

TED Talks Daily
TED
Want TED Talks on the go? Everyday, this feed brings you our latest talks in audio format. Hear thought-provoking ideas on every subject imaginable – from Artificial Intelligence to Zoology, and everything in between – given by the world's leading thinkers and doers. This collection of talks, given at TED and TEDx conferences around the globe, is also available in video format. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

23 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 10min
How displaced people are driving local economies | Julienne Oyler
Julienne Oyler, a social entrepreneur and co-founder of Inkomoko, discusses how displaced individuals are redefining local economies. She outlines the entrepreneurial spirit flourishing in refugee camps, particularly in Kakuma, where innovative businesses are emerging. Julienne emphasizes the need for new investment strategies to support refugee entrepreneurs, showcasing success stories from Africa. Her insights spotlight the vital role refugees play in community development and economic growth, challenging perceptions of displacement.

36 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 13min
Most countries fail at clean energy. Here’s how mine succeeded | Sebastián Kind
Sebastián Kind is an energy expert who led Argentina's transition to renewable energy, enabling the country to generate nearly 40% of its electricity from wind and solar in just six years. He discusses how political trust and cohesive national policies, rather than just technology, were crucial for this transformation. Kind highlights Argentina's innovative financial strategies that attracted international investments and emphasizes the role of his non-profit in aiding global renewable energy efforts. His insights provide a roadmap for other nations looking to follow a similar path.

37 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 11min
What’s behind the rise of far right politics in Europe | Daphne Halikiopoulou
Daphne Halikiopoulou, a political researcher specializing in populism and far-right movements in Europe, discusses the unsettling rise of these parties. She explains how they exploit voters' economic insecurities and distrust towards institutions. The conversation reveals that far-right policies are often rebranded to appear moderate, leading to complex political implications. Halikiopoulou emphasizes the need for counter-narratives to combat their normalization while exploring the diverse factors fueling support for extreme ideologies.

85 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 18min
How labor unions shape society | Margaret Levi (re-release)
Labor unions have been instrumental in securing essential rights like social security and health insurance. Margaret Levi highlights their critical role in advocating for workers and insists on a revival of these organizations for a more equitable future. She discusses the decline of union membership and its correlation with rising economic inequality. The need for unions to adapt to modern labor challenges, including the gig economy, is emphasized. Ultimately, fostering inclusive communities and innovative structures could empower today's workforce.

111 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 41min
Sunday Pick: How to stop devoting yourself to your job (w/ Sarah Jaffe) | How to Be a Better Human
Sarah Jaffe, a journalist and author of "Work Won’t Love You Back," discusses how modern work culture exploits our emotional investment. She highlights the toll that job devotion takes on personal lives and the importance of community in combating burnout. Jaffe introduces the concept of "disenfranchised grief," relating it to societal issues like climate change and economic inequality. By advocating for healthier relationships with work and recognizing collective mourning, she encourages listeners to seek fulfillment beyond their careers.

82 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 20min
Do schools kill creativity? | Sir Ken Robinson (re-release)
Sir Ken Robinson passionately argues for an education system that nurtures creativity rather than stifles it. He highlights the importance of fostering creative skills and rethinking outdated teaching methods. The discussion unveils the intricate relationship between intelligence and creativity, emphasizing the need for innovative frameworks in schools. Personal stories illustrate how traditional systems can hinder unique talents and imaginative thinking. Ultimately, it’s a call to transform education for a more creative future.

36 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 7min
"The Unprompted," a poem that AI will never understand | Salome Agbaroji
Dive into the electrifying performance of an original spoken-word poem that challenges the understanding of AI. The poet explores the limitations of artificial intelligence in capturing human emotions and the essence of creativity. With a powerful critique of our growing reliance on technology, the poem emphasizes the importance of human connection and responsibility. The discussion encourages a reflection on the true essence of hope and progress, highlighting what machines can never replicate.

55 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 11min
Want to make change? Let young people tell their stories | Anshul Tewari
Discover how Anshul Tewari transformed a simple blog into Youth Ki Awaaz, a thriving platform where over 200,000 young voices share their stories. Learn about the power of authentic storytelling in driving social change, from providing electricity to remote villages to launching climate initiatives. This conversation emphasizes the importance of youth perspectives, advocating for genuine narratives over superficial content, and highlights a roadmap for connecting these stories with policymakers.

25 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 13min
Could we detect breast cancer with a fingerprint? | Simona Francese
Breast cancer remains a leading concern for women, but many avoid screenings due to the discomfort of mammograms. An exciting innovation is on the horizon—using fingerprints to detect cancer biomarkers! This non-invasive method promises enhanced accuracy and accessibility, particularly benefiting underserved communities. By revolutionizing how we approach screening, this breakthrough could lessen stress and healthcare costs, ultimately saving lives. Join the conversation about the future of cancer detection!

109 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 15min
Why you should spend less time with your kids | Lenore Skenazy
Lenore Skenazy, cofounder of Let Grow and advocate for free-range parenting, tackles the anxiety crisis stemming from over-cautious parenting. She humorously argues for the benefits of giving kids more independence, sharing personal anecdotes like allowing her son to navigate the subway alone. Skenazy discusses how reduced parental oversight not only builds resilience but also fosters self-reliance in children, while encouraging a shift towards a balance between guidance and granting freedom.