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https://www.ted.com/talks/charlie_puth_you_and_i_attention

Singer-songwriter Charlie Puth dazzles in a performance of his effortlessly catchy hit "Attention" and an impeccable cover of Stevie Wonder's "You and I", live from the TED Countdown stage.

https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_walker_4_ways_the_covid_19_pandemic_changed_the_way_we_sleep

Have you been having weird dreams lately? For many people, that's just one of the ways the COVID-19 pandemic has altered their sleeping habits, says sleep scientist Matt Walker. From when to how much to how well we're sleeping, this pandemic may have shaken up bedtime for good.

https://www.ted.com/talks/jamil_zaki_how_to_escape_the_cynicism_trap

Some days, it's hard to be optimistic. But cynicism -- the idea that people are inherently selfish, greedy and dishonest -- is making humanity lonelier and more divided, says psychologist Jamil Zaki. Presenting fascinating research on cooperation, empathy and trust, Zaki makes the scientific case for optimism and shows us how to break out of the cynicism trap.

https://www.ted.com/talks/american_family_insurance_one_company_at_a_time

Diversity pragmatist Janet M. Stovall shares how we can foster a more diverse and inclusive work culture that empowers unique perspectives.

https://www.ted.com/talks/pardis_parker_i_m_tired_of_people_telling_me_to_grind

In an uproarious stand-up set, comedian Pardis Parker rails against a central tenet of modern culture: the "grind."

https://www.ted.com/talks/brittany_k_barnett_the_creativity_innovation_and_ingenuity_languishing_in_us_prisons

The freedom journey doesn't end when someone is released from prison. In many ways, it begins. Attorney and entrepreneur Brittany K. Barnett fights to free people from prison and champions restoring and nurturing the creative ingenuity of justice-impacted people. She shares stories of the innovation languishing in America's prisons -- and a vision for investing in people whose unjust sentences interrupted their dreams to bring great things to the world.

https://www.ted.com/talks/li_huei_tsai_could_we_treat_alzheimer_s_with_light_and_sound

What if we could use brain waves to treat Alzheimer's? Professor and neuroscientist Li-Huei Tsai details a promising new approach to artificially stimulate gamma brain waves using light and sound therapy, to increase connectivity and synchrony and delay the onset of this deadly disease. This non-invasive therapy has already been shown to work in mice -- now it's on to human clinical trials, with the potential to usher in a brighter future for everyone. (Followed by a Q&A with head of TED Chris Anderson)

https://www.ted.com/talks/iseult_gillespie_the_myth_of_loki_s_monstrous_children

Odin, the king of Asgard, was plagued by nightmares. Three fearsome figures haunted his dreams: a massive, writhing shadow; a shambling, rotting corpse; and worst of all, a monstrous beast with a deadly bite. Though their true forms were unknown to him, he could tell they were related to Asgard's most persistent problem: Loki. Iseult Gillespie details the myth of Loki's secret children. [Directed by Layron DeJarnette, Gumboyo, narrated by Susan Zimmerman, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio].

https://www.ted.com/talks/alex_gendler_blood_concrete_and_dynamite_building_the_hoover_dam

In the early 20th century, the US had expanded from coast to coast, but many cities in the southwest still lacked reliable water sources. The Colorado River's erratic flow and frequent floods made it unreliable for agriculture, and the region's growing cities needed more energy. So the government decided to build a massive hydroelectric dam. Alex Gendler details the creation of the Hoover Dam. [Directed Jovan Rakic, Artrake Studio, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Nikola Radivojevic].

https://www.ted.com/talks/candace_parker_how_to_break_down_barriers_and_not_accept_limits

What can't Candace Parker do? A two-time NCAA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time WNBA champion, Parker knows what it takes to fight for your dreams. In this inspiring talk, she shares what she's learned during a career spent not accepting limits -- and how her daughter taught her the best lesson of all. "Barrier breaking is about not staying in your lane and not being something that the world expects you to be," she says. "It's about not accepting limitations."

https://www.ted.com/talks/dustin_burke_how_to_fix_broken_supply_chains

Supply chain challenges are real, but they're not new, says global trade expert Dustin Burke. In the face of disruptions ranging from natural disasters to pandemics, how do we make sure supply chains can keep up? Burke offers a combination of solutions -- from companies sharing risk to better forecasting disruptions -- to help create a more resilient, efficient tomorrow.

https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_aaker_and_naomi_bagdonas_why_great_leaders_take_humor_seriously

There's a mistaken belief in today's working world that leaders need to be serious all the time to be taken seriously. The research tells a different story. Based on the course they teach at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, behavioral scientist Jennifer Aaker and corporate strategist Naomi Bagdonas delve into the surprising power of humor: why it's a secret weapon to build bonds, power, creativity and resilience -- and how we can all have more of it.

https://www.ted.com/talks/carlos_m_duarte_the_unexpected_underwater_plant_fighting_climate_change

Once considered the ugly duckling of environmental conservation, seagrass is emerging as a powerful tool for climate action. From drawing down carbon to filtering plastic pollution, marine scientist Carlos M. Duarte details the incredible things this oceanic hero does for our planet -- and shows ingenious ways he and his team are protecting and rebuilding marine life.

https://www.ted.com/talks/iseult_gillespie_the_tragic_myth_of_the_sun_god_s_son

Every morning, Helios unleashed his golden chariot, and set out across the sky. As the Sun God transformed dawn into day, he thought of his son, Phaethon, below. To prove to Phaethon that he was truly his father, Helios decided to grant him anything he wanted. Unfortunately, what Phaethon wanted was to drive Helios' chariot for a day. Iseult Gillespie shares the tragic myth of the charioteer. [Directed by Raghav Arumugam and Jagriti Khirwar, narrated by Susan Zimmerman, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio].

https://www.ted.com/talks/marie_brodsky_can_you_solve_the_birthday_cake_riddle

Your friend's birthday is tomorrow, and he's turning... well... you've forgotten. A ginormous cake has been prepared and your job is to sculpt his age as the chocolate centerpiece. The birthday boy is a giant, and you're afraid that if your forgetfulness becomes known, you'll become part of the feast. Can you figure out your friend's age before the party? Marie Brodsky shows how. [Directed by Igor Coric, Artrake Studio, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Cem Misirlioglu].

https://www.ted.com/talks/ann_helen_bay_why_is_it_so_hard_to_escape_poverty

Imagine that you've been unemployed for months. Government benefit programs have helped you cover your expenses, but you're barely getting by. Finally, you receive a paycheck— but there's a catch. Your new job pays enough to disqualify you from benefit programs, but not enough to cover your costs. So how do we design benefit programs that don't penalize you for working? Ann-Helén Bay investigates. [Directed by Avi Ofer, narrated by Christina Greer, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio].

https://www.ted.com/talks/american_family_insurance_human_centered_justice

Former judge Victoria Pratt advocates for public policy change towards a more equitable and humane justice system.

https://www.ted.com/talks/reuben_jonathan_miller_how_radical_hospitality_can_change_the_lives_of_the_formerly_incarcerated

For the nearly 20 million Americans with a felony record, punishment doesn't end after their prison sentence. Sociologist Reuben Jonathan Miller sheds light on the aftershocks of mass incarceration through the stories of people who've lived it, left it and still have to grapple with punishing policies after their release. A challenge to rethink the criminal justice system in the US -- and make a place in society for all people, even those who've done harm.

https://www.ted.com/talks/jenny_scheinman_with_nels_cline_and_todd_sickafoose_a_ride_with_polly_jean_ali_farka_touche

Settle in for a jazzy, transportive set by Jenny Scheinman with Nels Cline and Todd Sickafoose, performing "A Ride With Polly Jean" and "Ali Farka Touche."

https://www.ted.com/talks/rob_wang_on_masculinity_and_mental_health

What makes suicide one of the more common causes of death among young American men? Entrepreneur Rob Wang draws on his own experience of suicidal depression to explain how misguided notions of masculinity affected his mental health and describes his approach to helping other men in similar situations.

https://www.ted.com/talks/axel_reinaud_how_biochar_removes_co2_from_the_air_and_helps_farmers_thrive

Biochar is a kind of charcoal that removes CO2 from the atmosphere, helping yield healthy crops and even producing abundant renewable energy in the form of electricity as it's made. This exciting climate change fighter is ready for scaling now. Entrepreneur Axel Reinaud outlines three ways to make this material more accessible to farmers -- so that our food system, energy grid and the climate can all reap the benefits.

https://www.ted.com/talks/warren_valdmanis_what_makes_a_job_good_and_the_case_for_investing_in_people

Businesses need to stop cutting labor costs and start investing in people, says social impact investor Warren Valdmanis. In this perspective-shifting talk, he breaks down the essential ingredients of a "good" job -- which is more than just the size of a paycheck -- and shares why they're key to building great companies.

https://www.ted.com/talks/bjorn_otto_sverdrup_how_to_realistically_decarbonize_the_oil_and_gas_industry

Bjørn Otto Sverdrup leads the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), which gathers the CEOs of twelve of the world's largest oil and gas companies around an ambitious goal: to get one of the sectors contributing most to climate change to drastically lower their own carbon emissions. He describes a possible path for the industry to pivot to net-zero operations, reimagining the role it could play in helping decarbonize the economy and changing how we consume energy -- and he calls for setting a price on carbon. (Followed by a Q&A with Countdown cofounder Lindsay Levin)

https://www.ted.com/talks/emma_bryce_why_do_cats_have_vertical_pupils

Peering into the eyes of different animals, you'll see some extraordinarily shaped pupils. House cats, for one, are twilight hunters with vertically elongated pupils. Many grazing animals, like goats, have rectangular pupils. Other animals have crescent- or heart-shaped pupils. So, what's going on? Why are there so many different pupil shapes? Emma Bryce digs into the science of animal vision. [Directed by Bálint Gelley, CUB Animation Ltd, narrated by Alexandra Panzer, music by József Iszlai].

https://www.ted.com/talks/sheila_marie_orfano_and_densho_can_stereotypes_ever_be_good

In 2007, researchers surveyed 180 teachers to understand if they held stereotypes about their students. The most commonly held opinion was that Asian students were significantly more industrious, intelligent, and gentle. This might seem like a good thing, but treating this stereotype as reality can cause a surprising amount of harm. Densho and Sheila Marie Orfano dig into the model minority myth. [Directed by Léon Moh-Cah, narrated by Pen-Pen Chen, music by Stephen LaRosa].

https://www.ted.com/talks/gowri_shankar_a_king_cobra_bite_and_a_scientific_discovery

A king cobra has enough venom to kill 10 people in a single bite. Recounting his near-death experience after being bitten by one of these majestic yet deadly snakes, conservationist and TED Fellow Gowri Shankar shares the epiphany he had when the antivenom failed: there's more than one unique species of king cobra.

https://www.ted.com/talks/nkosilathi_nyathi_a_next_generation_solution_to_the_climate_crisis

The climate crisis has been largely caused by irresponsible adults in developed countries, but it's the children of developing nations -- like Zimbabwean environmental activist Nkosilathi Nyathi -- that suffer from the most disastrous consequences. In a world where climate catastrophe feels almost unstoppable, we must involve everyone in finding solutions -- especially young people, who have the most at stake. "My generation has more to offer than ever before," Nyathi says. "We live climate change in a way our parents' generation did not."

https://www.ted.com/talks/adam_clulow_how_one_of_the_most_profitable_companies_in_history_rose_to_power

During the 17th century, the Dutch East India Company cornered the booming spice market and pioneered trade routes between Asia and Europe. It is widely considered the most profitable corporation ever created. But such success came with an overwhelming cost in human life. Adam Clulow sheds light on the Dutch East India Company's invasion and genocide of Indonesia's Banda Islands. [Directed by Hernando Bahamon, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Manuel Borda].

https://www.ted.com/talks/sister_true_dedication_3_questions_to_build_resilience_and_change_the_world

Every moment of movement is a chance to become more aware of yourself and the world around you, says Zen Buddhist nun Sister True Dedication. Guiding us through the art of "mindful walking," she shares three essential questions to ask yourself to awaken your strength, build resilience and discover your inner peace.

https://www.ted.com/talks/virginia_smith_how_we_could_better_predict_and_stop_floods

From village to metropolis, global flooding is on the rise, and traditional approaches to managing the swells won't cut it, says water resource engineer Virginia Smith. Giving an overview of the dynamic shift needed to stymie the flow of future storm waters, she explains how each of us can help ensure a sustainable future despite the rising tides.

https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_walker_how_sleep_affects_what_and_how_much_you_eat

Did you know that not getting enough sleep can actually make you hungrier? According to sleep scientist Matt Walker, the relationship between what you eat and your sleep is a two-way street. Here's why understanding it can help improve your overall health.

https://www.ted.com/talks/sandrine_dixson_decleve_5_keys_to_shifting_to_a_well_being_economy_and_the_cost_of_inaction

In 1972, the Club of Rome, an organization of thought leaders from around the world, published their first "Limits to Growth" report, a foundational text warning the world of the consequences of human activity on the health of the planet. In conversation with TED global curator Bruno Giussani, co-president of the Club of Rome Sandrine Dixson-Declѐve shares what we've learned in the 50 years since -- and discusses the launch of Earth4All: an initiative aimed at focusing on five key areas that could enable humanity and the planet to thrive.

https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_walker_what_is_melatonin_and_should_you_take_it_to_fall_asleep

Melatonin is the hormone that tells our brains and bodies it's time to sleep. But if you think melatonin supplements will significantly improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, you may have been misled. Sleep scientist Matt Walker shares how this "hormone of darkness" really works.

https://www.ted.com/talks/joan_as_police_woman_your_song_real_life

Joan As Police Woman performs a gorgeous, tender version of "Your Song" and "Real Life."

https://www.ted.com/talks/peachy_liv_how_to_protect_your_mental_well_being_online_from_a_gen_zer

Whether you have one follower or a million, we've all witnessed nastiness and hate speech on social media. YouTube content creator and mental well-being motivator Peachy Liv advocates for a kinder, more respectful digital world -- and urges us all to reflect before we share our thoughts online. Hear her tips for dealing with cyberbullying and personal insights on how we can all make the internet a safer place.

https://www.ted.com/talks/shabana_basij_rasikh_the_dream_of_educating_afghan_girls_lives_on

In this deeply moving talk, educator Shabana Basij-Rasikh shares the harrowing story of evacuating more than 250 students, staff and family members from the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA) -- the country's first and only all-girls boarding school -- to Rwanda after the Taliban took power in 2021. An exceptional story of hope, resilience and dreaming big for future generations of Afghan girls -- and a challenge for the world to not look away.

https://www.ted.com/talks/dawn_lippert_community_investment_is_the_missing_piece_of_climate_action

There's been explosive investment in new technologies aimed at decarbonizing the planet. But climate investor Dawn Lippert says something key is missing from this strategy: investment in the local people these solutions would affect most. She shares how she's bridging the gap between investment in new tech and local communities -- by getting closer to the places where ideas are being put into action.

https://www.ted.com/talks/kathryn_kolbert_the_end_of_roe_v_wade_and_what_comes_next_for_reproductive_freedom

Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision protecting people's right to have an abortion in the United States, will be overturned within a year, says reproductive rights attorney Kathryn Kolbert. In this electrifying call to action, she breaks down the systematic attack against reproductive freedom in the US and envisions what a post-Roe world could look like. "First, we've got to build a badass social justice movement," she says. (This talk was recorded December 3, 2021)

https://www.ted.com/talks/eric_hinterman_how_going_to_mars_improves_life_on_earth

Memory foam, air purifiers, scratch-resistant lenses: these are just a few of the everyday items originally developed for space missions. Aerospace engineer Eric Hinterman invites us to dream big and imagine what technological advancements could come next, explaining why establishing a human presence on Mars is a big step for life on Earth -- and a giant leap toward becoming a space-faring species.

https://www.ted.com/talks/vishaan_chakrabarti_a_vision_of_sustainable_housing_for_all_of_humanity

By 2100, the UN estimates that the world's population will grow to just over 11 billion people. Architect Vishaan Chakrabarti wants us to start thinking about how we'll house all these people -- and how new construction can fight climate change rather than make it worse. In this visionary talk, Chakrabarti proposes a "Goldilocks" solution to sustainable housing that exists in the sweet spot between single-family homes and towering skyscrapers.

https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_velkovski_the_life_changing_power_of_assistive_technologies

"This chair is my legs -- this chair is my life," says accessibility champion Jane Velkovski, who uses a wheelchair after being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). With clarity and poise, he shares how his first motorized wheelchair empowered him with independence and ability -- and why assistive technology should be available to anyone who needs it. "Freedom of movement, no matter on legs or on wheels, is a human right," he says.

https://www.ted.com/talks/madhavi_venkatesan_the_life_cycle_of_a_pair_of_jeans

The first pairs of jeans were designed for durability; denim was constructed as a sturdy weave worn by sailors and miners. But over the course of the 20th century, as the demand for jeans has gone up, their durability has gone down. Today, most pairs last no longer than a year. And each new pair you buy has a much higher cost than you might think. Madhavi Venkatesan traces the life cycle of jeans. [Directed by Sofia Pashaei, narrated by Pen-Pen Chen, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio].

https://www.ted.com/talks/nyra_jordan_4_steps_to_hiring_fairly_and_supporting_criminal_justice_reform

Many companies have made strides when it comes to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), but one group remains largely left out: people who have been involved in the criminal justice system. Social impact investor Nyra Jordan introduces us to "fair chance hiring" -- the practice of hiring people with criminal justice records -- and shares four steps companies can take to make sure everyone has a shot at getting a job.

https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_b_nuzzo_3_ways_to_prepare_society_for_the_next_pandemic

What if we treated the risk of pandemics the same way we treat the risk of fires? In this eye-opening talk, infectious disease epidemiologist Jennifer B. Nuzzo unpacks how the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 sparked a cultural shift in how we defend against fires -- and explains why pandemics demand the same sort of reaction. She breaks down the data we need to gather when facing possible danger, the drills we need to ready ourselves and the defenses that could keep future threats at bay -- so next time, we're prepared.

https://www.ted.com/talks/fabio_pacucci_yes_scientists_are_actually_building_an_elevator_to_space

Sending rockets into space requires sacrificing expensive equipment, burning massive amounts of fuel, and risking potential catastrophe. So in the space race of the 21st century, some engineers are abandoning rockets for something more exciting: elevators. What would it take to build such a structure? Fabio Pacucci explores the physics behind modern space elevators. [Directed by Tjoff Koong Studios, narrated by Addison Anderson].

https://www.ted.com/talks/ned_blackhawk_and_jeffrey_d_means_the_dark_history_of_mount_rushmore

Between 1927 and 1941, workers blasted 450,000 tons of rock from a mountainside using chisels, jackhammers, and dynamite. Gradually, they carved out Mount Rushmore. Today, the monument draws nearly 3 million people to South Dakota's Black Hills every year. But its façade belies a dark history. Ned Blackhawk and Jeffrey D. Means explore the destruction of the sacred Six Grandfathers Mountain. [Directed Anton Bogaty, narrated by Jake Hart, music by Cem Misirlioglu and Greg Chudzik].

https://www.ted.com/talks/valerie_june_astral_plane

Singer-songwriter Valerie June delivers an uplifting, ethereal performance of "Astral Plane" as part of TED's Countdown Global Livestream on October 30, 2021.

https://www.ted.com/talks/karen_lellouche_tordjman_siri_alexa_google_what_comes_next

From Siri to Alexa to Google, virtual assistants already permeate our lives. What will the next generation of these digital helpers look and sound like? Customer experience professional Karen Lellouche Tordjman gives us a glimpse of where they're headed -- and breaks down the two key challenges engineers need to crack in order to usher in a new age of truly smart voice assistants.

https://www.ted.com/talks/halla_tomasdottir_use_your_voice_vote_and_wallet_for_climate_action

Recently back from the COP26 UN climate conference in Scotland, former Icelandic presidential candidate Halla Tómasdóttir sums up the outcomes of the gathering, the progress she saw and the work that's left to be done this way: "The most difficult work of our lifetimes has to happen in the next few years." In conversation with TEDWomen curator Pat Mitchell, Tómasdóttir urges us all to recognize our power and to use our voice, vote and wallet to catalyze meaningful climate action.

https://www.ted.com/talks/makhtoum_abdalla_education_is_a_fundamental_right_for_every_child

For children growing up in refugee camps, education is a powerful tool of liberation. In this inspiring talk, Makhtoum Abdalla, displaced as a child in Sudan and now living with his family in the Otash camp in Darfur, shares his biggest dream: to ensure all children are educated and taught the skills needed to become "captains of their destiny."

https://www.ted.com/talks/tom_osborn_a_new_way_to_help_young_people_with_their_mental_health

TED Fellow Tom Osborn wants more young people to have access to the mental health support they need. With the Shamiri Institute, he and his team are training 18- to 22-year-olds to deliver evidence-based mental health care to their peers in Kenya -- which has only two psychiatrists for every million people. Hear how their community-first, youth-oriented model could become a template to help kids across the world lead successful, independent lives.

https://www.ted.com/talks/jim_hagemann_snabe_dreams_and_details_for_a_decarbonized_future

As chairman of the world's largest maritime shipping company, Jim Hagemann Snabe thinks a lot about how goods get where they need to go and the impact their journey has on the planet. Leading the effort to decarbonize shipping by 2050, he shares a plan to convert green electricity into green liquid fuel to power vessels in a process called "power-to-X" -- and urges global leaders to join the voyage towards an innovative, sustainable and fast-approaching future.

https://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_zion_the_need_for_family_reunification_to_make_families_whole_again

"I want all families to be made whole, to be reunified, to be together -- as is our right," says writer, poet and student Elizabeth Zion. In this profoundly moving talk, Zion shares the impacts of family separation, including her personal struggles with homelessness and poverty -- and points a way toward moral and just policies that recognize the human rights of migrant families.

https://www.ted.com/talks/francisca_mutapi_africans_should_lead_on_health_care_solutions_for_africa

TED Fellow and global health researcher Francisca Mutapi discusses how COVID-19 responses borrowed from the West created significant obstacles for other public health programs in Africa -- and makes the case for the continent to chart out its own health care policies. "The solutions to Africa's health problems must be home-grown and must be led by Africans," she says.

https://www.ted.com/talks/maria_van_kerkhove_how_to_end_the_pandemic_and_prepare_for_the_next

We will get out of this pandemic, says Maria Van Kerkhove, the COVID-19 Technical Lead of the World Health Organization (WHO). The question is how fast -- and if we'll take what we've learned from the past two years and apply it to the next emerging pathogen. In conversation with TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers, Van Kerkhove provides insights on the Omicron variant, details a pandemic preparedness protocol under development at WHO and shares what we all can do to bring the pandemic to a speedy end. "Remain vigilant," Van Kerkhove says. "Everything you do ... will either get us closer to ending this pandemic -- or it will prolong it." (This conversation was recorded on December 3, 2021.)

https://www.ted.com/talks/james_rhee_the_value_of_kindness_at_work

Kindness can go a long way when it comes to reshaping a business. Having saved a fashion company from the brink of bankruptcy, entrepreneur James Rhee shares the value of investing in a culture of compassion at work -- and shows why we should all lead with our hearts.

https://www.ted.com/talks/adrian_k_haugabrook_3_ways_to_lower_the_barriers_to_higher_education

Less than seven percent of people worldwide have a bachelor's degree -- and for many, this is simply because the cost of university is too high, says higher education executive Adrian K. Haugabrook. In this barrier-breaking talk, he introduces an innovative approach to expanding access to higher education by driving down costs and rethinking three key things: time, place and how we learn.

https://www.ted.com/talks/steve_rothstein_would_you_raise_the_bird_that_murdered_your_children

A mother honeyguide has placed its chick into a bee-eater's nest— puncturing all the other eggs in the nest and leaving only its own hatching alive. Over the following weeks, the host parents devotedly care for the hatchling whose mother murdered their offspring. This is brood parasitism, a phenomenon which is especially well-known among birds. Steve Rothstein digs into the evolutionary strategy. [Directed by Mauricio Bueno, Lucy Animation Studio, narrated by Jack Cutmore-Scott, music by Adam Alexander and Gavin Dodds].

https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_walker_how_to_deal_with_your_insomnia_and_finally_get_to_sleep

Having trouble falling asleep -- or staying asleep? Alcohol, sleeping pills or drugs like cannabis may help you in the short term, but they're only a quick fix, says sleep scientist Matt Walker. There is, however, one proven way to treat your insomnia and help you get the zzz's you need.

https://www.ted.com/talks/christina_costa_how_gratitude_rewires_your_brain

When a psychologist who studies well-being ends up with a brain tumor, what happens when she puts her own research into practice? Christina Costa goes beyond the "fight" narrative of cancer -- or any formidable personal journey -- to highlight the brain benefits of an empowering alternative to fostering resilience in the face of unexpected challenges: gratitude.

https://www.ted.com/talks/rainn_wilson_can_climate_change_ever_be_funny_17_comedians_try_to_answer

There's nothing funny about climate change, but Rainn Wilson and 16 of his friends give it their best shot. (Featuring Mayim Bialik, Retta, Conan O'Brien, Randall Park, Maria Bamford, Chris Gethard, Tig Notaro, Al Madrigal, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Larry Wilmore, Ed Helms, Nick Kroll, Margaret Cho, Maz Jobrani, Omid Djalili and Aisha Tyler. Directed and produced by Ben Shelton and Rainn Wilson.)

https://www.ted.com/talks/naima_penniman_being_human

In this stunning spoken-word performance, poet and "freedom-forging futurist" Naima Penniman celebrates the wonders of the natural world and humanity's connection to it. "I wonder if the sun debates dawn some mornings," she says.

https://www.ted.com/talks/gavin_mccormick_tracking_the_whole_world_s_carbon_emissions_with_satellites_and_ai

What we know today about global greenhouse gas emissions is mostly self-reported by countries, and those numbers (sometimes tallied manually on paper!) are often inaccurate and prone to manipulation. If we really want to get serious about fighting climate change, we need a way to track carbon pollution in real-time and identify the worst culprits, says high-tech environmental activist Gavin McCormick. Enter Climate TRACE: a coalition of scientists, activists and tech companies using satellite imagery, big data and AI to monitor and transparently report on all of the world's emissions as they happen -- and speed up meaningful climate action. A powerful, free, global tool to match the scale of a civilization-threatening crisis.

https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_walker_why_better_sleep_means_a_better_sex_life

Want a healthier love life? Get better sleep, says sleep scientist Matt Walker. In this episode, he explains how getting more quality shut-eye can boost fertility and vitality -- plus how sex can even improve your sleep.

https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_walker_are_naps_actually_good_for_us

Afternoon naps are refreshing -- but could they be messing up our sleep cycles? Sleep scientist Matt Walker reveals the pros and cons of napping, plus tips on how to get the most out of your next short snooze.

https://www.ted.com/talks/john_doerr_and_ryan_panchadsaram_an_action_plan_for_solving_the_climate_crisis

"How much more damage do we have to endure before we realize that it's cheaper to save this planet than to ruin it?" asks engineer and investor John Doerr. In conversation with Countdown cofounder Lindsay Levin, Doerr and systems innovator Ryan Panchadsaram lay out six big objectives that -- if pursued with speed and scale -- could transform society and get us to net-zero emissions by 2050. An action plan to solve the world's climate crisis, backed up by a proven system for setting goals for success.

https://www.ted.com/talks/nili_gilbert_the_crucial_intersection_of_climate_and_capital

The financial sector often talks of decarbonizing investment portfolios as a way to fight climate change. But portfolios can be "cleaned" without having any real impact on the problem, says investment expert Nili Gilbert. Bringing science to finance, she unpacks how investors can actually help decarbonize the world -- a costly endeavor, estimated at three to five trillion dollars per year between now and 2050 -- and ensure the climate transition is just, global and interconnected. "Changing the markets can be a way to change the world," she says.

https://www.ted.com/talks/farwiza_farhan_the_powerful_women_on_the_front_lines_of_climate_action

When it comes to big problems like climate change, we tend to focus on big solutions -- but many of the best ideas come from people on the ground, facing day-to-day conservation battles. Sharing her effort to protect the Leseur ecosystem in Indonesia (the last place on Earth where the Sumatran rhino, tiger, elephant and orangutan still roam together in the wild), TED Fellow and conservationist Farwiza Farhan explains the challenges women face on the front lines of forest preservation within patriarchal societies -- and the resilient, world-changing power they hold.

https://www.ted.com/talks/mona_chalabi_how_did_we_get_fertility_so_wrong

When it comes to making a baby, we know it takes two to tango. So why do the pressures of fertility often fall on only one half of the equation? In this video, data journalist Mona Chalabi examines some of the big misconceptions around fertility, shares significant blind spots in the data, and reveals why we need more research on sperm. Want to hear more from Mona? Check out her podcast Am I Normal? with Mona Chalabi, from the TED Audio Collective.

https://www.ted.com/talks/ruchi_sinha_3_steps_to_getting_what_you_want_in_a_negotiation

We negotiate all the time at work -- for raises, promotions, time off -- and we usually go into it like it's a battle. But it's not about dominating, says organizational psychologist Ruchi Sinha. It's about crafting a relationship, understanding your needs and the other person's. Her three key steps will help you master this essential skill.

https://www.ted.com/talks/larry_irvin_a_program_to_empower_black_teachers_in_the_us

TED Fellow and education innovator Larry Irvin envisions a world where every child can see themselves reflected in their teachers. With his team at Brothers Empowered to Teach, Irvin is providing pathways to careers in education for Black men, who currently make up less than three percent of all teachers in the US -- offering training, personal and professional development and job placement. He shares how their holistic, people-centered approach is changing education.

https://www.ted.com/talks/nemonte_nenquimo_the_forest_is_our_teacher_it_s_time_to_respect_it

For thousands of years, the Amazon rainforest has provided food, water and spiritual connection for its Indigenous inhabitants and the world. But the endless extraction of its natural resources by oil companies and others is destroying the lives of those who live there, says Waorani leader Nemonte Nenquimo, and threatening the overall stability of Earth's biosphere. In this powerful talk, she reminds us of the destruction that continues to happen to the world's largest tropical rainforest -- and demands respect for Mother Nature. "The forest is our teacher," she says. (Filmed in Ecuador by director Tom Laffay and associate producer Emily Wright, in collaboration with Amazon Frontlines. In Spanish with subtitles.)

https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_walsh_the_rise_of_predatory_scams_and_how_to_prevent_them

Questionable phone calls, concerning emails, heart-rending stories from a sudden new friend in need of endless financial support: elder abuse can take many forms, says lawyer Jane Walsh. And as technology becomes more sophisticated, susceptibility to tricks and scams will increase -- no matter a person's age or intellect. Walsh spotlights the rise of this predatory crime, why it goes undetected and how you can protect your loved ones' kindness, dignity and self-respect from being manipulated.

https://www.ted.com/talks/mona_chalabi_which_box_do_i_check

How we identify makes a difference in our lived experiences, but it's not always reflected in the checkboxes we see on forms. In this episode, Mona Chalabi explores why language matters in data collection, and why the categories we use should reflect who we really are. Want to hear more from Mona? Check out her podcast Am I Normal? with Mona Chalabi, from the TED Audio Collective.

https://www.ted.com/talks/aicha_evans_your_self_driving_robotaxi_is_almost_here

We've been hearing about self-driving cars for years, but autonomous vehicle entrepreneur Aicha Evans thinks we need to dream more daringly. In this exciting talk, she introduces us to robotaxis: fully autonomous, eco-friendly shuttles that would take you from place to place and take up less space on the streets than personal cars. Learn how this new technology works -- and what a future where we hail robotaxis would look like.

https://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sarno_the_many_reasons_to_eat_a_plant_based_diet

Vegan chef (and head chef of TED Countdown Summit) Derek Sarno is on a mission to unleash the mighty power of plants, creating nutritious food from mushrooms and vegetables that's full of texture and flavor -- and good for the planet. He dishes out some creative cooking inspiration and shares how his personal journey led him to create amazing food that avoids animal suffering.

https://www.ted.com/talks/nicola_sturgeon_how_small_countries_can_make_a_big_impact_on_climate_change

When it comes to tackling climate change, the size of a country doesn't matter -- it's their ambition that counts, says First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon. In a rousing talk, she shares examples of small nations -- from Bhutan and Fiji to her own Scotland -- whose leadership and climate action are galvanizing change on the international stage. (Followed by a brief Q&A with TED's global curator Bruno Giussani about the Cambo oil field project)

https://www.ted.com/talks/al_roker_al_gore_david_biello_and_latif_nasser_the_science_of_extreme_weather_and_how_to_reduce_the_harm

Floods, droughts, heat waves and cold blasts -- why is the weather becoming more extreme? Environmentalist and "America's weatherman" Al Roker discusses the link between climate change and disruptions to weather patterns worldwide, followed by a conversation between Nobel laureate Al Gore and TED science curator David Biello about the science of extreme weather and emerging solutions to reduce the risk of these events. (This segment, introduced by radio researcher Latif Nasser, was part of TED's Countdown Global Livestream on October 30, 2021.)

https://www.ted.com/talks/chibeze_ezekiel_a_vision_for_sustainable_energy_in_africa

Africa needs new energy sources to fuel its development, but the continent should invest in renewable energy instead of cheap, polluting alternatives like coal, says climate inclusion activist Chibeze Ezekiel. He tells the story of how he worked with local communities in Ghana to halt the construction of the country's first coal power plant -- and encouraged the government to prioritize investments in renewable energy instead. "Development and clean, breathable air should not be mutually exclusive," Ezekiel says.

https://www.ted.com/talks/jodie_houlston_lau_how_to_make_a_sad_story_funny

It may seem counterintuitive, but comedy is often key to a serious story. As a writer, you need your audience to experience a range of emotions, no matter what your genre. Comic relief is a tried-and-true way of creating the varied emotional texture a compelling story needs. So how can you create this effect in your own stories? Jodie Houlston-Lau shares some tips for lightening the mood. [Directed by Joe Taylor, narrated by Alexandra Panzer, music by Jarrett Farkas].

https://www.ted.com/talks/joshua_chu_tan_the_science_of_preserving_sight

As you get older, your eyes worsen and become susceptible to a disease called age-related macular degeneration -- the leading cause of blindness, with no cure in sight. Sharing the science of how your vision works, researcher Joshua Chu-Tan offers breakthrough insights on a lesser-known RNA that could change the treatment for this disease, preserving the gift of sight for longer and improving the quality of life for millions of people.

https://www.ted.com/talks/anil_seth_how_your_brain_invents_your_self

Who are you, really? Neuroscientist Anil Seth lays out his fascinating new theory of consciousness and self, centered on the notion that we "predict" the world into existence. From sleep to memory and everything in between, Seth explores the reality we experience in our brains -- versus the world as it objectively might be. (This talk and conversation, hosted by TED science curator David Biello, was part of a TED Membership event. Visit ted.com/membership to become a TED Member.)

https://www.ted.com/talks/lucas_c_majure_nature_s_fortress_how_cacti_keep_water_in_and_predators_out

If you were a jackrabbit in the desert, you'd be glad to stumble across a cactus: the flesh of these plants is a water source for many animals. Known for their spines and succulent stems, cacti of all shapes and sizes have evolved to not just survive, but thrive, in some of the harshest desert climates on Earth. So how do they do it? Lucas C. Majure shares the prickly plant's unique adaptations. [Directed by Joseph Clark, Oh Studio, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio].

https://www.ted.com/talks/mona_chalabi_is_it_really_that_bad_to_marry_my_cousin

There are things we accept as obvious truths that aren't necessarily backed up by data. A primary example: cousin marriage being taboo. In this episode, data journalist Mona Chalabi looks at the numbers behind our family trees to reveal that cousin marriage is much more common and much less "ick" than you might think. Want to hear more from Mona? Check out her podcast Am I Normal? with Mona Chalabi, from the TED Audio Collective.

https://www.ted.com/talks/children_of_palau_leave_only_footprints_that_will_wash_away

The people of Palau -- a pristine ocean state made up of more than 300 islands in the western Pacific -- warmly welcome travelers to their home every year. But the guests don't always know how to protect the country's beautiful beaches and coral atolls. Enter the Palau Pledge: an environmental pledge that's now part of visitors' visas, where they promise to "tread lightly, act kindly and explore mindfully" -- while respecting the country's culture and heritage. (Thanks to Jennifer Koskelin-Gibbons and Susan Kloulechad)

https://www.ted.com/talks/alayna_vaughan_why_do_some_people_snore_so_loudly

A leather mask that clamps the mouth shut. A cannonball sewn into a soldier's uniform. A machine that delivers sudden electrical pulses. These were all treatments for a problem that has haunted humanity for millennia: snoring. It might seem harmless, but snoring can be a sign of something more dangerous. So, what exactly causes snoring? Alayna Vaughan digs into the troublesome sleep disorder. [Directed by Rémi Cans, Boniato Studio, narrated by Pen-Pen Chen, music by Alain Girardot].

https://www.ted.com/talks/alex_rosenthal_can_you_solve_the_human_cannonball_riddle

They call you the human cannonball. Your act involves flying through rings of fire, bouncing through a trampoline course, and catching the trapezist in the grand finale. Today's pre-flight test fails dramatically, and upon inspection, your cannon has clearly been sabotaged. Unfortunately, it's too late to abort the launch. Can you fix it in time to catch the trapezist? Alex Rosenthal shows how. [Directed by Igor Coric, Artrake Studio, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Cem Misirlioglu, Greg Chudzik].

https://www.ted.com/talks/ilan_stavans_the_twins_who_tricked_the_maya_gods_of_death

One day, twin brothers Junajpu and Ixb'alanke discovered their father's hidden ballgame equipment and began to play. Hearing their vigorous game, the lords of the underworld sent a messenger to challenge the boys to a match. Despite the danger, the twins nevertheless answered the call, making the trek to the great city of Xibalba. Who would emerge victorious? Ilan Stavans shares the Maya myth. [Directed by Arvind Singh Jeena and Nikhita Prabhudesai, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Adam Alexander, Bamm Bamm Wolfgang].

https://www.ted.com/talks/jack_dangermond_an_ever_evolving_map_of_everything_on_earth

What if we had a map of ... everything? Jack Dangermond, a visionary behind the geographic information system (GIS) technology used to map and analyze all kinds of complex data, walks us through the interconnected technologies gathering information about every crack and corner of the Earth. Learn how this "living atlas" and "geospatial nervous system" can help us better understand our changing planet -- and let nature guide our actions towards a more sustainable future.

https://www.ted.com/talks/enric_sala_a_bold_plan_to_protect_30_percent_of_the_earth_s_surface_and_ocean_floor

As a diver in the 1970s, marine ecologist Enric Sala saw once-lush oceanscapes reduced to underwater deserts -- but later, in marine preserves across the globe, he also witnessed the ocean's power to rejuvenate itself when left to its own natural devices. Could rewilding the planet help us restore biodiversity and reduce the impacts of climate change? Sala presents the 30x30 initiative: a global plan to protect 30 percent of the Earth's surface and the ocean floor by 2030.

https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_walker_the_surprising_health_benefits_of_dreaming

When you fall asleep and start dreaming, you're actually doing very important work. According to sleep scientist Matt Walker, dreams act like a form of "overnight therapy." In fact, your dreams may even boost your ability to solve problems and process tough emotions that affect your waking life.

https://www.ted.com/talks/xiye_bastida_shiv_soin_and_latif_nasser_dear_world_leaders_these_are_our_climate_demands

Investing in green energy, holding large corporations accountable for their pollution, stopping pipeline and oil extraction initiatives -- these are non-negotiable actions to protect the planet, but they are still just the bare minimum, say climate activists Xiye Bastida and Shiv Soin. In conversation with radio researcher Latif Nasser, Bastida and Soin share their list of six crucial climate demands for world leaders -- and discuss how we all can get involved. (This segment was part of TED's Countdown Global Livestream on October 30, 2021.)

https://www.ted.com/talks/luka_seamus_wright_the_wild_sex_lives_of_marine_creatures

On a reef in the Pacific Ocean, 17,000 camouflage groupers dart about in the cloudy water. It is, in fact, an underwater orgy— turned feeding frenzy. An orgy might seem like a rather flamboyant way to breed, but sex in the sea is a surprisingly inventive affair. So what other sneaky escapades are happening under the sea? Luka Seamus Wright offers a peek beneath the ocean's covers. [Directed by Michelle O'Connell and Lisa Vertudaches, narrated by Jack Cutmore-Scott, music by Phil Brookes].

https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberose_back_on_my_feet

Fronted by vocalist and songwriter Kimberly Kitson-Mills, the French band Kimberose performs a serene, smoldering rendition of "Back on My Feet."

https://www.ted.com/talks/shweta_narayan_it_s_impossible_to_have_healthy_people_on_a_sick_planet

The doctrine of "first, do no harm" is the basis of the Hippocratic Oath, one of the world's oldest codes of ethics. It governs the work of physicians -- but climate and health campaigner Shweta Narayan says it should go further. In this essential talk, she highlights the interdependence of environmental and human health and emphasizes the necessity of placing health at the heart of all climate solutions.

https://www.ted.com/talks/mona_chalabi_how_accurate_is_the_weather_forecast

No one remembers when you're right, but no one forgets when you're wrong. Your local weather person knows that saying all too well. But while they take a lot of the heat (get it?), how much of it is actually justified? In this episode, Mona Chalabi looks at weather forecasting data to see how accurate these predictions really are, and gives us tips for when we should--and shouldn't--trust the forecast. Want to hear more from Mona? Check out her podcast Am I Normal? with Mona Chalabi, from the TED Audio Collective.

https://www.ted.com/talks/iseult_gillespie_the_norse_myth_that_inspired_the_lord_of_the_rings

The dwarves were master craftspeople. One dwarf, Andvari, forged marvelous creations. He often took the form of a fish and, one day, he swam to the land of the water nymphs, who guarded mounds of gold. When the nymphs laughed at his appearance, Andvari grew infuriated and seized their gold. With it, he crafted himself a special ring. Iseult Gillespie shares the Norse myth of the cursed ring. [Directed by BASA, narrated by Alexandra Panzer, music by Igor Figueroa and Estudio Mono].

https://www.ted.com/talks/solomon_goldstein_rose_how_much_clean_electricity_do_we_really_need

To fight climate change, we need to clean up the global electricity system by replacing fossil fuel power plants with clean generation -- right? Climate author Solomon Goldstein-Rose thinks we need to do much more than that. Replacement isn't enough, he explains in this compelling talk: we need to rapidly develop a new global system capable of producing 12 times the amount of clean electricity we generate today. He shares four reasons why we need that expansion -- first, to electrify everything in all parts of the world (not just the wealthy ones) -- as well as some intriguing ideas for how we can get there.

https://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_sperling_and_gil_tal_the_surprisingly_long_history_of_electric_cars

By the end of the 19th century, nearly 40% of American cars were electric. But these vehicles had a few major problems — early car batteries were expensive and inefficient, and the vehicles were twice the price of a gas-powered car. And so for the next several decades, gas-powered cars dominated the market. Can electric cars reclaim their place on the road? Daniel Sperling and Gil Tal investigate. [Directed Lobster Studio, narrated Jack Cutmore-Scott, music by Fabrizio Martini].

https://www.ted.com/talks/countdown_the_55_gigaton_challenge

This is the climate challenge we face: we need to go from putting 55 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases into the air each year to zero. And it all needs to happen by 2050 at the latest. How can we get there? This quick animated video explains. (Written by David Biello and voiced by Elise Hu)