Beth Gardiner

Original broadcast date: January 15, 2021. Breathing is essential to life. And lately, the safety of the air we inhale, or the need to pause and take a deep breath, is on our minds a lot. This hour, TED speakers explore the power of breath. Guests include former world champion freediver Tanya Streeter, journalist Beth Gardiner, activist Yvette Arellano, paleontologist Emma Schachner, scent historian Caro Verbeek and mindfulness expert Andy Puddicombe. 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/tedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Tanya Streeter, a former world champion freediver, shares her exhilarating insights on the power of breath in both sport and mindfulness. Andy Puddicombe, co-founder of Headspace, emphasizes how mindful breathing can transform our daily lives. Beth Gardiner discusses the urgent health impacts of air pollution, highlighting its effects on vulnerable communities. Paleontologist Emma Schachner unveils how dinosaur lung function contributed to their success, while Caro Verbeek intertwines art and scent history, revealing how smells evoke powerful memories.

Tanya Streeter, a former world champion freediver, shares her mastery of breath control and the mental challenges of diving. Andy Puddicombe, a mindfulness expert and co-founder of Headspace, discusses how breath centers our thoughts in meditation. Environmental journalist Beth Gardiner highlights the harsh impacts of air pollution on health and social equity. Caro Verbeek, a scent historian, dives into the powerful connection between smell and memory, illustrating how history is woven through our olfactory experiences.