TED Radio Hour

Microbiologist Anne Madden, cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky, former educator YeYoon Kim, and former industrial engineer and Zen Buddhist monk Bart Weetjens discuss the surprising strength of all things minuscule and fleeting. Topics include the presence of microorganisms on our faces, the impact of COVID on our understanding of microbes, the influence of language on perception and cognition, the power of independence, and the use of rats to clear landmines and detect tuberculosis.

The podcast explores the impact of information overload on our physical and mental health, including the correlation between TikTok videos and Tourette's-like symptoms in teenagers. It delves into the concept of mass psychogenic illnesses and raises questions about vulnerability. The episode also discusses the connection between technology and mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of silence and reduced environmental stimulation therapy. Additionally, it highlights a school's approach to teaching children to be in touch with their sensory signals and the benefits of movement-based learning. Lastly, it explores the importance of creating optimal learning environments and incorporating movement breaks in daily life.

Paleoanthropologist Genevieve von Petzinger describes cave art and its symbolism. The possibility of Neanderthal art and DNA analysis is explored. The importance of representing women's stories in museums is discussed. Two music collectors share the joy of preserving records and finding rare finds. The challenges of finding records and preserving modern music are explored. The concept of humans as a geological force and preserving language are discussed.

The podcast explores the connection between posture and mood, debunking a flawed study on smartphones causing bone spurs. It discusses the neural connection between exercise and decreasing stress. The episode delves into the mind-body connection, psychosomatic disorders, and the importance of movement in preventing chronic pain.

Three female performers, Lilly Singh, Nadya Tolokonnikova, and Sarah Jones, discuss the rewards and consequences of speaking out. They explore topics like building a community, investing in women, the rise of Pussy Riot, speaking the truth, creating characters based on real life, the complexities of sex work, and the power dynamics involved in storytelling.

Maria Liu, an optometrist, discusses the rising rates of myopia in children and her efforts to slow down its progression. The podcast explores the causes and complications of myopia, the growth processes of eyeballs, and the impact of behavior and lifestyle habits on visual system development. It also discusses the optimal lifestyle for healthy eyesight in babies and a project with Columbia Medical Center to reduce screen time and encourage movement.

Neuroscientists Kimberly Noble, Adriana Galván, Sandrine Thuret, and Lisa Mosconi explore how the brain develops and evolves throughout each stage of life. They discuss the rapid development of a child's brain, the impact of technology on brain development, promoting neurogenesis and brain health in adults, and understanding women's brain health and hormonal changes.

Historian Laine Nooney discusses how the computer revolution changed our bodies. The importance of breaks and physical activity on productivity. Taking movement breaks every half hour decreased blood sugar levels. Sitting all day led to worse mood, but walking breaks reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms.

A clinical psychologist discusses the challenges of parenting, emphasizing the importance of repairing relationships with children. A death doula shares their personal journey and challenges of caring for the deceased. The podcast also explores the significance of intervention in people's lives and the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the land.

Explore the relationship between technology and the human body, how economic eras have shaped our bodies, the impact of excessive screen time, the evolution of the human body, the harmful consequences of limited exposure to green spaces, the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, and participate in a study on the impact of physical movement on the body.