

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

89 snips
Nov 1, 2024 • 50min
A guide to being brave in relationships
Kelly Corrigan, a bestselling author and podcaster, joins renowned couples psychologists Julie and John Gottman to discuss the courage required in relationships. They delve into the intricate dynamics of love, vulnerability, and conflict, exploring how authentic connections can weather life's storms. The Gottmans share insights from their research on couple dynamics, while Corrigan reflects on empathy and support in family relationships. Together, they emphasize the importance of navigating desires and building chosen families as essential elements of bravery in love.

Oct 25, 2024 • 50min
The mysteries that lie beneath
Jill Heinerth, a renowned cave diver, shares thrilling tales of exploring underwater caves and the dangers they pose. Katrina Spade discusses eco-friendly death care, promoting human composting as a sustainable alternative to traditional methods. Soil scientist Asmeret Asefaw Berhe highlights the vital role of soil in climate change mitigation and encourages climate-smart practices. Lastly, Nizar Ibrahim reveals fascinating insights about Spinosaurus, uncovering its identity as a river-dwelling predator, challenging previous concepts in paleontology.

23 snips
Oct 18, 2024 • 50min
Approaches to life: Improvise, pivot or plan
Reggie Watts, a creative force in comedy and music known for his improvisational flair, shares insights on spontaneity in art and life. Sonia Vallabh, a dedicated biomedical researcher, reflects on her personal journey with prion disease and the power of resilience through science. Kristine McDivitt Tompkins, a prominent conservationist, discusses her pivotal role in establishing national parks in South America, revealing the challenges of blending conservation with community needs. Together, they explore the delicate dance between planning, adapting, and improvising through life's uncertainties.

47 snips
Oct 11, 2024 • 50min
Monday — Friday: Making the most of the workweek
Anne Morriss, an executive coach specializing in trust and urgency, joins forces with economist Juliet Schor, a pioneer of the four-day work week. They discuss the transformative power of reducing work hours for well-being and productivity. Psychologist Azim Shariff explores how our moral perceptions of work shape culture, while political scientist Margaret Levi examines the resurgence of labor unions and their impact on workers' rights. Howie Kiebel shares insights from implementing a four-day work week at his restaurant, highlighting its success in boosting employee morale.

12 snips
Oct 4, 2024 • 50min
Augmenting Humans
In this engaging discussion, guests Catie Cuan, a robot choreographer, and Hugh Herr, an MIT professor and expert in prosthetics, share insights on blending technology with human experience. Anna Maria Coclite, a materials scientist, unveils her groundbreaking work on artificial skin that mimics touch, while Jennifer Doudna reveals the revolutionary potential of CRISPR in health. Together, they explore how advancements in robotics, prosthetics, and genetics can enhance human capabilities and redefine our relationship with technology.

12 snips
Sep 27, 2024 • 50min
The double-edged nature of parenting, mental health and artificial intelligence
Yuko Munakata, a developmental psychologist, shares insights on the complex interplay of nature and nurture in child development. Andy Dunn, a former CEO and advocate for bipolar disorder awareness, discusses the dual challenges of parenting and mental health. They highlight personal growth, the unpredictability of parenting, and the societal impact of mental health in high-pressure environments. The conversation also touches on the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence and the need for human oversight to align AI with societal values.

30 snips
Sep 20, 2024 • 50min
Secrets to successful teamwork
Hajer Sharief, a human rights activist and co-founder of the Together We Build It Foundation, shares her family’s unique approach to teamwork. Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor, emphasizes the importance of psychological safety for effective collaboration in high-stakes environments. Pete Stavros, co-head of global private equity at KKR, discusses how broad-based employee ownership can enhance worker satisfaction and drive company performance. Together, they unveil surprising insights into successful teamwork dynamics.

8 snips
Sep 13, 2024 • 50min
The hidden role of friction in our lives
Jennifer Vail, a tribologist, shares fascinating insights about how friction impacts our daily lives, from vehicle safety to dental health. Yaël Eisenstadt, a Facebook whistleblower, discusses the need for slower tech to tackle misinformation and the importance of thoughtful digital interaction. David Moinina Sengeh, Sierra Leone's Minister of Education, talks about innovation in prosthetics, highlighting the balance between technology and personal relationships. Together, they explore friction's multifaceted role in social discourse and personal connections.

Sep 6, 2024 • 50min
The state of fashion
Join costume designer Machine Dazzle, known for his whimsical creations, journalist Amanda Mull from Bloomberg, and supermodel Cameron Russell as they dive into the complexities of fashion. They discuss the clash between maximalism and minimalism, the environmental toll of fast fashion, and the challenges of online shopping returns. Cameron shares her insights on labor issues within the industry, while Amanda highlights the responsibility of consumers. Together, they explore the need for intentional fashion choices and the importance of solidarity in driving change.

Aug 30, 2024 • 50min
Unapologetically loud women who push boundaries — but not without pushback
Join comedian Lilly Singh, known for her YouTube fame and late-night antics, along with Nadya Tolokonnikova from Pussy Riot and award-winning actor Sarah Jones as they explore the power of loud voices. They discuss the rewards and backlash of challenging cultural norms, particularly as women and activists. Lilly shares her journey as a South Asian woman in entertainment, while Nadya recounts Pussy Riot's defiance against political repression. Sarah highlights the importance of representation in storytelling, emphasizing the impact of diverse and bold narratives.