TED Talks Daily

Christiane-Marie Abu Sarah, a behavioral historian, investigates the unsettling links between daily habits and political violence. She reveals how mundane choices can foster polarization, leading to extreme actions. With insights from historical cases, she delves into the psychological and moral complexities behind decisions to commit violence. The discussion highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in countering societal anger, emphasizing that recognizing and reshaping our daily habits can help rediscover common ground.

In a compelling discussion, activist and filmmaker Abigail Disney, granddaughter of Roy Disney, argues for prioritizing workers' dignity over shareholder interests. She shares poignant stories highlighting the need for companies to offer respect and living wages, especially in Disney's own workforce. Disney critiques the shift towards shareholder primacy and advocates for ethical leadership that values workers. Her insights call for a transformative change in corporate ethics, framing dignity as a vital element for long-term success and a fair business environment.

David Epstein, a journalist known for his insights on specialization, discusses why starting narrow can hinder long-term success. He shares compelling examples from sports and economics to illustrate how a diverse range of experiences, or a 'sampling period', can foster greater adaptability and innovation. By contrasting the paths of athletes like Roger Federer and Tiger Woods, Epstein emphasizes the value of broad skills over early specialization, suggesting that a more forgiving approach to learning leads to a fulfilling personal and professional life.

In this engaging discussion, planetary scientist Elizabeth "Zibi" Turtle, a NASA veteran, delves into her groundbreaking work on Titan, Saturn's largest moon. She reveals how Titan may resemble early Earth and what that means for understanding life's origins. The innovative Dragonfly mission aims to explore this mysterious moon's surface, potentially providing clues about habitability and organic chemistry. Tune in for insights into how Titan could reshape our views on extraterrestrial life and the solar system's secrets!

For intersex people -- those born with sex characteristics outside the traditional definitions of female and male -- the stakes to appear "normal" are high. Drawing on her personal experience, Susannah Temko reveals the shame, prejudice and harm faced by the intersex community, as they're forced to conform to a binary understanding of sex that ultimately hinders their health and well-being. She calls on us all to discard outdated notions of biological sex and accept the complexity within humanity.Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, political philosopher Michael Sandel delves into the pitfalls of meritocracy and its role in exacerbating societal divides. He argues that many successful individuals suffer from 'meritocratic hubris,' believing their achievements stem solely from personal effort. Sandel urges listeners to acknowledge the role of luck in success, and highlights the dignity of all work, regardless of educational background. His insights challenge us to rethink what success truly means and promote a more inclusive and generous civic life.

Menno Schilthuizen, an evolutionary biologist, dives into the fascinating world of urban wildlife. He highlights how animals and plants adapt to bustling city life, featuring quirky examples like fast food-loving mice and self-cooling snails. Schilthuizen discusses the significance of citizen scientists in tracking these changes, illustrating how everyday people can witness evolution in real-time. With a blend of nostalgia and hope, he shares insights into the dynamic relationship between nature and urbanization.

Madame Gandhi, an activist and musician, champions sex-positive music that defies societal norms. She challenges listeners to reconsider why they dance to misogynistic lyrics and instead embrace empowering tunes. Performing her song "Top Knot Turn Up," she shares insights on the importance of diverse voices in music production. The conversation highlights music's potential to reshape societal views and emphasizes fostering authenticity and empowerment while creating a collaborative narrative that uplifts everyone.

In this engaging discussion, Erin Baumgartner, an entrepreneur and big data expert, shares her vision for transforming the food system. She emphasizes how data can combat food waste and uplift the quality of local produce over mass-farmed items. Erin explores innovative strategies like subscription models to better support farmers' markets. Additionally, she bravely recounts a personal health crisis that brings to light the challenges of equitable healthcare and the urgent need for health empowerment for all.

Barbara J. King, a biological anthropologist, discusses the emotional lives of animals, focusing on their capacity for grief and love. She shares heart-wrenching stories, like that of orca Tahlequah mourning her calf, illustrating the complexity of animal emotions. King emphasizes that while animals may not grieve like humans, their suffering is undeniable and profound. She advocates for greater compassion and ethical treatment of animals, urging listeners to reflect on their dietary choices and the impact on these sentient beings.