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
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.
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.
