Sincerely, X

You don’t need to travel to feel thrilled about a new place; if the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that the ideas, cultures, and charm of our world can reach us wherever we are. This season on Far Flung with Saleem Reshamwala, we journey across the globe to bring you incredible, unique and imaginative stories— from the unbelievable suspended bridges that connect Nepal, to hidden underground tapes that capture the culture of Somalia, to a museum that stores and exhibits… wind!? Get to know new amazing places and the ideas that flow from them–and pick up that awe-inspired, travel-bug-feeling with just your headphones.

On the internet, nobody seems to remember you’re a real person. That’s especially true for Michael James Schneider, an artist whose work you’ve probably seen online. Commonly referred to as “Balloon Guy”, Michael uses mylar balloons to spell out pithy phrases he then posts on the internet– and people both love and hate him for it. In fact, it can seem like Michael’s haters outweigh the fans, at least online. In this episode, listen as Michael explores what could possibly be behind all the anonymous trolling that has turned him into one of Twitter’s “main characters”, and how anonymity affects the kinds of conversations we can have with one another. This is an episode of “Conversations With People Who Hate Me”, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective, hosted by Dylan Marron. Listen to more wherever you’re listening to this.

Today, we're sharing an episode from another podcast in the TED Audio Collective: Design Matters with Debbie Millman. For over 15 years, Debbie has been interviewing incredibly creative people about how they design the arc of their lives. For more interviews with people like Jacqueline Woodson, Hrishikesh Hirway, Claire Danes, Adam Grant, Cheryl Strayed and many more, follow Design Matters with Debbie Millman wherever you're listening to this. And to learn more about the TED Audio Collective, visit audiocollective.ted.com

A trans man in the South argues for his right to keep his history private and pushes against the idea that he must be "out" to be authentic and proud.

A woman with sociopathy argues that her condition is unfairly demonized in society and pulls back the curtain on this misunderstood disorder.

A judge who works in the juvenile justice system blows the whistle and reveals her plan to take power away from judges.

Things are not always what they appear. A ghostwriter who pens eulogies, wedding vows, and work emails for his clients makes a case for the hidden help he provides.

After years spent caring for extremely preterm babies, a nurse has an urgent message to share: Technology is saving babies earlier than ever, but the long term consequences aren't being made clear to parents. How do we bridge the gap between what modern medicine can do and the information patients are given?

A Muslim woman escapes being killed by her own family. The police don't protect her—so she joins their ranks. Will she now be believed?

How do you spread an important idea to a resistant community? An Ultra Orthodox Jewish woman proves that sometimes the most powerful voice is a quiet one.

An at-home DNA test kit reveals a horrifying truth. But who has the right to tell the story?

A daring escape. A fresh start. Hear how we can let go of the past and write a new script.

A small-town preacher in the Deep South with a radical secret: he doesn't believe in Hell. How do you lead people when you have fundamentally different beliefs?

We just launched another podcast from TED, called Checking In with Susan David. In each episode, Susan David—a psychologist at Harvard Medical School—offers us a different strategy to help us cope with our heightened emotions during this global pandemic. Here's the first episode: If you’re feeling consumed by fear, panic, worry, or any other difficult emotion during this time, you’re not alone. But pushing these feelings to the side, or passing them along, simply doesn't work. Instead of rejecting your difficult emotions, learn the steps that you can take today to boost your immunity to these social contagions. If you enjoy the episode, you can find it anywhere you listen to podcasts. Subscribe now to get new episodes every Monday, find the show at: tedtalks.social/susandavid

We're looking for new stories for our upcoming season of Sincerely, X. Do you have an idea that’s too important to stay secret? We want to hear about it. Visit go.ted.com/sincerelyx to get in touch and share your idea anonymously. Season 2 of Sincerely, X is available exclusively on the Luminary podcast app. Sign up for your free trial and start listening at luminary.link/ted.

A gifted child. A rough neighborhood. A teacher who knows how to break the cycle. [Contains explicit content] Season 2 of Sincerely, X is available exclusively on the Luminary podcast app. Sign up for your free trial and start listening at luminary.link/ted.

A small town she loves. A big realization. What happens when rural traditions need reinventing? Season 2 of Sincerely, X is available exclusively on the Luminary podcast app. Sign up for your free trial and start listening at luminary.link/ted.

A devastating assault. A story of how this powerful person turned loss into gain. Season 2 of Sincerely, X is available exclusively on the Luminary podcast app. Sign up for your free trial and start listening at luminary.link/ted.

Years of depression. Scores of medications. An original approach to living with mental health, from the bottom up. Season 2 of Sincerely, X is available exclusively on the Luminary podcast app. Sign up for your free trial and start listening at luminary.link/ted.

This self-described "Midwestern mom" found a way to heal the trauma of a violent marriage entirely on her own. She created a ritual, which her doctor now recognizes and recommends as a tool for recovery from abuse. Season 2 of Sincerely, X is available exclusively on the Luminary podcast app. Sign up for your free trial and start listening at luminary.link/ted.

Why does corporate America have so few female executives, despite overwhelming evidence that gender equality is good for business? Rare insight, from C-suites and boardrooms. Season 2 of Sincerely, X is available exclusively on the Luminary podcast app. Sign up for your free trial and start listening at luminary.link/ted.

He got everything he thought he wanted. And that's when his problems began. [Contains explicit content] Season 2 of Sincerely, X is available exclusively on the Luminary podcast app. Sign up for your free trial and start listening at luminary.link/ted.

A remorseful insider brings us a hard-earned truth: prison is effective. While his years behind bars helped him see where his life went off the rails, it also helped him create a system for how former inmates can get back on track. Season 2 of Sincerely, X is available exclusively on the Luminary podcast app. Sign up for your free trial and start listening at luminary.link/ted.

When we are overwhelmed, we can lash out in ways that might otherwise be considered 'crazy'. These moments are a window into the lived experiences of people who are never able to escape this kind of reality. Season 2 of Sincerely, X is available exclusively on the Luminary podcast app. Sign up for your free trial and start listening at luminary.link/ted.

This doctor says she committed a fatal mistake with a patient, leading her to a disturbing diagnosis: the medical field pushes for professional burnout. She unveils a powerful perspective on how doctors must deepen their self-awareness. Season 2 of Sincerely, X is available exclusively on the Luminary podcast app. Sign up for your free trial and start listening at luminary.link/ted.

Some of the most important ideas are born from experiences too sensitive, painful or potentially damaging to share publicly. In this original weekly podcast, TED and Audible bring the hidden ideas of anonymous speakers to light.