

TED Radio Hour
NPR
Exploring the biggest questions of our time with the help of the world's greatest thinkers. Host Manoush Zomorodi inspires us to learn more about the world, our communities, and most importantly, ourselves.Get more brainy miscellany with TED Radio Hour+. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/ted
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 1, 2021 • 50min
Listen Again: Finding Another Way
Shaka Senghor, an author and formerly incarcerated individual, shares his powerful journey of conflict resolution in relationships, emphasizing resilience and love. Ebony Roberts discusses their co-parenting journey after separation, showcasing the challenges of modern family dynamics. Zoologist Lucy King presents an innovative, nature-based solution to human-elephant conflict with beehive fences. Finally, Jad Abumrad reflects on the complexities of storytelling in bridging different perspectives amidst polarized conversations.

Dec 25, 2020 • 52min
Listen Again — Debbie Millman: Designing Our Lives
Debbie Millman, a prominent designer and host of "Design Matters", dives into the transformative power of design. She highlights the evolution of design from prehistoric art to modern branding, emphasizing its role in shaping perceptions and identities. Millman discusses the impact of personal branding and the often complex pursuit of happiness in a materialistic world. She encourages self-discovery and meaningful design, reflecting on how art can foster hope and connection in our daily lives.

Dec 18, 2020 • 50min
Making Sense Of 2020
Laura Spinney, a science journalist and author, discusses the parallels between the 2020 pandemic and the 1918 Spanish flu, highlighting humanity's resilience. Daniel Streicker, an ecologist, sheds light on bats as reservoirs for viruses, particularly rabies. Jonny Sun, a writer and artist, explores themes of loneliness and the search for connection during isolation. Wang Hung offers insights on cultural responses to COVID-19, contrasting collectivism in China with individualism in the U.S., raising questions about societal norms in crises.

Dec 11, 2020 • 51min
A Century Of Money
Journalist Kathleen Day reveals the turbulent history of finance and the dangers of aggressive lending. Financial advisor Tammy Lally shares her personal journey through financial hardship, emphasizing emotional effects. Writer Elizabeth White discusses the challenges older adults face losing financial security in later life, while Abigail Disney critiques modern economic practices and advocates for fair treatment of workers. Together, they weave a narrative about resilience, history, and the pressing need for change in our financial systems.

Dec 4, 2020 • 50min
How To Citizen
Baratunde Thurston, a writer, comedian, and political commentator, shares insightful ideas on active citizenship and community engagement. He emphasizes the transformative power of revolutionary love to bridge societal divides, encouraging listeners to commit deeply to their civic duties. Thurston highlights the importance of strategic nonviolence in social movements and advocates for healing and empowerment, particularly for Black women. With humor and personal anecdotes, he illustrates how humor can engage communities in meaningful discussions about democracy.

Nov 27, 2020 • 50min
Listen Again: Making Amends
Brent Leggs, head of the African-American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, passionately discusses the significance of preserving Black historical sites to reshape national identity. Martha Minow examines the U.S. criminal justice system, advocating for restorative justice and the importance of apologies in healing. Librarian Dawn Wacek highlights how eliminating late fees can enhance library accessibility for underprivileged communities, while V (formerly Eve Ensler) underscores the role of authentic apologies in addressing sexual violence. Together, they navigate the complexities of making amends.

Nov 20, 2020 • 50min
Listen Again: TED Radio Wow-er
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!

Nov 13, 2020 • 50min
The Life Cycles Of Cities
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.

Nov 6, 2020 • 49min
Building Our Zero-Emissions Future
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.

Oct 30, 2020 • 49min
Warped Reality
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.


