TED Talks Daily

Amy Padnani, an editor at the New York Times obituaries desk, leads the 'Overlooked' project, which aims to showcase marginalized figures often forgotten in history. She discusses the importance of including women and people of color in obituaries to create a richer narrative. Padnani shares the motivations behind this initiative and highlights impactful stories, such as that of Grandma Gatewood. This thought-provoking conversation emphasizes journalism's crucial role in promoting inclusivity and reshaping our understanding of historical significance.

Zachary R. Wood, a passionate advocate for dialogue and understanding, explores the importance of engaging with differing viewpoints. He argues that listening to controversial ideas builds empathy and aids personal growth. Wood shares his struggles with complex discussions around race and intelligence, rooted in his own experiences with mental illness. He highlights the necessity of confronting opposing perspectives, especially in resistant environments, as a means to foster community advancement and deepen our understanding of humanity.

Monica Lewinsky, a public figure and advocate against online humiliation, reflects on her experience of being publicly shamed in 1998. She provocatively describes public shaming as a blood sport that has intensified in the digital age. With humor, she discusses youthful mistakes and the impact of social media on personal reputations. Lewinsky emphasizes the necessity for empathy and encourages listeners to be upstanders, promoting kindness in the online world to combat bullying and create a more supportive digital culture.

Venture investor Natalie Fratto dives into the crucial skill of adaptability, essential for success in today's fast-paced world. She reveals three methods to assess your adaptability quotient, providing interesting insights into what really matters beyond intelligence. Fratto explores adaptability's role in business through the contrasting paths of Blockbuster and Netflix. With practical strategies for both personal and professional growth, she encourages listeners to embrace change and cultivate resilience for a thriving future.

Bob Inglis, a former U.S. Congressman known for his focus on climate change and bipartisan efforts, delivers an optimistic vision for American politics. He emphasizes how conservatives can take the lead on pressing issues like climate change through free enterprise and collaboration. Inglis advocates for a principled conservatism that promotes unity and proactive solutions. He challenges the status quo by urging leaders to embrace innovation and engage the public, reminding us that America still has 'moon shots' in its future.

Julius Maada Bio, former president of Sierra Leone, shares his remarkable journey from a military coup leader to a champion of democracy. He emphasizes the critical role of education in empowering the youth and transforming the nation. Bio discusses his commitment to free quality education and anti-corruption initiatives aimed at fostering a skilled workforce. He envisions a hopeful future for Sierra Leone's young population, advocating for community collaboration and innovation to overcome economic and social challenges.

Astrodynamicist Moriba Jah sheds light on the critical issue of space traffic and the alarming amount of debris circling our planet. He discusses the urgent need for a global system to monitor these hazardous objects. Jah advocates for Astrograph, a crowdsourced monitoring platform aimed at enhancing safety in orbit. The conversation highlights the imperative for sustainable policies to manage space pollution, ensuring that we can continue to reap the benefits of space exploration without compromising our environment.

Valarie Kaur, an American civil rights activist and filmmaker, emphasizes the power of love as a revolutionary act in times of division. She shares three transformative lessons on how love can combat societal anger and promote justice. Kaur draws from her personal experiences, confronting hate as a Sikh after 9/11, to illustrate the labor of love and its capacity for healing. Her call to view adversaries as wounded individuals highlights the need for self-love and systemic change, inspiring listeners to embrace compassion as a force for unity.

Sylvia Earle, a legendary ocean researcher and marine biologist, passionately shares her mission to protect our oceans. She highlights the alarming decline in ocean health and biodiversity over the past fifty years. Earle emphasizes the crucial role the ocean plays in supporting life on Earth and calls for urgent conservation efforts. With stunning underwater imagery, she inspires listeners to take actionable steps to engage in protecting marine ecosystems and showcases inspiring success stories that illuminate the path forward for ocean stewardship.

Jon Gray, co-founder of Ghetto Gastro, is on a mission to celebrate and elevate the Bronx through food, design, and art. He shares personal tales of resilience, highlighting how hip-hop and culinary innovation have emerged from historical struggles. Gray discusses Ghetto Gastro's unique culinary diplomacy, blending Caribbean and Japanese flavors to foster community empowerment. The conversation unveils a vibrant wave of creativity coming from the Bronx, proving that this borough is a rich source of culture and innovation.