TED Health

When attending live music events, it’s tempting to want to immerse in the full experience—standing by the stereo, head banging near the stage, singing at the top of your lungs. But in maximizing your concert experience, are you harming your body? In this final episode of the Senses Miniseries, Shoshana shares talks that touch on the consequences of loud noise exposure and a surprising benefit of ear protection.

Talks featured

The beautiful, mysterious science of how you hear | Jim Hudspeth

What is earwax — and should you get rid of it? | TED Ed

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What does Parkinson's smell like? Ask nurse Joy Milne. Born with a hypersensitive nose, she spent a lifetime learning to recognize diseases through their scents. When she smelled Parkinson's on her husband years before his diagnosis, she decided to put her gift to the test. Today, her extraordinary nose has been translated into a non-invasive test — helping researchers diagnose what was right under their noses all along.

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“My lens around style doesn’t have anything to do with style anymore — it’s about physicality,” says stylist and fashion consultant Stacy London. “What do I want to be able to do? How do I keep myself strong?”

Stacy’s message has resonated for many women, and for this episode, she joins Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, host of TED Health, at TED2025 for a special live conversation about why women are so embarrassed to talk about aging. For Stacy, aging became a chance to reassess her relationship to her body, and her experience with menopause and spinal surgery shifted her focus to health and wellbeing. Her best advice on what you can do to feel good in your skin? Throw away the most painful pair of shoes you own.

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Does venting actually help you cool off, or does it just add fuel to the fire? Social psychologist Jennifer Parlamis busts common myths about anger, showing how curiosity — not catharsis — can keep you calm. Discover the surprising science behind anger management and four practical tools for building stronger relationships from a researcher who’s rethinking Freud, one deep breath at a time.

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Welcome back to our "A Healthier You" series, where TED Health host Shoshana Ungerleider guides you on a journey to your healthiest self. Join her and healthcare experts as they uncover insights that could revolutionize your understanding of health – from your heart to your brain to your gut.

Embarking on a fitness journey can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be intimidating. In today's episode, Shoshana unveils practical strategies for creating an exercise routine that lasts and explores all kinds of workouts – from weightlifting to walking. She shares motivational fitness tips that will inspire both beginners and experienced athletes to move more, even amid life's busy schedules.

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Join Shoshana in this live taping at TEDNext 2024 for a perspective-shifting conversation on achievement with ethicist, author, and rabbi Ira Bedzow. Shoshana and Ira challenge the way today’s culture and individuals look at success, exploring life’s deeper meaning and purpose in a time that celebrates "urgency culture." You’ll gain practical strategies for reducing burnout, improving your mental well-being, and aligning your actions with your values. This is the last episode of our series "A Healthier You" -- check out the rest of the episodes and tell us what you think by leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Have we lost the practical wisdom of what happens as people die? With lessons from a career witnessing thousands of people's final breaths, palliative care expert Kathryn Mannix urges us to demystify the experience of death, sharing how a better understanding of what actually happens can reduce fear in the final days, for you and your loved ones. After the talk, Shoshana shares how one patient changed her life forever and led her to found endwellproject.org, a platform dedicated to making end-of-life PART of life. This episode originally aired on March 26, 2024.

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Are screens ruining our eyesight? Will eating carrots fix your vision? And are blue light glasses essential… or a scam?! In this episode in the five-part miniseries on senses, Dr. Rupa Wong joins Shoshana to talk about eye diseases, what technology is doing to our vision, and why spending at least 2 hours a day in the sun can help your eyesight.

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With fascinating research and hilarious anecdotes, neuroscientist Camilla Arndal Andersen takes us into the lab where she studies people's sense of taste via brain scans. She reveals surprising insights about the way our brains subconsciously experience food -- and shows how this data could help us eat healthier without sacrificing taste.

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David Eagleman is a neuroscientist who studies brain plasticity and how our senses help us perceive the world. Over the next 5 weeks, Shoshana is diving into ideas about our senses. First up she  invites David to talk about touch and its relationship to brain plasticity. She then asks what role touch plays in a world that is increasingly digital and mediated by screens.

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Trigger warning - this episode contains mention of suicide and severe depression.

For years, the warning has been: smartphones are destroying a generation. But developmental psychologist Candice Odgers says that decades of data on teens tells a different story — violence, alcohol use and pregnancy are at historic lows, and research shows social media may not actually be the culprit for mental health problems. Hear her analysis of what’s really troubling kids these days, and why banning them from online spaces may make things worse. And stick around after her talk for a deep dive conversation with our guest host for the week, author and podcaster Manoush Zomorodi, into the ideas she shared on stage and beyond.

This is episode two of a seven-part series airing this week on TED Talks Daily, where Manoush — and the seven speakers she curated for TED2026 — explore how you can live a healthier life in our high-tech era.

To hear more from Manoush, listen to TED Radio Hour wherever you get your podcasts. Check out her new book, Body Electric, to learn more about the hidden health costs of the digital age.

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Why do we feel exhausted all the time? We’ll get through the workday, collapse on the couch, scroll for a while, and go to bed… but wake up still feeling depleted. In this episode, Shoshana seeks to understand the concept of“deep rest.” She speaks to psychologist Dr. Alexandra Crosswell on the role stress plays in our daily lives and what safety has to do with bodily repair and restoration.

Talk featured

What’s the best position to sleep in? | Rachel Marie E. Salas

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In this episode, Shoshana invites Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States, to discuss the ongoing loneliness epidemic.

After the interview, Shoshana shares a TED-Ed talk from Terry Kupers, "What happens to your brain without social contact?" Everyone needs time to themselves, and peaceful solitude has stress-relieving benefits. But when being alone is forced upon you, the effects can be surprisingly extensive. And though different people experience distinct effects, symptoms tend to become more severe and persistent the longer they're isolated. So, how exactly does isolation affect your body and brain? Terry Kupers investigates. [Directed by Camille Bovey, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Stephen LaRosa].

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When has healthcare advice become so complicated? And how should we be thinking about long-term wellness? Zeke Emanuel is an oncologist and bioethnicist whose latest book, Eat Your Ice Cream, might sound paradoxical against modern health trends and wellness noise. Zeke joins Shoshana to discuss what healthy aging looks like and why it’s never too late to practice health habits.

Talk featured

TED-Ed: The 3 best predictors of how well you’ll age | Juulia Jylhava

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In this episode, Shoshana sits down with Dr. Megan Rossi, aka The Gut Health Doctor. As a leading scientist, registered dietitian, and nutritionist, Dr. Rossi reveals the crucial link between digestion and general health. She debunks common myths about the microbes that help (or harm) us, and shares accessible, evidence-based nutrition strategies to help you transform your diet for a happier, balanced gut microbiome. 

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Attention isn't just about what we focus on -- it's also about what our brains filter out. By investigating patterns in the brain as people try to focus, computational neuroscientist Mehdi Ordikhani-Seyedlar hopes to build computer models that can be used to treat ADHD and help those who have lost the ability to communicate. Hear more about this exciting science in this brief, fascinating talk. After the talk, Shoshana speaks with psychiatrist and ADHD specialist Dr. Sasha Hamdani on transforming healthcare for patients and families with ADHD.

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Many women move through major life transitions without getting clear information about what's happening in their own bodies. Whether it’s conversations about painful periods or menopause, fertility or contraceptives, these topics affect millions of people everyday, but they are difficult to talk about openly. In this episode, Shoshana sharesthree TED Ed lessons centered around women’s health help you understand your body better.

Talks featured

What is vaginal discharge, and what does it say about your health? | Elizabeth Micks

3 things that can cause painful periods | Chen X. Chen

How does the morning-after pill prevent pregnancy? | Alison Edelman

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When does normal aging end and something more concerning begins? In this episode Shoshana invites neurologist Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai to discuss their studies on Alzheimer’s and Dementia. They debunk myths around Alzheimer, discuss what a brain-healthy way of eating looks like, and share why good sleep hygiene is more crucial for brain health than you think.

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What’s something that makes your life immeasurably better? For Shoshana, it’s habits people often overlook, such as a good night's rest or a conversation with a friend. In this episode, Shoshana shares a TED Ed lesson on how practicing gratitude makes life more meaningful. Then, psychologist Sonja Lyubormisky talks about the science of happiness and why our relationships with others affect our health.

Talks featured

Sonja Lyubomirsky: 1 thing you can do today to be happier

TED-Ed | How to increase your happiness

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Physician-scientist David Fajgenbaum was dying from a rare disease that didn't have a cure — until he discovered a lifesaving drug that wasn't originally intended for his condition. In an astonishing talk, he shares how his near-death experience led him to cofound the nonprofit Every Cure, which is using AI to uncover hidden treatments in existing medicines in order to save lives. (This ambitious idea is part of The Audacious Project, TED’s initiative to inspire and fund global change.)

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In this powerful and personal talk, Quentin Mezetin shares his journey raising two sons with autism—and the challenges of parenting in a world that often treats neurological differences as deficits. As he reflects on his family’s experience, he points to a powerful statistic from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2000—1 in 150 children in the U.S. were diagnosed with autism; by 2020, that number rose to 1 in 36. This rise isn't just a data point—it’s a call to action. Quentin urges us to build a society that uplifts and includes every child, and the need to confront ableism head on.

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Imagine if one day, your quiet neighborhood came alive with a steady hum… and it never went away? All throughout the United States, data centers are popping up next door and in your backyards. These buildings guzzle millions of water, cause noise pollution, and are raising homeowners’ utility bills. In this first episode of a four-part miniseries, Sherrell interviews environmental health scientist Dr. Jacoby Wilson on what happens when data centers infiltrate a neighborhood. They discuss why data centers disproportionately undermine working class communities and how Dr. Wilson is working developing ordinances to better regulate data centers and holding planning commissions accountable.

This episode is part of a special series on TED Tech on data centers and their impact on our environment and communities. Listen to the rest of the series, only on TED Tech: https://link.mgln.ai/BvgoLQ

Talk featured

How to build an equitable and just climate future | Peggy Shepard

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Joel Bervell was one of the only Black students in his medical school program. After noticing how misconceptions about race were embedded in health care, he turned to social media to raise awareness about the harmful impact of biases in medicine. He unpacks the long history of race-based health care disparities — and shows what the medical field can do to better serve all patients. After the talk, Joel and Shoshana talk about the role AI and tech play in perpetuating biases and Joel's forthcoming animated children tv show, The Doctor Is In.

(This episode originally aired in 2025)

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In a society that grows ever more risk averse, how do we balance fun and competition with our responsibilities to keep one another safe? In this talk, sport science professor Ben Jones explores our assumptions about contact sports. He reflects on our perceptions of risk and reward and offers a path to a safer sporting experience for amateurs and professionals alike.

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Dr. Alicia Zhou is the Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Research Institute—the oldest nonprofit in the world devoted exclusively to cancer immunology and immunotherapy. She joins Shoshana to discuss the innovations happening in cancer research, how immunotherapy is different from chemotherapy and radiation, what doctors can do to make clinical trials less intimidating, and why the conversation around cancer will change in the next 10 years.

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Picture this. You're scrolling late at night and a reel pops up advertising a seemingly magical wellness product with some scientific-sounding marketing language. Do you stick around and maybe even believe it? Or do you scroll away? In this episode, Shoshana explores the mind, and how perception affects it. She shares two talks about how different people can experience reality in wildly different ways. First, Alex Rosenthal shares how having aphantasia prevents him from generating mental images, then Susan G. Wardle dives into the science of perception and why some people see faces in places that don’t exist, like clouds and even potato chips.

Talk featured

Can you picture things in your mind? I can't | Alex Rosenthal

What it means if you can see faces in objects | Susan G. Wardle

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Why do we feel exhausted all the time? We’ll get through the workday, collapse on the couch, scroll for a while, and go to bed… but wake up still feeling depleted. In this episode, Shoshana seeks to understand the concept of“deep rest.” She speaks to psychologist Dr. Alexandra Crosswell on the role stress plays in our daily lives and what safety has to do with bodily repair and restoration.

Talk featured

What’s the best position to sleep in? | Rachel Marie E. Salas

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In a world growing louder, faster and more fractured, author Pico Iyer makes the case for a radical act of repair. Explore why tapping into silence may be the best medicine you can give yourself, and everyone around you.

(Following his talk at TED2025, he joins Elise Hu, host of TED Talks Daily, to share how he finds time for silence and mindfulness in a hyperactive world, why he avoids going online and how his previous TED Talk about ping pong led to him being cast in the film “Marty Supreme.”)

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Does eating local honey help reduce your allergies through microexposure to local pollen? How effective is at-home allergies test? And why do so many Olympic athletes have asthma? These are some of the questions raised in today’s conversation with immunologist Dr. Zachary Rubin. From cat dander to pollen to peanuts, Dr. Rubin discusses how having minor to severe allergies can affect your health and what you can do to manage your allergies.

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Could exposing kids to their fears help them thrive later on in life? Exploring the science of exposure therapy, pediatric psychologist Kathryn Hecht shows how encouraging children to handle discomfort builds confidence and resilience. Through personal stories and practical strategies, she shares the secret for raising kids ready to meet life’s challenges.

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In this season of WorkLife, we’re pairing each of our regular episodes with a companion interview to do a deeper dive into the topic. This is the companion for our episode on the secrets of a great apology. Michael McCullough is a psychology professor at UC San Diego and a pioneer in the study of forgiveness, gratitude, and empathy—he finds that although forgiveness is important, it isn’t always the answer to conflict. Michael and Adam discuss why humans evolved to forgive, examine what causes people to hold grudges, and settle last episode’s debate about whether it’s appropriate to ask for forgiveness.    

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When has healthcare advice become so complicated? And how should we be thinking about long-term wellness? Zeke Emanuel is an oncologist and bioethnicist whose latest book, Eat Your Ice Cream, might sound paradoxical against modern health trends and wellness noise. Zeke joins Shoshana to discuss what healthy aging looks like and why it’s never too late to practice health habits.

Talk featured

TED-Ed: The 3 best predictors of how well you’ll age | Juulia Jylhava

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From Grey’s Anatomy to The Pitt, medical tv shows depict TV deaths and illnesses all the time, but they’re rarely explored in depth. In this episode from the 2025 End Well Summit, Shoshana is in conversation with Tembi Locke, executive producer of From Scratch, Nikki Boyer, creator of Dying for Sex, and Katherine LaNasa, Emmy-award winning actress on The Pitt, on how TV showrunners can reshape dialogues around death and help everyone rethink end of life care for their loved ones.

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Yohanis Riek went from herding cattle and fighting as a child soldier to becoming the first doctor in his community in South Sudan. He shares his journey to found a nonprofit bringing health care to remote communities — empowering locals to take charge of their own health, as the world's newest country finds its place in the world.

(Following the talk, Lily James Olds, director of the TED Fellows program, interviews Riek on the effect of USAID withdrawal in South Sudan and why he’s choosing to stay in his home country to better serve local populations.)

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Food is supposed to nourish us, but what happens when it sends us to the hospital instead? In this episode, Emma Bryce asks whether it is safe to eat cookie dough. Then Nicola Twilley shares how the kitchen refrigerator transforms our lives – and our relationship to food.

Talks Featured

Is it really that bad to eat cookie dough? - Emma Bryce

How the fridge changed food - Nicola Twilley

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DNA carries the code for carrying out biological life, yet DNA is an unstable molecule. The reality is that DNA in all organisms is in a dynamic state with its environment, constantly becoming damaged and undergoing processes for damage reversal and repair. In this TEDx talk, Dr. Linda Chelico, a professor who research spans biochemistry, virology, and cancer biology, discuss how understanding DNA can lead to new insights on cancer treatments.

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Eric Green is a genomic researcher whose work with the Human Genome Project on mapping and sequencing DNA has revolutionized the medical field. From sampling patients’ DNA through blood tests to screen for diseases to identifying which medicine works best with your DNA, Green argues that genomic sequencing isn’t just effective—it’s economical.

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Software engineer Adam Munder is on a mission to break down communication barriers between the Deaf and hearing worlds. In a live demo, he introduces OmniBridge — an AI platform that translates American Sign Language into English text in real time — and demonstrates how this tech could ensure every conversation can be fully understood, regardless of the participants' hearing abilities. Munder is joined onstage by ASL interpreter Christan Hansen and TED’s Hasiba Haq.

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Neuroscientist Jennifer Pfeifer digs into the fascinating brain changes driving young people’s behavior during the critical years of adolescence. She debunks some of the biggest misunderstandings about teens — including puberty, hormones and the impact of social media on mental health — and shows how to support kids during this period of growth and possibility.

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From negotiating food choices to limiting screen time, raising healthy kids is complicated—but it doesn’t have to be, says pediatrician Dr. Shari Barkin. Dr. Barkin joins Shoshana to talk about the ways caregivers can carve out 10 minutes of their day to model a healthy lifestyle and help everyone in the family thrive.

Talk featured:

Inside the mind of a newborn baby - Claudia Passos Ferreira

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Whether it’s micromanaging playtime, constantly hovering or incessantly texting, the adult takeover of childhood has created a crisis of anxiety in both children and parents. In this episode, Lenore Skenazy, cofounder and president Let Grow, an organization dedicated to normalizing childhood independence, lays out the unexpected benefits of letting our kids be a bit more “free range.” Then psychologist Mathilde H Ross makes the case on why parents should trust their instinct instead of chasing trends.

Talks Featured

Why you should spend less time with your kids - Lenore Skenazy

Is parenting advice leading to more anxious kids? - Mathilde H. Ross

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Bombarded with health headlines? Unsure how to discern fact from fiction? Social scientist Matthew Facciani breaks down identity politics and the psychology that shapes our most deeply held views. He discusses how healthcare professionals can do better at communicating public health policy to everyday people and why following someone whose viewpoint you disagree with can help you reflect on your biases.

Talk Featured

3 questions to ask before buying into health trends - Dr. Karen Dawe

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The rapidly evolving field of protein design is revealing solutions to some of the world’s greatest problems, whether it's blocking a virus, breaking down a pollutant or creating brand-new materials. In conversation with TED’s Whitney Pennington Rodgers, biochemist David Baker explores his team’s Nobel Prize-winning work using AI to design new proteins with functions never before seen in nature — achieving breakthroughs that have fundamentally changed the future of science. (This conversation was part of an exclusive TED Membership event. TED Membership is the best way to support and engage with the big ideas you love from TED. To learn more, visit ted.com/membership.)

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Can AI compress the years long research time of a PhD into seconds? Research scientist Max Jaderberg explores how “AI analogs” simulate real-world lab work with staggering speed and scale, unlocking new insights on protein folding and drug discovery. Drawing on his experience working on Isomorphic Labs' and Google DeepMind's AlphaFold 3 — an AI model for predicting the structure of molecules — Jaderberg explains how this new technology frees up researchers' time and resources to better understand the real, messy world and tackle the next frontiers of science, medicine and more.

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In this episode, Shoshana invites Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States, to discuss the ongoing loneliness epidemic.

After the interview, Shoshana shares a TED-Ed talk from Terry Kupers, "What happens to your brain without social contact?" Everyone needs time to themselves, and peaceful solitude has stress-relieving benefits. But when being alone is forced upon you, the effects can be surprisingly extensive. And though different people experience distinct effects, symptoms tend to become more severe and persistent the longer they're isolated. So, how exactly does isolation affect your body and brain? Terry Kupers investigates. [Directed by Camille Bovey, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Stephen LaRosa].

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Does venting actually help you cool off, or does it just add fuel to the fire? Social psychologist Jennifer Parlamis busts common myths about anger, showing how curiosity — not catharsis — can keep you calm. Discover the surprising science behind anger management and four practical tools for building stronger relationships from a researcher who’s rethinking Freud, one deep breath at a time.

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Did you know that you start losing bone AND muscle mass as soon as the age of thirty? Or that your fingers and toes don’t have muscles? Or how women in Scotland are starting to compete in the lighting of Dinnie Stones – which weighs 733 pounds?! These are topics that Chris discussed with Bonnie Tsui, author of the book On Muscle: The Stuff That Moves Us and Why It Matters. They also discuss what strength and weightlifting means in today’s society – especially as more women enter the sport. Bonnie and Chris also discuss studying martial arts, playing on sports teams, and the benefits of functional mobility as you age.

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Neuroscientist Jennifer Pfeifer digs into the fascinating brain changes driving young people’s behavior during the critical years of adolescence. She debunks some of the biggest misunderstandings about teens — including puberty, hormones and the impact of social media on mental health — and shows how to support kids during this period of growth and possibility.

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Dr. BJ Miller was a college sophomore when a sudden electrical accident nearly took his life. After months in a hospital burn unit and multiple amputations, he emerged into a world that saw him — and treated him — differently. But that experience became the foundation for everything that followed.

Now a palliative care physician and one of the most compassionate voices in medicine, BJ is redefining what it means to live fully after loss and change. He challenges the very idea of “normal,” reminding us that disability isn’t a flaw to fix, but part of the human spectrum. His work invites us to expand our imagination of what it means to be alive, to belong, and to be whole.

Join us on Instagram  for more stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and reflections on living and dying.

After the interview, Shoshana features a TED talk from Meghan Hussey on 4 Ways To Design a Disability-Friendly Future.

Join @beforewegopodcast on Instagram for more stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and reflections on living and dying.

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To spark action on climate change, the conventional wisdom says that awareness must precede action — but neuroscientist Kris De Meyer suggests the opposite is true: actions drive beliefs. He digs into the science behind decision-making and shows how you can rewire your brain to get unstuck on big challenges.

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With just a few lines, cartoons can say so much with so little. In a moving talk, cartoonist Navied Mahdavian shares his process for distilling huge concepts into drawings on the page — and shows how his work helped him grieve the death of his beloved grandmother, flaws and all.

After the talk, Shoshana interviews Nathan Gray on the use of comics and art to educate and explore the ironies of the medical world.

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Today, we’re featuring an episode from NPR’s science podcast Short Wave. In it, host Regina G. Barber talks to NPR brain correspondent Jon Hamilton about MENTAL EXERCISES. 

Scientists have found the first compelling evidence that cognitive training can boost levels of a chemical that typically declines as people age. And previous studies of people have suggested that cognitive training can improve thinking and memory. So how does it all work? And by how much does it all work? Find out with this episode of Short Wave.

Follow NPR's Short Wave podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for more episodes like this, featuring new discoveries, everyday mysteries and the science behind the headlines.

Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

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Attention isn't just about what we focus on -- it's also about what our brains filter out. By investigating patterns in the brain as people try to focus, computational neuroscientist Mehdi Ordikhani-Seyedlar hopes to build computer models that can be used to treat ADHD and help those who have lost the ability to communicate. Hear more about this exciting science in this brief, fascinating talk. After the talk, Shoshana speaks with psychiatrist and ADHD specialist Dr. Sasha Hamdani on transforming healthcare for patients and families with ADHD.

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Today’s episode features two people who are shaking up the U.S. healthcare system in very different but deeply humane ways. Dr. Fumiko Chino knows firsthand how devastating medical debt can be. After losing her husband to cancer and being left with overwhelming bills, she went to medical school to become a radiation oncologist and made it her mission to make care more affordable.

Mark Cuban, best known as one of the “sharks” on Shark Tank, is tackling the same problem from another angle. Through his Cost Plus Drug Company, he’s disrupting the industry with a transparent, direct-to-consumer model that’s already changing — and saving — lives.

Together, Fumiko and Mark offer a hopeful glimpse of what’s possible when empathy meets innovation.

Join us on Instagram @beforewegopodcast for more stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and reflections on living and dying.

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What if ending food insecurity meant ditching charity models that haven’t been updated since the 1960s? Dion Dawson, TED Fellow and founder of Dion’s Chicago Dream, shares how he turned a spontaneous idea for giving back to his community into a thriving social enterprise, delivering top-quality produce to thousands of Chicago households every week and reaching a million dollars in revenue in just 18 months. He’s proving that it’s possible to replace the outdated food pantry model with a data-driven system that delivers high-quality food — so your zip code doesn’t decide how long you live.

After the talk, Shoshana reflects on the limitations of the healthcare system and how prescription medicine can only go so far—structural and systemic changes must happen so better health outcomes can follow.

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It’s a common misconception that stomach ulcers are caused by emotional upset, psychological distress, or spicy food. Yet no convincing study has ever demonstrated that these factors directly cause ulcer disease. So what does cause stomach ulcers? Rusha Modi explains how one doctor’s famous (and dangerous) experiment led us to the answer. [Directed by Jonathan Trueblood, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Weston Fonger, Jarrett Farkas].

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Journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis talks to friends, experts, and celebrities about the chaos of dealing with aging parents. From Medicaid nightmares to emotional meltdowns in storage units, it’s a brutally honest, often hilarious look at one of life’s most disorienting stages. Come for the catharsis, stay for the gallows humor and unfiltered conversations. If you’re currently the parent to your parents, this is your group chat in podcast form.

Listen to So Your Parents Are Old on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally. And yet, many people pass up opportunities to get screened for the disease, often because of the invasive and sometimes painful process of mammograms. Chemist and professor Simona Francese presents a potentially groundbreaking alternative that could transform how and when we identify this deadly disease.

After the talk, Shoshana speaks with Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa, founder of the Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction in Los Angeles, on how patients can better advocate for themselves and what it means to regain a sense of wholeness after a cancer diagnosis.

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Can cannabis actually treat insomnia? It's complicated, says sleep physiologist Jen Walsh. While the plant has been used across time and cultures, there's been little scientific research on how it impacts sleep disorders like insomnia. That's precisely where she and her team come in. Learn about the world's first study into the potential of medicinal cannabis as a safe, accessible treatment to help us all rest easy.

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This is the surprising story of how Texas – rich in oil and gas – became America's biggest producer of wind energy. For our first episode, Ryan and Anjali talk with Pat Wood, once George W. Bush’s right hand man and head of Texas's Public Utility Commission, to uncover the innovative approach that turned Texas into a renewable energy powerhouse. It’s a story about what could get done before partisan politics got in the way of good climate policy, and it shows that economic incentives for consumers, government, and companies can play a huge role in supercharging clean energy.

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What if we could get a heads-up about serious health issues before they begin, from the moment a baby is born? In this groundbreaking talk, medical geneticist and physician-scientist Robert C. Green shares how his team at the BabySeq Project became the first in the world to comprehensively sequence and analyze the DNA of healthy infants, revealing hidden risks for treatable conditions. The future of medicine isn’t just about curing illness, he says — it's about predicting and preventing it.

After the talk, Shoshana interviews Robert on why he decided to study the impact of DNA testing in newborns, the fear with giving insurance companies access to additional information, and how to make this resource accessible to all parents.

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From cosmetics to nutrition, collagen is seemingly everywhere — but we don't often discuss its ethically questionable sources, says chemical engineer Fei Luo. She delves into the groundbreaking technology that uses genetically modified yeast to brew animal-free collagen, a process that could pave the way for a functional, tasty and harm-free future for this crucial protein.

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In 1968, the American Heart Association made an announcement that would influence people’s diets for decades: they recommended that people avoid eating more than three eggs a week. Their reasoning was that the cholesterol packed into egg yolks could increase cardiovascular disease risk. So, what exactly is cholesterol? And is it actually bad for you? Hei Man Chan digs into this complex molecule. [Directed by Igor Ćorić, Artrake Studio, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Cem Misirlioglu].

After the talk, Shoshana interviews Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist and founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute on AI, genomics, and the digital tools that are revolutionizing the way we prevent, detect, and treat illness—including heart disease.

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For years, Jean Béliveau walked from country to country, with the goal of circumnavigating the globe on foot. While few people have the time or desire to walk such extreme lengths, research shows that adding even a modest amount of walking to your daily routine can dramatically improve your health. So, what exactly happens to your body when you increase your step count? Shannon Odell investigates. [Directed by Avi Ofer, narrated by Susan Zimmerman, music by Cem Misirlioglu].

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Andy Laats had the textbook fairytale family setup ... a great job, a happy marriage, three wonderful kids and everything going for them. Until one day, they didn't anymore. In this tender, wise and unexpectedly funny talk, Laats describes the profound lessons he's learned over the years as a father, offering insights that will resonate with anyone who's ever had any kind of family.

After the talk, Shoshana interviews Dr. Nadine Burke Harris to discuss how childhood adversity and toxic stress impacts developing brains.

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While most people think of acne as a skin condition for adolescents, it can also develop in adults. In this bonus episode from CBC’s The Dose, host Dr. Brian Goldman speaks with the head of dermatology at Dalhousie University, Dr. Kerri Purdy. She shares some of the risk factors for acne (genes and hormones, not necessarily diet) as well as the latest treatments.

The Dose from CBC Podcasts provides a weekly look at the health news that matters to you. Dr. Brian Goldman brings you the best science from top experts in plain language. He cuts through the BS and confusion to give you a dose of smart advice that you won’t find anywhere else.

Find The Dose wherever you get your podcasts, or here: https://link.mgln.ai/TEDxTheDose 

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Does the type and amount of light you’re exposed to during the day change how well you sleep at night? Diving into the effects of daylight on your internal biological clock, sleep scientist Christine Blume shares practical tips for making natural light part of your daily routine — and shows why stepping outside might be the simplest, most impactful change you can make to get better rest.

After the talk, Shoshana interviews Dr. Meredith Broderick, on why people often undervalue sleep and why good sleep hygiene is necessary to be well-rested.

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Why does losing weight often feel like an uphill battle? Physician Katherine Saunders unpacks how our bodies are wired to store fat, revealing that obesity isn’t simply a lack of willpower — it’s a complex, chronic disease rooted in evolutionary biology. She shares the science behind the latest breakthroughs in treatment, from lifestyle interventions to powerful new medications.

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Do you hate the taste of cilantro and chocolate? You might be a super taster! Rachel Herz is a neuroscientist at Brown University who specializes in taste and smell. In this episode, Adam, Rachel, and Adam’s wife Allison Sweet Grant investigate the sources of their different food preferences, uncover the overlooked power of smell, and analyze the effects of the gene that can turn some people into picky eaters.

This episode originally aired on ReThinking with Adam Grant July 22, 2025.

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You know it's important to take care of your physical and mental health. But what about your social health? Social scientist Kasley Killam shows how feeling a sense of belonging and connection has concrete benefits to your overall health — and explains why it may be the missing key to living a longer and happier life.

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At the plant-based burger chain Slutty Vegan, Pinky Cole is flipping the script on vegan food with bold style. In conversation with host of "TED Radio Hour" Manoush Zomorodi, she shares the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey, from her roots in Baltimore to the grease fire that took her first storefront in Harlem. Learn more about the authenticity, resilience and community that went into building a multimillion-dollar vegan food empire.

This episode originally aired on TED Talks Daily May 12, 2025.

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After a mysterious wave of tics and twitches swept through a small-town high school in New York, documentary podcaster Dan Taberski set out to investigate what was really happening. Drawing on extensive research and intimate interviews with the people involved, he explores the roots of mass hysteria — and what it reveals about the line between illness and belonging. What happens when the very thing that makes us sick ... is also what connects us?

After the talk, Shoshana interviews Dan on how his research into the mysterious Havana Syndrome leads to his unearthing of a similar mass hysteria in Le Roy, New York. They also discuss how storytelling can reshape discourse surrounding medicine and what happens when the person experiencing an illness feels unheard and unsupported by the very medical professionals supposed to care for them?

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When anxiety rears its head, we often just want it to go away. Clinical psychologist David H. Rosmarin asks us to consider instead the positive role anxiety can play in our lives, sharing four practical steps to transform it from your enemy into your ally.

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Why is having the sex talk, admitting you passed gas, or being open about your body hair so seemingly uncomfortable for all of us? Journalist and host of the podcast, Embodied, Anita Rao, joins Chris this week to discuss why having open conversations about taboo topics like sex, relationships, and our bodies can help us understand ourselves better and feel less shame.

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There's a reliable indicator of a woman's future likelihood of cardiovascular disease — but it rarely gets asked about, says obstetrician and researcher Meryam Sugulle. She delves into the role of the placenta in pregnancy, how it can predict health outcomes and the single question that should be worked into routine health screenings.

After the talk Shoshana speaks with Dr. Sharmila Makhija, the founding Dean and CEO of the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine. They'll discuss the future of reproductive health and how we can all make a difference advancing women's health.

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TED Fellow and equity bioengineer Erika Moore investigates how cells controlling inflammation behave differently depending on a patient's background. By focusing on the "who" behind the disease, Moore is uncovering why certain diseases disproportionately affect certain ethnicities, paving the way for more inclusive and effective health care.

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In 1952, polio was everywhere: killing or paralyzing roughly half a million people annually. Yet just 10 years later, paralytic polio cases in the US dropped by 96% and we were on track to get rid of polio for good. But in recent years, the virus started striking back. So, what’s behind these recent spikes? Explore the dangers of poliovirus and the possibility of eradicating this deadly disease. [Directed by Anton Bogaty, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Stephen LaRosa].

After the talk, Shoshana interviews Dr. Grace Lee, a pediatric infectious diseases physician and the former Chair of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, to cover how vaccine decisions get made and the ripple effects it has on communities.

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All year long, researchers at hospitals around the world collect samples from flu patients and send them to top virology experts with one goal: to design the vaccine for the next flu season. But why do we need a new one every year? Vaccines for diseases like mumps and rubella offer a lifetime of protection with two shots early in life; what’s so special about the flu? Melvin Sanicas explains. [Directed by Andrew Foerster, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Devin Polaski].

After the talk, Shoshana interviews Dr. Michael Osterholm, an epidemiologist, to discuss the issues surrounding global public health and why science matters. For more of Dr. Michael Osterholm, check out his podcast Osterholm Update.

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Ethan Lindenberger never got vaccinated as a kid. So one day, he went on Reddit and asked a simple question: "Where do I go to get vaccinated?" The post went viral, landing Lindenberger in the middle of a heated debate about vaccination and, ultimately, in front of a US Senate committee. Less than a year later, the high school senior reports back on his unexpected time in the spotlight and a new movement he's leading to fight misinformation and advocate for scientific truth.

After the talk, Shoshana interviews Dr. Jennifer Reich, a sociologist, and asks the question, “Where has vaccine mistrust come from?” -- and how transparency in clinical trials and federal advisory boards are key in gaining community trust.

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Have we lost the practical wisdom of what happens as people die? With lessons from a career witnessing thousands of people's final breaths, palliative care expert Kathryn Mannix urges us to demystify the experience of death, sharing how a better understanding of what actually happens can reduce fear in the final days, for you and your loved ones. After the talk, Shoshana shares how one patient changed her life forever and led her to found endwellproject.org, a platform dedicated to making end-of-life PART of life. This episode originally aired on March 26, 2024.

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TED Fellow and chemosensory researcher Paule Joseph unveils the hidden power of a sense that's too often overlooked: smell. She delves into the science behind smell — from how it evokes memory and emotion to its potential for early disease detection — and advocates for the creation of a baseline test for taste and smell that could open the door to more comprehensive health care.

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“My lens around style doesn’t have anything to do with style anymore — it’s about physicality,” says stylist and fashion consultant Stacy London. “What do I want to be able to do? How do I keep myself strong?” 

Stacy’s message has resonated for many women, and for this episode, she joins Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, host of TED Health, at TED2025 for a special live conversation about why women are so embarrassed to talk about aging. For Stacy, aging became a chance to reassess her relationship to her body, and her experience with menopause and spinal surgery shifted her focus to health and wellbeing. Her best advice on what you can do to feel good in your skin? Throw away the most painful pair of shoes you own.

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Are you actually bored, or is something else going on? Educator Kevin H. Gary shares three practical takeaways to deal with the doldrums, so you can take control of your attention, figure out which feelings to trust and name the real problem. After the talk, join Shoshana for a sweeping conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Harstad on the relationship between boredom and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.

This episode originally aired on February 27, 2024.

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A century after its discovery, insulin remain essential in treating diabetes, and has a relatively low production cost, with a vial generally costing less than $6 to make. But those in the US pay on average 10 times more than those in other countries— leading some patients to take less than prescribed. Kiah Williams takes a look at the US supply chain to explore why medications are so expensive. [Directed by Tolga Yıldız, Serin İnan, Kozmonot Animation Studio, narrated by Christina Greer, music by Tolga Yıldız].

After the talk, Shoshana interviews Dr. Hussain Lalani on his research into improving access to affordable prescription drugs.

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What if AI could help connect you with the right medical care, exactly when you need it? Health systems entrepreneur, surgeon and TED Fellow Mohamed Aburawi explores how his digital health platform, Speetar, uses AI to bridge the healthcare gap in underserved regions, like his native Libya, by connecting patients with doctors who truly understand their needs.

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In the 1600s, Isaac Newton conducted a series of experiments to better understand the lights and colors that sometimes appear when your eyes are closed. If you’ve ever sat around an evening campfire or unintentionally glanced at the Sun, you may have noticed illuminated patterns briefly dance along your vision. So how do these visual illusions form? Paul Taylor explores the science of afterimages. [Directed by Sofia Pashaei, narrated by Alexandra Panzer, music by Cem Misirlioglu, WORKPLAYWORK].

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Do you ever feel like time slows down when you’re bored but flies when you’re having fun? Cognitive neuroscientist Irena Arslanova explores the ways your brain and heart shape your perception of time, revealing how your heartbeat doesn’t just keep you alive — it also influences whether moments feel fleeting or stretched.

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In 1954, Joseph Murray attempted a type of kidney swap that no doctor had tried before. The surgery was a success, and the patient would go on to live with the transplanted organ thanks to one key factor: it came from his identical twin. 70 years later, nearly 100,000 kidneys are transplanted annually in the US alone. So how does this surgery work today? Alexander H. Toledo explains the procedure. [Directed by Biljana Labović, narrated by Addison Anderson].

Extended content: After the talk, Shoshana speaks with Leilani Graham, a writer and healthcare consultant, who survived four cardiac arrests and then a heart transplant about her personal trials and the realm of organ transplants.

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What if the secret to a happy relationship isn’t following the rules, but rewriting them? In this refreshing talk, couples therapist Stephanie R. Yates-Anyabwile explores why letting go of traditional societal expectations of romantic relationships — like sharing the same routines or even, in some cases, living together — can help couples embrace their individuality, reduce conflict and build stronger, more fulfilling connections.

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You’re just one history final away from a relaxing spring break. But you still have so much to study! You decide to follow in the footsteps of many students before you, and pull an all-nighter. So, what happens to your brain when you stay up all night? And does cramming like this actually help you prepare for a test? Anna Rothschild explores how a sleepless night impacts your cognitive function. [Directed by Biljana Labović, narrated by Jack Cutmore-Scott, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio]. After the talk Shoshana does a dive deep into the effects of sleep deprivation on other aspects of your health -- starting with the heart.

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What does a warming planet mean for the foods you love? Hosting a dinner party that features a menu of foods that could disappear within our lifetimes, culinary entrepreneur Sam Kass invites us to chew on the reality of climate change by exploring the things — like chocolate and coffee — it puts at risk.

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Exploring the history and evolution of vampire lore, author Eric Nuzum traces the origins of these spooky stories, from misunderstandings of death to the sparkly pop culture icons we know today. Beyond the fangs and garlic, he digs into the deeper, everyday fears that vampires reflect.

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This is an episode of TED Talks Daily, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective. It's a special episode of the TED Talks Daily Summer Book Club series. Join host Elise Hu as she interviews TED speakers about their books and their ideas beyond the page.

As a sex educator and author, Emily Nagoski is renowned for dismantling the sexual myths that surround us, and replacing them with healthy ideas, backed by science. And then…her own sex life fell apart. Her latest book, “Come Together, the Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections,” is Emily’s attempt to research her way out of her own sexual desert. The result is a book that delights with humor and insights for anyone looking to improve their own relationship to pleasure and intimacy.

This interview was recorded live as part of the TED Membership program. TED Members are invited to attend our live recordings and participate in Q&As with authors. To join in on the fun, sign up at go.ted.com/membership.

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Joel Bervell was one of the only Black students in his medical school program. After noticing how misconceptions about race were embedded in health care, he turned to social media to raise awareness about the harmful impact of biases in medicine. He unpacks the long history of race-based health care disparities — and shows what the medical field can do to better serve all patients. After the talk, Joel and Shoshana talk about the role AI and tech play in perpetuating biases and Joel's forthcoming animated children tv show, The Doctor Is In.

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Data isn’t just about numbers or trends — it’s about capturing the stories that shape our lives, says information designer Giorgia Lupi. Following a long COVID diagnosis, she tracked her symptoms meticulously over four years, the data culminating in a visual “New York Times” narrative that resonated deeply with many others suffering from chronic illness. Lupi invites us to consider data not as a rigid or objective truth, but as a living language used to better understand ourselves, offering a surprising shift in perspective — depending on where you look.

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What we eat is less about what we choose and more about what’s offered to us, says food and climate expert Sarah Lake. Unpacking how governments and companies have driven up meat consumption in the US through extensive marketing, she explains how we could employ these same forces to incentivize plant-based eating — for the sake of the planet, public health and global food security.

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It's time to make psychiatry more psychedelic, says psychiatrist Benjamin Lewis. Sharing results from his clinical trial on psychedelic-assisted therapy, he highlights how group therapy paired with the safe use of psilocybin, a compound found in magic mushrooms, has the potential to improve mental health conditions like depression and burnout. After the talk, Dr. Anthony Back, a palliative care physician, joins Shoshana to discuss his study on using psilocybin-assisted therapy to treat burnout among frontline healthcare workers.

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We all know a good night’s sleep is essential, but for many people, sleeping well (or falling asleep at all) can be difficult and even stressful – and there’s no shortage of tales about what prevents people from catching their ZZZs. In this episode of Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter, Dr. Jen digs into "how to sleep'' culture – from blue light blockers to sleep hygiene enthusiasts, to the 8 hours a night rule to… witches?! Don’t sleep on this episode–because it might just have you skipping the melatonin supplements and rethinking sleep rituals – before jumping into bed for a well-deserved snooze. Read the full transcript for this episode at https://go.ted.com/BSTscript11

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In the 5th century, a shipmaster was suffering from a nasty infection that caused his jaws to press together, his teeth to lock up, and the muscles in his neck and spine to spasm. Today we know this account to be one of the first recorded cases of tetanus. So, what causes this peculiar infection? Louise Thwaites explores how tetanus affects our bodies, and how we can prevent it. This lesson was directed by Andrew Foerster, Rewfoe, narrated by Pen-Pen Chen and the music is by Jason Stamatyades.

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