TED Talks Daily

Join Eric Ries, author of "The Lean Startup" and founder of the Long-Term Stock Exchange, as he discusses radical ideas for fostering social justice through innovative financial systems. He challenges the detrimental impacts of short-term thinking in business on society. Dive into how a new stock market could inspire civic entrepreneurship, improve representation for marginalized communities, and prioritize sustainable growth over quick profits. It's a refreshing conversation on redefining corporate accountability and revitalizing democracy.

Christian Stuckel, director of the Oberammergau Passion Play, shares insights on modernizing a 400-year-old tradition. Alongside Rabbi Noam Marins, they discuss the play's historical anti-Semitic elements and the importance of collaboration for transformation. Highlighting a pivotal casting choice of a Muslim actor as Judas, they explore the evolving community dynamics and the quest for reconciliation. Their dialogue emphasizes the necessity of updating narratives to foster understanding between Jewish and Christian communities.

Sabine Doebel, a cognitive scientist specializing in child development, delves into the nuances of executive function—our brain's critical skill for planning and self-control. She illuminates how this function can be enhanced to help break bad habits and achieve personal goals. Sharing personal anecdotes, she emphasizes the impact of context and peer influence on our cognitive abilities. With practical strategies and insights, Doebel offers valuable tips for improving everyday decision-making and emotional regulation.

In this engaging talk, Vernā Myers, a renowned diversity advocate, dives into the dangerous effects of unconscious bias on society. She urges listeners to confront their own prejudices and take bold steps toward the groups that make them uncomfortable. By sharing personal stories, Vernā highlights the challenges faced by young black men and emphasizes the need for genuine connections across racial divides. Her impassioned plea encourages collective action and empathy, reminding us of the vital role we play in fostering a more inclusive future.

Naomi Klein, a renowned journalist and activist, dives into the dark side of shocking events and their potential to spark transformative change. She argues that crises like climate change and extremism can either regress society or kickstart progress when met with collective action. Klein shares insights from her manifesto, 'The Leap,' envisioning a fairer society thriving post-transition to a clean economy. She emphasizes the power of bold alternatives and the need to break down silos among social justice movements to unite for a sustainable future.

Steve Simpson, a marine biologist and fish ecologist, unveils the fascinating soundscapes of the ocean and their role in marine life. He explains how baby fish use sound to navigate their habitats. Simpson discusses the stark differences in underwater acoustics between healthy and overfished reefs, revealing the impact of human actions on marine ecosystems. He also highlights the threats posed by noise pollution and climate change, along with efforts to restore the ocean's acoustic environments for better conservation.

David Brenner, a radiation scientist specializing in the use of far-UVC light, discusses its groundbreaking potential to combat the coronavirus. He reveals how this innovative light can effectively kill viruses while remaining safe for human exposure. Brenner explores practical applications of far-UVC in indoor spaces like hospitals and public transit, highlighting its transformative effect on public health. With the capability to continuously sterilize air and surfaces, he presents a hopeful vision for a future less burdened by airborne pathogens.

Chloé Valdary, a writer and educator, explores the power of love in healing social divides. She connects pop culture icons like Kendrick Lamar and Disney's 'Moana' to our common humanity, emphasizing resilience and empathy. Valdary introduces the Theory of Enchantment, using pop culture as a tool for self-love and meaningful dialogue. She highlights the role of self-worth in social change, illustrating how understanding our insecurities can foster compassion and collective action for justice.

Kwame Owusu-Kesse, the COO of the Harlem Children's Zone, discusses innovative strategies for community recovery amid the pandemic. He emphasizes a holistic approach that combines education, health, and economic stability to address deep-rooted disparities. Kwame outlines a five-point plan focusing on emergency relief, protecting vulnerable populations, and bridging the digital divide. His insights highlight how neighborhood-based initiatives can foster resilience and inspire change, with a vision to scale these efforts across the U.S.

Tom Teves, an advocate for responsible media coverage, shares his heart-wrenching experience after losing his son in the 2012 Aurora mass shooting. He discusses the harmful focus of media on shooters, emphasizing the need to honor victims and heroes instead. Teves champions the No Notoriety campaign, aiming to change how these tragedies are reported. By highlighting the bravery of individuals like his son, Alex, he calls for a shift toward responsible journalism that prioritizes community safety over sensationalism.