A special episode from Before We Go

A special episode from Before We Go

Author: TED December 10, 2024 Duration: 31:12

TED Health's very own Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider has a new podcast Before We Go. You heard the first episode earlier this year so we wanted to share the second episode in the series -- if you'd like more from Before We Go, check it out wherever you are listening to this.

Before We Go follows Shoshana's personal and emotionally charged journey after her father was diagnosed with terminal cancer in the summer of 2022. His doctors were encouraged when testing showed that the cancer was related to a BRCA genetic mutation, which meant that it might respond to new, targeted therapies. But that also meant that Shoshana and her sister were also at risk for developing life-threatening cancers. With the help of renowned experts and some of the professionals who helped her along the way, Shoshana tells her story of love, loss, family, mortality, and the unexpected paths we take to find meaning and purpose in the face of life's greatest challenges.

In this episode, Shoshana reflects on the death of her paternal grandmother, Joy Ungerleider, who died of the same cancer Steven now faces. The family learns that Steven's cancer is BRCA-related, and hope rises with the possibility that targeted therapy may offer him many months, if not years, of quality life. But he would first need to endure several months of harsh chemotherapy. See behind the scenes and join the conversation on Instagram @beforewegopodcast.

Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Curiosity about our own bodies and minds often starts with a simple, surprising question. TED Health, hosted by physician Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, turns those questions into a compelling exploration. This isn't just a summary of health tips; it's a deep dive into the ideas reshaping our understanding of well-being. You'll hear from leading TED speakers who are doctors, researchers, and thinkers, unpacking everything from the profound neurological effects of a daily walk to the emerging potential of psychedelic therapy for mental illness. Each episode is built on a foundation of rigorous science and accessible storytelling, moving beyond headlines to the nuanced realities of medical breakthroughs and everyday habits. The conversations in this podcast challenge assumptions and connect disparate fields, offering perspectives on longevity, mental fitness, and preventative care that you likely haven't encountered before. It’s for anyone who wants to understand the 'why' and the 'how' behind living a healthier life, providing not just answers but better frameworks for thinking about your own health. The discussions are grounded yet forward-looking, always aiming to translate complex concepts into meaningful, actionable understanding. Listening feels like having a direct line to the cutting edge of medical and wellness research, all filtered through Dr. Ungerleider's insightful and thoughtful guidance.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

TED Health
Podcast Episodes
The secrets to aging well with Zeke Emanuel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:52
When has healthcare advice become so complicated? And how should we be thinking about long-term wellness? Zeke Emanuel is an oncologist and bioethnicist whose latest book, Eat Your Ice Cream, might sound paradoxical agai…
A future without food poisoning? with Emma Bryce and Nicola Twilley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:33
Food is supposed to nourish us, but what happens when it sends us to the hospital instead? In this episode, Emma Bryce asks whether it is safe to eat cookie dough. Then Nicola Twilley shares how the kitchen refrigerator…
How our changing DNA keeps us alive | Linda Chelico [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:58
DNA carries the code for carrying out biological life, yet DNA is an unstable molecule. The reality is that DNA in all organisms is in a dynamic state with its environment, constantly becoming damaged and undergoing proc…
Interview: The future of gene sequencing with Dr. Eric Green [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:06
Eric Green is a genomic researcher whose work with the Human Genome Project on mapping and sequencing DNA has revolutionized the medical field. From sampling patients’ DNA through blood tests to screen for diseases to id…