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 @sherrelldorseyInterested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
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 | 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.
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.
Oct 10, 2025 • 27min
How Texas became America’s biggest producer of wind energy
Pat Wood, former chair of the Texas Public Utility Commission, shares his remarkable journey transforming Texas into the nation's leading wind energy producer. He recounts Governor George W. Bush's pivotal support for wind energy, the innovative 1999 Renewable Portfolio Standard, and how proactive public support shaped policy. Wood highlights the $7 billion transmission investment that connected wind-rich areas to markets. His insights reveal how economics, rather than politics, can drive renewable energy success, offering lessons for states across the country.
5 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 16min
Inside a dark web kill list | Carl Miller
In this gripping talk, dark web researcher Carl Miller details his years of investigating online kill orders. He reveals how he stumbled upon a kill list that allowed ordinary people to order hits. Carl shares chilling accounts of contacting potential victims, including a woman named Elena, and his shocking discoveries about the perpetrators—individuals driven by personal disputes and a desire for control. He also discusses the implications of technology enabling such heinous acts, highlighting the urgent need for awareness in the digital age.
Sep 26, 2025 • 21min
Interview: The plant-based coating that is eliminating food spoilage | Jenny Du
Jenny Du, co-founder and Senior VP of Operations at Apeel Sciences, discusses her innovative work on plant-based coatings that combat food spoilage. She highlights the staggering impact of food waste on greenhouse gas emissions and explains how her coatings can significantly extend produce shelf life. Jenny also explores the benefits for consumers and retailers, including reduced waste and decreased reliance on plastics and refrigeration. Lastly, she emphasizes the importance of food security and access, particularly for underserved communities.
Sep 19, 2025 • 13min
How to build in space for life on Earth | Ariel Ekblaw
Ariel Ekblaw, a space architect and founder of the Aurelia Institute, discusses revolutionary concepts in space habitation. She explains her innovative Tesserae system—modular tiles that self-assemble, designed for orbital living. Ekblaw highlights how these structures could lead to breakthroughs in biotech and energy by leveraging microgravity. She advocates for space investment as a way to tackle pressing Earth challenges, suggesting that solutions to our greatest dilemmas could emerge from beyond our planet.
34 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 30min
The AI revolution is underhyped | Eric Schmidt
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt discusses the often underappreciated AI revolution. He highlights the impressive breakthroughs in non-human intelligence and their vast implications for various industries. Schmidt addresses the urgent challenges and ethical concerns surrounding AI, especially in balancing safety and individual freedoms. He envisions a future transformed by AI in healthcare and education, advocating for adaptation as vital for staying relevant in this rapidly evolving landscape.
25 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 36min
The future of finding love with Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd | ReThinking with Adam Grant
Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder and CEO of Bumble, discusses the evolving landscape of dating in the AI era. She shares her vision for how technology can make love more human by enhancing self-understanding and emotional intelligence. Whitney ponders if self-love is a prerequisite for loving others and highlights the importance of platonic relationships. They also explore the potential of AI in vetting partners, balancing genuine human connection with the conveniences of digital interactions.
