Soft Power

The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks is a new show from the TED Audio Collective, hosted by Dylan Marron. It’s 1999, and sixteen years after its original release, a new Star Wars is finally coming. Fans have been camping out in front of theaters across the country just to be the first to see it. The beloved intergalactic saga is set to debut a slew of brand new characters, one of whom is a revolutionary CGI creation named Jar Jar Binks. Whispers begin to spread about big changes coming to the galaxy far, far away – and not everyone’s happy about it. Listen to The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks wherever you get your podcasts. Transcripts for The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks are available at go.ted.com/jarjar

You don’t need to travel to feel thrilled about a new place; if the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that the ideas, cultures, and charm of our world can reach us wherever we are. This season on Far Flung with Saleem Reshamwala, we journey across the globe to bring you incredible, unique and imaginative stories— from the unbelievable suspended bridges that connect Nepal, to hidden underground tapes that capture the culture of Somalia, to a museum that stores and exhibits… wind!? Get to know new amazing places and the ideas that flow from them–and pick up that awe-inspired, travel-bug-feeling with just your headphones.

On the internet, nobody seems to remember you’re a real person. That’s especially true for Michael James Schneider, an artist whose work you’ve probably seen online. Commonly referred to as “Balloon Guy”, Michael uses mylar balloons to spell out pithy phrases he then posts on the internet– and people both love and hate him for it. In fact, it can seem like Michael’s haters outweigh the fans, at least online. In this episode, listen as Michael explores what could possibly be behind all the anonymous trolling that has turned him into one of Twitter’s “main characters”, and how anonymity affects the kinds of conversations we can have with one another. This is an episode of “Conversations With People Who Hate Me”, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective, hosted by Dylan Marron. Listen to more wherever you’re listening to this.

Today, we're sharing an episode from another podcast in the TED Audio Collective: Design Matters with Debbie Millman. For over 15 years, Debbie has been interviewing incredibly creative people about how they design the arc of their lives. For more interviews with people like Jacqueline Woodson, Hrishikesh Hirway, Claire Danes, Adam Grant, Cheryl Strayed and many more, follow Design Matters with Debbie Millman wherever you're listening to this. And to learn more about the TED Audio Collective, visit audiocollective.ted.com

A trans man in the South argues for his right to keep his history private and pushes against the idea that he must be "out" to be authentic and proud.

A woman with sociopathy argues that her condition is unfairly demonized in society and pulls back the curtain on this misunderstood disorder.

A judge who works in the juvenile justice system blows the whistle and reveals her plan to take power away from judges.

Things are not always what they appear. A ghostwriter who pens eulogies, wedding vows, and work emails for his clients makes a case for the hidden help he provides.

After years spent caring for extremely preterm babies, a nurse has an urgent message to share: Technology is saving babies earlier than ever, but the long term consequences aren't being made clear to parents. How do we bridge the gap between what modern medicine can do and the information patients are given?

A Muslim woman escapes being killed by her own family. The police don't protect her—so she joins their ranks. Will she now be believed?