TED Radio Hour

This conversation features Michael Murphy, an architect dedicated to creating healing spaces, and David Byrne, the innovative musician known for blending music with the spatial experience. Es Devlin, renowned for her artistic installations, and architect Siamak Hariri, who designed the Baháʼí Temple, join in to discuss how environments shape creativity and connection. They explore the emotional journey spaces can inspire, from intimate performance venues to sacred structures, emphasizing the transformative power of architecture on our lives.

Dive into the mysteries of the universe, from the cataclysmic birth of stars to the emergence of life on Earth. Discover how elements crucial for existence come from supernovae, linking us to the cosmos. Explore extreme microbial life that thrives in harsh conditions, aiding our battle against climate change. Listen as innovative submersibles unlock the secrets of the deep sea, and learn how neuroscience can unveil the complexities of behavior. Embrace curiosity and the wonders of the natural world through captivating insights!

Marine biologist Asha de Vos explores the unexpected importance of whale poop in ocean ecosystems, while Ayana Elizabeth Johnson emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable seafood practices. Alasdair Harris shares his community-driven conservation successes in Madagascar, highlighting challenges and innovative solutions for local fisheries. Legendary oceanographer Sylvia Earle reflects on her pioneering adventures and the vital role of collective action in ocean conservation. Together, they inspire listeners to take immediate steps towards protecting our precious seas.

Kelsey Leonard, a water policy expert and Shinnecock Nation member, shares the urgent need for equitable water rights. LaToya Ruby Frazier, a visual artist, documents environmental injustices affecting vulnerable families, illustrating the human impact of the Flint water crisis. Colette Pichon Battle emphasizes resilience in Southern Louisiana's communities while advocating for legal personhood for water. The discussion highlights the deep connection between identity and water, urging listeners to rethink their relationship with this vital resource.

Catherine Mohr, an engineer and surgeon, recounts a thrilling diving experience in the Galapagos that highlights the ocean's beauty and the complexities of human relationships. Mara Hart, a marine biologist, shares fascinating insights about the curious reproductive habits of clownfish and lobsters, showcasing the need for ocean conservation. Mandë Holford, a venom scientist, discusses the ecological role of parrotfish and the potential medical breakthroughs from cone snail venoms, emphasizing the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems.

Jon M. Chu, acclaimed director of 'Crazy Rich Asians' and 'In the Heights,' dives into his journey in Hollywood. He discusses his early passion for storytelling influenced by his immigrant family's experiences. Jon reflects on the importance of Asian American representation in film and how 'Crazy Rich Asians' changed the narrative landscape. He also shares insights from 'In the Heights,' emphasizing the need for authenticity in bridging cultural divides. Join him as he explores identity, resilience, and the power of cinema to inspire empathy.

Clint Smith, a talented writer, scholar, and poet, shares profound insights reflecting on the death of George Floyd and its historical context. He discusses the power of voice and the importance of confronting silences in personal narratives. Highlighting the urgency for systemic change, Smith intertwines personal anecdotes with broader societal issues, advocating for ongoing activism. He also delves into the complexities of parenting as a Black father, emphasizing resilience, cultural identity, and the role of hope in navigating racial justice.

Jen Gunter, an OB-GYN and passionate advocate for women's health, tackles the complexities surrounding body awareness and health misinformation. She delves into breaking the taboos of topics like menstruation and gut health, emphasizing the importance of open conversations. Jen critiques the effect of language on perception and promotes the empowerment that comes from understanding our bodies. Additionally, she addresses the rise of health myths post-COVID, underscoring the necessity for transparent communication in healthcare.

Tanya Streeter, a former world champion freediver, shares her exhilarating insights on the power of breath in both sport and mindfulness. Andy Puddicombe, co-founder of Headspace, emphasizes how mindful breathing can transform our daily lives. Beth Gardiner discusses the urgent health impacts of air pollution, highlighting its effects on vulnerable communities. Paleontologist Emma Schachner unveils how dinosaur lung function contributed to their success, while Caro Verbeek intertwines art and scent history, revealing how smells evoke powerful memories.

In this engaging discussion, choreographer Camille A. Brown explores how social dance roots connect communities and evoke identity. Hollywood director Jon Chu shares his journey, emphasizing the significance of Asian American representation in film, particularly in projects like 'Crazy Rich Asians'. Meanwhile, South African poet Lee Mokobe discusses using poetry as a tool to tackle challenging subjects and empower youth. Together, they delve into art's transformative power and its role in addressing societal issues.