TED Radio Hour

Join former host Guy Raz, now captivating kids with science on Wow in the World, alongside forest ecologist Suzanne Simard, who unveils how trees communicate through mycelial networks. Marine biologist Denise Herzing shares her decades-long insights into dolphin language, revealing their intelligent interactions. Space archaeologist Sarah Parcak discusses her groundbreaking use of satellite imagery to find ancient sites, while writer AJ Jacobs explores how expressing gratitude can enhance our daily lives. Dive into a world of interconnectedness and discovery!

Alyssa Loorya, a historical archaeologist, uncovers New York City's transformation from farmland to urban hub through archaeological finds. Architect Marwa Al-Sabouni discusses the war-torn city of Homs, advocating for multicultural perspectives to rebuild community identity. Rahul Mehrotra explores the Kumbh Mela festival, where a temporary megacity emerges, highlighting innovative urban planning that emphasizes sustainability and adaptability. Together, they challenge conventional urban permanence, advocating for resilience and internal flexibility in cities.

David Biello, TED's science curator, delves into exciting solutions for combating climate change. He explores the significance of soil health and innovative urban greening for carbon sequestration. The conversation highlights the environmental impact of concrete production, urging sustainable practices in the cement industry. Biello also discusses the role of space technology and various cooling solutions to fight rising temperatures. The need for urgent global action, particularly from developed countries, emphasizes collective responsibility for a sustainable future.

Danielle Citron, a law professor at Boston University, delves into the devastating implications of deepfakes and cyber harassment. Andrew Marantz, a journalist, discusses the spread of misinformation and its effects on political discourse. Joy Buolamwini, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, shines a light on algorithmic bias and its real-world consequences. Together, they explore the intersections of technology, deception, and personal safety, urging for critical engagement and greater accountability in our digital landscape.

Join Michael Murphy, an architect dedicated to healing through design, David Byrne, a legendary musician influenced by performance spaces, artist Ez Devlin, known for her striking set designs, and Siamak Hariri, architect of the Bahá'í Temple in South America. They discuss how spaces shape human experiences, from the emotional connections established in homes to the transformative power of performance venues. The conversation highlights the interplay of architecture and creativity, illuminating how our environments influence personal growth and artistic expression.

Mary Louise Kelly, NPR host, discusses her personal journey with hearing loss and its challenges, while Jim Hudspeth delves into the science behind hearing. Rebecca Knill, a cyborg with a cochlear implant, shares her experiences with technology and deafness. Sound designer Dallas Taylor explores emotional connections to sound and the beauty of silence. The conversation weaves through the complexities of auditory experiences, the resilience of the deaf community, and the transformative power of sound in our lives.

Join Tom Rivett-Carnac, a key figure in climate change policy, Shia Bastida, a passionate youth activist, and Oliver Jeffers, an acclaimed author, as they explore the crucial mindset shifts needed to tackle climate change. They discuss how personal reflection can fuel collective action and the importance of stubborn optimism in this fight. From inspiring youth involvement to emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, they advocate for a proactive approach and foster hope in the climate movement.

This episode features Stacey Abrams, a champion for voting rights and former gubernatorial candidate, alongside sailor Tracy Edwards, the first to lead an all-female crew in a major sailing race. Alvin Irby, creator of Barbershop Books, discusses fostering literacy for young Black boys, while Ash Beckham shares insights on LGBTQ visibility and connection. Together, they explore invaluable life lessons learned outside the classroom, emphasizing resilience, emotional intelligence, and the transformative power of relatable role models.

Debbie Millman, a renowned designer and co-founder of the first master's in branding program, explores the intricate relationship between design and identity. She delves into the history of branding, illustrating how symbols evolve and impact our perceptions. Millman emphasizes the role of meaningful design in personal growth and the pursuit of happiness, sharing poignant examples that highlight self-discovery. With a focus on the transformative power of creativity, she encourages embracing passion over traditional measures of success.

In this enlightening discussion, Edward Snowden, the whistleblower on government surveillance, shares insights from his life in Moscow and the need for robust privacy rights. Margrethe Vestager, Europe's competition chief, highlights regulatory efforts for fair competition in the tech industry, emphasizing public trust amid corporate power struggles. Adam Alter, a psychology professor, explores our complex relationship with screens, advocating for a balanced approach to digital life. Together, they tackle ethical challenges and the importance of truth in our interconnected reality.