Jill Heinerth is a professional cave diver who faces threats big and small constantly – from dangerous technical dives deep inside underwater caves, to searching for never-before-seen ecosystems inside Antarctic icebergs. Jill recounts her incredible experiences in maneuvering through challenging times and shares tips on how to face what scares you – and dive into your own rich, rewarding adventures. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Original broadcast date: March 11, 2022. From our planet's underwater caves to its ancient soils, there are entire worlds right beneath our feet. This hour, we explore the subterranean forces that shape our lives above the ground. Guests include cave diver Jill Heinerth, death care advocate Katrina Spade, soil scientist Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, and paleontologist Nizar Ibrahim. 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

Jill Heinerth, one of the greatest cave divers in history, and Bob Ballard, the oceanographer famous for discovering the Titanic, dive into thrilling tales from the depths. They discuss pushing past fear in pursuit of adventure and the challenges of exploring the Antarctic's icy caves. Both share their journeys, underlining the need for resilience in male-dominated fields. Their stories highlight not only the secrets of the ocean but also inspire listeners to embrace personal growth amidst risks, emphasizing the importance of a strong mindset for tackling both exploration and environmental issues.

Jill Heinerth, a renowned cave diver, shares thrilling tales of exploring underwater caves and the dangers they pose. Katrina Spade discusses eco-friendly death care, promoting human composting as a sustainable alternative to traditional methods. Soil scientist Asmeret Asefaw Berhe highlights the vital role of soil in climate change mitigation and encourages climate-smart practices. Lastly, Nizar Ibrahim reveals fascinating insights about Spinosaurus, uncovering its identity as a river-dwelling predator, challenging previous concepts in paleontology.

Join Jill Heinerth, a pioneering cave diver and climate advocate, as she shares thrilling underwater adventures that reveal Earth's hidden environments. Hear from Katrina Spade, who champions sustainable death care with her innovative human composting methods, turning remains into nutrient-rich soil. Asmeret Asefaw Berhe emphasizes soil’s vital role in combating climate change, discussing sustainable land management strategies. Together, they navigate our subterranean world, highlighting its profound connection to climate and our futures.