TED Radio Hour

Chance Kokenauer, a digital archaeologist who 3D scans endangered heritage. Amy Kurzweil, a cartoonist who built a chatbot from her grandfather’s archives. Pau Aleikum-Garcia, a technologist creating AI 'synthetic memories' for displaced communities. They discuss AI-made memories, chatbots from archives, 3D scanning of ruined monuments, ethical limits, cultural bias, and uses for migration and dementia.

This episode features Matt Pitcher, a financial advisor known for helping lottery winners navigate sudden wealth; Anindya Kundu, a sociologist studying the balance between personal agency and structural factors in student success; Jennifer Wallace, a journalist exploring how feeling valued impacts mental health; and Bill Burnett, a Stanford professor teaching life design. They discuss the complexities of control in life, the societal effects of wealth, the importance of support systems, and practical steps to create meaningful life plans.

Greg Gage is a neuroscientist who explores plant behaviors and even slime mold as a single-cell 'computer'. He reveals how the Venus flytrap counts to catch prey and how plants adapt their growth in response to touch. Frances Chance studies dragonfly brains, showcasing how they perform fast computations that could inspire energy-efficient AI. Keely Muscatell explains the connection between our immune system and social behavior, revealing how inflammation affects mood. Karen Bakker discusses decoding animal communications with AI, emphasizing the hidden wisdom found in nature.

Dr. Robert C. Green, a genomics researcher and co-founder of Nurture Genomics, discusses the groundbreaking BabySeq project that sequences infants' DNA to uncover hidden health risks. He highlights the balance between potential life-saving information and ethical dilemmas, such as privacy and the fear of eugenics. Parents share powerful stories of how early detection changed their child's health trajectory, while bioethicist Dr. Lainie Friedman Ross raises concerns about overdiagnosis and public trust in genomic testing. The conversation dives deep into the future of preventive genomics.

In this engaging conversation, Matt Wilson, a medical clown who lightens the mood in pediatric wards, shares fascinating stories about using play to help children cope with pain and fear. He emphasizes the importance of community and resilience in uncertain times. Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, an Icelandic writer and filmmaker, explores the concept of intuition, advising listeners on how to reconnect with their inner guidance. Together, they highlight the transformative power of joy, empathy, and trust in navigating life's uncertainties.

Raina Cohen, a journalist and NPR producer, explores intense platonic friendships and how they often mirror soulmate connections. Stephanie Yates-Anyabwile, a marriage and family therapist, challenges traditional relationship norms and discusses innovative strategies like living apart to strengthen bonds. Bella DePaulo, a social psychologist, advocates for the 'single at heart' lifestyle, emphasizing the fulfillment found in solitude and single life. Together, they delve into rethinking who truly counts as a significant other, from friends to pets.

Alvin Wang Graylin, a seasoned entrepreneur and AI expert, explores three futures of AI: Elysium, Mad Max, and Star Trek, emphasizing the impact of global politics. He warns of inequality and potential conflict arising from an AI arms race. John Ruwitch, an NPR tech correspondent, contrasts U.S. and China's approaches to AI, highlighting Taiwan's role in chip production geopolitics. The two discuss education and cooperation in AI, suggesting collaborative models may be essential for a beneficial future in technology.

Scarlett Keyes, a Berklee College of Music professor, discusses songwriting techniques that create emotional hooks and how music can regulate emotions. Pierre Barreau, CEO of Ava, shares his vision for AI-generated music, the benefits of personalizing soundtracks, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI in music. Rebecca Kleinberger, a voice technology professor, explores why our recorded voice feels strange and discusses how voice influences perceptions and communication, including innovative approaches for treating stuttering.

In this enlightening conversation, Robert Franz, a renowned orchestral conductor and music director of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, shares his insights on Dvořák's 'New World Symphony.' He offers four essential listening tools: rhythm, melody, texture, and visuals. Robert dives into the emotional depth of the piece, highlighting its American folk influences and poignant melodies. He discusses the tension created by rhythm, the dramatic development section, and the euphoric finale, encouraging listeners to explore the journey music can take them on.

Krista Tippett, a journalist and creator of the On Being project, shares insights on living with open questions and rethinking life's priorities. Dan Harris, former ABC anchor, discusses how a panic attack pushed him to embrace meditation and self-compassion, while Chris Anderson, head of TED, explores the power of generosity and its positive ripple effects. Together, they reveal how mindfulness and giving can lead to deeper happiness and fulfillment, encouraging listeners to cultivate kindness and curiosity in their lives.