
TED Health
What does exercise do to your brain? Can psychedelics treat depression? From smart daily habits to new medical breakthroughs, welcome to TED Health, with host Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider. TED speakers answer questions you never even knew you had, and share ideas you won't hear anywhere else, all around how we can live healthier lives.Follow Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider on Instagram at @shoshanamd and LinkedIn at @shoshanaungerleidermd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Jun 3, 2025 • 44min
Information Inoculation: Defending Against Medical Myths: Why we need to fight misinformation about vaccines | Ethan Lindenberger
Ethan Lindenberger, an advocate for vaccinations, gained fame for seeking vaccinations despite his mother’s anti-vaccine beliefs, leading to a strong movement against misinformation. Jennifer Reich, a sociology professor, discusses the roots of vaccine mistrust and the vital role of transparency in clinical trials. Together, they highlight the importance of authentic communication and empathetic dialogues in combating skepticism about vaccines, emphasizing community trust and the need for strategies to navigate health misinformation effectively.

19 snips
May 27, 2025 • 23min
What happens as we die? | Kathryn Mannix
In this enlightening discussion, Kathryn Mannix, a palliative care physician and author, shares her deep insights on the dying process. She emphasizes the need to reclaim practical wisdom about death, highlighting how open conversations can ease fears. Mannix explores the emotional and spiritual dimensions of end-of-life care, advocating for patient-centered approaches. Personal stories illuminate the importance of recognizing individual needs and values. Through her experiences, she inspires listeners to view dying as a communal journey and a vital part of life.

6 snips
May 20, 2025 • 7min
Why smell matters more than you think | Paule Joseph
Discover the hidden power of smell and its profound impact on our health and emotions. Paule Joseph highlights how olfaction can evoke memories and even aid in early disease detection, such as dementia and COVID-19 aftereffects. She advocates for the need to integrate smell testing into medical diagnostics to enhance healthcare. Personal stories and scientific insights illuminate the often-overlooked significance of our sense of smell, urging us to appreciate and prioritize olfactory health.

May 13, 2025 • 52min
Interview: Aging, menopause, and rethinking fashion for comfort in midlife | Stacy London
Stacy London, a stylist and fashion consultant renowned for her work on TLC's What Not to Wear, discusses aging and self-acceptance. She encourages women to embrace their bodies and reassess their relationships with fashion, prioritizing comfort over societal expectations. Stacy shares her personal journey through menopause and surgery, emphasizing the importance of health and wellbeing. She advocates for open conversations about aging and suggests getting rid of uncomfortable shoes as a step towards feeling good in your skin.

31 snips
May 6, 2025 • 27min
Interview: Why you shouldn't trust boredom | Kevin H. Gary
Join educator Kevin H. Gary, who inspires with his TEDx talk on boredom, as he shares three key takeaways for transforming boredom into a tool for creativity and self-reflection. He encourages listeners to discern true feelings and tackle underlying issues. Pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Harstad adds her expertise on how boredom intersects with ADHD, revealing its unique effects on attention and engagement in children. Together, they illuminate how embracing boredom can enhance focus and personal growth.

Apr 29, 2025 • 29min
Interview: 3 reasons why medications are so expensive in the US | Kiah Williams
Dr. Hussain Lalani, a primary care physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital, shares his insights on the staggering costs of medications in the U.S., particularly insulin, which is vastly overpriced despite low production costs. He discusses the complex supply chain and the various stakeholders involved, revealing how patients often suffer due to unaffordable prescriptions. The conversation emphasizes the need for reforms in the patent system to increase competition and improve access to essential drugs, empowering listeners to advocate for more affordable healthcare.

Apr 22, 2025 • 7min
A hospital in the cloud bringing health care anywhere in the world | Mohamed Aburawi
What if AI could help connect you with the right medical care, exactly when you need it? Health systems entrepreneur, surgeon and TED Fellow Mohamed Aburawi explores how his digital health platform, Speetar, uses AI to bridge the healthcare gap in underserved regions, like his native Libya, by connecting patients with doctors who truly understand their needs.Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey!Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 15, 2025 • 7min
What are those colors you see when you rub your eyes? | Paul CJ Taylor
Ever wondered what you see when you rub your eyes? Dive into the intriguing world of afterimages and visual illusions. Discover how Isaac Newton paved the way for understanding these phenomena in the 1600s. Learn about the role of photoreceptors in our retinas and how they create colors that aren't really there. This fascinating exploration reveals the complexities of how our brains interpret visual stimuli, turning the mundane into the extraordinary.

Apr 8, 2025 • 12min
Does your heartbeat shape your sense of time? | Irena Arslanova
In this insightful conversation, cognitive neuroscientist Irena Arslanova, a prominent figure in understanding the brain-heart connection, reveals how our heartbeat intricately shapes our perception of time. She discusses why moments feel elongated during boredom while they race by during excitement. Arslanova highlights how heartbeats influence cognitive processes and can even alter our temporal awareness. Listeners gain practical techniques for harnessing this knowledge to enhance mindfulness and enrich their experience of time in everyday life.

Apr 1, 2025 • 24min
Interview: How do kidney transplants work? | Alexander H. Toledo
In this engaging discussion, Alexander H. Toledo, an educator in organ transplantation, dives into the history and evolution of kidney transplants, spotlighting the trailblazing 1954 procedure and today's advanced techniques. Leilani Graham, a heart transplant recipient and healthcare consultant, shares her harrowing journey through cardiac arrests and the emotional realities of recovery post-transplant. Together, they tackle the ongoing organ donor shortage and the vital role of compassion in patient care, shedding light on the challenges faced by those awaiting life-saving surgeries.