TED Tech
Technology
About
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
- Is AI progress stuck? | Jennifer Golbeck (re-release)
Jennifer Golbeck discusses whether AI progress is stuck, analyzing high-profile claims about its promises and pitfalls. She aims to clarify the hype around AI and reminds listeners that AI is a tool.
- Why we need to talk about money to save the planet with Yi Li and Brent Loken
This TED Tech episode features Yi Li discussing the importance of prioritizing a company's bottom line to help Kenyan farmers and Brent Loken exploring future farming models that integrate profit, scale, and environmental considerations. T…
- What if our infrastructure could repair itself? with Mark Miodownik and Congrui Jin
This episode of TED Tech features engineers Mark Miodownik and Congrui Jin, who discuss the concept of self-repairing infrastructure. They explore how materials capable of self-repair could reduce the reliance on traditional funding for ma…
- The probe on a mission to touch the Sun | Nour E. Rawafi (re-release)
Astrophysicist Nour E. Rawafi explains NASA's Parker Solar Probe mission, which aims to send a probe into the Sun's atmosphere to study its mysteries and impact on Earth. The episode explores how this mission will help humanity better unde…
- AI is changing how we talk and think. How can we stop it? with Adam Aleksic and Advait Sarkar
This episode features Adam Aleksic and Advait Sarkar discussing the impact of AI on how we talk and think. They examine how AI shapes our language, influences our thoughts, and the potential consequences of offloading critical thinking to…
- How satellite imagery is helping stop deforestation with Tasso Azevedo and Anna Rothschild
This episode of TED Tech explores the use of satellite imagery to address deforestation, with discussions on its impact on the Amazon rainforest. It features insights from Tasso Azevedo and Anna Rothschild.
- How to stop doomscrolling — and what to do instead? (w/ Katherine Cross) | from How to Be a Better Human
Katherine Cross, author of Log Off: Why Posting and Politics (Almost) Never Mix, discusses the ineffectiveness of engaging with politics on social media. She explains why social media is "anti-political" and how virtual engagement won't ac…
- Is the AI bubble about to burst? | Henrik Zeberg
Henrik Zeberg, a financial analyst, examines the current economic bubble in AI, cryptocurrency, and tech stocks. He draws comparisons to past economic frenzies and explains the psychological forces at play.
- Meet NEO, your robot butler in training | Bernt Børnich
In this episode, roboticist Bernt Børnich introduces NEO, a humanoid robot designed to assist with household chores. He discusses its development and shares a vision for how robot helpers could free up human time.
- Everything you need to know about AI agents | Swami Sivasubramanian
Swami Sivasubramanian explores AI agents, their potential to transform work by boosting productivity and creativity, and clarifies what these autonomous software systems are. He explains how AI can manage routine tasks, allowing individual…
- AI's next frontier isn't where you might expect | Hardy Pemhiwa
Hardy Pemhiwa explains that Africa is developing a unique approach to AI, driven by local compute, data, and languages. Entrepreneurs are utilizing AI to enhance education, healthcare, and agricultural productivity.
- How we built Watch Duty, the lifesaving wildfire alert app | John Mills
John Mills discusses the development of Watch Duty, an emergency alert app for wildfires. He explains how he collaborated with fire survivors and first responders to create this system.
- How satellites are supporting farmers across Africa | Catherine Nakalembe
Catherine Nakalembe discusses using satellite imagery to assist smallholder farmers in Africa with flood, drought, and crop failure preparedness. She highlights how existing technology can be adapted to solve real-world problems.
- The best thing that could happen to the energy industry | Matt Tilleard
Matt Tilleard, a renewables entrepreneur, explains how the clean energy transition involves a move from fuel-based energy to technology-based energy. He discusses the potential impact of this shift on global power dynamics and highlights t…
- How to pull the emergency brake on global warming | Mohamed A. Sultan
Sustainable strategist Mohamed A. Sultan discusses how local communities are addressing methane emissions from landfill fires in African cities. The initiative focuses on waste diversion and sustainable agricultural techniques to lower tem…
- Inside India's astonishing solar revolution | Kanika Chawla
Energy expert Kanika Chawla discusses how India transitioned from a major coal consumer to a global solar powerhouse. Host Sherrell additionally explores the growth strategies and drivers behind the green economy.
- What Earth in 2125 could look like | Iseult Gillespie
Iseult Gillespie explores potential positive futures for three cities in the year 2125, emphasizing the role of science and technology in addressing current crises. The episode imagines how harnessing existing tools could lead to an optimi…
- Want to make change? Let young people tell their stories | Anshul Tewari
Social entrepreneur Anshul Tewari discusses founding Youth Ki Awaaz, a platform for young people to share stories on underrepresented issues, and explains how authentic storytelling can drive social change. Host Sherrell explores strategie…
- What happens in your brain when you pay attention? w/ Dr. Sasha Hamdani | from TED Health
Computational neuroscientist Mehdi Ordikhani-Seyedlar explores how the brain filters information to improve ADHD treatments and communication technology. Psychiatrist Dr. Sasha Hamdani joins the show to discuss transforming healthcare for…
- What 2025 Taught Us—And Where 2026 Is Taking Us
Hosts from across the TED podcast network reflect on the biggest ideas of 2025 and look forward to 2026. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including AI, government, nature, and social trends.
- Dr. Joy Buolamwini | from Design Matters
Computer scientist and Algorithmic Justice League founder Dr. Joy Buolamwini discusses the social implications of AI, her book Unmasking AI, and her role in the documentary Coded Bias.
- The multidimensional magic of modern maps | Peter Wilczynski
Digital cartographer Peter Wilczynski introduces the Living Globe, a real-time digital twin of Earth that uses AI, satellite imagery, and sensor data. This episode explores how these advanced mapping tools can assist in building a more sus…
- Is AI ruining music? | Dustin Ballard
Creative force Dustin Ballard explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping music, examining whether new tools foster creativity or create noise. The discussion considers the elements that make music authentic, including instruments, v…
- Tech Solutions (#4): How organizations can grow in a post-aid world (with Jacqueline Novogratz)
In this episode of TED Tech, Sherrell Dorsey speaks with Acumen CEO Jacqueline Novogratz about developing new economic models for philanthropy in a post-aid era. They discuss investing in businesses to address poverty and climate injustice…
- Tech Solutions (#3): How one of China’s biggest tech companies is tackling carbon removal (with Xu Hao)
Xu Hao of Tencent discusses the company's initiatives in carbon removal, including the Carbon Neutrality Lab and CarbonX. He also explores how Tencent uses video games for climate education in this conversation with host Sherrell Dorsey.
- Tech Solutions (#2): How to balance the AI boom and environmental responsibility (with Juan M. Lavista Ferres)
In this episode of TED Tech, Sherrell Dorsey speaks with Juan M. Lavista Ferres from Microsoft’s AI for Good Research Lab about balancing the environmental impact of AI with its potential for sustainability and conservation. They discuss u…
- Tech Solutions (#1): The affordable tech that will revolutionize farming (with Samir Ibrahim and Josephine Waweru)
In this TED Tech episode, Sherrell Dorsey speaks with SunCulture CEO Samir Ibrahim about solar-powered water pumps for Kenyan farmers. Coffee farmer Josephine Waweru also shares her experience using the technology and offers advice for you…
- When AI Cannibalizes Its Data | NPR's Short Wave
In this episode of Short Wave featured on TED Tech, host Regina G. Barber and computer scientist Ilia Shumailov discuss the risks of AI models being trained on content generated by other AI models.
- The inside story of Notre-Dame's incredible reconstruction | Philippe Villeneuve
Chief architect Philippe Villeneuve discusses the restoration process of Notre-Dame cathedral following the 2019 fire. He details the collaborative efforts, craftsmanship, and innovation required to rebuild the landmark.
- I’ll probably lose my job to AI. Here’s why that’s OK | Megan J. McArdle
Journalist Megan J. McArdle discusses the potential impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, reflecting on historical Luddite movements and the future of technological progress. The episode also explores the possibility of AI creating ne…
- How Texas became America’s biggest producer of wind energy
In this episode of TED Tech, hosts Ryan and Anjali explore how Texas transitioned into the leading producer of wind energy in the United States. They discuss the state's approach with former Public Utility Commission head Pat Wood, focusin…
- Inside a dark web kill list | Carl Miller
Dark web researcher Carl Miller discusses his investigation into online kill orders. He explores the motivations of individuals placing these orders and shares findings from his years of research.
- Interview: The plant-based coating that is eliminating food spoilage | Jenny Du
Jenny Du, Apeel Senior VP of Operations, discusses how the company's plant-based coating technology aims to reduce food waste and extend produce shelf life. In conversation with host Sherrell Dorsey, she explains the role of science and su…
- How to build in space for life on Earth | Ariel Ekblaw
Space architect Ariel Ekblaw discusses how self-assembling structures in space could facilitate scientific and medical breakthroughs for life on Earth. She explores the potential of utilizing zero gravity environments for human development.
- The AI revolution is underhyped | Eric Schmidt
Former Google CEO and chairman Eric Schmidt joins technologist Bilawal Sidhu to discuss the rapid development and long-term implications of artificial intelligence. They examine the opportunities, challenges, and risks posed by increasingl…
- The future of finding love with Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd | ReThinking with Adam Grant
Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd joins Adam Grant to discuss the future of online dating, the role of AI in vetting potential partners, and the importance of platonic love. They also explore her career path and whether self-love is necessary…
- A concrete plan for sustainable cement | Ryan Gilliam
Clean tech innovator Ryan Gilliam discusses a method for transforming cement-making waste back into limestone to reduce carbon emissions. Host Sherrell explores the green cement market and other industry initiatives focused on lower-emissi…
- A survival guide for musicians in the age of AI | Harvey Mason jr.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. shares a four-step guide for musicians to navigate the rise of artificial intelligence in songwriting. He discusses how artists can leverage technology while maintaining the emotional value of human-c…
- Why your phone battery gets worse over time | George Zaidan
George Zaidan explains the science behind why batteries degrade over time and discusses battery recycling. Following the talk, Sherrell examines the impact of recycling on sustainable energy.
- Will AI make humans extinct? | Yoshua Bengio
Computer scientist Yoshua Bengio discusses his concerns regarding the development of artificial intelligence and the potential risks of AI models gaining autonomy. He presents a plan focused on maintaining safety and human control over the…
- Is AI your next hire? | Fixable
In this episode, Anne and Frances discuss how to manage an overloaded sales team. They explore strategies for simplifying workflows, including the use of AI to increase capacity and navigate organizational change.
- Why AI is our ultimate test and greatest invitation | Tristan Harris
Tristan Harris discusses the risks of reckless artificial intelligence development and proposes a path forward that integrates responsibility and foresight. Host Sherrell explores the importance of slowing AI development and the efforts of…
- Are we cooked? How social media shapes your language | Adam Aleksic
Linguist Adam Aleksic discusses the origins and rapid spread of Gen Z slang influenced by social media algorithms. The episode examines how these linguistic shifts impact the way individuals perceive their identities.
- The best way to lower Earth’s temperature — fast | Daniel Zavala-Araiza
Chemical engineer Daniel Zavala-Araiza discusses the impact of methane on climate change and identifies technologies and policies that could help reduce its emissions. The episode also explores global efforts to hold the oil and gas indust…
- Are we still human if robots help raise our babies? | Sarah Blaffer Hrdy (Kelly Corrigan takeover)
Evolutionary anthropologist Sarah Blaffer Hrdy discusses the impact of shared childcare and community on the human brain and explores how reliance on robots for childcare might affect human empathy.
- Can AI companions help heal loneliness? | Eugenia Kuyda
Eugenia Kuyda, creator of the AI companion app Replika, discusses the potential impact of AI-based friendship on loneliness. She explores how these technologies can be designed to prioritize human well-being and connection rather than enga…
- Why are we sending critical metals to the dump? | Jeff More
Mining expert Jeff More discusses the potential copper shortage threatening the clean energy transition. He explores how new sensing technology could reduce mining waste and help meet the global demand for critical metals.
- Information Inoculation: Defending Against Medical Myths: Why we need to fight misinformation about vaccines | TED Health
Ethan Lindenberger recounts his journey from avoiding vaccines to becoming a public advocate for vaccination and scientific truth after his Reddit post gained viral attention. Sociologist Dr. Jennifer Reich discusses the origins of vaccine…
- What a wolf’s howl can tell us about the future of AI | Jeffrey T. Reed
Linguist and software engineer Jeffrey T. Reed discusses his research with the Cry Wolf Project, exploring how AI can be used to analyze natural sounds like wolf howls and bird songs to better understand the environment.
- The best invention since sliced bread? | Rachel Yang
Rachel Yang discusses the use of heat batteries as a potential solution to reduce carbon emissions from industrial heat generation. She explains how this century-old technology can help manufacturers transition away from fossil fuels for p…