TEDx Talks

What my mother’s Alzheimer’s taught me about laughter | Dani Klein Modisett | TEDxCapeMay

Jun 7, 2026

Despite working as a comic for over twenty years and teaching stand-up at UCLA for ten, when my mother became depressed, facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, I could not make her laugh. Desperate to recapture this light in her eyes, I had an idea that would not only change her end-of-life experience but also my understanding of how laughter connects us. In this TEDx talk, I share what I have learned in 30 years as a professional, a daughter, and a wife about specific comedians’ tools that help us break through feelings of isolation and create joyful communication where we least expect it. Dani Klein Modisett is a comedian/author and Founder/CEO of the award-winning company Laughter On Call. LOC launched to help her mother who became depressed facing the disease. Since then the company has grown to help all people feeling isolated. It has trained thousands of caregivers and worked with over 600 companies around the world including META, Amazon, Capital One, and Bristol Myers. Dani is also author of the books, “Afterbirth: stories you won’t read in a parenting magazine (St. Martin’s Press) “Take My Spouse, Please,” (Penguin Random House) a how-to for using comedian’s tools to keep laughing in marriage. Dani taught Stand-Up at UCLA for 10 years and has coached business leaders and Congressional candidates to use humor to connect. She’s been a keynote speaker at Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, Dartmouth Entrepreneur Forum, CALA, ICAA. She has been a guest speaker at the Milken Global Conference, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, Fuqua and Harvard Business School. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

How to identify trustworthy information | Eric McDermott | TEDxSonomaCounty

Jun 6, 2026

Eric McDermott, a leading influencer in business, explores how our brains constantly navigate the fine line between truth, beliefs, perception, and reality—especially in an age where information overload and mistrust shape our thinking. By day, Eric McDermott is an equity partner at a financial services firm with more than 60,000 clients. He and his team focus on helping business leaders make their financial strategies as successful as their career. Eric holds multiple advanced and accredited financial designations including Certified Financial Planner®. In his other company, NEXTpectations®, Eric’s live keynotes help audiences prepare for what comes next in career, teams and business. With a unique brand of visual story telling, he converts complex concepts into easy-to-understand frameworks. Eric has amassed over half-a-million online followers and been named "Best Business Influencer of the Year", winning two Stevies (the Oscars of the business world) for his social media channels. Eric is also a three-time best-selling author (USA Today and Amazon), and has numerous published Forbes articles. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

How I make music for video games | Stephen Barton | TEDxLondonBusinessSchool

Jun 5, 2026

Stephen Barton revisits a time when video games were dismissed as a waste of time. Drawing from his journey from Hollywood film scoring to blockbuster games, he reveals how gaming has become one of the most powerful storytelling mediums of our time. Yet, beneath that success lies a deeper warning - why is the education system failing to prepare the next generation for this rapidly evolving creative industry? GRAMMY-winning and BAFTA-nominated composer Stephen Barton has left an indelible mark on the realms of film, television, and video games, boasting a prolific career over all three mediums. His body of work includes scores for Star Trek: Picard, all twenty-seven seasons of Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, 12 Monkeys and the entire Titanfall franchise, among numerous others. Beyond composing, he actively explores both music in education as well as spatial and immersive music for virtual, augmented, and extended reality, contributing his expertise to formats like Dolby Atmos and various binaural and ambisonic technologies. He is a member of Abbey Road’s Spatial Audio research group and the GRAMMY immersive audio committee. His current projects include projects for Marvel Studios, Activision and Skydance, including 1943: The Rise of Hydra with legendary director Amy Hennig. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

I got fired for saying 'yippee'. Ageism loves silence | Loren Greiff | TEDxSugar Creek Women

Jun 5, 2026

At 55, Loren Greiff got fired for saying "yippee." But the real story isn't about a single word, it's about the months of silence that came before it. In this powerful and provocative talk, Loren exposes the cycle of ageism that quietly pushes executives over 40 out of corporate life, and the trade most professionals make without realizing it: visibility for safety. Through her own firing and the stories of executives she's helped reclaim their careers, Loren delivers a sharp truth, we don't age out by living longer, we age out by living smaller. Loren Greiff is a career coach, loud-mouth age advocate and President and Founder of PortfolioRocket. After decades in corporate and executive search, she faced a turning point in 2019 and realized her passion for helping 40+ executives win despite the broken hiring system, the ATS, and their age. In 2020, Greiff founded PortfolioRocket, which has since helped more than 400 executives 40+ transform their careers, lives, and confidence. Now 61, and based in Asheville, North Carolina, Greiff empowers older job seekers to combat ageism, challenge negative beliefs, and showcase value over quantity. Her clients have landed roles at companies including Meta, Target, Ford, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Death is a verb: Integrating grief through story | Shari Tate | TEDxSugar Creek Women

Jun 5, 2026

Are you working with your grief or is your grief working you? After surviving multiple near-death experiences and enduring a year marked by profound loss, Shari Tate came to a surprising realization: death is not just an event that happens at the end of life. It is a recurring part of being human. We experience many deaths throughout our lives and with each death comes grief. Through the lens of a writer, this deeply moving talk explores a powerful new framework for understanding grief: not as a condition to overcome, but as a story to integrate. It reveals how unprocessed grief shapes our relationships, our bodies, and our communities, and how storytelling can help us reclaim our agency and move forward. Shari is co-founder of Rose & Honey Apothecary, a writer and communications professional. Her written works span fiction, poetry, essays, screenplays, and various personal online publications. Shari is a featured poet as part of the global Of Earth and Sky exhibition, has been featured on the It's a Poetic Life podcast with award-winning poet Enzo Silon Surin, and was listed among Charlotte's Notable Young Professionals for her contributions in the nonprofit sector. As she completes her current manuscript she is also extending her lifetime of wellness experience into public speaking. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Why "find your purpose" is the wrong advice | Corliss Rassyle | TEDxSugar Creek Women

Jun 5, 2026

What if the reason you haven’t found your purpose is because you’ve been looking for it in the wrong place? For decades, we’ve been told to find our purpose as if it’s hidden somewhere outside ourselves, waiting to be discovered. But what if purpose isn’t something you find at all? In this poignant talk, Corliss Rassyle challenges one of the most common pieces of self-help advice and offers an eye-opening perspective: purpose is not found—it is recognized and chosen. Through deeply personal stories about family, motherhood, career transitions, and self-worth, she reveals why so many people spend years chasing fulfillment through achievement, validation, and external success, only to feel something is still missing. This talk is for anyone navigating change, searching for direction, or questioning whether their life truly matters. Corliss Rassyle is an international speaker, best-selling author, personal development coach, podcast host, and CEO. For decades, she chased the traditional markers of success, building a family, advancing her career, and growing her income, until a turning point at 40 pushed her into deeper self-discovery. After 25 years in direct sales with PartyLite, she launched Corliss Co. in 2017 to help others redefine success from the inside out. Today, she’s on a mission to guide people from where they are to where they want to be and LEAD their lives with purpose. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

You're not special, you're just adulting | Jess Diamond | TEDxSugar Creek Women

Jun 5, 2026

What if the hardest parts of adulthood aren't signs that you're failing, but proof that you're growing? At age 23 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jess Diamond became convinced she was the only one struggling while everyone else seemed to have life figured out. But over time, she discovered a powerful truth: many of the experiences that make us feel isolated in our twenties are actually universal. In this talk, she explores how social media, isolation, and modern adulthood have convinced a generation that they are alone in challenges that are deeply shared. This talk is an invitation to stop hiding and start connecting. Because the moment you stop believing you're the only one struggling is often the moment you finally begin to belong. Jess Diamond is The Adulting Coach, host of the podcast How To Twenty-Something, public speaker, and founder of Jess Diamond Coaching, where she helps college kids and young professionals adapt to the many challenges and transitions that come with adulting. Certified in Life and Nutrition Coaching and Personal Training, Jess brings together her knowledge and real-life experiences to serve as the one-stop shop for any twenty-something looking to figure their life out. Her influential work in the community and throughout her coaching business named her a Future Leaders of Charlotte Top 30 Under 30 honoree in 2025. Using her signature Own Your Life coaching program, Jess helps twenty-somethings build confidence, face challenges, and create a foundation for their future. Her mission is to help as many young adults as she can so they don’t feel alone in their journey through adulthood. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

How book bias shapes culture without us noticing | Liza Marie Garcia | TEDxSugar Creek Women

Jun 5, 2026

What if the stories we refuse to hear reveal more about us than the people telling them? As a publishing professional, Liza Marie Garcia has spent years helping stories find their way into the world. Along the way, she discovered a troubling truth: many voices aren't ignored because they lack value. They're ignored because they challenge the assumptions, beliefs, and narratives we already hold. In this talk, she explores how bias shapes the stories we read, the people we choose to listen to, and the conclusions we make before truly understanding one another. The future of publishing isn't just about books. It's about who gets to be seen, who gets to be heard, and whether we're willing to let unfamiliar stories change us. Liza Marie Garcia founded one of the first professional services firms in the U.S. telecommunications industry at age 27 and has been a business owner for over 24 years. She is the Active Partner of NOW Global Media and COO of CEO Book Publishing. A 7-time book author, her titles include Never Drink Coffee During a Business Meeting and Tell Them of My Greatness, the latter launching an eleven-month Barnes & Noble tour. Today, she mentors entrepreneurs through Tampa Bay Wave and Techstars while serving as Ambassador with the United States Christian Chamber of Commerce. She’s worked with hundreds of writers and authors, growing NOW into a multi-genre company publishing more than 60 titles in its first seven years. Liza Marie is on a mission to amplify marginalized voices in publishing. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Becoming global story stewards | Mayuko Fukino-Mayhill | TEDxSugar Creek Women

Jun 5, 2026

What if the stories we inherit hold the key to solving one of humanity's greatest challenges: the crisis of belonging? In this thought-provoking talk, Mayuko Fukino-Mayhill introduces the Japanese practice of Densho—the art of receiving and passing on stories with honor and respect. Moving beyond storytelling as entertainment, Densho invites us to become "story stewards," preserving the wisdom, values, and cultural heritage that connect generations and communities. Through Japanese traditions, personal reflections, and powerful examples from around the world, this talk explores how family stories, ancestral knowledge, and cultural memory can create deeper understanding across borders. By viewing our shared human experiences as a "watershed of wisdom," we can transform isolation into connection and build a stronger sense of global citizenship. At a time when many people feel disconnected from one another, this inspiring talk offers a hopeful vision for preserving cultural heritage, strengthening community, and rediscovering what it means to truly belong. 私たちが受け継ぐ物語が、人類の最大の課題の一つである「社会からの孤立」を解決するカギを握っているとしたら、どうでしょうか？ このトークでは、語り手が「伝承（でんしょう）」という日本の美しい言葉をどのように実践するかを紹介します。伝承は、物語を敬意を持って受け取り、伝える術であります。単なるエンターテインメントとしての物語の語りを超えて、私たちは「物語の案内人」として、世代やコミュニティをつなぐ知恵、価値観、文化遺産を守ることを促されます。 日本の伝統、自身の振り返り、そして世界各地からの力強い例、経験、物語りを通じて、このトークは家族の物語、先祖の知識、文化的記憶がどのように国境を越えた深い理解を育むことができるかを探求します。私たちの共通の人間経験を「知恵の流域（りゅういき）」として捉えることで、孤立を繋ぎに変え、より強いグローバル市民意識を築くことができます。 多くの人々が互いに切り離されていると感じる今、このインスピレーションに満ちたトークは、文化遺産を守り、コミュニティの絆を強化し、人間本来の帰属・繋がりの意味を再発見するための希望に満ちたビジョンを提供します。 Mayuko Fukino-Mayhill is a passionate educator and storyteller with a deep commitment to fostering understanding and empathy through cultural narratives. As a teacher of Japanese language and culture, she engages students of all ages in the art of storytelling, highlighting the importance of 伝承 (densho) as a means to connect past experiences with present and future generations. With a background as a parent of four, she emphasizes the power of stories, including traditional folktales, to shape perspectives and promote global citizenship. Her work is rooted in the belief that sharing narratives helps us learn from history and build a more compassionate world. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Animal in the mirror: How smart leaders can tame self-sabotage | Alina Doran | TEDxSugar Creek Women

Jun 5, 2026

What if the biggest obstacle to your success isn't your boss, your coworkers, or your workplace—but you? After working with organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies, Alina Doran discovered a surprising pattern: the behaviors that derail careers and damage teams are often invisible to the people exhibiting them. In this eye-opening talk, she introduces "Animal Intelligence" and reveals five aminals that represent a hidden form of self-protection that can quietly sabotage success. Blending workplace psychology, leadership insights, and real-world examples, this talk explores why people resist change, avoid visibility, seek control, or react impulsively under pressure. More importantly, it shows how greater self-awareness can transform conflict into collaboration, unlock career growth, and create healthier workplaces. If you've ever wondered why talented people get stuck, why teams struggle, or what might be holding you back professionally, this talk offers a powerful new lens for understanding workplace behavior and yourself. Alina Doran is an Executive & Organizational Strategist and the Founder of Highline Leadership. A former corporate leader at Disney, Paramount, and Kaseya, she guides executives, founders, and teams through high-stakes inflection points, transforming silos into collaboration, mistrust into innovation, and overlooked leaders into trusted authorities. Alina is the creator of the Animal Archetypes™, a behavioral framework that reveals how people show up under pressure and how to rewire patterns that don’t serve them. She has taught this work at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, venture capital leadership forums, and inside organizations redesigning how they lead and perform. Her clients include leaders from J.P. Morgan, Bank of America, Strava, and the Office of the Surgeon General of California. Based in New York City, Alina helps leaders apply clarity, presence, and strategic precision to the moments that define influence and impact. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

The art of winning in the sandwich generation | Lanaire Malone | TEDxSugar Creek Women

Jun 5, 2026

What if the secret to surviving caregiving isn’t becoming stronger, but letting go of the idea that you have to do it all? Millions of adults are caught in the Sandwich Generation: raising growing children while caring for aging parents. Yet few people talk about the hidden grief, resentment, guilt, and exhaustion that come with trying to meet everyone's needs while neglecting your own. In this deeply personal talk, Lanaire Malone shares how a sudden health crisis transformed her relationship with her mother and forced her to confront an impossible question: How do you care for everyone else without losing yourself? Through powerful storytelling and practical insights, she introduces a simple but transformative idea: stop stacking capes and start switching them. Because this season of life isn't asking you to do it all. It's asking you to be present. Lanaire Malone is a dynamic speaker, trusted HR strategist, multi-passionate entrepreneur and former D-1 collegiate hurdler. As an entrepreneur, she has launched multiple ventures rooted in community and care: L. Enterprises, a² Healthcare, Hurdles In Heels, and The In Between Experience. Her focus includes equipping young girls and their moms and/or mentors in training for and overcoming real-life hurdles, together and as a Sandwich Generation (30+) advocate, she champions those of us holding it all, kids, parents, dreams, while still showing up. Connect with Lanaire: www.lanairespeaks.com This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

The hidden power of celebration | Michelle McKown-Campbell | TEDxSugar Creek Women

Jun 5, 2026

How often do you celebrate yourself, not for a major achievement, but for simply showing up? In this uplifting talk, Michelle McKown-Campbell challenges the belief that celebration should be reserved for milestones, promotions, and accomplishments. Instead, she reveals how recognizing small, everyday victories can transform confidence, increase engagement, and help us reconnect with who we truly are. Drawing on history, personal stories, and the simple practice of keeping a "Celebration Jar," she shows how our tendency to focus on what’s missing, unfinished, or imperfect causes us to overlook the evidence of our own growth. This talk is an invitation to notice the moments that matter, count the wins that often go unseen, and remember that progress is built one micro-win at a time. Michelle McKown-Campbell is a former HR practitioner turned Transformational Speaker, Positive Impact Strategist and founder of Activate the Awesome®, a human-centered company dedicated to helping people reconnect with the proof of who they already are. After more than twenty-five years in HR, recruitment, and coaching, Michelle is now leading what she calls The Reengagement Revolution of Our Time, inviting organizations to move beyond burnout, disconnection, and self-doubt by returning to the heart of identity, belonging, and human connection. She is the creator of the A.W.E.S.O.M.E.® Framework and one of the first global Positive Impact Mapping® practitioners. Known for her high-energy experiential style, Michelle’s work helps people see themselves clearly again, rebuild connection within teams, and step back into the light of their own potential. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Every image is a decision | Jen Allison | TEDxSugar Creek Women

Jun 5, 2026

When you post a photo, whose story are you telling? In this compelling talk, photographer Jen Allison shares how the stories we tell through images shape not only how we see others, but how entire communities are understood. From documenting her newborn son’s medical journey to collaborating with Indigenous youth through participatory photography projects, she reveals how cameras can either reinforce stereotypes or create space for authentic voices to be heard. Exploring visual storytelling, consent, representation, identity, and the power of perspective, this talk challenges us to rethink who gets to tell the story and who gets left out of the frame. In a world flooded with images and social media content, learning to shift the lens may be one of the most important skills we can teach the next generation. Jen is a professional photographer, educator, and keynote speaker who works at the intersection of creativity and courage. Allison began her career assisting top commercial photographers in Toronto before launching her portrait and branding business in 2016. She has worked with entrepreneurs, agencies, and communities across Canada to create story-first imagery that highlights humanity over perfection. Today, she teaches photography at Humber Polytechnic and Centennial College. She leads workshops for emerging photographers and collaborates on visual storytelling projects with youth and communities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

The impact of choosing differently | Sydney Duarte | TEDxSugar Creek Women

Jun 5, 2026

What if changing the world starts long before grand gestures, leadership titles, or global movements, and begins with a single choice? In this deeply moving talk, Sydney Duarte shares a powerful truth: every moment presents a choice between fear and love. She invites us to explore how our presence, actions, and energy shape every room we enter and every person we encounter. Drawing from her experiences as an international artist, activist, yoga retreat leader, and community builder, she introduces "La LUZ" (your inner light) and shares how small acts of courage, compassion, and connection can create ripple effects far beyond what we imagine. Through stories of resilience, healing, creativity, and leadership, this talk offers a powerful reminder that meaningful change doesn't begin somewhere else; it begins with how we choose to show up today. This talk will challenge you to see the extraordinary power hidden within your everyday choices. Sydney Duarte is a globally recognized Muralist, Speaker and Retreat Leader whose work transforms spaces and sparks connection, creativity, and collective healing. As the owner of Duarte Designs and co-founder of the Piece for Peace Movement, she blends visual storytelling with multi-sensory experiences that invite audiences into play, reflection, and action. Rising from childhood adversity to international recognition, Sydney uses her art and voice to inspire others to expand their imagination, engage their community, and take part in bringing light to dark spaces by being a Force for Good. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Beyond the Frame | Aarini Sarkar | TEDxLCJSMS Youth

Jun 5, 2026

Aarini has been doing art her whole life and learned there is more to this craft compared to what people think.. Aarini is a student at LCJSMS. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

How to Ignite the Flame of Learning | Anooshka Sen | TEDxLCJSMS Youth

Jun 5, 2026

Anooshka tries tutoring and realizes that there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes Anooshka is a student at LCJSMS. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Save Marine Life: For Real This Time | Lauren Mollin | TEDxLCJSMS Youth

Jun 5, 2026

Lizzy is passionate about saving our oceans. Everyone can help save marine life, even you! Lauren is a student at LCJSMS. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

How to deal with failure under pressure | Jeremy Baird | TEDxMarshallU

Jun 4, 2026

Drawing on more than two decades as an emergency room physician, Jeremy Baird shares what failure looks like when failure is not supposed to be an option. Through high‑stakes clinical experiences, he introduces a practical three‑step framework—recognize, analyze, and strategize—for processing failure honestly and learning from it. His talk shows how facing failure with clarity and intention can lead to better decisions, stronger resilience, and truly inspired independence. Dr. Jeremy Baird is a practitioner of Emergency Medicine for over 20 years in a wide spectrum of settings, from large university hospitals to a free-standing emergency department in a corn field. Most recently he spent a year working on the small island of Saipan. He enjoys experiencing both the natural and human world around him and appreciates diversity of culture and thought, as well as finding great joy in mentoring and contributing to someone’s learning journey. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Changing mindsets in a convenience culture | Ted Montalvo | TEDxUniversity of Montana Western

Jun 4, 2026

In an age of convenience, distraction, and increasing isolation, Ted Montalvo challenges us to reconsider what truly enriches our lives. Through personal stories and reflections on growing up in rural Montana, he makes a compelling case for embracing the "inconvenience" of human connection and investing in the communities that help us thrive. Sponsored by the Fund for Experience One, our conference provides a multidisciplinary forum for academic minds to gather and exchange ideas worth sharing. Speakers selected to present at TEDx University of Montana Western are directly connected to the local community or have topics that support Montana Western’s mission and values. TEDx University of Montana Western showcases the diversity and academic fortitude of our institution while providing a venue for speakers to submit their research to a global network. This conference was filmed in front of a live audience on March 21, 2026 in the Beier Auditorium. Learn more about TEDxUniversity of Montana Western by visiting www.umwestern.edu/tedx-umw/ or www.umwestern.edu. Ted Montalvo is crafting a portfolio that braids their interests in sustainable development with their artistic talents. Ted is a junior at the University of Montana Western pursuing a Bachelor of Science in environmental sustainability alongside three minors specializing in the arts and communication. In 2025 Ted was selected to be a Baucus Climate Scholar. They spent last summer designing science communication illustrations centered around water quality for the Henry’s Fork Foundation. In their free time, Ted is pursuing digital art or entertaining others through theater. Coming from a town of 500 people – and inspired by their grandfather’s passion for sustainable agriculture and connecting communities – Ted wants to help broaden communication and education among neighbors to build a more resilient rural America. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What happens when we put nature on the ballot? | Mike Phillips | TEDxBoston

Jun 4, 2026

The biodiversity crisis is not a black-and-white story of heroes and villains. It is caused in part by billions of law-abiding people making billions of ordinary decisions that the law permits, but with consequences that nature cannot absorb. The relentless and mostly invisible burden that human actions are piling on nature cannot continue. Strained, degraded systems can heal with supportive systems in place. Mike Phillips has spent 45 years proving that restoration works. Nearly 1,000 wolf pups have been born in Yellowstone since the reintroduction, made possible by the Endangered Species Act. But he argues that a mountain of additional lawmaking is still required, and it will only happen if voters across the political spectrum elect officials willing to advance a restorative relationship with nature (or run for and win elected office). Mike Phillips is a wildlife biologist and former Montana state senator who has spent over four decades working to conserve biological diversity. He was instrumental in the 1995 reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park, one of the most significant wildlife restoration projects ever attempted. Mike has served as the Executive Director of the Turner Endangered Species Fund and advisor to the Turner Biodiversity Divisions since co-founding both with Ted Turner in 1997. Mike has successfully passed legislation mandating large-scale wildlife restoration and advocates for the role politics must play in halting the biodiversity crisis. He holds a PhD in wildlife ecology and has published extensively on predator recovery, endangered species policy, and the intersection of law and conservation. He is a recipient of the Aldo Leopold Award, the highest honor bestowed on wildlife biologists by The Wildlife Society, recognizing lifetime contributions to the field. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Resilience as Symbiotic Relationship | Nicole Jarves | TEDxUniversity of Montana Western

Jun 4, 2026

What if community resilience begins with something as simple as spending time in the dirt? Drawing from her work regenerating farmland and studying the effects of nature-based experiences, Nicole Jarvis shares how restoring the health of the land can foster relaxation, belonging, and personal resilience. Her message is both practical and hopeful: when we heal the land, we help heal ourselves—and strengthen the communities around us. Sponsored by the Fund for Experience One, our conference provides a multidisciplinary forum for academic minds to gather and exchange ideas worth sharing. Speakers selected to present at TEDx University of Montana Western are directly connected to the local community or have topics that support Montana Western’s mission and values. TEDx University of Montana Western showcases the diversity and academic fortitude of our institution while providing a venue for speakers to submit their research to a global network. This conference was filmed in front of a live audience on March 21, 2026 in the Beier Auditorium. Learn more about TEDxUniversity of Montana Western by visiting www.umwestern.edu/tedx-umw/ or www.umwestern.edu. Nicole Jarvis is the founder of Bee Haven Gardens in Dillon, Montana an educational garden dedicated to teaching regenerative practices and fostering community engagement with agriculture. With over 20 years of experience in organic farming and living in rural Montana communities, Nicole brings a deep, place-based understanding of land, resilience, and interconnectedness to her work. She holds an M.S. in Regenerative Organic Agriculture and has been accepted as a Ph.D. candidate at Maharishi International University. Nicole weaves together regenerative land stewardship and transcendental awareness as she blends her passion for hands-on agricultural education with her commitment to nurturing the landscapes she calls home. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

How History Can Future-Proof Rural Communities | Cody Ferguson | TEDxUniversity of Montana Western

Jun 4, 2026

What if the future of rural America isn't something we need to invent—but something we need to remember? Drawing on his experience as a planner working with Western communities, Cody Ferguson explores how the most resilient, financially sustainable, and people-centered places often reflect patterns that have already stood the test of time. By combining historical insight with modern challenges, he offers a hopeful vision for communities looking to thrive in an uncertain future. Sponsored by the Fund for Experience One, our conference provides a multidisciplinary forum for academic minds to gather and exchange ideas worth sharing. Speakers selected to present at TEDx University of Montana Western are directly connected to the local community or have topics that support Montana Western’s mission and values. TEDx University of Montana Western showcases the diversity and academic fortitude of our institution while providing a venue for speakers to submit their research to a global network. This conference was filmed in front of a live audience on March 21, 2026 in the Beier Auditorium. Learn more about TEDxUniversity of Montana Western by visiting www.umwestern.edu/tedx-umw/ or www.umwestern.edu. Dr. Cody Ferguson is a historian and sustainability scholar turned urban planner working with Houseal Lavigne, a leading national urban planning and geospatial services firm. His academic work explores democratic governance and how communities have addressed public goods challenges, including land conservation, toxic waste siting, water management, and the impacts of mining and energy development. He has authored several articles and the book, This is Our Land: Grassroots Environmentalism in the Late Twentieth Century (Rutgers, 2015) and co-authored several book chapters. Recently, he has shifted his focus from the past to the future. As a planner, he helps Western communities use data-driven tools to become more sustainable and resilient. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring Helena with his wife and two young children. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Healing the Soil, Healing Our Communities | Abigail McClaflin | TEDxUniversity of Montana Western

Jun 4, 2026

A lifelong Yellowstone guide explores what thriving ecosystems can teach us about the future of agriculture. Through the lens of regenerative farming, she reveals how rebuilding biodiversity can restore soil, strengthen rural communities, and create a more resilient future. Sponsored by the Fund for Experience One, our conference provides a multidisciplinary forum for academic minds to gather and exchange ideas worth sharing. Speakers selected to present at TEDx University of Montana Western are directly connected to the local community or have topics that support Montana Western’s mission and values. TEDx University of Montana Western showcases the diversity and academic fortitude of our institution while providing a venue for speakers to submit their research to a global network. This conference was filmed in front of a live audience on March 21, 2026 in the Beier Auditorium. Learn more about TEDxUniversity of Montana Western by visiting www.umwestern.edu/tedx-umw/ or www.umwestern.edu. Abbey McClaflin’s passion is to continue building the bridge between land, livestock, and human health through regenerative agriculture practices. This May, she will earn a B.S. in Environmental Sciences with a minor in Farm and Ranch Operations from the University of Montana Western. Her senior thesis explores a variety of soil health benefits by increasing soil microbiome activity with a locally produced biological stimulant. Abbey works for the Southwest Montana Sagebrush Partnership in Dillon, MT where she collaborates with local ranchers to evaluate the ecological and economic benefits of virtual fence technology. Post graduation, she plans to continue studying integrative approaches to livestock management, and it's affect on rangeland plants and wildlife. During the summer, you can join Abbey on a variety of horse packing trips in Yellowstone National Park, where she shares the history, beauty, and ecology of the natural world through her family’s business, Sunrise Pack Station. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Butte’s Illumindance Theatre | Illumindance Theatre | TEDxUniversity of Montana Western

Jun 4, 2026

Through music, prayer, and movement, Illumindance Theatre tells the story of two farmers confronting the realities of a changing climate. Accompanied by the Sacred Earth Drummers and Djembe Aya, this powerful performance explores resilience, community, and hope in the face of uncertainty. Sponsored by the Fund for Experience One, our conference provides a multidisciplinary forum for academic minds to gather and exchange ideas worth sharing. Speakers selected to present at TEDx University of Montana Western are directly connected to the local community or have topics that support Montana Western’s mission and values. TEDx University of Montana Western showcases the diversity and academic fortitude of our institution while providing a venue for speakers to submit their research to a global network. This conference was filmed in front of a live audience on March 21, 2026 in the Beier Auditorium. Learn more about TEDxUniversity of Montana Western by visiting www.umwestern.edu/tedx-umw/ or www.umwestern.edu. Featuring music by the Sacred Earth Drummers and Djembe Aya. Illumindance Theatre is a collaborative performance project bringing together dancers, actors, musicians, farmers, and traditional healers to explore climate change through the lens of rural Montana. Rooted in the Indigenous philosophy of Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ—“all my relations”—and guided by the medicine wheel as a sacred hoop, the work follows a year in the life of a fourth-generation family farmer facing economic and environmental uncertainty. Through world rhythms, movement, storytelling, blessings, and flowing silks, Illumindance creates an immersive, embodied journey that honors connection, resilience, and the living landscape. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Making health more sustainable with climate action | Lori Byron | TEDxUniversity of Montana Western

Jun 4, 2026

What does climate change have to do with infant health, asthma, and mental well-being? Pediatrician Dr. Lori Byron connects the dots between climate and human health, showing why some of the most effective climate solutions are also opportunities to build healthier communities today. Sponsored by the Fund for Experience One, our conference provides a multidisciplinary forum for academic minds to gather and exchange ideas worth sharing. Speakers selected to present at TEDx University of Montana Western are directly connected to the local community or have topics that support Montana Western’s mission and values. TEDx University of Montana Western showcases the diversity and academic fortitude of our institution while providing a venue for speakers to submit their research to a global network. This conference was filmed in front of a live audience on March 21, 2026 in the Beier Auditorium. Learn more about TEDxUniversity of Montana Western by visiting www.umwestern.edu/tedx-umw/ or www.umwestern.edu. Dr. Byron practiced pediatrics on the Crow Reservation for 27 years. A past president of the Montana Academy of Pediatrics, she has advocated for children her entire life. Concern for children’s health and their home-schooled daughters (a doctor and an engineer) compelled her and her husband to act on climate change. She earned an MS in energy policy and now organizes pediatricians from across the U.S. on climate change. She chairs the Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate. She was a medical expert in Held v. MT. She believes acting on climate matters for our kids. A lot. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

AI Can’t Make Nature | Pedro Marques | TEDxUniversity of Montana Western

Jun 4, 2026

As artificial intelligence reshapes our world, conservation leader Pedro Marques argues that our greatest resource isn't technology—it's our connection to the land and the people who know it best. Drawing from a career in ecological restoration, he explores how local knowledge, stewardship, and a deeper relationship with nature can help us build a more resilient future. Sponsored by the Fund for Experience One, our conference provides a multidisciplinary forum for academic minds to gather and exchange ideas worth sharing. Speakers selected to present at TEDx University of Montana Western are directly connected to the local community or have topics that support Montana Western’s mission and values. TEDx University of Montana Western showcases the diversity and academic fortitude of our institution while providing a venue for speakers to submit their research to a global network. This conference was filmed in front of a live audience on March 21, 2026 in the Beier Auditorium. Learn more about TEDxUniversity of Montana Western by visiting www.umwestern.edu/tedx-umw/ or www.umwestern.edu. Pedro’s childhood dream of being a biologist died early in his first semester of college after a few weeks of heredity studies looking at fruit flies under a microscope. 3-years later in a religion course exploring the ethics of place, he realized he didn’t feel connected to any specific land or water, an epiphany that launched a 25-year career in ecology and conservation. From Panama to Montana, Pedro has been restoring degraded lands and working with rural and marginalized communities making a living at the interface of natural systems. He has led the Big Hole Watershed Committee since 2019, a consensus-based conservation organization governed by local stakeholders whose livelihoods depend on the health of the Big Hole River. Leveraging partnerships and ecological sciences, he has put millions of dollars of restoration projects on the ground in the Big Hole and led the restoration of a Superfund site along the Continental Divide. He lives in Missoula with his wife and two kids. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What does it mean to be irrational? | Daniel Adsett | TEDxAUBG

Jun 4, 2026

“Before one can accept conflicting reasons or recognize inconsistencies among one’s beliefs, one must be willing to do so.” In this talk, Daniel Adsett, through discussing the theory of irrationality, encourages us to allow ourselves to be open to the possibility of being wrong, to accept vulnerability while communicating with others, and to be willing to learn from our opponents. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx. Daniel Adsett is a philosopher and academic specializing in applied ethics, with a focus on business and environmental ethics. He earned his PhD in Philosophy from Marquette University in 2020 and began teaching at the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) in the fall of 2021. Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, his academic work explores complex questions at the intersection of ethics, rationality, and human belief systems. He is the author of Karl Jaspers’ Theory of Irrationality: From Delusions to Worldviews (2025), and his research has been published in leading academic journals, including Philosophia, The Heythrop Journal, and International Philosophical Quarterly. Through his teaching and writing, Daniel Adsett engages students and readers in critical discussions about ethical decision-making in contemporary society. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Living with Dyslexia | Philippa von Rosenberg & Cosima Hering | TEDxBerlin Cosmopolitan School Youth

Jun 4, 2026

This talk was given at TEDxBerlin Cosmopolitan School Youth on April 21st, 2026. Philippa von Rosenberg is a Primary student of Grade 6, Berlin Cosmopolitan School, Germany. Cosima Hering is a Primary student of Grade 6, Berlin Cosmopolitan School, Germany. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Why Everything Starts With Health | Tanuka Haldar | TEDxIIT Mandi

Jun 4, 2026

Health is often treated as one part of life, when in reality it is the foundation of everything else. This talk explores the hidden causes behind today's health challenges and examines how physical and mental well-being influence our relationships, careers, finances, and overall quality of life. Through powerful insights and a memorable analogy, the talk challenges conventional ideas of success and encourages audiences to view health not as an expense or obligation, but as their most valuable asset. By rethinking priorities and investing in well-being, individuals can unlock a healthier, more meaningful, and more successful life. Tanuka is the Founder of TS Fit Factory and a wellness entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in transforming lives through sustainable nutrition and holistic health. She has helped 15,000+ individuals achieve lasting weight loss, improved health, and balanced living. Recognized globally, Tanuka is a Global Icon Award 2025 recipient and ranked among the Top 100 coaches worldwide. Through her growing network of 5,000+ coaches and 200+ wellness clubs across India, she is building a powerful wellness movement. She is also the Mrs. India Style Icon 2025 on the international stage in Sri Lanka. Her mission is to create a healthier and happier India. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Crime on Television | Anirban Bhattacharya | TEDxShivNadarUniversity

Jun 4, 2026

Anirban dives into the psychology of the criminal, as well as the audience, to understand why people are so enthralled by crime and its depiction in media Creator and Producer of shows like Savdhaan India and Crime Patrol, he is a true true crime aficionado! He sets to take a deep dive into the criminal life, and why the audience is so enthralled by the idea of crime and its representation on TV This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx