
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

4 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 11min
Your relationship expectations could be holding you back | Stephanie R. Yates-Anyabwile
Couples therapist Stephanie R. Yates-Anyabwile, known for her unconventional approaches to relationships, challenges the status quo in romantic connections. She discusses how letting go of societal expectations can enhance individuality and strengthen bonds. By questioning traditional norms, couples can reduce conflict and build more fulfilling partnerships. Stephanie also emphasizes personalized strategies for navigating challenges, like co-parenting, showcasing how embracing uniqueness can lead to deeper connections.

20 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 15min
What staying up all night does to your brain | Anna Rothschild
What happens to your brain during an all-nighter? Discover how sleep deprivation affects cognitive function, memory, and mood. The discussion dives into the hidden dangers of sleeplessness, contrasting cultural glorifications with personal stories. Learn about its impact on health, illustrated by a historical case. Plus, hear about advocating for equitable healthcare access, shedding light on disparities and the urgent need for health rights. This fascinating exploration delves deep into the vital role sleep plays for well-being.

Mar 11, 2025 • 13min
A menu of foods we might lose forever | Sam Kass
What does a warming planet mean for the foods you love? Hosting a dinner party that features a menu of foods that could disappear within our lifetimes, culinary entrepreneur Sam Kass invites us to chew on the reality of climate change by exploring the things — like chocolate and coffee — it puts at risk.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.

Mar 4, 2025 • 12min
Why don’t vampires cast reflections? | Eric Nuzum
Join author Eric Nuzum as he delves into the captivating world of vampire lore, exploring its historical roots and cultural significance. He reveals how ancient fears of death and health shaped vampire myths, from their eerie lack of reflections to their transformation into modern pop culture icons. Nuzum also critiques contemporary vampire films, connecting them to societal anxieties. Plus, he shares insights on advocating for equitable healthcare, emphasizing the need to empower individuals in their health journeys.

12 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 32min
The science (and art) of creating lasting sexual connections | Emily Nagoski on TED Talks Daily Summer Book Club
Emily Nagoski, a renowned sex educator and author of 'Come Together,' dives deep into creating lasting sexual connections while debunking common myths. She shares insights on the importance of effective communication and self-awareness in enhancing intimacy. Discover how pleasure, rather than just desire, can transform relationships. Nagoski also emphasizes redefining intimacy in long-term relationships, highlighting the significance of playfulness and openness. Expect a humorous yet enlightening approach to navigating the complex landscape of sexual connections.

5 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 28min
A medical mythbuster's mission to improve health care | Joel Bervell
Joel Bervell, a TED Fellow and medical mythbuster, tackles health inequities and racial biases in healthcare through social media. He shares his journey as one of the few Black students in medical school and how it fueled his mission for change. The conversation dives into the historical roots of healthcare disparities and the need for systemic reform. Bervell also discusses his upcoming animated show, "The Doctor Is In," aimed at inspiring children of color to pursue careers in medicine.

Feb 11, 2025 • 13min
What long COVID taught me about life (and data) | Giorgia Lupi
Giorgia Lupi, an acclaimed information designer known for her captivating data visualizations, shares her transformative journey with long COVID. She meticulously tracked her symptoms over four years, using data to create a powerful narrative that connected with many suffering from chronic illness. Lupi emphasizes that data is more than mere numbers; it tells our stories and fosters understanding. She also explores neuroplasticity, encouraging hope and empowerment through personal growth and creative engagement with our health.

Feb 4, 2025 • 10min
The hidden forces behind your food choices | Sarah Lake
Join food and climate expert Sarah Lake as she reveals how our eating habits are shaped more by availability than choice. She dives into the powerful marketing strategies that have escalated meat consumption in the U.S., arguing for a transformative approach to promote plant-based diets. Lake discusses how small personal actions, supported by community, can enhance both health and environmental sustainability. She emphasizes the need for systemic change to make plant-based foods more accessible and appealing, setting the stage for a healthier future.

Jan 28, 2025 • 32min
Could psychedelics help patients in therapy? | Benjamin Lewis
Benjamin Lewis, a psychiatrist at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, shares groundbreaking insights from his clinical trials on psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression and burnout. He emphasizes the potential of combining psychedelics with group therapy to enhance mental well-being. Joining him, Dr. Anthony Back, a palliative care physician, discusses his research on using this therapy to combat burnout in healthcare workers. Together, they explore the transformative effects of reconnecting individuals with themselves and their communities through innovative psychedelic treatments.

36 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 32min
Do you really need 8 hours of sleep? | Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter
Dr. Colleen Carney, Director of the Sleep and Depression Lab at Ryerson University, dives into the complexities of sleep. She challenges the myth of needing eight hours of shut-eye and discusses how societal pressures confuse our understanding of sleep. Carney explores the body's response to sleep deprivation, the impact of physical activity on sleep quality, and the role of cognitive behavioral therapy in overcoming insomnia. Get ready to rethink your sleep rituals and discover how to create your ideal sleep sanctuary!