TED Radio Hour
By
The TED Radio Hour is a narrative journey through fascinating ideas, astonishing inventions, fresh approaches to old problems, and new ways to think and create.
Episodes
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A Love Letter To The Ocean
Oceans cover nearly 75% of the Earth. While they seem vast and frightening, they're also enchanting and whimsical. This hour, TED speakers dive into stories of connection — and even love — in the sea.
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They/Them, LatinX, Rigged: The history behind three words
Words are never just words. They carry context and controversy; they can signal identity or sow discord. This week, TED speakers explore the history and politics of our ever-evolving language.
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The humble beginning of the word "president"
When George Washington took power, the U.S. House and Senate debated tirelessly how to address him. Writer Mark Forsyth explains how and why the U.S. leader is called "president."
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Rigged: What can go wrong when a word becomes linked with a political identity
If it sounds like political parties speak different languages, social scientist Dannagal Young says they do. She says politicians repeat certain words to speak to their base and move people to action.
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Repair, Repurpose, Reimagine
"Reduce, reuse, recycle." We've heard that for decades—but does it work? This hour, TED speakers reimagine the well-known slogan and reconsider how we think about what we consume and throw away.
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Short-term loss for long-term gain? The ethical dilemma at the heart of EVs
As mines meet mineral demands for electric vehicles, they put communities and ecosystems at risk. Sustainability researcher Elsa Dominish says the EV industry cannot repeat fossil fuel's mistakes.
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Our tech has a climate problem: How we solve it
AI, EVs and satellites can help fight the climate crisis. But they, too, have an environmental cost. This hour, TED speakers examine how we can use each innovation without making the problem worse.
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Satellites can monitor climate emissions... but space junk puts them at risk
To solve the climate crisis, we need reliable satellites to track carbon emissions and changing weather patterns. Astrodynamicist Moriba Jah says space junk is putting these satellites in jeopardy.
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Wind energy can be unpredictable. AI can help
Sims Witherspoon is a researcher using AI to fight climate change. She says AI can help solve the biggest problem with renewables like wind and solar: their unpredictable nature.
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Sex ed is awkward. But it doesn't have to be
Talking about sex can make many of us feel uncomfortable. Sex and relationship counselor Erin Chen shares her secret to normalizing "the talk."
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Stop judging yourself and embrace your cringe
Journalist Melissa Dahl went on a mission, researching the nature of "cringe." She hoped to free herself from awkward moments. Instead, she learned from them.
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Anne Lamott reflects on life, death, and 'learning to endure the beams of love'
Anne Lamott has always been honest about the messiest parts of her life, from addiction to parenthood. Now, in her 20th book, she reflects on the beautiful—and complicated—realities of love.
