TED Radio Hour

This discussion features Anne-Laure Sellier, a behavioral science professor, who shares insights on clock time versus event time, revealing how our time perceptions shape happiness. Oliver Burkeman, an author known for his thoughts on productivity, challenges the obsession with efficiency and encourages embracing life's limitations for meaningful action. Ayelet Fishbach, a behavioral scientist, offers practical strategies for motivation, emphasizing the importance of social support and goal management to enhance our pursuit of success.

Chris Anderson, the longtime head of TED, shares his transformative journey leading the nonprofit into a global media platform. He discusses the impact of putting TED Talks online and the rise of TEDx events. With the announcement of Sal Khan as the new steward, Chris emphasizes the importance of maintaining TED’s generous culture while expanding educational initiatives. He reflects on philanthropy's role in funding TED's future and expresses optimism about stepping back while allowing a new generation to lead.

Join Hal Hirschfeld, a psychologist who studies our connection with future selves, Bina Venkataraman, a columnist on long-term thinking, and Shankar Vedantam, a journalist exploring behavioral insights. They delve into why we often prioritize present needs over future ones and the brain's perception of our future selves as strangers. Hirschfeld shares eye-opening experiments on decision-making, while Vedantam discusses how to embrace change. Venkataraman highlights the importance of collective memory in planning for future risks, advocating for stewardship for the next generations.

In this engaging discussion, investigative journalist Hilke Schellmann, author of The Algorithm, explores the transformative and troubling role of AI in hiring practices. She reveals how biased algorithms, like Amazon's, adversely affect candidates. Hilke shares a cautionary tale about an employee unfairly laid off through a one-way video interview. Additionally, she highlights the pitfalls of workplace monitoring and offers practical tips for applicants to tailor their resumes for AI systems, urging greater transparency in the use of these technologies.

Joshua Roman, a renowned cellist and composer who rose to fame as the principal cellist of the Seattle Symphony, shares his transformative journey through long COVID. He discusses the impact of the pandemic on his music career and how it forced him to confront an identity crisis. After a period of absence from the cello, a friend's invitation reignited his passion, leading him to develop a healthier relationship with music. Joshua’s album 'Immunity' reflects his healing, showcasing the joy found in vulnerability as he performs an emotional solo piece.

Reggie Watts, a comedic genius and musical improviser, dazzles with insights on improvisation and the spontaneity of creativity. Sonia Vallabh shares her heart-wrenching pivot from law to biomedical research after a family tragedy, focusing on combating genetic prion disease. Conservationist Kristine McDivitt Tompkins reveals her strategic approach to creating national parks in Chile and Argentina, showcasing the power of planned conservation. Together, they explore the art of making significant life choices, whether to improvise, pivot, or meticulously plan.

Astro Teller, CEO of X, Alphabet's moonshot factory, is an innovative entrepreneur and computer scientist tackling urgent global challenges. He discusses groundbreaking advances in self-driving technology and shares insights into Waymo's impact on urban life. The conversation includes the evolution of Google Glass, societal perceptions, and ethical dilemmas surrounding AI. Astro emphasizes the importance of experimentation and risk management in developing transformative tech. He also highlights unique projects aimed at climate change, renewable energy, and food distribution.

Lisa Damour, an adolescent psychologist and author of 'Untangled,' discusses the intricate world of teen resilience today. She emphasizes that stress, fueled by academic pressure, social media, and global anxieties, is part of growing up. Damour explores the importance of supportive adult relationships in helping teens navigate their challenges. She also addresses the impacts of gun violence and climate change on youth mental health, advocating for open communication between parents and teens to foster understanding and independence.

In this engaging discussion, Victor Riparbelli, CEO of Synthesia, highlights how AI could revolutionize education and enhance creativity. Jason Reynolds, an award-winning author, shares insights on connecting with youth through genuine conversations and relatable tales. Marketing professor Scott Galloway analyzes the economic struggles faced by Generation Z, addressing issues like student debt and the disconnect between generations. The conversation paints a vivid picture of the challenges today’s kids encounter, emphasizing the need for support and understanding from adults.

In this enlightening discussion, writer Kelly Corrigan shares her experiences navigating family dynamics, reflecting on how courage shapes conversations. Clinical psychologist John Gottman reveals his research on communication patterns that can make or break relationships, emphasizing the importance of understanding conflict dynamics. Journalist Allison Gilbert discusses resilience in the face of loss, showcasing the bravery required to have difficult discussions. Together, they explore vulnerability, courage, and the complexities of forming genuine connections.