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
Jan 9, 2026 • 15min
Want to make change? Let young people tell their stories | Anshul Tewari
Anshul Tewari, a social entrepreneur and founder of India's Youth Ki Awaaz, shares his journey from feeling invisible as a teenager to creating a platform for youth voices. He discusses how storytelling ignites civic engagement and personal agency, highlighting impactful stories that drove real change. Tewari also reveals their initiatives like the Zero Se Hero campaign, designed to amplify youth climate narratives. Chip Giller offers insights on participatory media, emphasizing trust and community engagement in storytelling.
30 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 35min
What happens in your brain when you pay attention? w/ Dr. Sasha Hamdani | from TED Health
Dr. Sasha Hamdani, a psychiatrist and ADHD specialist, dives into the complexities of attention and ADHD. She breaks down how ADHD involves not just hyperactivity, but also challenges in emotional regulation and focus. Dr. Hamdani emphasizes the importance of understanding ADHD’s nuances, especially in women. She shares insights on strengths associated with ADHD, like hyperfocus and creativity. Dr. Hamdani also discusses practical strategies for support, including her innovative Focus Genie app and the significance of community in managing ADHD.
29 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 56min
What 2025 Taught Us—And Where 2026 Is Taking Us
The hosts dive into the shifting landscape of technology and society as they reflect on 2025 and forecast 2026. They discuss the role of AI and its implications for education, sustainability, and even emotional health. You'll hear about Singapore's otters and the unexpected impact of low-carbon cement. The conversation also challenges trends like tech-infused productivity for seniors and the use of psychedelics in leadership. Expect insights into the future of AI in governance, caregiving, and the crucial need for creativity amidst advancing tech.
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.
8 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.
