logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2025
14m 8s

Why we need to know our lives matter | J...

TED
About this episode

It’s not enough to do important work — we need to know it truly matters, says journalist Jennifer Wallace. Drawing on her research into firefighters, caregivers and more, she shows how simple acts of acknowledgment and connection can fuel our sense of purpose in a world that too often undervalues recognition.

Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast


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

Up next
Today
How a dung beetle inspired a better AI model | Nanjira Sambuli
There's a common African proverb: "When elephants fight, it's the grass that suffers." Policy researcher Nanjira Sambuli says we must apply this thinking to today's AI evolution, asking: When tech giants battle for dominance, who gets trampled in the process? She introduces a new ... Show More
9m 19s
Yesterday
1 thing you can do today to be happier | Sonja Lyubomirsky
Can anyone become happier? Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky studies this question in her lab, doing experiments on "happiness interventions" to see what kinds of actions elicit this sought-after emotion. In a quick talk, she shares the results of her work: a small shift that can ch ... Show More
23m 7s
Feb 2
In defense of hip-hop | Roland Fryer
Hip-hop often gets blamed for its controversial lyrics. What if there was a way to actually measure its impact on people's lives? Analyzing 40 years' worth of radio station data and lyrics from rappers like Tupac, Dr. Dre, Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar, economist Roland Fryer puts one ... Show More
13m 49s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2025
Why we need to know our lives matter | Jennifer Wallace
It’s not enough to do important work — we need to know it truly matters, says journalist Jennifer Wallace. Drawing on her research into firefighters, caregivers and more, she shows how simple acts of acknowledgment and connection can fuel our sense of purpose in a world that too ... Show More
14m 8s
Aug 2025
What sex, soap and alcohol taught me about making an impact | Myriam Sidibe
What if saving lives and growing a company went hand in hand? Public health expert Myriam Sidibe thinks many businesses are going about social impact all wrong — and leaving millions of dollars on the table at the same time. Drawing from decades of experience, she reveals a playb ... Show More
11m 8s
Jul 2020
Mass extinctions and the future of life on earth
Michael Benton looks at the potential effects of climate change on mass extinction. Rich scientific evidence comes from the history of life on Earth -- we just have to ask the right questions to find it. This talk was filmed at TEDxThessaloniki. All TEDx events are organized inde ... Show More
7m 19s
Nov 2020
How to motivate people to do good for others
MIT research scientist Erez Yoeli shares a simple checklist for harnessing the power of reputations to motivate people to act in the interest of others.This talk was filmed at TEDxCambridge. All TEDx events are organized independently by volunteers in the spirit of TED's mission ... Show More
7m 34s
Aug 2025
The delicious potential of rescuing wasted food | Jasmine Crowe-Houston
What if solving hunger isn't about growing more food but wasting less of it? Social entrepreneur Jasmine Crowe-Houston has made that idea her mission with Goodr, a platform that reroutes surplus food to people in need. In conversation with journalist and "TED Radio Hour" host Man ... Show More
17m 40s
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
Feb 2025
ReThinking: The importance of validation with therapist Caroline Fleck
Seeking acceptance is a natural part of the human experience — but do you know how to dish it out? Clinical psychologist Caroline Fleck believes that validating others is a key to building stronger relationships. She and Adam discuss strategies for recognizing another person’s fe ... Show More
37m 17s
Oct 2025
What we’re getting wrong about mental health with RaQuel Hopkins
RaQuel Hopkins is a therapist and HR professional whose hot takes on growth and well-being have challenged how many people talk and think about mental health. In this episode, Adam and RaQuel explore how some people use mental health labels as a crutch, discuss ways to expand our ... Show More
33m 53s
Sep 2025
(#4) Elise’s Top Ten: The power of vulnerability | Brené Brown
Brené Brown studies human connection -- our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share.Learn more about our fl ... Show More
21m 46s
Aug 2025
Sunday Pick: How to stop devoting yourself to your job (w/ Sarah Jaffe) | How to Be a Better Human
Sarah Jaffe is the author of Work Won’t Love You Back: How Devotion to Our Jobs Keep Us Exploited, Exhausted, and Alone. She and Chris discuss the emotional toll of modern work culture and the importance of community. They also dive into Sarah’s newest book, From the Ashes: Grief ... Show More
41m 24s