TED Talks Daily

In this insightful discussion, personality psychologist Thomas Curran unpacks the detrimental effects of perfectionism on mental health, especially among young individuals. He highlights how social media and societal pressures contribute to unrealistic standards, fostering rising anxiety and depression. Curran shares stories like that of a struggling student and advocates for a cultural shift that embraces our imperfections. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and resilience in combating the quest for unattainable perfection.

In this insightful conversation, Sarah T. Stewart, a MacArthur 'Genius' and expert in planetary science, shares her groundbreaking theory on the Moon's origin. She discusses her discovery of synestia, a unique astronomical object that could explain the Earth-Moon chemical connection. The podcast dives into experimental simulations revealing surprising isotopic similarities between Earth and the Moon. Stewart's research challenges established theories, offering a fresh perspective on planetary formation and the cosmic events shaping our celestial neighborhood.

Join writer and director Brad Bird, known for creating Pixar classics like The Incredibles, and Lisa Bodell, founder of FutureThink, as they dive into the transformative power of misfits in organizations. They discuss how embracing unique perspectives can drive innovation, drawing on Pixar's journey from traditional animation to groundbreaking storytelling. Hear insights on turning frustrations into creative fuel and the valuable role of inclusivity and underdog spirit in fostering extraordinary teamwork and artistic breakthroughs.

Yvonne van Amerongen, a dementia care visionary, discusses the innovative Hogeweyk dementia care center in Amsterdam. She contrasts traditional sterile facilities with a nurturing village environment filled with amenities that promote freedom and social interaction. Van Amerongen highlights how this groundbreaking approach enhances the quality of life for residents by fostering meaningful connections and emotional health, demonstrating that elder care can be both compassionate and community-oriented.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, an award-winning novelist known for her impactful views on feminism, dives deep into the intricacies of gender equality. She shares her personal journey of understanding feminism, sparked by childhood experiences. Adichie challenges entrenched gender inequalities, urging a shift in how society defines success for both men and women. She highlights the importance of empathy and collaboration in creating a fairer world where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.

T. Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison are the dynamic co-founders of GirlTrek, a health initiative aimed at improving the lives of Black women through walking and activism. They shine a light on the legacy of Septima Clark, the unsung hero of the civil rights movement, whose teachings inspire their mission. Topics include the revolutionary power of grassroots movements, personal journeys along the Underground Railroad, and the call for a million women to join their health revolution. Their passionate advocacy and resilience are contagious!

Dina Zielinski, a bioinformatician, explores the revolutionary concept of using DNA for digital data storage. She discusses how this method could potentially preserve our world’s data forever, far surpassing traditional storage devices. Zielinski outlines the incredible durability of DNA and its compact nature. She also shares fascinating experiments, including encoding historical manuscripts and even films into DNA sequences. The potential of this technology could reshape industries and change the way we think about data longevity.

César Hidalgo, a researcher at the nexus of economics and complexity science, offers a daring vision for our political landscape: replace politicians with AI representatives. He discusses the disenchantment with traditional democracy and the potential of direct citizen involvement through personalized AI. This radical approach could streamline decision-making and enhance transparency in governance. Hidalgo explores how technology can reshape participation and trust, paving the way for a more engaged and representative democratic process.

Majd Mashharawi was walking through her war-torn neighborhood in Gaza when an idea flashed in her mind: What if she could take the rubble and transform it into building materials? See how she designed a brick made out of ashes that's helping people rebuild their homes -- and learn about her new project: bringing solar-powered energy to families living in darkness.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 2013, a treasure trove of unusual fossils were uncovered in a cave in South Africa, and researchers soon realized: these were the remains of a new species of ancient humans. PaleoanthropologistJulietBrophy takes us inside the discovery of Homo naledi, explaining how this mysterious ancestor is forcing us to rethink where we come from -- and what it means to be human.Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.