TED Talks

Jill Bolte Taylor got a research opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: She had a massive stroke, and watched as her brain functions -- motion, speech, self-awareness -- shut down one by one. An astonishing story.

Author Priya Parker shares tools for creating meaningful connections with friends, family and coworkers during the coronavirus pandemic -- and shows how we can take advantage of gatherings that are unique to this moment of social distancing. "We don't necessarily need to gather more," she says. "We need to gather better." (This virtual conversation is part of the TED Connects series, hosted by head of TED Chris Anderson and current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers. Recorded March 27, 2020)

Childhood trauma isn’t something you just get over as you grow up. Pediatrician Nadine Burke Harris explains that the repeated stress of abuse, neglect and parents struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues has real, tangible effects on the development of the brain. This unfolds across a lifetime, to the point where those who’ve experienced high levels of trauma are at triple the risk for heart disease and lung cancer. An impassioned plea for pediatric medicine to confront the prevention and treatment of trauma, head-on.

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.

From doctor’s offices to detox diets, the word ‘wellness’ has become commonplace, yet it’s widespread use is riddled with misconceptions and conflicting opinions as to what it truly means. Meanwhile, people continue to experience deteriorating physical and mental health, increasingly stressful living conditions, unrealistic societal expectations, and a growing disconnect from realizing their full potential and innate purpose. The time has come to evolve from simply surviving day-to-day life to truly thriving in all facets of life—physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and socially. And the fact of the matter is, the most current science validates what many thought leaders have long believed to be true—that cultivating the conditions for positive health and high-level wellness is ultimately an inside job.