TED Tech
TED Tech
From the construction of virtual realities to the internet of things to the watches on our wrists—technology's influence is everywhere. Its role in our lives is evolving fast, and we're faced with riveting questions and tough challenges that sit at the intersection of technology and humanity. Listen in every Friday, with host, journalist Sherrell Dorsey, as TED speakers explore the way tech shapes how we think about society, science, design, business, and more.Follow Sherrell on Instagram @sherrell_dorsey and on LinkedIn @sherrelldorsey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 19, 2025 • 1h 3min
Dr. Joy Buolamwini | from Design Matters
Dr. Joy Buolamwini is a pioneering computer scientist and digital activist who founded the Algorithmic Justice League to expose AI bias. She shares her journey from her Ghanaian roots to studying computer science, leading to her impactful work on algorithmic fairness. Topics include her groundbreaking Gender Shades research that reveals biases in facial recognition, the risks of mass surveillance by AI, and her use of poetry to drive advocacy. Joy highlights the importance of legal protections against surveillance and reflects on the role of creativity in tech.
7 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 8min
The multidimensional magic of modern maps | Peter Wilczynski
Digital cartographer Peter Wilczynski, creator of the Living Globe, reveals how modern maps are revolutionizing our understanding and interaction with the world. He describes the Living Globe as a real-time digital twin of Earth, blending satellite imagery, sensor data, and AI. Wilczynski emphasizes maps' vital role in disaster response, like during LA wildfires, and advocates for using data to create climate-resilient infrastructure. He argues that these advanced tools can help us shape a sustainable future while monitoring environmental changes.
7 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 13min
Is AI ruining music? | Dustin Ballard
Join Dustin Ballard, a musician and social media creator known for his YouTube channel 'There I Ruined It,' as he explores the intersection of AI and music. He questions what makes music 'real' and shares his AI-generated faux David Bowie blues to examine authenticity. Dustin reveals how he blends his fiddle playing with AI to create parody mashups, discusses the ethics of AI use in music, and argues that these technologies can expand creative opportunities. He even dreams up innovative sound possibilities while keeping the fun alive with a humorous Nickelback mashup!
6 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 29min
Tech Solutions (#4): How organizations can grow in a post-aid world (with Jacqueline Novogratz)
Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder and CEO of Acumen, discusses her groundbreaking work in leveraging market tools to combat poverty and climate injustice. She argues that as we shift into a post-aid world, creative solutions must emerge to empower communities. Jacqueline emphasizes the significance of dignity in economic models and explores the impact of local innovators. She shares insights on climate tech, like biodigesters, and highlights the importance of patient capital and social networks for sustainable growth.
Nov 21, 2025 • 22min
Tech Solutions (#3): How one of China’s biggest tech companies is tackling carbon removal (with Xu Hao)
Dr. Xu Hao, the Vice President of Sustainable Social Value at Tencent, shares insights on climate innovation. He discusses the need to lower carbon removal costs and the innovative funding approach of CarbonX to support scalable startups. Xu highlights how Tencent is leveraging AI and digital tools for decarbonization while integrating environmental themes into their popular games, educating millions. He emphasizes the importance of diverse pathways in the fight against climate change and calls for collective action to achieve sustainability.
Nov 14, 2025 • 19min
Tech Solutions (#2): How to balance the AI boom and environmental responsibility (with Juan M. Lavista Ferres)
Juan M. Lavista Ferres, Chief Scientist at Microsoft’s AI for Good Research Lab, shares his insights on balancing AI advancements with environmental responsibility. He discusses how AI can reduce deforestation and optimize healthcare at lower costs. Juan emphasizes Microsoft's commitment to achieving carbon negativity and using AI for conservation, like detecting methane leaks and enhancing sustainable agriculture. He also highlights the power of technology to empower partners and improve accessibility for those with disabilities.
9 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 24min
Tech Solutions (#1): The affordable tech that will revolutionize farming (with Samir Ibrahim and Josephine Waweru)
Samir Ibrahim, CEO of SunCulture, and Josephine Waweru, a smallholder farmer from Kenya, discuss groundbreaking solutions for agriculture. Samir shares how SunCulture replaced expensive diesel pumps with affordable solar-powered irrigation, reducing costs from $5,000 to $400. Josephine reveals how the solar pump transformed her three-acre farm, boosting her crop yield and income. She offers insightful advice for young people about building skills and the importance of sustainable farming for future generations.
7 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 14min
When AI Cannibalizes Its Data | NPR's Short Wave
Ilia Shumailov, a computer scientist specializing in large language models, joins to explore intriguing AI concerns. He discusses the rise of machine-generated internet content and its potential dangers for language models. Ilia reveals how training on synthetic data can lead to errors, systematically amplifying mistakes. They liken this phenomenon to a game of telephone, where accuracy deteriorates over iterations. However, he reassures that with better practices, the issue of model collapse can be addressed, keeping AI evolution on a positive track.
8 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 15min
The inside story of Notre-Dame's incredible reconstruction | Philippe Villeneuve
Philippe Villeneuve, the chief architect responsible for Notre-Dame's reconstruction, shares gripping insights from the iconic building's restoration after the 2019 fire. He vividly recounts the emotional night of the blaze and discusses the urgency behind President Macron's reconstruction pledge. Villeneuve details the painstaking organization of over 2,000 craftsmen, utilizing traditional techniques to honor history. He also highlights challenges like lead pollution and weather extremes, reflecting on the collective dedication that brought Notre-Dame back to life.
12 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 14min
I’ll probably lose my job to AI. Here’s why that’s OK | Megan J. McArdle
In this engaging discussion, journalist Megan J. McArdle shares her insights on the impact of AI on jobs, drawing parallels to the 19th-century Luddites. She reflects on the need to embrace technological progress despite fears of job displacement, emphasizing our responsibility to future generations. McArdle argues that halting innovation could rob us of future benefits, while also acknowledging her personal anxieties about her craft. Ultimately, she contends that progress, though disruptive, opens doors to new opportunities and roles.
