TED Talks Daily

The AI revolution and our aging power grid are on a historic collision course, threatening to stall innovation and raise energy costs for everyone. Physicist and AI grid futurist Varun Sivaram reveals how we might turn this looming crisis into a once-in-a-generation opportunity — unlocking massive power capacity, lowering costs and accelerating the energy future we’ve been waiting for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Bonnie Tsui, an author and surfer known for her book "On Muscle and Why We Swim," as she dives into the fascinating world of strength and movement with host Chris Duffy. They discuss the surprising truth that muscle mass can start declining as early as 30. Bonnie shares practical tips on weightlifting and how to maintain mobility, while exploring the cultural significance of muscles and gender norms. Learn how strength can reshape self-perception and the importance of joyful movement in our lives.

Brittany Packnett Cunningham, an inspiring educator and activist, discusses confidence as a catalyst for change. She highlights how knowledge isn't enough without the spark of confidence. Brittany reveals her framework for building confidence through permission, community, and curiosity. Personal anecdotes illustrate how positive support and role models can embolden individuals to find their voice. She envisions a world where inclusive leaders, empowered by revolutionary confidence, drive justice and ambition.

Refilwe Ledwaba, a commercial airplane and helicopter pilot, is the founder of Girls Fly Africa, which empowers young people, particularly women, in aviation. She shares her inspiring journey from flight attendant to pilot, emphasizing the importance of tailored instruction for overcoming training hurdles. The organization focuses on equipping aspiring pilots with essential skills and networks. Refilwe highlights the significance of increasing female representation in aerospace, discussing the community impact and future ambitions to normalize women in aviation careers.

Sasha Luccioni, an AI sustainability expert, reveals the staggering environmental toll of large AI models and massive data centers. She advocates for smaller, more efficient AI that minimizes energy usage while maintaining performance. Luccioni emphasizes the importance of curated training data to reduce misinformation risks and highlights practical benefits like enhanced privacy and accessibility. With innovative applications in climate monitoring, she calls for transparency in AI's energy use and collective action to promote sustainable practices in the industry.

Yadvinder Malhi, an ecosystem ecologist, explores the intricate flows of energy, carbon, and nutrients that sustain life on Earth. He highlights how biodiversity fosters resilience and argues that human activity can actually enhance ecosystem vibrancy through methods like regenerative farming. Malhi warns against monocultures, emphasizes the importance of seabirds in maintaining island ecology, and presents the fascinating role of parrotfish in beach formation. His vision advocates for designs that support vibrant, regenerative systems for agriculture and urban areas.

Christoph Lassner, an AI engineer and co-founder of World Labs, explores the future of interactive storytelling. He envisions movies where characters engage with viewers for real-time choices, transforming passive watching into co-creation. Lassner discusses how generative AI allows for dynamic narratives tailored to individual experiences, creating improv-like adventures. He also highlights the need for creators to adapt their skills and the economic shifts this new model could entail, paving the way for a revolutionary storytelling landscape.

Neuroscientist Jennifer Pfeifer dives into the intricate world of adolescent brains, shedding light on their transformative growth. She challenges myths around puberty and hormones, explaining how early maturation can lead to body image issues and depression risks, particularly for girls. Pfeifer also argues that adolescents can make mature decisions when given the right environment. With findings suggesting social media has a minimal impact on mental health, she emphasizes the importance of relationships and community support during these pivotal years.

Jonny Sun, a talented writer and artist celebrated for his confessional storytelling, dives deep into loneliness and connection. He shares how embracing vulnerability can lead to unexpected communities and support. Sun explains how humor and creativity, like his character Jomni the Alien, help normalize discussions about mental health. He highlights the internet's dual nature, both harmful and healing, showcasing how online interactions transformed his feelings of isolation into solidarity through shared experiences and togetherness.

Actor, writer, and director Ethan Hawke delivers a compelling talk on creativity and self-expression. He explores how embracing creativity can be a courageous act that fosters connection and healing. Hawke reflects on his journey, revealing how vulnerability in art offers sustenance during grief and joy. He encourages listeners to pursue their true passions without fear, highlighting the importance of childlike imagination. Ultimately, Hawke suggests that taking small risks can help uncover one's identity and rejuvenate the creative spirit.