Speaking for Ourselves - How Language Shapes Our World
Explore the transformative power of language in shaping cultures, understanding, and artistic expression with insights from a linguistics professor on its profound impact on our worldview.
2600 Years of History in One Object
Explore 2600 years of Middle Eastern history through the Cyrus Cylinder, a powerful symbol of religious tolerance and multiculturalism, in this captivating talk by Neil MacGregor.
An Honest History of an Ancient and "Nasty" Word
Sex historian Kate Lister explores the etymology and cultural evolution of a controversial word, offering a humorous and insightful look at language, society, and taboos.
Hacking in a Foreign Language - A Network Security Guide to Russia and Beyond
Explore Russian cybercrime landscape, hacking techniques, and cultural aspects. Gain insights into tools, networks, and legal challenges in combating international cyber threats.
Script Murders - The Form and Design of the Most Popular Tabletop Genre in China
Explore the evolution and design of script murder games in China, from their Western origins to diverse genres like joy, emotion, and horror, offering insights for game developers.
A Fortunate, Fateful Accident
Discover how a childhood passion for theatre led to a transformative journey, shaping Omkar Bhatkar's career and philosophy on the power of experience and silence in conveying emotions.
Surreal Paradigms - Automotive Culture Crash
Exploring cultural clashes between media, hacker, and corporate worlds, this talk examines open source, legality, and the need to break down barriers for a more collaborative future.
How Longing Keeps Us from Healthy Relationships
Explore how addiction to longing impacts relationships and learn strategies to overcome self-sabotaging patterns, realize dreams, and foster healthier connections in love and life.
Food, the Brain and Us - Exploring Our Historical, Cultural and Sensory Perceptions of Food
Explore the multifaceted nature of taste perception, including historical, cultural, and sensory aspects. Learn how environment, context, and visual cues influence our experience of flavors and food preferences.
The Art of Zombies
Explore the societal implications of zombies in popular culture, uncovering their hidden origins and the deeper issues they represent in our world today.
Why There's No Such Thing as Objective Reality
Historian Greg Anderson challenges Western notions of objective reality, exploring ancient and Indigenous worldviews to encourage reimagining diverse ways of being human and understanding the world.
The Worldwide Web of Belief and Ritual
Explore diverse spiritual practices and rituals across cultures, focusing on the Elder Brothers of Sierra Nevada and their unique worldview that maintains global balance.
Chris Abani on the Stories of Africa
Explore powerful stories of resilience, compassion, and humanity in Africa through Chris Abani's inspiring talk on reclaiming human dignity and the concept of "ubuntu."
Why Nations Should Pursue Soft Power
Shashi Tharoor argues that India's growing influence stems from its "soft power" - the ability to share its culture globally through food, music, technology, and Bollywood, shaping hearts and minds worldwide.
East vs West - The Myths That Mystify
Explore the contrasting mythologies of East and West, their impact on cultural perspectives, and how these differences shape our understanding of life, death, and meaning.
My Journey to Overcome Stereotypes
Rina Tanaka shares personal experiences and insights on addressing social pressures and stereotypes faced by Japanese women, proposing ideas for change based on her international perspective.
A Little-Told Tale of Sex and Sensuality
Explore the changing landscape of sexuality in the Arab world through Shereen El Feki's five-year journey, uncovering historical openness and potential for renewed dialogue on intimacy and safety.
What the People of the Amazon Know That You Don't
Ethnobotanist explores Amazon tribes' medicinal knowledge, highlighting endangered wisdom and urging protection of indigenous cultures and their invaluable plant-based healing practices.
Behind the Great Firewall of China
Explore how microblogging is creating China's first national public sphere and shifting power dynamics, despite government control over the Internet, with insights from veteran blogger Michael Anti.
The Generation That's Remaking China
Explore insights into China's urban youth: connected, socially aware, and driving change. Learn about their impact on society and culture from a leading Chinese journalist.
What It's Like to Be a Muslim in America
Powerful talk challenging stereotypes and promoting empathy towards Muslims in America. Mogahed shares personal insights to combat negative perceptions and encourage understanding in polarizing times.