TED Radio Hour

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.

Sarah Beery, an Assistant Professor of AI at MIT, and Jeff Reed, a computational linguist and founder of Grizzly Systems, dive into the innovative ways technology is transforming ecological research. Beery discusses how AI tools like Inquire analyze biodiversity data to enhance conservation efforts, while Reed shares insights on decoding wolf vocalizations and how patterns in their howls can reveal social dynamics. Together, they explore the intersection of AI, citizen science, and wildlife monitoring, showcasing the critical role of technology in understanding and protecting nature.

In this engaging discussion, Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist and parenting expert, shares her step-by-step process for mending parent-child relationships, emphasizing accountability and emotional impact. Alua Arthur, a death doula, reveals the importance of acknowledging mortality and enjoying life’s present moments, offering practical ways to improve our relationship with death. Valérie Cotoy from the Indigenous Leadership Initiative highlights the critical role of Indigenous guardianship in conservation, urging listeners to elevate Indigenous voices to foster biodiversity and climate solutions.

In this engaging discussion, online linguist Adam Aleksic, known as Etymology Nerd, unpacks how social media shapes language. He reveals the secrets behind viral content, like mastering storytelling and delivery. Adam explains 'AlgoSpeak,' identifying how algorithms influence our speech and create euphemisms. He discusses the rise of influencer accents and the tensions between trending slang and educational content. With insights on radicalization and the subversion of algorithms, Adam advocates for media literacy in the digital age.