logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2025
21m 27s

Beyond the Talk: Lei Cheng in conversati...

TED
About this episode

“ I marvel at every little freedom that we have. Because for three years and two months, it was all brutally taken away from me,” says Australian journalist Lei Cheng. In 2020, Lei was wrongfully detained in China after being falsely accused of leaking state secrets. Several years after her release, she took the stage at TED2025 to share her perspective on the meaning and value of freedom. Following her talk, Lei sat down for a special conversation with TED Talks Daily host Elise Hu to discuss her experience and how it’s shaped her vision for a freer future.



Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey!


Become a TED Member today at ted.com/join


Learn more about TED Next at ted.com/futureyou


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Yesterday
How we’re turning pollution into toys, toothpaste and more | Xu Hao
It took alcohol 200 years to go from scientific discovery to industrial revolution, but tech innovator Xu Hao says we can’t afford to wait that long to tackle the climate crisis. He explores why most climate solutions are still stuck in labs — despite breakthrough science that ca ... Show More
14m 22s
Oct 8
The best thing that could happen to the energy industry | Matt Tilleard
History has been written by whoever controls the dominant fuel of the era — until now, says renewables entrepreneur Matt Tilleard. He explains why, as the clean energy transition ramps up, we’re moving from a world where energy comes from burning fuels to one where it will come f ... Show More
13m 51s
Oct 7
Inside the Gaza peace plan | Ian Bremmer
October 7 marks the second anniversary of Hamas' horrific attack on Israel — and Israel's devastating response. Political scientist Ian Bremmer unravels the intricate dynamics of President Trump's ambitious peace plan, the stark realities facing Gaza, how Israeli Prime Minister N ... Show More
39m 48s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
Simu Liu
This isn’t the first time Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu have gotten up close and personal! In this episode, you’ll hear how they worked together in some pretty tight quarters on the upcoming feature film “Last Breath.” Simu tells Woody and Ted about his family’s journey from Harbi ... Show More
51m 22s
Aug 2024
Two Ladies and A Mutha featuring Elise Hu
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk to TED Talks Daily host, Elise Hu, about her new book, “Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital”. Elise gave her thoughts on body modification, digital culture setting beauty standards, and more. Then, a TE ... Show More
49m 12s
Oct 2020
Crocodile conversations & alligator gossip
Savannah Boan shares her enthusiasm for some of our oldest predators and why we should reevaluate these often misunderstood creatures. This talk was filmed at TEDxOrlando. All TEDx events are organized independently by volunteers in the spirit of TED's mission of ideas worth spre ... Show More
6m 20s
Sep 17
Jay Shetty: From Monk to Mogul - Inspiring Millions to Live with Purpose
Jay Shetty BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Jay Shetty has been everywhere these past few days with both substance and style drawing national headlines and making the most of his platform in the wellness world. This week kicked off with Shetty sitting down on the third hour of ... Show More
3m 33s
Sep 28
Jay Shetty & Emma Watson: Authenticity, Fame, and Redefining Success | On Purpose Podcast
Jay Shetty BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.In the past few days Jay Shetty has remained a central figure in global media and self-development circles thanks to his high-profile interview with Emma Watson on his podcast On Purpose on September 23. This two-and-a-half-hour episo ... Show More
3m 29s
Apr 2025
£200 MILLION to MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON - THE INSANE STORY OF RIORDAN MAYNARD
This episode is a little bit different: it’s with someone whose name I doubt you’ll know, but it’s a story which, as soon as I heard, I knew I wanted to share with you all on Great Company.Riordan Maynard was a high flying business man until one day it all came crashing down - he ... Show More
1h 16m
Aug 24
TED Talks Daily Book Club: Intentional Ambition: Redefining Your Work for Greater Joy, Freedom, and Fulfillment | Rha Goddess
Rha Goddess is an entrepreneurial soul coach and author of the new book "Intentional Ambition: Redefining Your Work for Greater Joy, Freedom, and Fulfillment." In this TED Talks Daily Book Club interview with host Elise Hu, Goddess talks about moving forward after the 2020 pandem ... Show More
53m 52s
Aug 10
Jay Shetty: Guiding Millions Through Wisdom, Empathy, and Purpose
Jay Shetty BioSnap a weekly updated Biography. Jay Shetty has once again captured public attention over the past several days, keeping the spotlight firmly on his role as a global voice for clarity, well-being, and personal growth. According to AOL’s recent coverage, Shetty’s sto ... Show More
3m 5s
Aug 25
America's lawyers vs. China's engineers
America has a hard time building stuff. Roads. Trains. Bridges. Housing. Everything takes seemingly forever. Meanwhile, China seems to have no trouble at all: high-speed rails, solar panels, electric cars, bridges, ports, all churned out at breakneck speed. Why is that? Sean's gu ... Show More
51m 37s
Feb 2025
CAT BURNS: AUTISM MADE ME FEEL I WAS DOING LIFE WRONG
Cat Burns released a song on TikTok during lockdown, and quickly rose to becoming one of the UK’s best-selling female artists and a three-time BRIT Award nominee. At just 24, her success is remarkable, but what struck me most was her wisdom and self-awareness. As someone who is a ... Show More
1h 6m