TED Radio Hour

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.

Yancey Strickler, the co-founder of Kickstarter and a champion for the creator economy, shares insights on how creativity has evolved into a national priority. He discusses the historical investments that shaped today's creative culture and the impact of crowdfunding on connecting artists directly with their audiences. Yancey introduces the concept of the A-Corp, a new legal structure aimed at supporting artists financially. The conversation also explores AI's dual role in creativity, challenging norms while offering accessibility.

Bradley Tusk, a venture capitalist and founder of the Mobile Voting Project, discusses how mobile voting could increase voter participation by offering convenience and security. He reveals the technical aspects of the app, including encryption and multi-factor authentication. Jennifer Pahlka, a government reform expert, shares her experiences with modernizing public services and emphasizes the need for a product-driven approach. Together, they explore overcoming resistance to change in government systems and the potential for technology to restore faith in democracy.

Join food-waste expert Dana Gunders, social entrepreneur Jasmine Crowe-Houston, chef Anthony Myint, and behavioral scientist Xiaoying Zhao as they tackle the issue of food waste. Dana shares savvy household tips to cut waste, while Jasmine highlights Goodr's innovative methods for diverting surplus food to those in need. Anthony introduces the 'table-to-farm' model for sustainable agriculture, and Xiaoying explores how climate actions can boost happiness. This lively conversation is packed with actionable insights to transform our food system!

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.