Ariel Waldman, a documentarian, recounts her thrilling quest to capture microscopic wildlife in Antarctica, highlighting the challenges of shooting in extreme conditions. Craig Porter, a lead mechanic at McMurdo Station, reveals the technical hurdles faced in such a harsh environment. Dr. Nicole Ackermans shares groundbreaking insights from Neuroscience 2024, focusing on brain-computer interfaces and innovative educational tools. Together, they illuminate the intersection of technology and exploration, making for an engaging discussion.

Original broadcast date: Friday, March 19, 2021. Our senses can only take us so far in understanding the world. But with the right tools, we can dig deeper. This hour, TED speakers take us through the looking glass, where we explore new frontiers. Guests include astrophysicist Emily Levesque, wildlife filmmaker Ariel Waldman, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist Rick Doblin and science fiction author Charlie Jane Anders.TED Radio Hour+ subscribers now get access to bonus episodes, with more ideas from TED speakers and a behind the scenes look with our producers. A Plus subscription also lets you listen to regular episodes (like this one!) without sponsors. Sign-up at: plus.npr.org/ted Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ariel Waldman, filmmaker and Antarctic explorer, discusses her new expedition, exploring the magical underwater world of Antarctica, filming life in Antarctica, the possibility of a third expedition, and her film series on Antarctica and sci-fi.

Join acclaimed astrophysicist Emily Levesque, wildlife filmmaker Ariel Waldman, psychedelic researcher Rick Doblin, and science fiction author Charlie Jane Anders as they journey through perception and reality. Levesque discusses the awe of supernova discoveries, while Waldman reveals hidden ecosystems beneath Antarctica's ice. Doblin sheds light on the transformative power of psychedelics in mental health, sharing personal healing journeys, and Anders explores storytelling's role in our understanding of the climate crisis.

Ariel Waldman, a wildlife filmmaker and NASA advisor, takes us on an adventure through Antarctica's hidden microbial world. She discusses the astonishing diversity of life, including resilient tardigrades that flourish in extreme conditions. Waldman emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling to bridge the gap between science and the public. Her thrilling discoveries of microscopic marine life shed light on these tiny ecosystems, revealing the ecological roles that often go unnoticed in one of Earth's coldest environments.