to do when your mind isn’t telling you the truth. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Humans were never designed to live at a pace determined by machines,“ says author Pico Iyer. Following his talk at TED2025, he joins Elise Hu, host of TED Talks Daily, to share how he finds time for silence and mindfulness in a hyperactive world, why he avoids going online and how his previous TED Talk about ping pong led to him being cast in the film “Marty Supreme.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a world growing louder, faster and more fractured, author Pico Iyer makes the case for a radical act of repair. Explore why tapping into silence may be the best medicine you can give yourself, and everyone around you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Illustrator and TED Fellow George Butler reports on the ground from conflict zones, climate hotspots and humanitarian crises, using pen, ink and watercolors to highlight personal stories of perseverance. By slowing down and going deeper than the headlines, his humanistic approach is shifting how we think about the news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

International collaboration expert Qahir Dhanani makes the case for rebuilding public trust in broken institutions by embracing small, focused coalitions that can move faster and act bolder — offering a hopeful, practical vision for updating diplomacy to meet the world’s toughest challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First impressions matter, so how do you make yours count? Communication consultant Rebecca Okamoto outlines five simple ways to introduce yourself in 20 words or fewer, setting up any interview or conversation for those three crucial words: "Tell me more." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2026 is a tipping point year, says Ian Bremmer, founder of Eurasia Group. Highlighting the top risks that await the world, he breaks down the US military extraction of Venezuela leader Nicolás Maduro and explains why US President Donald Trump’s embrace of the “Donroe doctrine” kicks off the most uncertain geopolitical environment in decades. With stark insights on what’s to come in Europe, Russia and China, this is a can’t-miss look at the volatile world order. (This interview, hosted by TED’s Helen Walters, was recorded on January 5, 2026.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You've heard that too much time online is bad for your mental health, but what is it doing to your body? In this energizing talk, journalist and author Manoush Zomorodi explains how tech habits (including sitting all day) affect your physical health, from making you feel exhausted to raising rates of chronic illness. With early results from a 20,000-person experiment, she shares a practical solution to go from "wired and tired" to feeling healthier and more productive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a blogger and executive coach, James Clear spent years studying how to form and change habits. His research culminated in the book "Atomic Habits”, which has sold more than 15 million copies and been translated into over 50 languages. James speaks with Adam about changing our systems for achieving goals, building habits around identities as well as actions, and accumulating small wins that add up to big change. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Attention isn't just about what we focus on -- it's also about what our brains filter out. By investigating patterns in the brain as people try to focus, computational neuroscientist Mehdi Ordikhani-Seyedlar hopes to build computer models that can be used to treat ADHD and help those who have lost the ability to communicate. Hear more about this exciting science in this brief, fascinating talk. After the talk, Shoshana speaks with psychiatrist and ADHD specialist Dr. Sasha Hamdani on transforming healthcare for patients and families with ADHD. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.