Bina Venkataraman

Who will you be in 10 years? In 20 years? Envisioning how you will evolve is very hard. This hour, TED speakers share ideas on how to better plan for the future, while allowing for the unexpected. Guests include psychologist Hal Hershfield, journalist Shankar Vedantam, journalist Bina Venkataraman and philosopher Roman Krznaric.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

Join Hal Hirschfeld, a psychologist who studies our connection with future selves, Bina Venkataraman, a columnist on long-term thinking, and Shankar Vedantam, a journalist exploring behavioral insights. They delve into why we often prioritize present needs over future ones and the brain's perception of our future selves as strangers. Hirschfeld shares eye-opening experiments on decision-making, while Vedantam discusses how to embrace change. Venkataraman highlights the importance of collective memory in planning for future risks, advocating for stewardship for the next generations.

Psychologist, journalist, and philosopher discuss how to better plan for the future while allowing for the unexpected. Topics include perceiving the future self, planning for the future when hope seems dim, finding harmony between the present and the future, planning for an unpredictable future, consequences of failure in future planning, becoming good ancestors, and a philosopher's prescription for long-term thinking.

Bina Venkataraman, a journalist and science policy expert at The Washington Post, joins the discussion on bridging today's choices with tomorrow's realities. They tackle the psychological barriers that hinder long-term decision-making and explore innovative tools like virtual reality to foster empathy with our future selves. Bina shares insights on managing climate change responsibilities and the importance of aligning immediate gratification with future aspirations. The conversation navigates the challenges of communicating complex science, emphasizing education's role in enhancing decision-making skills.

Bina Venkataraman, an American journalist and author, dives deep into the art of thinking ahead. She explores pivotal themes from her book, The Optimist's Telescope, emphasizing the balance between present living and future planning. Discover how long-term thinking can enhance decision-making and societal contributions. Bina shares insights on overcoming short-term satisfaction to foster meaningful futures, addresses emotional health strategies, and encourages resilience through setbacks. A thought-provoking conversation on making choices today for a better tomorrow!