We all have to make certain choices in life, such as where to live and how to earn a living. Parents and peers influence our major life choices, but they can also steer us in directions that leave us deeply unsatisfied. This week: a favorite conversation with psychologist Ken Sheldon about the science of figuring out what you want. He says there are things w ... Show More
Jul 6
Waking Up Your Spiritual Brain: Part 2
Last week, we talked with psychologist Lisa Miller about the science of spirituality. Today, we explore what those ideas can look like in everyday life. Miller explains why moments of connection, spiritual practices, and even periods of suffering can sometimes open the door to de ... Show More
1h 33m
Jun 29
Waking Up Your Spiritual Brain: Part 1
Food, safety, and strong relationships are essential to our survival. Psychologist Lisa Miller says our brains also crave something else: transcendence. She suggests that spirituality is a universal human capacity, and that feeling connected to something larger than ourselves may ... Show More
50m 5s
Oct 2025
The art of choosing what to do
The way we spend our hours defines our lives. This hour, TED speakers explore how we make choices about time, meaning and attention in a world of infinite options.TED Radio Hour+ subscribers now get access to bonus episodes, with more ideas from TED speakers and a behind the scen ... Show More
49m 38s
Oct 2023
427: Creating A Life You Truly Desire
What does it mean to live a good life? The answer will be different for each individual, however, there are mixed signals that can lead us astray. Are you truly living the life you want to live or are you living the life your parents, society or friends want you to live? Listen t ... Show More
47m 42s
May 2025
The hidden forces shaping your choices
Every day, we make countless choices—but are these decisions guided by desire or design? This hour, TED speakers on what shapes the food we eat, how we power our homes, and how we communicate. Guests include food systems expert Sarah Lake, infrastructure engineer Deb Chachra, cro ... Show More
49m 39s
Nov 2025
How to Let Go of Everyone Else’s Expectations
So many of our choices are shaped by “shoulds” — expectations handed down from family, society, or social media. In this episode, Dora explores how mindfulness helps you notice whose standards you’re living by and how to release the ones that don’t serve you, so you can live life ... Show More
6m 28s
Dec 2023
How to Figure Out What You Want in Life | E379
If you are a smart, growth-oriented person, the possibilities for your life are infinite. So how are you supposed to choose a life path? Figuring out what you want in life is easier said than done. It takes self-reflection, courage, and a belief in yourself, even when your choice ... Show More
47m 11s
Nov 2024
How to Make Good Choices: A System for Decision Making
We all have to make big choices in life, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when facing major decisions about careers, relationships, or personal growth. In this episode, Forrest and Rick Hanson explore how to develop a reliable system for making choices that align with your value ... Show More
1h 31m
Mar 2023
how to know what you want
Do you have trouble figuring out what you want? Whether it's a big decision or a small one, why do we feel so conflicted about what the right choice is? In this episode, we talk about the frustrating experience of not knowing what we want, feeling frozen in place, and how to tune ... Show More
30m 5s