The Ted Hesser
Podcast

Business · May 20, 2025

Xavier Helgesen

Xavier Helgesen: Building a Modern Berkshire Hathaway and Lessons from Social Impact Entrepreneurship

Permanent capital, enduring businesses, and the lessons of building Better World Books and Zola Electric.

Exploration · Apr 21, 2025

Mark Synnott

Mark Synnott: The Franklin Mystery and the Golden Age of Exploration

The Franklin Expedition, the Northwest Passage, Everest mysteries, and the human drive to explore.

Conservation · Mar 24, 2025

Kris Tompkins

Kris Tompkins: Life, Land, and Legacy

From Patagonia to protecting wild places: conservation, rewilding, partnership, and a life shaped by purpose.

Business · Jan 30, 2025

Jim McKelvey

Jim McKelvey talks Square Inc, FDA Fast Trials & the Fed

The Square cofounder on timing, financial innovation, clinical trials, and what makes a fulfilling life.

Science · Jan 3, 2025

Sonja Lyubomirsky

The Science of Happiness: Positive Psychology Explained

The psychology of happiness: gratitude, kindness, rumination, meaningful goals, and how we spend our money.

Film & culture · Dec 7, 2024

Tara Palmeri

Tara Palmeri: A Real Life Political Journalist.

Political journalism, campaign reporting, media trust, and the pressures of maintaining independence.

Archived episode · Recording currently unavailable.

Film & culture · Nov 6, 2024

Davis Guggenheim

Davis Guggenheim: Hollywood, Politics, & Doc Film Making

The documentary director on Hollywood, storytelling, setbacks, criticism, and the making of influential films.

Business · Oct 24, 2024

Chet Pipkin

Chet Pipkin: Building a Multi Billion Dollar Brand

The Belkin founder on building a global company, navigating manufacturing, and leading through relationships and service.

Science · Sep 2, 2024

Andrew Hessel

Andrew Hessel: Programming DNA - The Future of Synthetic Biology

Programming DNA, synthetic biology, personalized medicine, and the possibilities and responsibilities of engineering life.

Film & culture · Aug 16, 2024

Leslie Odom Jr.

Leslie Odom Jr - Exploring Art, Love & Fatherhood

Creative risk, Hamilton, fatherhood, love, and finding a voice across stage, music, and film.

Business · Aug 8, 2024

Nedjip Tozun

Nedjip Tozun: Powering 170+ million ppl with Solar, and the future of Cleantech

The d.light cofounder on bringing solar power to underserved communities, faith, and the future of clean energy.

Science · Aug 2, 2024

Ben Lamm

Reviving Extinct Species with Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences

De-extinction, synthetic biology, and how emerging biotechnology could reshape conservation and human health.

Exploration · Jul 16, 2024

Cory Richards

Cory Richards: Mountains, Trauma, Healing, & Art

The photographer and climber reflects on ambition, mental health, trauma, healing, and making art.

Business · May 22, 2024

Peter Dering

Peter Dering of Peak Design: Building a $100m+ Brand with Purpose.

Building Peak Design with purpose: ownership, climate responsibility, employee incentives, and the power of a brand.

Exploration · Apr 30, 2024

Chris Burkard

Chris Burkard: Faith, Family & Mindset. Living with Purpose in the Modern World

The adventure photographer on faith, family, social media, raising children, and living with purpose.

Science · Apr 10, 2024

David Quammen

David Quammen: Viruses, Cancer, Conservation & CRISPR

Viruses, evolution, cancer, and the ethical questions surrounding synthetic biology and species conservation.

Science · Nov 28, 2023

Mark Jacobson

Mark Jacobson: Climate Crusader

Renewable energy, climate policy, and the tension between scientific conviction and skepticism.

Exploration · Nov 8, 2023

Jack Kuenzle

EP4: Jack Kuenzle, Ex Navy Seal, Sky Runner, Fastest Known Time Extraordinaire

The former Navy SEAL on mountain speed records, endurance, training, and the mindset behind fastest known times.

Film & culture · Sep 19, 2023

Wade Davis

Wade Davis: Ethnobotany, Psychedelic History, & Vanishing Cultures.

Ethnobotany, psychedelics, exploration, and the cultural knowledge that connects people with the natural world.

Film & culture · Aug 29, 2023

Mike Finkel

Mike Finkel: Art Heists, Identity Theft & Journalism, Inside the Mind of a NYT Best-Selling Author

Art theft, identity, journalistic failure, and rebuilding a career through ambitious nonfiction storytelling.

Exploration · Aug 29, 2023

Victor Vescovo

Victor Vescovo: Deep Sea Titan Talks Submersibles, Climate, Space, Asteroids, and More!

Deep oceans, high mountains, space, and the perspective gained from exploring the extremes of our planet.