Best TED and PRX Podcasts (2024)

1
Jim Traficant Heads To Jail, Toupee And All (2002) 16:55

3h ago16:55

16:55

It's August 1st. This day in 2002, Congressman James Traficant of Ohio has been expelled from Congress for bribery and corruption, only the second member ever kicked out of the institution. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss Traficant's bombastic reputation, corrupt dealings -- and how his shifting politics represented the way political fault lines wer…

1
The Mother Of Miami (1896) 14:08

5h ago14:08

14:08

It's July 28th. This day in 1896, residents vote to incorporate the city of Miami, Florida. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss how the birth of Miami was in large part due to a woman named Julia Tuttle and the arrival of the railroad to the Florida "frontier." This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Your support…

1
How to craft the work-life balance you deserve 14:30

2h ago14:30

14:30

Most of us would like to find meaning in the work we do, but many of us are burnt out or stressed at our jobs. In this episode, an international mental wellness educator, a former journalist turned meditation advocate, and the author of the literal book on millennial burnout share why –and how– we can rethink our relationship to work and stress ent…

1
Jesse Owens v Hitler, Behind The Scenes (1936) 19:50

2d ago19:50

19:50

It's July 27th. Today we mark the start of the Olympics by looking at one of the most famous -- and perhaps apocryphal -- moments in Olympics history, when American Jesse Owens won four gold medals in front of Adolf Hitler. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss how the legend is a little more complicated than we may know, from the controversy over whether…

1
A Record Election-Year Heat Wave (1936) 18:53

4h ago18:53

18:53

It's the middle of July. In 1936, much of the country -- especially the Midwest -- is experiencing record heat. Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss why the heat was so deadly, how it created economic and social ripple effects, and why FDR was able to rally the country to talk about government solutions to some of the problems the heat exacerbated. This …

1
"Pretendians" And The Politics Of Native Identity (1934) w/ Angel Ellis and Robert Jago 22:42

2d ago22:42

22:42

It's July 22nd. This day in 1934, FDR has signed the "Indian Reorganization Act," which provided economic relief to many tribes, but also came with provisions to reorganize the way in which Native Americans self-governed, and self-identified. This opened up a vacuum for fundamental questions of identity and community which reverberate today. Jody, …

1
How to get into nature and out of your head 14:32

3h ago14:32

14:32

Think of the last time you were in nature. How did it make you feel? This week, a forager, a cave diver, a birding enthusiast, and science writer share why connecting with nature is so illuminating and how to benefit from more outside time this summer.By TED and PRX

1
The Thiokol Weapons Plant Explosion (1971) w/ Patrick Longstreth 22:40

1h ago22:40

22:40

In 1971, a massive explosion at the Thiokol plant in Woodbine, Georgia shook the small town and killed 29 workers, injuring dozens of others. Jody, Niki, and Kellie are joined by director Patrick Longstreth to talk about how the plant provided good jobs for the rural community, but lax safety standards ultimately led to one of the worst industrial …

1
Reagan says "MAGA" (1980) 28:23

1h ago28:23

28:23

It's July 18th. This day in 1980, Ronald Reagan accepted the Republican nomination for president. His speech included the phrase "let's make American great again." Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss the long history of that phrase, why it is so appealing, the power of nostalgia in American politics -- and of course how Trump made MAGA into a movement. …

1
'A Harvest Of Death' And The Power Of Photography (1863) w/ Robert Sullivan 17:44

15d ago17:44

17:44

It's July 15th. This day in 1863, photographer Timothy O'Sullivan has taken a photo of dead soldiers at Gettysburg called "A Harvest of Death." It would become one of the most famous photos in American history -- and O'Sullivan would soon be contracted to travel west and photograph the American frontier. Jody, Niki, and Kellie are joined by writer …

1
How to be civil even if you disagree (w/ Alexandra Hudson) 27:45

14d ago27:45

27:45

What does it mean to be civil with others – and why does this value often feel at risk? Alexandra Hudson, author of The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves, says that civility is very different from being polite – but that it might be the key to building back positive relationships across differences in society. This…

1
The Real Free State of Jones (1863) [Archive Favorite] 14:07

2d ago14:07

14:07

[[It's the heart of the summer, which means that our crew is taking some breaks here and there. In the meantime, we'll bring you some favorite episodes from the vaults -- and we'll be back with new episodes very soon!]] It’s October 12th. This day in 1863, fighting is breaking out in Jones County, Mississippi, as a group of southern farmers starts …

1
A Bombing At LaGuardia Airport (1975) [Archive Favorite] 17:54

14d ago17:54

17:54

[[It's the heart of the summer, which means that our crew is taking some breaks here and there. In the meantime, we'll bring you some favorite episodes from the vaults -- and we'll be back with new episodes very soon!]] It’s December 29th. This day in 1975, a bomb, planted in a luggage locker, exploded at NYC’s LaGuardia Airport, killing 11 and inj…

1
How to make grassroots political change (w/ Katie Fahey) 31:52

23d ago31:52

31:52

What can you do when a problem feels too daunting to take on? Enlist some help. Political issues can often feel too difficult to solve, but Katie Fahey–the founder of the grassroots organization Voters Not Politicians and executive director of the democratic reform organization The People–says we have more power than we think. This week, she talks …

1
The Big Dig's Big Start w/ Ian Coss [Archive Favorite] 28:23

6d ago28:23

28:23

[[It's the heart of the summer, which means that our crew is taking some breaks here and there. In the meantime, we'll bring you some favorite episodes from the vaults -- and we'll be back with new episodes very soon!]] It’s September 26th. This day in 1983, Massachusetts Senator Michael Dukakis held a press conference to announce an enormous and a…

1
The Statues That Represent The United States (1864) 13:49

30d ago13:49

13:49

It's July 2nd. This day in 1864, President Lincoln signed a law declaring the chamber previously used as the House of Representatives to be a statuary hall, featuring two statues submitted by each state. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss the kinds of statues that got submitted, what kind of story of American history it told, and how that has started t…

1
How to have a say in how society is built w/ Tessza Udvarhelyi 37:30

12d ago37:30

37:30

No matter who you are or where you live, political choices influence your life. Hungarian activist and academic, Tessza Udvarhelyi, emphasizes that anyone, whether or not they work in politics, has collective power. This week, she joins Chris to discuss her work fighting for democracy under an increasingly authoritarian government, why affording po…

1
Reagan Re-Ups The Voting Rights Act (1982) 13:41

24d ago13:41

13:41

It's June 30th. This day in 1982, Ronald Reagan signed a bill re-authorizing the Voting Rights Act, among a lot of pressure to pass the civil rights legislation -- but also a growing legal strategy to undermine the enforcement of the provisions. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss why Reagan ultimately supported the act, and how legal advisors - includi…

1
The Weird History Of U.S. Debates (Part 2) 20:48

16d ago20:48

20:48

Ahead of this week's very weird debate, we take a look at the weird history of how political debates have been structured in the U.S. -- from format, to audience, to the role of the moderators. If you want to watch this episode, the full video is up on our YouTube page! Find out more at thisdaypod.com This Day In Esoteric Political History is a pro…

1
The Weird History Of U.S. Debates (Part 1) 21:14

18d ago21:14

21:14

Ahead of this week's very weird debate, we take a look at the weird history of how political debates have been structured in the U.S. -- from format, to audience, to the role of the moderators. If you want to watch this episode, the full video is up on our YouTube page! Find out more at thisdaypod.com This Day In Esoteric Political History is a pro…

1
Why spirituality is important in our increasingly secular world (w/ David DeSteno) 38:53

1M ago38:53

38:53

Faith has always been a strong force in human history – but in modern times, it may feel antiquated to have it. Psychology professor and author David DeSteno has conducted research exploring questions about the benefits of faith, and in this episode he shares his findings, and why he believes even in the age of science, we shouldn’t leave spiritual…

1
Third Parties Week: Ross Perot Crashes The Debate (1992) 16:51

1M ago16:51

16:51

Welcome to Third Party Week! From time to time this election year, we're going to do some special series that highlight the rhythm of an election cycle. This week, we are looking at third parties: who runs for a third party bid, who votes for a third party, and how much do third party candidates really matter? Today, we bring you an episode we did …

1
Third Parties Week: John Anderson's Middle Path (1980) 22:35

23d ago22:35

22:35

Welcome to Third Party Week! From time to time this election year, we're going to do some special series that highlight the rhythm of an election cycle. This week, we are looking at third parties: who runs for a third party bid, who votes for a third party, and how much do third party candidates really matter? Today: The 1980 election is remembered…

1
Third Parties Week: Ralph Nader, Spoiler? (2000) 15:46

25d ago15:46

15:46

Welcome to Third Party Week! From time to time this election year, we're going to do some special series that highlight the rhythm of an election cycle. This week, we are looking at third parties: who runs for a third party bid, who votes for a third party, and how much do third party candidates really matter? Today: Ralph Nader's 2000 run as a Gre…

1
How to be brave when family life gets tough (w/Kelly Corrigan) 37:38

26d ago37:38

37:38

Every person, no matter how ordinary, has to occasionally summon extraordinary bravery to get through life’s challenges. If you haven’t already had one of those moments, you will at some point. Because, hey, Kelly Corrigan says, that’s life. Kelly shares her trademark wit and wisdom in this week’s conversation about how to hold ourselves, our famil…

1
Third Party Week: Who Goes Third Party? w/ Dave Weigel 31:01

1M ago31:01

31:01

Welcome to Third Party Week! From time to time this election year, we're going to do some special series that highlight the rhythm of an election cycle. This week, we are looking at third parties: who runs for a third party bid, who votes for a third party, and how much do third party candidates really matter? Today: Semafor's Dave Weigel joins us …

1
Lift Every Voice And Sing (1900) [Juneteenth Archive Episode] 21:31

1M ago21:31

21:31

Today we're reprising an episode we did for Juneteenth last year, as we get ready for this year's holiday! It’s June 18th. Today, for Juneteenth, we look at the history of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” aka the Black National Anthem. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss the song’s history and the various ways in which it’s been presented as a song of resis…

1
Coretta Scott Weds Martin Luther King (1953) 25:29

1M ago25:29

25:29

It's June 11th. This day (actually June 18th) in 1953, Coretta Scott married Martin Luther King, Jr. on the front lawn of her childhood home in Alabama. Jody, Niki, and Kellie talk about how Scott and King started their relationship, the compromises -- personal and political -- that Scott had to make in their marriage, and how history has begun to …

1
The art of paying attention (w/ Wendy MacNaughton and Laurel Braitman) 36:22

1M ago36:22

36:22

If you found yourself doodling or writing a lot as a child but then lost the hobby as you grew up, Wendy MacNaughton and Laurel Braitman want to help you recapture your spark. Wendy MacNaughton is an illustrator, the author of “How to Say Goodbye”, and the creator of Draw Together, an art and learning community. Laurel Braitman is a TED Fellow, the…

1
The Sad Saga of the Late Lester Hunt (1953) 21:36

2M ago21:36

21:36

It's June 9th. This day in 1953, police in Washington, DC have arrested Lester "Buddy" Hunt, Jr on charges of soliciting sex from a male undercover officer. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss how Hunt's arrest led to a tragic and twisted series of events involving his father, a prominent senator, and the parts of the government going after homosexualit…

1
We Refuse Week: Joy In Refusal, From Black Panther to The Boat Brawl 25:41

1M ago25:41

25:41

Our very own Kellie Carter Jackson has a brand new book! You can get "We Refuse" now wherever you get your books, and all this week we'll be looking at some of the most interesting stories she covers in the work. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podc…

1
We Refuse Week: Carrie Johnson Kills A Police Officer 18:18

1M ago18:18

18:18

Our very own Kellie Carter Jackson has a brand new book! You can get "We Refuse" now wherever you get your books, and all this week we'll be looking at some of the most interesting stories she covers in the work. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podc…

1
The meaning of embodiment w/ Prentis Hemphill 37:35

1M ago37:35

37:35

We often forget that our bodies and minds are fundamentally connected. But so much of our day-to-day lives are influenced by the state of our bodies. The mind-body connection is at the heart of the work of this week’s guest, Prentis Hemphill. Prentis is a therapist, somatics teacher, author, and the founder of The Embodiment Institute. Prentis join…

1
We Refuse Week: Kellie's Family History of Resistance 22:28

2M ago22:28

22:28

Our very own Kellie Carter Jackson has a brand new book! You can get "We Refuse" now wherever you get your books, and all this week we'll be looking at some of the most interesting stories she covers in the work. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podc…

1
How Many Presidents? (1787) w/ A.J. Jacobs 19:07

2M ago19:07

19:07

It's May 7th. This day in 1787, the writers of the constitution are debating a central question -- how many presidents should the United States have? Jody, Niki, and Kellie are joined by author A.J. Jacobs, whose new book "The Year of Living Constitutionally" dives into the weird world of our founding document. They discuss why the founders were co…

1
The Incident That Led Ida B. Wells To Flee Memphis (1892) 20:25

2M ago20:25

20:25

It's May 28th. This day in 1892, the newspaper offices of Ida B. Wells are ransacked by a white mob in Memphis, TN. Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss the incident that led up to the attack on Wells's office, why her journalism on lynching in the South was such a threat to white supremacy, and why she ultimately decided to leave Memphis and eventually …

1
How to stay grounded in an increasingly artificial world (from The TED AI Show) 29:12

2M ago29:12

29:12

Today, we’re sharing the first episode of the newest TED Audio Collective Podcast – The TED AI Show. Now before you think, “wait, isn’t artificial intelligence the opposite of being human?”, know that we are wondering that too! That’s what’s nice about The TED AI Show. It asks: how is AI shaping human stuff? Join creative technologist Bilawal Sidhu…

1
War Stories: A Confederate Day of Fasting and Prayer (1863) 19:28

2M ago19:28

19:28

In the runup to Memorial Day, we're bringing you some stories from the archives about war and the cost of war. We'll be back with new episodes next week! It’s March 27th. This day in 1863, Jefferson Davis declared a “day of fasting and prayer” to support the Confederate cause in the Civil War. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss the role of days like th…

1
War Stories: The Port Chicago Mutiny (1944) 18:16

2M ago18:16

18:16

In the runup to Memorial Day, we're bringing you some stories from the archives about war and the cost of war. We'll be back with new episodes next week! It’s August 25th. In 1944, a group of sailors at Port Chicago in California are facing mutiny charges, after refusing to work under dangerous conditions. Just under a month earlier, there had been…

1
War Stories: Camp Casey (2005) 20:13

2M ago20:13

20:13

In the runup to Memorial Day, we're bringing you some stories from the archives about war and the cost of war. We'll be back with new episodes next week! It’s September 2nd. This day in 2005, Cindy Sheehan embarks on a tour around the country to protest the Iraq War, where her son Casey had died the prior year. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss Sheeha…

1
How to follow the laws of nature (w/ Nonette Royo) 33:20

2M ago33:20

33:20

What is your relationship with the planet we live on? As a human rights lawyer and environmental activist, Nonette Royo is trying to make us all live more symbiotically with nature. She works hard to listen to indigenous peoples around the world to help them control the land they live on and have a voice in policies and decisions that combat climat…

1
War Stories: The Vietnam Draft Lottery Gets Exposed (1970) 27:34

2M ago27:34

27:34

In the runup to Memorial Day, we're bringing you some stories from the archives about war and the cost of war. We'll be back with new episodes next week! It’s January 7th. In 1970, the New York Times published an article with the headline “Statisticians Charge Draft Lottery Was Not Random.” Jody and Niki are joined by data reporter Walt Hickey to t…

1
The "Louie Louie" Freakout (1964) 15:17

2M ago15:17

15:17

It's May 16th. This day in 1964, the FBI drops its years-long investigation into the pop song "Louie Louie." Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss why there was a moral and political panic over the song and its indecipherable lyrics -- and look into what the song is actually about. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia fro…

1
Nixon Attacked In Caracas (1958) 15:36

2M ago15:36

15:36

It's May 14th. This day in 1958, Vice President Richard Nixon is on a goodwill tour of South America when his motorcade is attacked by a violent mob in Venezuela. Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss how the incident reflected the larger tensions between the United States and the region -- and how the U.S. saw Latin America as a key pawn in the growing C…

1
How to give and receive good advice (w/ Hola Papi’s John Paul Brammer) 36:02

3M ago36:02

36:02

Have you ever wished someone would just help you figure out your life? John Paul Brammer’s job is to do exactly that – he’s the writer behind the hit advice column Hola Papi. John has helped all kinds of people on topics as niche as figuring out what to do when your boyfriend pretends to be Latino to as common as answering the age-old question of h…

1
The Jefferson Davis Trial That Wasn't (1867) 19:31

2M ago19:31

19:31

It's May 12th. This day in 1867, Jefferson Davis, the former President of the Confederacy, left a courthouse in Richmond after waiting in jail on treason charges for two years. His trial would never take place. Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss why Davis was brought up on charges in the first place, and the way in which his trial got delayed and event…

1
What Do We Call The President? w/ A.J. Jacobs 19:01

2M ago19:01

19:01

Jody, Niki, and Kellie are joined by author A.J. Jacobs, whose new book "The Year of Living Constitutionally" dives into the weird world of our founding document. They discuss the debate over what to call the new leader of the executive branch, and what that signaled about the direction of the new country. A.J.'s new book is out now! And be sure to…

1
The Chinese Exclusion Act (1882) 17:09

2M ago17:09

17:09

It's May7th. This day in 1882, Congress passes the Chinese Exclusion Act, aimed at curbing Chinese immigration as fears about Asian immigrants threatening White American jobs is on the rise. Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss how the American economy relied on Chinese labor at the same time that policy sought to exclude Chinese immigrants -- and how th…

1
Re-release: How to co-parent as allies, not adversaries (with Ebony Roberts) 32:59

3M ago32:59

32:59

When you think of your home or your childhood, what comes to mind? Did you feel cared for and loved? Did you trust that your parents were always doing what’s best for you? Whether you are a parent or a child, healthy communication is one of the most important aspects of an intentional relationship with your family. Today’s guest, Ebony Roberts, is …

1
A Deep Dive Into The Cultural Cold War (1960) w/ Benjamen Walker 24:15

2M ago24:15

24:15

It's May 5th. This day in 1960, a British theater critic named Kenneth Tynan is hauled before a Senate sub-committee to answer questions about what is seen as his anti-American work. It's a moment that captures the cultural and political swirl of the late 50s, which is the subject of Benjamen Walker's new audio series "Not All Propaganda Is Art," o…

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