The Antagonism of TV Shows

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In 1988, the most watched episode of TV ever was the series finale of MASH. But with the rise of cable TV in the 90s and early 2000s, the market was flooded with options. Think about our modern-day equivalent to that MASH finale, Game of Thrones. The numbers? Less than 20 million viewers, a fifth of the audience that MASH got. And JAM says the antagonism of these shows really is a core feature of public debate.

From risky snowboard halfpipe runs, to 400m sprints where every second counts, to high-stakes archery tournaments, performing well in sports requires mental toughness as much as physical toughness. How do athletes get “in the zone”? And what can we all learn about focus, flow, and mental resilience from athletes?

Good Sport is a podcast from the TED Audio Collective about the fascinating psychology behind athletic competition. Each week, host Jody Avirgan guides you through an array of stadiums, pitches, pools, and slopes–all the ways that sports can shed a light on the ups and downs of being human. Follow Good Sport wherever you get your podcasts.