TED Talks Daily

Oz Pearlman, a renowned mentalist known for his engaging performances, shares his insights into the world of mentalism as a skill anyone can learn. He discusses the power of observation in 'reading people' rather than minds, and demonstrates techniques to remember names effectively. Pearlman invites audience members to participate in live demonstrations, revealing choices through subtle cues. With a blend of storytelling and practical tips, he empowers listeners to enhance their communication and connection with others.

Claudia Passos Ferreira, a philosopher and clinical psychologist, unveils captivating insights into infant consciousness. She challenges the myth that newborns are passive, presenting research that suggests they may possess awareness from birth. Groundbreaking neuroscience reveals newborns' brain signals indicate conscious experiences, showcasing adult-like surprise responses. Claudia discusses the implications for medical ethics, such as anesthesia for newborns. This thought-provoking exploration reshapes our understanding of early human perception and consciousness.

Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist and the host of A Slight Change of Plans, dives into the complexities of unexpected life changes. She discusses how such changes can feel threatening, highlighting the fear of uncertainty and loss. Sharing personal stories, Maya introduces three insightful questions to help reframe our perspectives on transformation. By illustrating how change can enhance capabilities and redefine values, she encourages listeners to embrace the opportunities that come with life’s unpredictability.

Katie Hood, a relationship expert with One Love, discusses the critical differences between healthy and unhealthy love. She outlines five warning signs of unhealthy relationships, including extreme jealousy and isolation. Hood emphasizes that love can be learned and practiced, sharing practical steps to cultivate respect and kindness in all types of relationships. Her insights encourage listeners to assess their connections and strive for healthier, more joyful interactions.

César Ramírez-Sarmiento, a protein engineer and 2025 TED Fellow from Santiago, explores the revolutionary impact of AI on protein design. He discusses how AI boosts success rates in creating proteins for biomedical and environmental challenges. César shares his unique journey from art to science, emphasizing creativity in problem-solving. He highlights the potential of AI-designed enzymes for cleaning up plastic waste and envisions a thriving Latin American community of protein engineers tackling regional environmental issues.

Matt Pitcher, a former financial planner with over a decade of experience guiding UK lottery winners, shares insights on the impact of sudden wealth. He discusses how unexpected riches can disrupt life balance, sparking jealousy and difficult family dynamics. Pitcher also explores the allure of consumerism, showcasing stories like that of a winner who prioritizes flashy purchases. Yet, he highlights the potential for deeper meaning, as some couples transform their winnings into fulfilling family experiences, prompting a reevaluation of values and happiness.

Esther Duflo, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, lays out a compelling case for taxing the wealthy to combat climate change. She reveals that rising temperatures will disproportionately affect poor countries, costing them $1.7 trillion annually due to emissions. Duflo discusses how a 3% wealth tax on the richest could generate significant revenue for climate adaptation efforts. She emphasizes the urgent need for direct cash transfers to those affected and proposes a new global agreement to restore trust in climate action among nations.

Join world-renowned pastry chef and chocolatier Amaury Guichon as he shares his incredible journey from his French-Swiss roots to the art of crafting lifelike chocolate sculptures. Amaury reveals the science behind his stunning creations, balancing taste and aesthetics expertly. He highlights the meticulous process involved in constructing his signature coffee clock pastry, showcasing how chocolate is assembled with precision. Through live demonstrations, he emphasizes the discipline required in his craft, making each work of art not only visually stunning but also delicious.

Olympic medalist Kate Johnson, a world champion rower and global marketing lead for sports at Google, dives into the rising popularity of women's sports. She discusses how social media algorithms prioritize men's sports and the challenges of discoverability. Johnson highlights the impact of visibility on girls' sports participation and future leadership. She shares insights on how AI and new media can amplify women's sports coverage and urges fans to actively support female athletes to create lasting change.

How much do you think about your future self? If your answer is not much, you're not alone. It can be difficult to plan for a version of yourself you haven't met yet, says psychologist Meg Jay. Sharing how to close the empathy gap between you and your future selves, she outlines courageous questions to ask about how your present and future can align, so you can begin to achieve your goals. (This conversation, hosted by TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers, was part of a TED Membership event. Visit ted.com/membership to become a TED Member.)Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyouTEDAI San Francisco: ted.com/ai-sf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.