TED Radio Hour

Most U.S. cities are designed for cars. But one Arizona community has been designed to be completely car-free. Urban planner Jeff Speck says all cities can build more walkability into their designs.

Social norms vary dramatically from one culture to another — but why? Psychologist Michele Gelfand unpacks why societies and individuals develop either tight or loose attitudes toward rules.

Our infrastructure is usually invisible. Not any more. Engineer Deb Chachra explains how climate change is forcing a global reimagining of neglected infrastructure systems.

Developing new medications can take years. But computational biologist Aviv Regev says AI-powered cell mapping is transforming the process—helping to create life-saving drugs in much less time.

Much of our identities are constructed in our minds. Science writer Anil Ananthaswamy explores how disorders like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's can dramatically alter that sense of self.

Women have faced pressure to keep up with evolving beauty ideals for millenia. But today, journalist Elise Hu says cosmetic surgery and AI are reshaping our perception of beauty more than ever.

Portrait photographer David Suh says confidence always comes through on camera. Instead of pushing canned poses, Suh asks clients to dance and move to help them feel present in their bodies.

Psychologist Dolly Chugh says many of us see ourselves as good people, but that idea holds us back from actually trying to be a better person. Instead, she suggests aiming for "good-ish"—open to growth and learning.

After her father's death, Laurel Braitman chased success as a way to suppress her grief. But she eventually learned that running from pain prevented her from experiencing joy.

Astrophysicist Avi Loeb is on a mission to prove aliens exist. His peers say he's chasing sensationalism. He reflects on his status as an academic pariah and whether controversial ideas can coexist.