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TED Radio Hour · March 18, 2026 · 15m

The TED talk that put writer Pico Iyer in 'Marty Supreme'

Pico Iyer shares the story of how his TED talk unexpectedly landed him a role in Timothée Chalamet's new film 'Marty Supreme,' despite having no acting experience. He reflects on the power of sharing ideas on stage and the surprising doors it can open. Iyer also discusses how table tennis can teach us to play with someone rather than against them, a lesson in cooperation and connection.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

The unexpected path from TED talk to Hollywood
Pico Iyer's TED talk caught the eye of filmmakers, leading to his debut acting role in 'Marty Supreme' with Timothée Chalamet.
Table tennis as a lesson in cooperation
Iyer uses table tennis to illustrate the value of playing with someone rather than against them.
Embracing unfamiliar creative challenges
Although a first-time actor, Iyer accepted the film role, embracing the discomfort of trying something entirely new.
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