TED Radio Hour

In this engaging discussion, historical archaeologist Alyssa Loorya delves into New York City's rich past, revealing hidden stories through artifacts. Architect Marwa Al-Sabouni shares her insights on the social impact of architecture in war-torn Homs, Syria, emphasizing design's role in rebuilding community ties. Meanwhile, Rahul Mehrotra explores the Kumbh Mela festival as a model for sustainable urbanism, highlighting lessons on adaptability in city planning. Together, they illuminate the dynamic life cycles of cities, shaped by history and human resilience.

Baratunde Thurston, a writer, comedian, and political commentator, dives into the art of active citizenship. He emphasizes the transformative power of revolutionary love in bridging divides and highlights the importance of nonviolent action for social change. Through personal stories and humor, he challenges listeners to engage with democracy and communal responsibility. The discussion also touches on the unique struggles faced by marginalized communities, advocating for empathy and solidarity in protest movements while promoting health and empowerment among Black women.

Emily Levesque, an astrophysicist and author, shares insights into the evolution of astronomy and the profound impact of advanced telescopes. Ariel Waldman reveals the hidden microbial wonders in Antarctica's ecosystems. Rick Doblin discusses psychedelic therapy's potential to revolutionize mental health treatment, uplifting stories of healing through MDMA. Lastly, Charlie Jane Anders captivates with an excerpt from her science fiction story, tackling the challenges of surviving climate change. Together, they explore perception, connection, and the frontiers of understanding.

Join NPR's Mary Louise Kelly, who opens up about her hearing loss, and neuroscientist Jim Hudspeth as they dive into the intricate mechanics of sound. Cyborg Rebecca Knill shares her empowering experience with deafness and cochlear implants. Sound designer Dallas Taylor explores the emotional resonance of sound in our lives. Together, they discuss how sound and silence shape reality, the importance of accessibility in media, and the unique relationship between hearing and personal identity.

Neuroscientists Kimberly Noble, Adriana Galván, Sandrine Thuret, and Lisa Mosconi explore how our brains evolve through life's stages. They delve into the impact of socioeconomic status on childhood development, revealing how family income shapes cognitive growth. The guests highlight the unique characteristics of the adolescent brain and the importance of neurogenesis in adults, offering tips to promote brain health. Mosconi discusses the hormonal influences on women’s brain health during aging, advocating for more awareness and research.

Brent Leggs, the Head of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, discusses the importance of preserving historic sites like the 16th Street Baptist Church and A.G. Gaston Motel. Climate activist Colette Pichon Battle highlights the urgent need for inclusive climate discussions after Hurricane Katrina. Joy Buolamwini, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, sheds light on how algorithmic bias can reinforce inequality, calling for accountability in technology. Together, they explore the intersection of history, activism, and the fight for equity.

A.J. Jacobs, a quirky writer and TED speaker known for his self-experiments, explores the power of gratitude by recounting his journey to thank everyone involved in making his morning coffee. He discusses the art of noticing life's details and how expressing gratitude can enhance our happiness. Jacobs shares inspiring stories about empathy and innovation, like Mary Anderson's invention of the windshield wiper. He emphasizes the importance of being present and recognizing the interconnectedness of our daily experiences.

Esther Perel, a couples and family therapist renowned for her insights on relationships, shares valuable wisdom on building resilient bonds. She discusses the intricacies of love and desire during crises, emphasizing trust and communication. Perel highlights the pressures of modern romance and the importance of community support. The conversation also dives into the complexities of infidelity and how past relationship dynamics shape workplace interactions. Ultimately, she encourages understanding and growth for deeper connections, both at home and work.

Guests include Lucy Cooke, a passionate zoologist advocating for sloths, and Matthew Walker, a sleep expert from UC Berkeley. They delve into the beauty of slow living, with Cooke sharing enchanting tales from a sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica. Walker emphasizes the vital need for restorative sleep and its impact on health. Architect Julia Watson highlights sustainable, low-tech designs rooted in nature, while NASA engineer Nagin Cox discusses the patience required in Mars rover missions, reflecting on the importance of taking time amidst a fast-paced world.

Kelsey Leonard, a legal scholar from the Shinnecock Nation, unpacks the intricate ties between indigenous rights and water policy. LaToya Ruby Frazier, a visual artist, shares poignant stories of resilience amid the Flint water crisis, highlighting environmental racism. Climate activist Colette Pichon Battle emphasizes the need for inclusive advocacy for marginalized communities. Together, they discuss personal connections to water, the urgent call for ethical stewardship, and the vital role of art and activism in restoring our relationship with this essential resource.