Big problems need audacious solutions. This hour, TED speakers use data and common sense to make laws more effective, reform the foster care system and hold environmental offenders accountable. Guests include criminal justice reform activist Sheena Meade, child welfare advocates Sixto Cancel and Marquan Teetz, and ocean monitoring expert Tony Long. 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

Sheena Meade, head of the Clean Slate Initiative, advocates for transformative "clean slate" laws to help over 30 million Americans clear their criminal records. She shares her personal journey, highlighting how minor offenses can lead to life-altering consequences. The discussion emphasizes the systemic changes needed in the justice system for redemption and second chances, revealing how automatic record clearance has already improved millions of lives and opened doors to employment, housing, and education for those impacted by past mistakes.

TED Radio Hour discusses audacious solutions to big problems, including criminal justice reform, improving foster care, and holding environmental offenders accountable. Guests share personal experiences and advocate for societal changes to create better outcomes for individuals and the environment.