What I learned about freedom in a secret Chinese prison | Lei Cheng

Coral reefs are the most biodiverse ecosystem on the planet and the lifeblood of a thriving ocean. Yet without action, 90 percent of coral reefs could die by 2050. Fortunately, reef guardian Theresa Fyffe has a plan. Learn how her team at the Great Barrier Reef Foundation is rolling out a targeted approach to large-scale coral restoration by combining breakthrough science with Indigenous wisdom and global collaboration — giving coral reefs (and our planet) a fighting chance. (This ambitious idea is part of The Audacious Project, TED's initiative to inspire and fund global change.) Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ukraine’s surprise drone strike deep inside Russia damaged billions of dollars’ worth of irreplaceable military aircraft and marks a major milestone in the ongoing conflict. Political scientist Ian Bremmer breaks down how the Ukrainians pulled off the astonishing attack, the risk of nuclear retaliation from Putin and why “asymmetric warfare” is here to stay. (This interview, hosted by TED’s Helen Walters, was recorded on June 2, 2025.) Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“ I marvel at every little freedom that we have. Because for three years and two months, it was all brutally taken away from me,” says Australian journalist Lei Cheng. In 2020, Lei was wrongfully detained in China after being falsely accused of leaking state secrets. Several years after her release, she took the stage at TED2025 to share her perspective on the meaning and value of freedom. Following her talk, Lei sat down for a special conversation with TED Talks Daily host Elise Hu to discuss her experience and how it’s shaped her vision for a freer future. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do wolves howl? With the help of AI, we're getting closer to an answer. Linguist and software engineer Jeffrey T. Reed shares his research on wolf sounds in the wild, revealing the surprisingly complex range of vocalizations — barks, yelps, whimpers, even teeth clacking — these creatures make for different social functions. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thinking and talking about gender is complex for anyone, and for some people it’s a frequent conversation–especially for parents. In today’s episode, LB Hannahs, a genderqueer parent, shares their experience of parenting and discusses why they try to center authenticity and gender expansive thinking in the way they live their lives–both in how they interact with their kids, and how they work and show up in their community. Plus, from rethinking the gifts we give children to embracing the spectrums of identity, LB shares actionable recommendations for parents and non-parents alike on how we all can better support the LGBTQ+ people in our lives. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.