Ted Radio Hour

Learning a new language can be daunting, especially if you don't think you have the skill for it. But polygot Lýdia Machová says the secret is in the process of learning itself.

Using spectral imaging, Gregory Heyworth can bring new life to old manuscripts. He is able to decipher texts that haven't been read in hundreds of years, and in the process, change history.

Poachers can make a lot of money killing whales. But what if a living whale fetched a bigger price? Ralph Chami uses the language of dollars and cents to conserve nature and fight climate change.

Bacteria coordinate attacks using their own chemical language. What if we could decode these messages and thwart their plans? Fatima AlZahra'a Alatraktchi invented a tool to spy on bacterial chatter.

Iranian artist Shirin Neshat is known for her images of women that pose probing questions about the female body within Islam and Iranian culture. This hour, she reflects on her life and work in exile.

Sometimes "simple" everyday tasks can feel impossible to accomplish. Therapist KC Davis shares ideas on a more compassionate, less self-critical approach to daily chores.

When news anchor Lee Thomas was diagnosed with the skin disorder vitiligo, he felt like his career was over. He shares his story of finding self-acceptance and embracing his changing body.

How do we learn to trust what our bodies tell us and express it to others? Aerialist Adie Delaney speaks on how communication, trust and safety in trapeze can provide valuable lessons on consent.

Our bodies can do amazing things, even with the most mundane tasks. Choreographer Ryan Heffington encourages us to celebrate the ways the body can move and unlock our inner joy through dance.

It can be daunting to come up with an original idea. Poet Sarah Kay shares how the simple act of observing the world around us can open our minds to a universe of inspiration and creativity.