Stop judging yourself and embrace your cringe

Part 3 of the TED Radio Hour episode So Awkward.

Journalist Melissa Dahl went on a mission, researching the nature of "cringe." She hoped to free herself from awkward moments. Instead, she learned from them.

About Melissa Dahl

Melissa Dahl is a freelance journalist who covers health and wellness. Her book is Cringeworthy: A Theory of Awkwardness. Previously, she was an executive director with BDG Media and at NY Magazine, as a senior editor for The Cut.

Melissa Dahl's stage performance is courtesy of the show Mortified. They organize stage shows across the country and also turn them into podcasts. Learn more at getmortifed.com.

This segment of the TED Radio Hour was produced by Matthew Cloutier and edited by Sanaz Meshkinpour. You can follow us on Twitter @TEDRadioHour and email us at TEDRadioHour@npr.org. [Copyright 2024 NPR]