Best TED and PRX Podcasts (2024)

1
The HIV-Positive Ray Brothers House Is Burned Down (1987) w/ Eric Marcus 24:21

30m ago24:21

24:21

Come to our first ever live show! In Boston, on Friday, September 13th. Tickets are available now! It's August 29th. This day in 1987, an arson burns down the house of the Ray brothers, three HIV-positive children who had contracted the virus through blood transfusions. Jody, NIki, and Kellie are joined by Eric Marcus of "Making Gay History" projec…

1
Strom Thurmond's Epic Filibuster -- And Bladder Control (1957) 16:53

5h ago16:53

16:53

Come to our first ever live show! In Boston, on Friday, September 13th. Tickets are available now! It's August 27th. This day (technically the 28th) in 1957, Senator Strom Thurmond embarks on what would be the longest filibuster in Senate history, arguing against civil rights legislation that would expand the vote for Black americans. Jody, NIki, a…

1
How to be less cynical (w/ Jamil Zaki) 36:34

1h ago36:34

36:34

It’s an age-old question - are people innately good or bad? Watching the news and constantly consuming social media, many of us are cynical about human nature. Psychologist Jamil Zaki suggests that we may be being fooled, that empathy is all around us - we just have to pay a little more attention. Jamil and Chris discuss the power of empathy, posit…

1
A Global Anti-War (Or Is It Pro-Peace?) Pact (1928) 25:36

7h ago25:36

25:36

Come to our first ever live show! In Boston, on Friday, September 13th. Tickets are available now! It's August 25th. This day in 1928, representatives from the major world powers sign on to a treaty that states that promised to not use war to "resolve disputes or conflicts of whatever nature... or of whatever origin." Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss…

1
Conventions Week: Hamer vs. Johnson (1964) [Archive Episode] 21:11

5h ago21:11

21:11

**Come to our first ever live show! In Boston, on Friday, September 13th. Tickets are available now!** Welcome to Conventions 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, as the Democrats are meeting in Chicago, we are looking at conventions, which are v…

1
Conventions Week: Seven Weird Conventions Moments (Part Two) 15:16

36m ago15:16

15:16

**Come to our first ever live show! In Boston, on Friday, September 13th. Tickets are available now!** Welcome to Conventions 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, as the Democrats are meeting in Chicago, we are looking at conventions, which are v…

1
How to be an adult - and how to raise one (w/ Julie Lythcott-Haims) (re-release) 35:19

2h ago35:19

35:19

Whether it’s grades and test scores, cushy jobs or big salaries, our ideas of “success” tend to be incredibly narrow and often start incredibly early. Julie Lythcott-Haims is a New York Times bestselling author and former Dean of Freshmen at Stanford, and she is dedicated to helping people reconsider what really makes a happy, “successful” adult. J…

1
Conventions Week: Seven Weird Conventions Moments (Part One) 23:24

9d ago23:24

23:24

**Come to our first ever live show! In Boston, on Friday, September 13th. Tickets are available now!** Welcome to Conventions 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, as the Democrats are meeting in Chicago, we are looking at conventions, which are v…

1
Trump's "Very Fine People" Comments (2017) 27:47

5h ago27:47

27:47

Come to our first ever live show! In Boston, on Friday, September 13th. Tickets are available now! It's August 15th. This day in 2017, President Donald Trump gave a press conference in which he offered remarks about the violence that took place in Charlottesville, VA a couple days before. Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss the roots of the white suprem…

1
Thoreau Spends One Night In Jail (1846) 15:50

11d ago15:50

15:50

Come to our first ever live show! In Boston, on Friday, September 13th. Tickets are available now! It's August 13th. This day in 1846, Henry David Thoreau is thrown in jail -- for one night -- for refusing to pay his back taxes. Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss why Thoreau objected to the poll tax, and how his political stances intersected with the m…

1
How to re-spark your imagination (w/ Anab Jain) 30:15

1d ago30:15

30:15

How often do you use your imagination? Anab Jain is on a mission to help us all dream bigger. As the co-founder and director of Superflux (a design and experience-creation company), she creates spaces and events that help people see, touch, and feel potential futures they may not have ever considered. In this episode, she discusses why exploring id…

1
What The Watts Riots Meant (1965) 17:52

2d ago17:52

17:52

Come to our first ever live show! In Boston, on Friday, September 13th. Tickets are available now! It's August 11th. This day in 1965, six days of civil unrest erupts in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts. Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss why the violence was sparked -- and how the reaction to it prefigured much of the conversation that would domi…

1
George HW Bush Compares Sadaam To Hitler (1990) 17:44

5d ago17:44

17:44

Come to our first ever live show! In Boston, on Friday, September 13th. Tickets are available now! It's August 8th. This day in 1990, George HW Bush addressed the country about Iraq's recent invasion of Kuwait. In it, Bush evoked WWII and made a comparison between Sadaam Hussein and Adolph Hitler. Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss why Bush framed the …

1
The Shirtless George Washington Statue Is Unveiled (1841) 14:14

7d ago14:14

14:14

Come to our first ever live show! In Boston, on Friday, September 13th. Tickets are available now! It's August 5th. This day in 1841, a new statue is unveiled in the Capitol rotunda, to commemorate the 100th birthday of George Washington. One notable element: he's shirtless. Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss why the statue of Washington arrived bare-c…

1
How to tap into your creativity using technology (w/ Claire Silver) (from The TED AI Show) 32:31

8d ago32:31

32:31

Like many new, exciting artistic technologies before it, the development of AI is begging us to ask: what counts as art? In a provocative conversation, Claire Silver, an anonymous AI collaborative artist, sits down with Bilawal to talk about how AI has revolutionized her own mixed media practice, and why she thinks that AI may be an inextricable pa…

1
Some 2024 Veepstakes Thoughts (Plus A Special Announcement) 33:17

19d ago33:17

33:17

Here in 2024, there is a lot of speculation about who Kamala Harris will select as her running mate. And the Veepstakes almost feel kind of...normal? So, today, Jody shares some thoughts about the nature of the VP pick, and we re-run our episode from "Veepstakes Week" about notable picks throughout history. Also -- we just announced our first ever …

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

12d 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

14d 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

22d 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

26d 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

1M 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

21d 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

22d 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

23d 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

1M 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

28d 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

1M 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

2M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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…

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