TED Radio Hour

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.

Hajer Sharief, a human rights activist and co-founder of the Together We Build It Foundation, shares insights on fostering democracy through family meetings in Libya. Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor, emphasizes the significance of psychological safety in creating an innovative team culture. Pete Stavros, co-head of global private equity at KKR, discusses the benefits of employee ownership in enhancing workplace satisfaction and performance. Together, they explore unique strategies that can transform teamwork and drive meaningful change.

In this engaging discussion, artist Katie Paterson explores deep time through her thought-provoking works that connect glaciers and stars, inspiring reflection on our temporal existence. Cognitive neuroscientist Irena Arslanova reveals how our heart's rhythms influence our perception of time, emphasizing the interplay between emotions and temporal awareness. Meanwhile, music director Robert Franz shares techniques for active listening, illustrating how music shapes our experience of time, turning classic compositions into immersive emotional journeys.

Ken Lacovara, a paleontologist and founding dean of the School of Earth and Environment at Rowan University, shares thrilling insights about the day the dinosaurs died. He discusses a significant fossil site in New Jersey that reveals ancient ecosystems and the catastrophic asteroid impact. Listeners will be captivated by his personal stories of fossil hunting adventures and the transformation of a quarry into the Edelman Fossil Park. Lacovara emphasizes the importance of education, public engagement, and the joyful excitement of uncovering prehistoric life.