There’s nothing more tempting than kicking back in your onesie and watching a TED talk. And sometimes, on a rainy day (or a lazy Easter weekend) when you’re super bored, it’s kind of one of the most ideal entertainment options on the internet. So step away from that vlog and tune in to one of these five awesome TED talks.
Robyn Stein DeLuca: The good news about PMS
Every female loves a good period chat- nobody more, it seems, than psychologist Robyn Stein DeLuca. In DeLuca’s talk, she controversially tries to tell us there is actually some good news about PMS that we need to hear (insert roll eye here). What’s that news? That PMS DOES NOT EVEN EXIST. Despite the initial ‘are you mental?’ response I’m sure most 20-something will have, it’s worth hearing DeLuca out. By pointing out the blatant lack of scientific evidence that exists regarding PMS, she presents a pretty convincing argument.
Shimpei Takahashi: Play this game to come up with original ideas
If you’re looking for a bit of light and cheesy comic relief, this is your jam. Shimpei Takahashi, a toy designer from Japan, shares his secrets for coming up with new and inventive ideas. Accompanied by some pretty lol-tastic artwork, Takahashi teaches the audience to come up with ideas based not on practicality, but on creativity and inventiveness. He encourages listeners to try his exercise named ‘Shiritori’: a game which helps develop new ideas. Main takeaway from this video? When Takahashi says, ‘Ridiculous ideas are okay. The key is to keep them flowing’. Super inspiring stuff guys.
Monica Lewinsky: The Price of Shame
Monica Lewinsky’s story is surprisingly one many 20-somethings these days can relate to. And that’s largely because of the link between her own story of public humiliation and many modern tales of revenge porn, trolling and cyber bullying. Revenge Porn has gained a hell of a lot of press lately, and for good reason. Case after case has been revealed, and each (usually female) young person has had to suffer the humiliation of their fate. In a pretty inspiring and frank talk, Lewinsky cleverly uses this to discuss her own infamous public humiliation. Her talk ends with a push for compassion and empathy online and the argument that the more we show these types of emotions, the less people will have to suffer how she did. Don’t be fooled though, Lewinsky’s delivery style is not all serious Sal. She’s surprisingly a pretty funny woman, and even begins with a joke about being chatted up by a younger guy who said he could ‘make her feel 22 again’…Monica Lewinsky: utter comic genius. Who knew?
Hannah Fry: The mathematics of love
Tired of waiting for your soulmate? The hilarious Hannah Fry’s got you covered. Her talk on how to find love by following the laws of mathematics is both fascinating and hysterically funny. Fry’s delivery style is pure gold as she explains her top three ‘mathematically viable tips for love’: online dating, picking a perfect mate and how to avoid divorce. With nearly two million hits already, it’s pretty clear viewers love this talk (and that we are a generation of love-hungry individuals). Watch for a good laugh and a sugar-coated sense of hope.
Vincent Cochetel: I was held hostage for 317 days. Here's what I thought about it
Moaning about the utter hole you live in that you pay a ridiculous rent check for every month? Spare a thought for Vincent Cochetel, the humanitarian aid worker who really did live in a hole when he was held hostage for 317 days in 1998. He was shockingly forced to stay in an underground chamber and was chained to the bed in total darkness every single day. His talk explains every detail of his truly awful ordeal. Inspiringly, however, Cochetel still continues his humanitarian work to this day. A completely awe-inspiring story that will make you appreciate all the things you take for granted.
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Follow Becky on Twitter @BFearn25
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.