TED Talks Daily

Daniel Bögre Udell, a passionate language preserver, discusses the alarming potential loss of 3,000 languages in the coming decades. He highlights inspiring community efforts to revive ancestral languages like Hebrew and Cornish, emphasizing how digital media connects younger generations to their cultural roots. Udell urges us to embrace our heritage, stating that reclaiming our languages is an empowering way to honor our identities. His insights reveal the profound connection between language, culture, and personal resilience in a rapidly globalizing world.

LaToya Ruby Frazier, an artist and photographer, immersed herself in Flint, Michigan, to document the water crisis through her poignant photo essay, "Flint is Family." In this insightful talk, she reveals how her passion for art evolved into actionable solutions, including the introduction of an atmospheric water generator to provide clean water. Frazier sheds light on the personal stories of resilience among residents and emphasizes the power of community solidarity in addressing environmental injustices.

David Asch, a behavioral economist and health policy expert, delves into the quirks of our decision-making processes in healthcare. He humorously illustrates why we often make poor choices, like ignoring seatbelt rules despite knowing better. Asch emphasizes the power of harnessing our predictable irrationality to improve health behaviors. He shares insights on how understanding emotions and motivations can lead to better adherence to health protocols, paving the way for significant healthcare reform.

Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist renowned for his insights into decision-making and dishonesty, humorously tackles the challenge of changing behavior. He discusses the gap between knowing what’s right and acting on it, highlighting how our environments can be adjusted to promote better choices. Through fascinating experiments, Ariely reveals why even free alternatives like generic medications struggle to sway decisions. He also shares impactful strategies that connect emotions to positive behavioral changes, making the complexities of human decisions both relatable and actionable.

Gaby Barrios, a marketing expert known for her innovative approaches, discusses the pitfalls of gender-based marketing. She argues that this approach not only reinforces outdated stereotypes but also limits business growth. Barrios emphasizes the need for nuanced strategies that recognize diverse consumer behaviors and identities. By moving away from simplistic targeting, companies can better connect with customers and enhance brand loyalty. Her insights challenge traditional advertising norms and encourage inclusivity in marketing.

Erika Pinheiro, an immigration attorney and policy director at Al Otro Lado, sheds light on her work with asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border. She shares her deeply personal experience of being detained and separated from her son, bringing a heartfelt perspective to the harsh realities faced by families. The discussion reveals the psychological toll of inhumane immigration policies and the urgent need for systemic change. Pinheiro emphasizes the importance of compassion and humanity in addressing this ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Sydney Jensen, an educator dedicated to mental health in schools, highlights the often-overlooked emotional challenges teachers face, such as secondary trauma. She discusses the importance of building strong emotional connections and supportive environments for both teachers and students. Sydney emphasizes creative initiatives like Wellness Wednesdays to foster community among educators. By advocating for mental health resources and simple daily acts of encouragement, she illustrates how schools can nurture the wellbeing of their teachers, ultimately benefiting the entire educational ecosystem.

Craig Costello, a renowned cryptographer, dives into the revolutionary world of quantum computers and their potential to disrupt current encryption methods. He highlights the historical tug-of-war between cryptographers and code breakers, showing how quantum technology can change the landscape of information security. Costello emphasizes the urgent necessity for innovative encryption strategies to safeguard data against the looming quantum threat. With a mix of opportunity and risk, he reveals how the future of secure communication hangs in the balance.

Human rights protector Rabiaa El Garani shares the challenging, heartbreaking story of sexual violence committed against Yazidi women and girls in Iraq by ISIS -- and her work seeking justice for the survivors. “These victims have been through unimaginable pain. But with a little help, they show how resilient they are,” she says. “It is an honor to bear witness; it is a privilege to seek justice.” (This talk contains mature content.)Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amma Y. Ghartey-Tagoe Kootin, an artist and TED Fellow, dives into her upcoming musical "At Buffalo," which explores black identity through the lens of the 1901 World's Fair. She draws from historical archives to shine a light on the complex narratives surrounding race during this pivotal event. The discussion highlights the importance of reclaiming marginalized voices, alongside questions about how these themes resonate with today's societal issues. Through engaging storytelling, Ghartey-Tagoe Kootin invites reflection on our shared history and ongoing conversations about race.