TED Radio Hour

Join biochemist Jennifer Doudna, who pioneered CRISPR technology, and Tom Oxley, a vascular neurosurgeon revolutionizing brain-computer interfaces with his Stentrode implant. Nita Farahani, a legal scholar, advocates for cognitive liberty amidst the rise of neurotechnology. The trio dives into the ethical implications of biotech advancements, from genetic editing to the privacy of our thoughts. They explore how these innovations can transform healthcare, while also stressing the importance of protecting individual rights in an increasingly tech-driven world.

The podcast dives into the recent congressional decision to cut federal funding for public media. It explores the potential fallout for local journalism and highlights the critical role that organizations like NPR play in sustaining independent news. The discussion emphasizes the need for community support to keep public media accessible and thriving, fostering informed citizens.

Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI and author of The Coming Wave, discusses the transformative power of AI in shaping human interactions, emphasizing innovations like Microsoft's Copilot. Sherry Turkle, an MIT psychologist, dives into the complexities of emotional connections with technology, questioning whether AI fosters real intimacy or merely simulates it. Together, they explore the ethical implications of AI companions and their impact on genuine human relationships, highlighting the delicate balance between technology and emotional well-being.

Ray Kurzweil, a renowned futurist and inventor, and Stewart Brand, a counterculture icon and Whole Earth Catalog creator, dive deep into the future of technology. They discuss the exponential growth of AI and its implications for humanity, including the concept of the singularity where machines may outsmart us. Together, they explore the profound possibilities of technology's role in extending human life and the philosophical questions surrounding mortality. The insightful exchange highlights how countercultural movements have spurred innovation in personal computing and long-term thinking.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Amanda Mull, a Senior reporter at Bloomberg Businessweek, and Cameron Russell, a former supermodel and author, dive into the fashion industry's dark realities. Mull highlights the environmental impact of online shopping and excessive returns, while Russell shares insights on exploitation within the modeling world. Together, they tackle the duality of beauty and consumerism, urging listeners to reconsider their shopping habits and the complexities of fashion. Their conversation is a captivating blend of personal stories and critical industry truths.

Agnieszka Pilat, an artist painting technology portraits, discusses emotional ties to robots. Franziska Trautmann, a chemical engineer, shares insights on turning waste glass into sand for restoring Louisiana's coasts—emphasizing community engagement. Tavares Strachan explores lost narratives, including the overlooked story of explorer Matthew Henson. Musician Mike Posner reflects on his journey across America in search of happiness, learning to find joy in the smallest moments. Together, they inspire a fresh perspective on art, history, and sustainability.

Join paleontologist Dean Lomax, who explores ichthyosaurs and celebrates Mary Anning’s legacy. Discover Saad Bhamla's insights into insect engineering, showcasing their unique fluid mechanics. Hear from herpetologist Gowri Shankar as he shares gripping tales of king cobra rescues and the importance of educating the public about these snakes. Finally, conservation biologist Patrícia Medici discusses the vital role of tapirs in biodiversity and urgent conservation efforts in Brazil. It’s a captivating journey into the mysteries of the animal kingdom!

Pico Iyer, an acclaimed author known for his reflections on silence and escape, discusses the transformative power of solitude. Sarah Edmondson, a brave whistleblower from NXIVM, sheds light on the manipulative dynamics of cults and the struggle to reclaim one’s identity. Lehua Kamalu, a traditional Hawaiian navigator, shares her insights on navigating the ocean using ancient techniques, emphasizing the mental clarity that comes from connecting with nature. Together, they explore how escaping modern distractions can lead to renewal and inner peace.

Olympic gold medalist Abby Wambach shares her experiences on mental resilience and the pressures of high-stakes competition. Cognitive scientist Sian Leah Beilock discusses how overthinking can hinder performance, illustrating concepts like the 'yips' and 'twisties'. Sports journalist Kate Fagan reflects on the psychological influence of fandom and the emotional journeys in women's sports. Together, they explore how insights from sports psychology can enhance everyday life, motivating listeners to embrace challenges with a winner's mindset.

Sandra Matz, a computational social scientist and author of 'Mind Masters', delves into how AI uses data for psychological targeting. She discusses the fascinating yet alarming ability of digital footprints to craft detailed personality profiles. Matz emphasizes the importance of protecting personal data against these influences and calls for better regulatory measures. The conversation also touches on the implications of innovations like trineural implants, raising questions about privacy and control in our tech-driven lives.