TED Health

Jennifer Parlamis, a social and organizational psychologist known for her insights on anger regulation, challenges the myth that venting helps with anger. Instead, she reveals that venting often intensifies feelings. Parlamis shares fascinating research showing that low-arousal activities like breathing can effectively reduce anger. She also presents four practical tools for managing anger in relationships, emphasizing curiosity over catharsis. Get ready to rethink your approach to emotional outbursts and strengthen your connections!

In this conversation, Bonnie Tsui, a journalist and author passionate about movement and the body, shares profound insights about muscle and its impact on identity. She reveals that muscle mass starts dwindling at thirty and stresses the importance of resistance training for health, especially as we age. Bonnie also discusses women breaking stereotypes in strength sports and shares practical weightlifting tips. Through anecdotes from her father's influence and the joy of movement, she inspires listeners to engage with their bodies and redefine strength.

Neuroscientist Jennifer Pfeifer shares her insights on the adolescent brain, reframing this tumultuous period as a time of growth rather than dysfunction. She discusses how puberty impacts sleep and body image, linking early puberty to increased depression risks. Dispelling myths, she explains that while adolescent brains mature into their mid-20s, teens can make sound decisions by age 16. Pfeifer emphasizes the minimal impact of social media compared to the influence of relationships and parental support on youth mental health.

In this thought-provoking discussion, BJ Miller, a palliative care physician and amputee, shares his transformative journey from trauma to a meaningful life. He emphasizes the importance of reframing society's view on disability as a social construct. Megan Hussey, a disability inclusion advocate, outlines four actionable steps to foster inclusivity, challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding. Together, they highlight the critical need for a world designed for everyone, underscoring that inclusion isn't just a benefit—it's essential.

Kris De Meyer, a neuroscientist and TED Countdown speaker, explores how actions can drive beliefs in the fight against climate change. He challenges the conventional wisdom that awareness must precede action, presenting compelling arguments on how initial actions can rewire our brains. Kris discusses the pitfalls of fear-based communication and the 'Ginger effect', which illustrates miscommunication in climate terms. He offers practical steps to overcome feeling stuck and emphasizes how individual actions can lead to broader societal change.

Dr. Nathan Gray, a palliative care physician and cartoonist from Johns Hopkins, discusses the intersection of art and medicine. He highlights how comics can reveal emotional truths and foster communication in healthcare. Nathan shares his experiences using art to process clinical challenges and moral distress. The conversation dives into balancing empathy and professional boundaries while maintaining patient dignity. He also talks about the importance of integrating creativity into medical training to enhance resilience and understanding.

Jon Hamilton, NPR's science correspondent, dives into the fascinating world of cognitive training and its impact on aging brains. He explains how mental exercises can boost acetylcholine levels, a neurotransmitter that declines with age. Listeners will learn about a study where older participants showed a significant increase in acetylcholine after cognitive workouts, essentially reversing a decade of decline. Hamilton also discusses the importance of combining physical and mental exercises for better brain health and shares tips for sustainable cognitive habits.

Dr. Sasha Hamdani, a psychiatrist and ADHD specialist, dives into what it truly means to live with ADHD, highlighting its impact on emotion and cognition. She discusses how it often presents differently in women and recognizes the role of societal stigma in diagnosis rates. Dr. Hamdani also emphasizes the importance of viewing ADHD strengths, like creativity and hyperfocus, as assets. With her lived experiences, she advocates for personalized care, community support, and practical strategies, including her Focus Genie app, to help individuals harness their attention.

Mark Cuban, a renowned entrepreneur and healthcare disruptor, teams up with Dr. Fumiko Chino, a passionate radiation oncologist and advocate reshaping cancer care. They dive into the emotional toll of medical debt, sharing personal stories that highlight the urgent need for cost transparency. Mark explains how his Cost Plus Drugs initiative is dramatically reducing medication prices while tackling industry complexities, including the role of pharmacy benefit managers. Together, they embody the intersection of empathy and innovation in healthcare.

Dion Dawson, founder of Dion's Chicago Dream, discusses his innovative approach to tackling food insecurity in Chicago. He shares how he replaced outdated pantry models with a data-driven system that delivers fresh produce to thousands of households, promoting dignity and health. Dion emphasizes the importance of economic empowerment through paid staff and quality food over charity handouts. Additionally, healthcare expert Shoshana highlights the impact of social determinants on health outcomes and calls for structural changes to improve community well-being.