TED Talks Daily

Picture this: you're wearing a normal-looking pair of glasses, but they give you the ability to quickly summarize a book, translate between languages or remember where you left your keys. In a live demo of unreleased technology, computer scientist Shahram Izadi unveils Google's new Android XR platform, which aims to give users the power of AI via smart glasses and headsets. He's joined onstage by two colleagues, giving a glimpse of the future of "extended reality" (XR) devices — smart, seamless and right before your eyes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do we assume single people aren’t happy? Behavioral economist (and lifelong bachelor) Peter McGraw advocates for a world in which single life is just as accepted as marriage, debunking the myth that getting hitched is the only path to fulfillment. From spinsters to cat ladies, he outlines the power in chosen family — and invites you to reconsider what it means to live a remarkable life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The AI revolution is here to stay, says Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI. In a probing, live conversation with head of TED Chris Anderson, Altman discusses the astonishing growth of AI and shows how models like ChatGPT could soon become extensions of ourselves. He also addresses questions of safety, power and moral authority, reflecting on the world he envisions — where AI will almost certainly outpace human intelligence. (Recorded on April 11, 2025) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a death doula, or someone who supports dying people and their loved ones, Alua Arthur spends a lot of time thinking about the end of life. In a profound talk that examines our brief, perfectly human time on this planet, she asks us to look at our lives through the lens of our deaths in seeking to answer the question: "What must I do to be at peace with myself so that I may live presently and die gracefully?" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“If you can’t respect the basic fundamental underlying principles with which we order society, which is ‘Do not steal,’ then what are you left with?” asks investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr. Following her TED2025 stage, Carole is in conversation with Chris Anderson, head of TED, to warn about surveillance fascism. What happens when big Silicon Valley companies take over communication platforms and intellectual property is weaponized against you? Carole argues that then you’re at your most powerlessness, it’s often because you are powerful, and how it's so important to fight information chaos by supporting independent media and independent journalists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mae Martin is a comedian, improviser, screenwriter, and podcast host. Their work on Netflix includes the stand-up special “Sap” and the aptly-named TV series “Feel Good.” Adam and Mae chat about the value of vulnerability in connection, snapping out of procrastination, shame spirals, and life lessons from the art of improvisation. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if doing your chores were as easy as flipping a switch? In this talk and live demo, roboticist and founder of 1X Bernt Børnich introduces NEO, a humanoid robot designed to help you out around the house. Watch as NEO shows off its ability to vacuum, water plants and keep you company, while Børnich tells the story of its development — and shares a vision for robot helpers that could free up your time to focus on what truly matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"We are watching the collapse of the international order in real time, and this is just the start," says investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr. In a searing talk, she decries the rise of the "broligarchy" — the powerful tech executives who are using their global digital platforms to amass unprecedented geopolitical power, dismantling democracy and enabling authoritarian control across the world. Her rallying cry: resist data harvesting and mass surveillance, and support others in a groundswell of digital disobedience. "You have more power than you think," she says. (This talk contains mature language.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world is heading toward a massive copper shortage that could derail the clean energy transition, says mining expert Jeff More. He shows how advanced sensing technology could get us back on the right track, drastically cutting down on the wasted materials from traditional mining and helping meet the growing demand for essential metals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if ancient myths are warnings for the future? Contemporary folklorist Lauren Fadiman explores how the Norse tale of Ragnarök may stem from real climate catastrophe, revealing how folklore preserves lessons of resilience and can guide how we adapt to our own time of crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parkour isn't just for extreme athletes — it's a life skill that can help anyone navigate the world more easily, says professional parkour athlete Taylor Lynn Carpenter. She pulls off some slick vaults, jumps, dives and rolls onstage, showing how the basic movements of parkour can help you maintain mobility, overcome obstacles and rediscover your sense of adventure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What to do when your boss is your father-in-law, your colleague is your cousin, and your business partner is also your life partner? In the last episode of the season, Anne and Frances help a frustrated listener discover new ways to help her family business bounce back. She struggles to innovate when disagreements with her colleagues — who also happen to be her in-laws — repeatedly undermine progress. Together, they explore how to navigate personal relationships in business and how brave communication can help you overcome organizational stalemates. What problems are you dealing with at work? Text or call 234-FIXABLE or email fixable@ted.com to be featured on the show next season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Bluey," the Australian children's show, is a global phenomenon. But how did a cartoon for kids become a smash hit with adults, too? Sarina Petersen, who studies social psychology, explains how "Bluey" keeps viewers of all ages hooked with a unique blend of humor, authenticity and nostalgia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's an invisible super-pollutant heating up the planet — but it's surprisingly easy to reduce, if we try. Revealing how methane contributes (way) more in the short term to global warming than carbon dioxide, chemical engineer Daniel Zavala-Araiza highlights the emerging technologies and bold new policies that are part of a worldwide effort to hold oil and gas companies accountable for polluting our skies with this harmful gas. It's an optimistic glimpse into a future where global cooperation and cutting-edge monitoring could rapidly slow climate change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A generational shift is transforming business in China, says consumer expert Roger Hu. He describes the young, ambitious entrepreneurs taking over family businesses across the country, positioning local Chinese enterprises to emerge as innovative and globally competitive giants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can gaming with friends help combat loneliness? Laura Miele, the president of EA Entertainment & Technology, dives into how video games unite millions worldwide in a vibrant network of social hubs. With personal stories, research and a glimpse into the future of AI in gaming, she shows why playing together isn't just fun — it’s vital for human connection. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you eat a bug? How about fine-crafted chocolate — shaped like poo? Your answer depends on both your disgust at the prospect and whether you choose to act on that emotion, says political psychologist Cindy Kam. She dives into how the feeling of disgust — whether motivated by real or imagined contamination — can connect or divide us, from everyday decisions to political alliances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's experts often overwhelm parents with alarming warnings of treacherous roads ahead for their children, sometimes turning dutiful parents anxious and obsessive. Instead of chasing trends, psychiatrist Mathilde H. Ross recommends trusting your instincts — and picking up a surprising source of simple, positive guidance on bonding and development. Her reassuring message? "You are quite literally evolved for this." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Menopause isn't just hot flashes, says gynecologist and sexual medicine specialist Maria Sophocles. It's often accompanied by overlooked symptoms like painful sex or loss of libido. Shedding light on what she calls the "bedroom gap," or the difference in sexual expectations of men and women in midlife due to societal norms, Sophocles advocates for education, medical advancement and a new understanding of menopause — because sex should be pleasurable and comfortable for everyone. After the talk, join Shoshana for a conversation with OB/GYN and women’s health advocate Dr. Jessica Shepherd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you rather stay in your current job until you retire, or change jobs every year? Researcher Amanda Schneider says Gen Z's answer to this question says a lot about the evolving workplace. Sharing data-driven insights on the young workforce, she debunks common misconceptions about Gen Z employees and explains why their preferences are key to unlocking a more flexible, effective workplace for everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.