TED Health

In this engaging discussion, sleep scientist Christine Blume shares her expertise on how natural daylight impacts our sleep quality. She offers practical tips for integrating sunlight into daily routines to enhance rest. Neurologist Meredith Broderick adds insights on the overlooked importance of sleep hygiene, explaining its crucial role in overall health. The duo emphasizes the synchronization of our internal biological clocks with environmental light, and how embracing natural light can lead to profound improvements in well-being.

Katherine Saunders, a physician specializing in obesity, dives deep into the biology behind our struggle with weight loss. She explains that obesity is not just about willpower but is rooted in our evolutionary biology. The discussion touches on how our bodies are wired to store fat and the hormonal changes that can sabotage dieting efforts. With insights into the latest treatments and the complex nature of obesity, Katherine advocates for empathy and a shift in societal perceptions surrounding this chronic disease.

In this conversation, neuroscientist Rachel Herz from Brown University shares her expertise on the intriguing world of taste and smell. She explains the concept of super tasters and how genetics influence our food preferences. The discussion explores the emotional power of scent and its impact on relationships. Herz reveals surprising insights from a survey about smell preferences during the pandemic. They also touch on how visual elements can alter taste perception and the potential for technology to connect scent with digital experiences.

Kasley Killam, a social scientist dedicated to exploring human connection and well-being, discusses the vital role of social health in happiness and longevity. She explains how a sense of belonging can significantly improve overall health, especially in combating loneliness. With engaging personal anecdotes, she introduces the 5-3 guideline to foster meaningful relationships and emphasizes the need to prioritize social connections in our lives. Killam advocates for integrating social health into community initiatives, highlighting its crucial impact on life satisfaction.

At the plant-based burger chain Slutty Vegan, Pinky Cole is flipping the script on vegan food with bold style. In conversation with host of "TED Radio Hour" Manoush Zomorodi, she shares the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey, from her roots in Baltimore to the grease fire that took her first storefront in Harlem. Learn more about the authenticity, resilience and community that went into building a multimillion-dollar vegan food empire.This episode originally aired on TED Talks Daily May 12, 2025.For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Taberski, a documentary podcaster known for 'Missing Richard Simmons' and 'Running from Cops', investigates a peculiar outbreak of tics in a New York high school. He reveals how mass hysteria intertwines with collective anxiety, illustrating the thin line between contagion and connection. Through personal stories and intimate interviews, Taberski explores societal pressures and the role of empathy in healthcare. He also discusses his research on Havana Syndrome, drawing parallels between illness narratives and the need for supportive communities.

David H. Rosmarin, a clinical psychologist, encourages us to rethink our relationship with anxiety, advocating for its positive role in our lives. He shares four transformative steps to turn anxiety from an enemy into a friend: identifying, sharing, embracing, and letting go. By highlighting personal stories and the importance of vulnerability, he illustrates how anxiety can foster resilience and deepen connections. Listeners are inspired to embrace their anxious feelings and use them as a source of strength and personal growth.

Why is having the sex talk, admitting you passed gas, or being open about your body hair so seemingly uncomfortable for all of us? Journalist and host of the podcast, Embodied, Anita Rao, joins Chris this week to discuss why having open conversations about taboo topics like sex, relationships, and our bodies can help us understand ourselves better and feel less shame.For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meryam Sugulle, an obstetrician and researcher, discusses the critical link between pregnancy complications and long-term cardiovascular risks in women. She emphasizes a simple screening question that could revolutionize early detection. Sharmila Makhija, a gynecologic oncologist and medical education leader, joins the conversation to talk about advancing women's reproductive health. They highlight the importance of the placenta and advocate for systemic changes to enhance women's health and well-being through better education and compassionate care.

Erika Moore dives into how biological, genetic, and environmental factors shape individual responses to diseases. She emphasizes the need for personalized medicine to enhance health outcomes. By exploring health equity, Moore reveals how a patient's background can influence the effectiveness of treatments. The discussion also touches upon the impact of mapping technology and everyday services on understanding complex health data.