Best Tristan McGonigal Podcasts (2025)

1
Can AI help with the chaos of family life? | Avni Patel Thompson 8:29

1h ago8:29

8:29

Tech innovator Avni Patel Thompson designed an app to shield busy parents from the chaos of scheduling school pickups, coordinating playdates, planning birthday parties and more — but as the product developed, something felt off. What might we lose when AI smooths over the friction of everyday family life? Thompson explores her surprising discovery…

1
Can AI help with the chaos of family life? | Avni Patel Thompson 8:29

30m ago8:29

8:29

Tech innovator Avni Patel Thompson designed an app to shield busy parents from the chaos of scheduling school pickups, coordinating playdates, planning birthday parties and more — but as the product developed, something felt off. What might we lose when AI smooths over the friction of everyday family life? Thompson explores her surprising discovery…

1
A parent's guide to raising kids after loss | Andy Laats 9:56

1h ago9:56

9:56

Andy Laats had the textbook fairytale family setup ... a great job, a happy marriage, three wonderful kids and everything going for them. Until one day, they didn't anymore. In this tender, wise and unexpectedly funny talk, Laats describes the profound lessons he's learned over the years as a father, offering insights that will resonate with anyone…

1
A parent's guide to raising kids after loss | Andy Laats 9:56

41m ago9:56

9:56

Andy Laats had the textbook fairytale family setup ... a great job, a happy marriage, three wonderful kids and everything going for them. Until one day, they didn't anymore. In this tender, wise and unexpectedly funny talk, Laats describes the profound lessons he's learned over the years as a father, offering insights that will resonate with anyone…

1
You are the bridge to the next generation | Ndinini Kimesera Sikar 9:22

1d ago9:22

9:22

"Do you know what you want to preserve for the next generation?" asks community leader Ndinini Kimesera Sikar. Drawing on her experience growing up in a family of 38 in a traditional Maasai village in Tanzania — where every chore was shared, every story was sung and belonging meant survival — she explores how we can blend the old with the new to bu…

1
You are the bridge to the next generation | Ndinini Kimesera Sikar 9:22

1d ago9:22

9:22

"Do you know what you want to preserve for the next generation?" asks community leader Ndinini Kimesera Sikar. Drawing on her experience growing up in a family of 38 in a traditional Maasai village in Tanzania — where every chore was shared, every story was sung and belonging meant survival — she explores how we can blend the old with the new to bu…

1
Are we still human if robots help raise our babies? | Sarah Blaffer Hrdy 8:25

2d ago8:25

8:25

AI is transforming the way we work — could it also reshape what makes us human? In this quick and insightful talk, evolutionary anthropologist Sarah Blaffer Hrdy explores how the human brain was shaped by millions of years of shared childcare and mutually supportive communities, asking a provocative question: If robots help raise the next generatio…

1
Are we still human if robots help raise our babies? | Sarah Blaffer Hrdy 8:25

2d ago8:25

8:25

AI is transforming the way we work — could it also reshape what makes us human? In this quick and insightful talk, evolutionary anthropologist Sarah Blaffer Hrdy explores how the human brain was shaped by millions of years of shared childcare and mutually supportive communities, asking a provocative question: If robots help raise the next generatio…

1
The mental health AI chatbot made for real life | Alison Darcy 13:31

3d ago13:31

13:31

Who do you turn to when panic strikes in the middle of the night — and can AI help? Psychologist Alison Darcy shares the vision behind Woebot, a mental health chatbot designed to support people in tough moments, especially when no one else is around. In conversation with author and podcaster Kelly Corrigan, Darcy explores what we should expect and …

1
The mental health AI chatbot made for real life | Alison Darcy 13:31

3d ago13:31

13:31

Who do you turn to when panic strikes in the middle of the night — and can AI help? Psychologist Alison Darcy shares the vision behind Woebot, a mental health chatbot designed to support people in tough moments, especially when no one else is around. In conversation with author and podcaster Kelly Corrigan, Darcy explores what we should expect and …

1
How art helped me grapple with grief | Navied Mahdavian 8:01

6d ago8:01

8:01

With just a few lines, cartoons can say so much with so little. In a moving talk, cartoonist Navied Mahdavian shares his process for distilling huge concepts into drawings on the page — and shows how his work helped him grieve the death of his beloved grandmother, flaws and all.By Navied Mahdavian

1
How art helped me grapple with grief | Navied Mahdavian 8:01

6d ago8:01

8:01

With just a few lines, cartoons can say so much with so little. In a moving talk, cartoonist Navied Mahdavian shares his process for distilling huge concepts into drawings on the page — and shows how his work helped him grieve the death of his beloved grandmother, flaws and all.By Navied Mahdavian

1
The economic opportunity hidden in the climate transition | Marielle Remillard 12:21

6d ago12:21

12:21

The energy grid of the future demands a massive amount of materials: billions of solar panels, millions of wind turbines and more. Climate strategist Marielle Remillard reveals why there may be critical shortages ahead — and breaks down how this could also be the biggest business opportunity since the Industrial Revolution.…

1
The economic opportunity hidden in the climate transition | Marielle Remillard 12:21

6d ago12:21

12:21

The energy grid of the future demands a massive amount of materials: billions of solar panels, millions of wind turbines and more. Climate strategist Marielle Remillard reveals why there may be critical shortages ahead — and breaks down how this could also be the biggest business opportunity since the Industrial Revolution.…

1
Star Wars changed visual effects — AI is doing it again | Rob Bredow 15:31

7d ago15:31

15:31

Jedi master of visual effects Rob Bredow, known for his work at Industrial Light & Magic and Lucasfilm, takes us on a cinematic journey through the evolution of visual effects, with behind-the-scenes stories from the making of fan favorites like “Jurassic Park,” “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones” and more. He shares how artist-driven innovation continues…

1
Star Wars changed visual effects — AI is doing it again | Rob Bredow 15:31

7d ago15:31

15:31

Jedi master of visual effects Rob Bredow, known for his work at Industrial Light & Magic and Lucasfilm, takes us on a cinematic journey through the evolution of visual effects, with behind-the-scenes stories from the making of fan favorites like “Jurassic Park,” “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones” and more. He shares how artist-driven innovation continues…

1
TED Talks Daily Book Club: Talk to Me | Rich Benjamin 43:20

7d ago43:20

43:20

Rich Benjamin is a cultural critic, anthropologist and author of the new memoir "Talk to Me: Lessons from a Family Forged by History." In this interview with "TED Talks Daily" podcast host Elise Hu, Benjamin discusses the power of history in shaping generations — and how the intimate search for answers in his own family’s past helped him tell the s…

1
TED Talks Daily Book Club: Talk to Me | Rich Benjamin 43:20

7d ago43:20

43:20

Rich Benjamin is a cultural critic, anthropologist and author of the new memoir "Talk to Me: Lessons from a Family Forged by History." In this interview with "TED Talks Daily" podcast host Elise Hu, Benjamin discusses the power of history in shaping generations — and how the intimate search for answers in his own family’s past helped him tell the s…

1
Why AI is our ultimate test and greatest invitation | Tristan Harris 15:11

8d ago15:11

15:11

Technologist Tristan Harris has an urgent question: What if the way we’re deploying the world’s most powerful technology — artificial intelligence — isn’t inevitable, but a choice? In this eye-opening talk, he calls on us to learn from the mistakes of social media’s catastrophic rollout and confront the predictable dangers of reckless AI developmen…

1
Why AI is our ultimate test and greatest invitation | Tristan Harris 15:11

8d ago15:11

15:11

Technologist Tristan Harris has an urgent question: What if the way we’re deploying the world’s most powerful technology — artificial intelligence — isn’t inevitable, but a choice? In this eye-opening talk, he calls on us to learn from the mistakes of social media’s catastrophic rollout and confront the predictable dangers of reckless AI developmen…

1
Where in the world is Trump taking us? | Ian Bremmer 54:18

8d ago54:18

54:18

It’s been an eventful first 100 days for the second Trump administration, which has featured tariff turmoil, shifting foreign policy and the upheaval of prior geopolitical relationships. In this discussion, political scientist Ian Bremmer separates signal from noise in the biggest stories of the day, evaluating the global economy, US-China relation…

1
Where in the world is Trump taking us? | Ian Bremmer 54:18

8d ago54:18

54:18

It’s been an eventful first 100 days for the second Trump administration, which has featured tariff turmoil, shifting foreign policy and the upheaval of prior geopolitical relationships. In this discussion, political scientist Ian Bremmer separates signal from noise in the biggest stories of the day, evaluating the global economy, US-China relation…

1
A new vision of healthy masculinity | Davonte Green 11:38

9d ago11:38

11:38

What does it actually mean to be a "real man" these days? In a personal talk packed with actionable advice, youth advocate Davonte Green challenges age-old stereotypes about masculinity, showing that emotional intelligence and self-control — not aggression — are the keys to moving through the world with confidence and strength.…

1
A new vision of healthy masculinity | Davonte Green 11:38

9d ago11:38

11:38

What does it actually mean to be a "real man" these days? In a personal talk packed with actionable advice, youth advocate Davonte Green challenges age-old stereotypes about masculinity, showing that emotional intelligence and self-control — not aggression — are the keys to moving through the world with confidence and strength.…

1
Feeling stressed? The answer isn’t to “just relax” | Aditi Nerurkar 57:17

10d ago57:17

57:17

Stress isn’t all bad. In fact, the right kind can fuel growth instead of burnout. In this actionable discussion, physician and author Aditi Nerurkar shares tips for managing your stress, boosting your confidence and increasing your resilience. Discover how to spot your stress signals before they spiral — and turn pressure into progress. (This live …

1
Feeling stressed? The answer isn’t to “just relax” | Aditi Nerurkar 57:17

10d ago57:17

57:17

Stress isn’t all bad. In fact, the right kind can fuel growth instead of burnout. In this actionable discussion, physician and author Aditi Nerurkar shares tips for managing your stress, boosting your confidence and increasing your resilience. Discover how to spot your stress signals before they spiral — and turn pressure into progress. (This live …

1
How to speak up — even when you don’t want to | Sarah Crawford-Bohl 11:48

13d ago11:48

11:48

What stops you from speaking up when it matters most? Healthcare leader Sarah Crawford-Bohl offers a practical, compassionate framework to have difficult conversations with clarity and heart — and shows how it can lead to stronger teams and real impact.By Sarah Crawford-Bohl

1
How to speak up — even when you don’t want to | Sarah Crawford-Bohl 11:48

13d ago11:48

11:48

What stops you from speaking up when it matters most? Healthcare leader Sarah Crawford-Bohl offers a practical, compassionate framework to have difficult conversations with clarity and heart — and shows how it can lead to stronger teams and real impact.By Sarah Crawford-Bohl

1
The AI arsenal that could stop World War III | Palmer Luckey 15:12

14d ago15:12

15:12

AI in warfare is no longer hypothetical; it's inevitable, says Palmer Luckey, an inventor and founder of the defense technology company Anduril Industries. He takes us inside the high-tech arms race to build AI-powered weapons, "killer robots" and autonomous fighter jets at scale — and makes the counterintuitive case for why this may be the surest …

1
The AI arsenal that could stop World War III | Palmer Luckey 15:12

14d ago15:12

15:12

AI in warfare is no longer hypothetical; it's inevitable, says Palmer Luckey, an inventor and founder of the defense technology company Anduril Industries. He takes us inside the high-tech arms race to build AI-powered weapons, "killer robots" and autonomous fighter jets at scale — and makes the counterintuitive case for why this may be the surest …

1
Can big tech and privacy coexist? | Carole Cadwalladr and Chris Anderson 36:18

15d ago36:18

36:18

"If you can't respect the basic fundamental underlying principles with which we order society — which is 'Do not steal' — then what are you left with?" asks investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr. Following her TED2025 talk, Cadwalladr is in conversation with Chris Anderson, head of TED, to warn about surveillance fascism. What happens when big…

1
Can big tech and privacy coexist? | Carole Cadwalladr and Chris Anderson 36:18

15d ago36:18

36:18

"If you can't respect the basic fundamental underlying principles with which we order society — which is 'Do not steal' — then what are you left with?" asks investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr. Following her TED2025 talk, Cadwalladr is in conversation with Chris Anderson, head of TED, to warn about surveillance fascism. What happens when big…

1
The role of art and forgiveness in democracy | Marc Bamuthi Joseph and Wendy Whelan 9:36

15d ago9:36

9:36

Can art pave the way for a politically divided nation to move forward? Artist, cultural strategist and TED Fellow Marc Bamuthi Joseph reflects on the role of art, forgiveness and remembrance in the pursuit of public healing — especially at a time when trust is contested and community forums fractured. Wendy Whelan, associate artistic director of th…

1
The role of art and forgiveness in democracy | Marc Bamuthi Joseph and Wendy Whelan 9:36

15d ago9:36

9:36

Can art pave the way for a politically divided nation to move forward? Artist, cultural strategist and TED Fellow Marc Bamuthi Joseph reflects on the role of art, forgiveness and remembrance in the pursuit of public healing — especially at a time when trust is contested and community forums fractured. Wendy Whelan, associate artistic director of th…

1
The climate movement needs new stories — here's mine | Fenton Lutunatabua 7:36

16d ago7:36

7:36

"We are not drowning. We are fighting," says storyteller Fenton Lutunatabua, echoing the mantra of the climate activists he works with across the Pacific. He shares stories of the people and communities at the front lines of the climate crisis, proving they're not waiting to be saved — they're demanding action and putting up a fierce fight for the …

1
The climate movement needs new stories — here's mine | Fenton Lutunatabua 7:36

16d ago7:36

7:36

"We are not drowning. We are fighting," says storyteller Fenton Lutunatabua, echoing the mantra of the climate activists he works with across the Pacific. He shares stories of the people and communities at the front lines of the climate crisis, proving they're not waiting to be saved — they're demanding action and putting up a fierce fight for the …

1
Your inner fire is your greatest strength | Xiye Bastida 11:47

16d ago11:47

11:47

Hope isn’t just a feeling, but a skill you can practice, explains climate activist Xiye Bastida. Taking cues from the resilience of nature, she shows why trusting Indigenous leaders who’ve protected the planet for generations can help turn despair about the climate into the momentum needed to ignite meaningful change. A powerful reminder that the f…

1
Your inner fire is your greatest strength | Xiye Bastida 11:47

17d ago11:47

11:47

Hope isn’t just a feeling, but a skill you can practice, explains climate activist Xiye Bastida. Taking cues from the resilience of nature, she shows why trusting Indigenous leaders who’ve protected the planet for generations can help turn despair about the climate into the momentum needed to ignite meaningful change. A powerful reminder that the f…

1
How music helped me live through long COVID | Joshua Roman 16:57

20d ago16:57

16:57

An accomplished cellist, TED Fellow Joshua Roman has practiced his instrument daily since he was a child — until a severe case of long COVID almost robbed him of his ability to play. In an inspiring talk, he plays a piece by Johann Sebastian Bach, shares how he found his way back to music and then performs a staggering new solo composition, titled …

1
How music helped me live through long COVID | Joshua Roman 16:57

21d ago16:57

16:57

An accomplished cellist, TED Fellow Joshua Roman has practiced his instrument daily since he was a child — until a severe case of long COVID almost robbed him of his ability to play. In an inspiring talk, he plays a piece by Johann Sebastian Bach, shares how he found his way back to music and then performs a staggering new solo composition, titled …

1
The next computer? Your glasses | Shahram Izadi 16:03

21d ago16:03

16:03

Picture this: you’re wearing a normal-looking pair of glasses, but they give you the ability to quickly summarize a book, translate between languages or remember where you left your keys. In a live demo of unreleased technology, computer scientist Shahram Izadi unveils Google’s new Android XR platform, which aims to give users the power of AI via s…

1
The next computer? Your glasses | Shahram Izadi 16:03

22d ago16:03

16:03

Picture this: you’re wearing a normal-looking pair of glasses, but they give you the ability to quickly summarize a book, translate between languages or remember where you left your keys. In a live demo of unreleased technology, computer scientist Shahram Izadi unveils Google’s new Android XR platform, which aims to give users the power of AI via s…

1
The hidden cost of the green transition's mineral rush | Galina Angarova 13:47

21d ago13:47

13:47

What if the race to save the planet is harming the people who protect it? Indigenous advocate Galina Angarova exposes the hidden cost of the green energy transition, where the demand for minerals like nickel and lithium threatens to devastate Indigenous lands and livelihoods. She calls for a radical shift in mindset — one that centers Indigenous le…

1
The hidden cost of the green transition's mineral rush | Galina Angarova 13:47

22d ago13:47

13:47

What if the race to save the planet is harming the people who protect it? Indigenous advocate Galina Angarova exposes the hidden cost of the green energy transition, where the demand for minerals like nickel and lithium threatens to devastate Indigenous lands and livelihoods. She calls for a radical shift in mindset — one that centers Indigenous le…

1
Stop telling single people to get married | Peter McGraw 11:12

22d ago11:12

11:12

Why do we assume single people aren’t happy? Behavioral economist (and lifelong bachelor) Peter McGraw advocates for a world in which single life is just as accepted as marriage, debunking the myth that getting hitched is the only path to fulfillment. From spinsters to cat ladies, he outlines the power in chosen family — and invites you to reconsid…

1
Stop telling single people to get married | Peter McGraw 11:12

23d ago11:12

11:12

Why do we assume single people aren’t happy? Behavioral economist (and lifelong bachelor) Peter McGraw advocates for a world in which single life is just as accepted as marriage, debunking the myth that getting hitched is the only path to fulfillment. From spinsters to cat ladies, he outlines the power in chosen family — and invites you to reconsid…

1
OpenAI's Sam Altman talks ChatGPT, AI agents and superintelligence — live at TED2025 | Sam Altman 47:26

24d ago47:26

47:26

The AI revolution is here to stay, says Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI. In a probing, live conversation with head of TED Chris Anderson, Altman discusses the astonishing growth of AI and shows how models like ChatGPT could soon become extensions of ourselves. He also addresses questions of safety, power and moral authority, reflecting on the world h…

1
OpenAI's Sam Altman talks ChatGPT, AI agents and superintelligence — live at TED2025 | Sam Altman 47:26

24d ago47:26

47:26

The AI revolution is here to stay, says Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI. In a probing, live conversation with head of TED Chris Anderson, Altman discusses the astonishing growth of AI and shows how models like ChatGPT could soon become extensions of ourselves. He also addresses questions of safety, power and moral authority, reflecting on the world h…

1
Meet NEO, your robot butler in training | Bernt Børnich 14:45

28d ago14:45

14:45

What if doing your chores were as easy as flipping a switch? In this talk and live demo, roboticist and founder of 1X Bernt Børnich introduces NEO, a humanoid robot designed to help you out around the house. Watch as NEO shows off its ability to vacuum, water plants and keep you company, while Børnich tells the story of its development — and shares…

1
Meet NEO, your robot butler in training | Bernt Børnich 14:45

28d ago14:45

14:45

What if doing your chores were as easy as flipping a switch? In this talk and live demo, roboticist and founder of 1X Bernt Børnich introduces NEO, a humanoid robot designed to help you out around the house. Watch as NEO shows off its ability to vacuum, water plants and keep you company, while Børnich tells the story of its development — and shares…

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Tristan McGonigal Podcasts

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