logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2024
58m 58s

138. Chris Anderson on the Power of TED

Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
About this episode
Under his helm, the TED Conference went from a small industry gathering to a global phenomenon. Chris and Steve talk about how to build lasting institutions, how to make generosity go viral, and what Chris has learned about public speaking. 
Up next
Oct 17
44. Edward Glaeser Explains Why Some Cities Thrive While Others Fade Away
An expert on urban economics and co-author of the new book Survival of the City, Ed says cities have faced far worse than Covid. Steve talks with the Harvard professor about why the slums of Mumbai function so well, high-quality housing in China sits empty, and declining cities h ... Show More
45m 32s
Oct 10
43. Arne Duncan Says All Kids Deserve a Chance — and Criminals Deserve a Second One
Former U.S. Secretary of Education, 3x3 basketball champion, and leader of an anti-gun violence organization are all on Arne’s resume. He’s also Steve’s neighbor. The two talk about teachers caught cheating in Chicago public schools and Steve shares a story he’s never told Arne, ... Show More
45m 12s
Oct 3
42. America’s Math Curriculum Doesn’t Add Up
A special episode: Steve reports on a passion of his. Most high-school math classes are still preparing students for the Sputnik era. Steve wants to get rid of the “geometry sandwich” and instead have kids learn what they really need in the modern era: data fluency. Originally br ... Show More
42m 1s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2025
Head of TED, Chris Anderson, on TED’s new chapter
Based on the simple premise, "Ideas worth spreading," Chris Anderson spent the last 25 years turning the non-profit TED organization into a globally recognized media powerhouse. Now he's ready to announce a new chapter for TED, along with a new steward and visionary: Sal Khan.See ... Show More
15m 53s
Mar 2024
Head of TED: Generosity Is a Business Strategy | Chris Anderson
<p>Today, we're diving into a conversation with Chris Anderson, the visionary curator behind TED for over two decades. In this episode, Chris shares his latest endeavor, <a href="https://amzn.to/486rDh2">INFECTIOUS GENEROSITY</a>, a book and a call to action that challenges us to ... Show More
57m 35s
Jan 2024
It's time for infectious generosity. Here's how | Chris Anderson
What would happen to humanity if generosity went viral? Sharing transformative stories from around the world, head of TED Chris Anderson outlines why the time has come for the internet to realize its power to supercharge small acts of kindness, changing lives at a scale never exp ... Show More
19m 26s
Mar 2024
Ep430 - Chris Anderson | Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading
<p>Bestselling author, media pioneer, and curator of TED for over twenty years, Chris Anderson visits Google to discuss his book "Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading." The book explores one of humankind's defining but overlooked impulses, and how we can super ... Show More
1h 3m
Mar 2024
The Power of Contagious Generosity | Chris Anderson
tail spinning
56m 30s
Feb 2025
A bold new chapter for TED | Chris Anderson
Chris Anderson, head of TED, has some big news to share: after 25 years of leading the organization, he's issuing an open invitation to pass on its stewardship to someone new. It could be anyone. Maybe you? In conversation with Jay Herratti (CEO of TED) and Anna Verghese (executi ... Show More
59m 5s
Feb 2024
TED is 40 — here's how it all started | Chris Anderson and Richard Saul Wurman
To celebrate TED's 40th anniversary, Head of TED Chris Anderson and TED's founder Richard Saul Wurman reflect on the conference's transformative journey — from its inception as a daring experiment blending technology, entertainment and design to its expansion into a global platfo ... Show More
54m 4s
Jan 2024
How to make generosity contagious (w/ Chris Anderson)
If you’ve ever opened up social media in the hopes that it would cheer you up only for it to leave you upset, angry, or tired, you are not alone. So what if we could turn that special power the internet has to change our emotions – and use it for good? The head of TED, Chris Ande ... Show More
36m 59s
Sep 2017
TED's secret to great public speaking | Chris Anderson
There's no single formula for a great talk, but there is a secret ingredient that all the best ones have in common. TED curator Chris Anderson shares this secret -- along with four ways to make it work for you. Do you have what it takes to share an idea worth spreading? Hosted on ... Show More
7m 58s
Feb 2024
Here's Why Generosity is So Infectious | TED Curator, Chris Anderson | Podcast series / Marketing
Chris Anderson leads the team at TED and has recently written written a book called, Infectious Generosity. Behind the Brand host Bryan Elliott and Chris sit down in front of a live audience to discuss.Check out Chris' new book here:https://amzn.to/3wm2YaNChris' website on the bo ... Show More
1 h