TED Talks Daily

Racism makes our economy worse — and not just in ways that harm people of color, says public policy expert Heather C. McGhee. From her research and travels across the US, McGhee shares startling insights into how racism fuels bad policymaking and drains our economic potential -- and offers a crucial rethink on what we can do to create a more prosperous nation for all. "Our fates are linked," she says. "It costs us so much to remain divided." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Howard Kunstler, a social critic and author renowned for his insights on architecture and suburban sprawl, discusses the decline of American public spaces. He critiques the uninspiring design of suburbs, emphasizing how they reflect a loss of civic knowledge. Kunstler highlights the failures of sprawl and suggests innovative solutions like retrofitting abandoned malls into vibrant community hubs. He calls for a shift from consumerism to local living, stressing the importance of civic responsibility and engaging public realms.

Lori Gottlieb, a renowned psychotherapist and bestselling author, dives into how the narratives we construct influence our lives. She emphasizes that we often become unreliable narrators, stuck in misleading stories. By reframing these tales, we can ignite personal freedom and responsibility. Gottlieb shares practical editing tools, encouraging listeners to rewrite their narratives from diverse perspectives. She advocates for using our mortality as a powerful lens to transform our stories and unlock new possibilities.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Esther Perel, a renowned relationship therapist and author, explores the complexities of infidelity. She challenges the conventional view of cheating as merely betrayal, framing it instead as an expression of emotional longing. Perel delves into the reasons why affairs occur, including desires for vitality and connection. She also provides insights on healing and rebuilding trust in relationships, making it a pivotal conversation for anyone navigating the intricate landscape of love and intimacy.

Suleika Jaouad, a writer and cancer survivor, shares her transformative journey of recovery and rebuilding life after a traumatic health crisis. She challenges the divide between 'sick' and 'well,' emphasizing that the hardest battles often start after treatment ends. Jaouad recounts her lengthy hospital stay and critiques the mythology of heroic survival. Her cross-country road trip, driven by letters from readers, reveals profound lessons learned from strangers along the way, reinforcing the importance of connection in healing.

In this insightful conversation, Yancey Strickler, co-founder of Kickstarter and advocate for innovative organizational models, teams up with scientist Jenny Du. They explore how feeling out of place inspired Yancey's creative alternatives and Jenny's pursuit of solutions to global food waste. The duo discusses the importance of embracing one’s unique perspective and the practical steps needed to reshape traditional systems. Their passion for resilience and optimism amidst challenges offers listeners a refreshing take on rethinking the world.

In this engaging conversation, Richard Dawkins, famed evolutionary biologist and author of The Selfish Gene, joins linguist John McWhorter, known for his insights on language. They explore the fascinating parallels between language evolution and biological evolution, discussing how languages, like species, adapt and drift. Dawkins and McWhorter connect linguistic over-specification to sexual selection and delve into how dialects and mutations shape both genes and words. Their dialogue reveals the profound ties that bind language and life.

Hannah Boquet, an esports advocate and parent, shares her journey of connecting with her teenage children through video games. She explores how gaming can transform screen time into valuable bonding moments, fostering trust and communication. Boquet discusses the benefits of esports, including teamwork and resilience, while also addressing online risks. She highlights the potential for blended families and multi-generational play to strengthen community ties. Discover how to become the 'cool' parent while supporting your child's growth through gaming!

Aqeela Sherrills, an urban peace activist known for brokering a historic 1992 gang peace treaty in Los Angeles, discusses his groundbreaking initiative, Scaling Safety. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements in transforming public safety by empowering local leaders. Sherrills reflects on the power of community-driven solutions and the need for collaboration to tackle violence. He also shares the personal impact of losing a child to gun violence, highlighting how vulnerability and collective action can foster healing and safety.

In this discussion, Amy Barnes, a climate risk advisor, delves into the dire implications of climate change on home insurance and its ripple effects on the global financial system. She warns that escalating premiums and the withdrawal of coverage not only endanger homeowners but also signal deeper economic instability. Barnes emphasizes the urgent need for the insurance industry to adapt by investing in resilience strategies to protect vulnerable communities and ensure stability in an uncertain climate.