kendalldefending ,

TED Talks Daily is a podcast on Spotify and iTunes by TED. Think of a TED Talk – just without the video this time. For all podcast lovers and video haters, TED Talk podcasts appeal to just about everybody. Without the need to look at your phone and rather just listen, TED Talks Daily provides an easy way to be informed. Unlike most podcasts – each episode has a different host, as every TED Talk is never the same person.



The structure of this podcast is, well, unstructured. No episode is the same – each Ted Talk you watch or listen to is a new one. Most TED Talks Daily podcast episodes are typically less than 20 minutes long, providing listeners, especially those with short attention spans, a great amount of time to do some learning. The first episode I listened to was titled: “This could be why you’re depressed and anxious - Johann Hari.” Journalist Johann Hari talks about the causes of depression and anxiety. What a beautiful talk by Johann describing how depression truly affects our lives. Did you know 39% of Americans no longer feel like they’re close to anyone? He taught me that. I don’t want to spoil too much from this episode as it is such an inspiring listen – but if you feel like you want to know more about depression/anxiety/mental illness, this is it. An inspiring quote by him: “If you’re depressed or anxious, you’re not weak and you’re not crazy – you’re a human being with unmet needs.” This episode 100% needs a listen. The second episode I listened to was called: “4 questions you should always ask your doctor - Christer Mjaset.” A neurosurgeon, Christer Mjaset, explains how patients can have greater relationships with their doctors. Did you know most of the procedures performed could be avoided? This episode is a great listen as well if you want a perspective of a doctor.



As a TED Talk fan, and someone who goes to see TEDx events whenever they come to Winnipeg, I personally found both episodes to be quite enjoyable – any TED Talk will always keep me engaged. I don’t know what it is, but I could watch TED Talks forever and the fact that I found a podcast version makes things even more incredible. I am a person who enjoys listening to podcasts on my bus home from school or work and this podcast provides me with the ease of not having to worry about using up my data to watch a YouTube video. Also, the podcast format provides more room for multi-tasking. I am personally someone who suffers from anxiety and has a fantastic relationship with their doctor – so I found the episodes to be not only engaging for my own curiosity, but educational and fun.



The TED Talks Daily podcasts do not offer advertisements in their podcasts. These podcast episodes are recorded live just like the videos – however, this is just the audio. So, the only “advertising” in the episodes is at the beginning to know how to find out more about the speaker. And towards the end of the podcast after the speaker is finished, a preview for an upcoming episode plays. As a listener, I feel as though most people will skip over the ending. However, I am aware of the previews, so I continue to listen, and I find them interesting to know who is speaking next.



Out of five stars, I would rate this podcast a four. There is absolutely everything you could ever want in this podcast. If you like TED Talks, TED Talks Daily is the podcast for you. The only reason this podcast lost a star was lack of visuals – occasionally, in a TED Talk, the speaker provides graphs and pictures to add to their speech and the only downfall is that you do not get to see them. However, still very informative.