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.

Conversations with People Who Hate Me

Stories shared on the TED stage are seen and heard by millions around the world. But some ideas can’t be shared in the open — there are stories that are too risky, painful, or controversial. Sincerely, X provides a space to share powerful ideas anonymously. Stories that deserve to be heard, from people who remain hidden.

Personal Journals

Society & Culture

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

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

Episode 1: The Internet’s First Main Character? | The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks

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.

Listen now: Far Flung with Saleem Reshamwala

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

Design Matters: A conversation with Sarah Kay

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.

Conversations with People Who Hate Me

Download our free app to listen on your phone