The hidden brain in your skin

While using a wristband to measure stress in a person who could not speak, Picard, a scientist and professor at the MIT Media Lab, measured an unusual signal on the surface of the skin -- revealing unexpected connections between electrical activity deep in the brain and changes that show up on the wrist during stress, sleep, seizures, and dangerous periods following seizures, which can lead to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, called SUDEP. You might help save a life by learning about these findings and sharing them with people you know.

Rosalind is a professor at the MIT Media Lab. She is credited with starting the field of Affective Computing, giving computers emotional intelligence. She also developed the first wearables that sense affective data and can help people with epilepsy, autism, and too much stress in their lives. Her inventions have led to start-up companies such as Affectiva and Empatica.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Elaine Hsiao is a postdoctoral fellow in chemistry and biology at Caltech. She received her undergraduate degree in microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics from UCLA and her doctoral degree in neurobiology from Caltech with Professor Paul Patterson. She studied neuroimmune mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders and uncovered a role for the commensal microbiota in regulating autism-related behaviors, metabolism, and intestinal physiology. Elaine has received several honors, including predoctoral fellowships from the National Institute of Health, Autism Speaks and the Caltech Innovation Program. She is currently studying the mechanisms by which microbes modulate host production of neuroactive molecules and aims to better understand how the human microbiota influences health and disease.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

On January 18, 2013, Caltech hosted TEDxCaltech: The Brain, a forward-looking celebration of humankind's quest to understand the brain, by exploring the past, present and future of neuroscience. Visit TEDxCaltech.com for more details.

Professor Semir Zeki is Professor of Neuroesthetics at UCL. He pioneered the study of the higher visual areas of the brain, and discovered the specialization of different visual areas for different visual attributes such as colour, form and motion, and hence the functional specialization within the visual brain. He has recently expanded his work to enquire into the neural correlates of aesthetic and artistic experience. He has exhibited his own art in Milan, is a Fellow of the Royal Society, and a recipient of the Aristotle Medal (2011) among others.

Talk: The Neurobiology of Beauty
Have you ever wondered, as you gaze at something beautiful, exactly what it is that makes it beautiful? Do all things which you experience as beautiful have a single defining characteristic? Indeed, could you even write a definition of beauty itself?

The great Irish polymath, Edmund Burke, described beauty as for the greater part, some quality in bodies acting mechanically upon the human mind through the intervention of the senses. I will explore Burke's definition from a neurobiological perspective and show that there is a single fundamental characteristic to the experience of beauty, one which is independent of culture, education and ethnic background. Moreover, a neurobiological interpretation of Burke's intervention of the senses also gives a brain-based explanation for why the search for the nature of beauty has been so elusive.

About TEDx
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

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Sam Berns is a Junior at Foxboro High School in Foxboro, Massachusetts, where he has achieved highest honors and is currently a percussion section leader in the high school marching band. He recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. Sam was diagnosed with Progeria, a rare, rapid aging disease, at the age of 2. He is featured in the documentary Life According to Sam, which will premiere on HBO on October 21, 2013.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Not long ago, Bronwen had a crazy idea and decided to follow it, leading her team to be first in the world to see a brain cell grown from a skin cell.
To do this they devised a technique called direct reprogramming which forces genes into skin cells to make them behave like, and eventually turn into, healthy brain cells.

This has radical potential for understanding for the first time how normal and diseased brain cells differ, thereby understanding what is needed to cure neurological diseases.




The future of medicine has reached new heights with scientists now able to take mature human skin cells and “reprogram” them back to stem cells.

Neuroscientist, Associate Professor Bronwen Connor is based at the Centre for Brain Research at The University of Auckland.
Her novel, ground-breaking work involves the direct reprogramming of adult human skin cells to brain stem cells which can then be grown into any type of mature brain cell.

Her technique is unique in that it uses adult human tissue negating the use of embryonic stem cells and the ethical issues
associated with their use and allows the use of a patients own skin cells to generate the brain stem cells, removing issues of rejection.

This innovative technology also allows researchers to generate human brain cells from patients with neurological disorders, such as Parkinsons or Autism, to gain a better understanding of the cause of these disorders.



This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

In terms of getting an education, the odds were against me because I was born into poverty. I walked to and from school for many miles, sometimes with food in my stomach and other times without. I loved school because I had the opportunity to view the world outside my poor home and I learned the ability to read. Reading was my way of escaping the pangs of hunger.

Mercy Umeri is currently a graduate student of the Hugo Wall School, pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a graduate certificate in Non-profit Management at Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas. She is a member of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and a certified trainer with the Centre for Management Development (CMD) from Nigeria. Her ultimate goal is to be well equipped for a career in organizational and non-profit management so that she can contribute tangibly to the development of education for girls and women in Africa and all around the world. Over the course of fifteen years, Mercy Umeri worked in non-profit organizations and eventually started her own management and development consulting firm in 2011. She is deeply involved in building capacity for governments and organizations. She has organized educational programs and training workshops in workforce development offering performance improvement to government agencies.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

In this talk, Purin shares his life experience in some of the world's most prestigious companies and organization, and how he has defied the fear and made the decision to leave those places to travel the world. By tricking his head to follow his heart, Purin has proven to us that the 'inner voice' will always lead him to a new discovery, a new beginning of a life chapter.

Purin Phanichphant is a creative art designer who makes arts from hands. For many people, Purin is a young shining artist, yet he describes himself as a voyager and a risk taker who seeks out to follow the path his heart wants.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Shannon Paige is a writer, sacred activist, dedicated Yoga teacher. She is also the founder of Om Time Yoga Center and the styles of Bhava Vinyasa for Depression and Anxiety and Anjali Restorative Yoga.

Shannon battled with cervical cancer ferociously....and won. Although she had survived, the battle with depression, especially the pressure and anxiety of how she should feel lucky for having survived, nearly crippled her. She narrates how many people, after surviving life threatening circumstances, are also robbed of the ability to smile for real, the ability to connect, and the ability to hope. Depression is hard. Depression is gross. And Depression is Mean. A doctor stepped in and told her to get back into her body, volunteer, and do yoga. For Shannon, the battle with depression was actually as hard as battling cancer. Through this, Shannon discovers that while, yoga can't heal depression, getting into your body can change the mind and create a state of empowerment, stability, and release.

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. In this critically important talk, clinical psychologist Julia Rucklidge explores a range of scientific research, including her own, showing the significant role played by nutrition in mental health or illness.

Julia J Rucklidge, PhD is a Professor of Clinical Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. Originally from Toronto, she did her training in neurobiology (McGill) and Clinical Psychology (University of Calgary). Her interests in nutrition and mental illness grew out of her own research showing poor outcomes for children with significant psychiatric illness despite receiving conventional treatments for their conditions. For the last 6 years, she has been investigating the role of micronutrients in the expression of mental illness, specifically ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety and more recently, stress and PTSD associated with the Canterbury earthquakes.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Twenty years ago, Dr. Amit Sood, a Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic, came to the U.S. thinking he was coming to the Disneyland of the world. He expected everyone here to be very happy. What he saw surprised and shocked him. In this funny, fast-moving, and deeply insightful talk, Dr. Sood shares his journey over two decades and across two continents, finding a way to help us outsmart our neural predispositions to suffering. In the process, he takes us on a back-stage tour of the human brain and outlines the gist of a structured program he is taking globally to decrease stress and improve focus, resilience, and happiness.

Amit Sood, MD, is Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic and Director of Mayo's Complementary and Integrative Medicine program. He is the author of The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living and The Mayo Clinic Guide to Happiness. He is one of the most sought-after speakers at Mayo. He has received several NIH and foundation awards to test and implement integrative and mind-body approaches within medicine. Dr. Sood received the 2010 Distinguished Service Award, the 2010 Innovator of the Year Award, and the 2013 Outstanding Physician Award from Mayo Clinic.


This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

También conocido como Care Much, el mercadólogo, diseñador, fotógrafo, y hombre nómada que ha emprendido desde diferentes latitudes de la tierra nos enseña cómo podemos vivir nuestras vidas como si fuera un gran viaje.


Also known as Care Much, this marketer, designer photographer, and nomad man that has launched from different parts of the earth, teaches u show we can live our lives as if we were in a great trip.


Es un joven apasionado que desde muy niño ha seguido sus sueños, empoderándose con el conocimiento en áreas de estudio como la mercadotecnia, el diseño y el arte. Se convirtió en un hombre nómada, ha viajado por el país y el extranjero documentando con fotografía la maravilla estética del mundo que conoce.
Iniciando en el rubro del freelance consiguió viajar y emprender desde su trinchera, logrando así el sueño de muchos jóvenes que en la actualidad buscan conocer y enriquecer su vida desde distintas latitudes del mundo.
Ha sido conferencista en múltiples ocasiones, se ha destacado como director de arte y en la ejecución de campañas de mercadotecnia de diverso interés en múltipleas áreas. Ha expuesto en la Fonoteca Nacional y en galerías reconocidas de México con su proyecto CARE.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Learning to listen to yourself and trust yourself can be very difficult for some people. Eve Lahijani talks to us about the importance of learning to do so especially when it comes to our hunger and diet.

Eve Lahijani is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Health Educator at UCLA.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

“We mustn’t speak to strangers.” Malavika Varadan, challenges this societal norm, by presenting 7 ways to make conversation with anyone.

RJ extraordinaire, Malavika Varadan, creates waves quite literally with her morning show, Breakfast No.1 on City 101.6. An avid fitness enthusiast, positivity ninja and drama queen, she has chiseled a benchmark in the radio industry. At TEDxBITSPilaniDubai she will choose to redefine connections.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Father, author of the book 'Ugly' and political advisor Robert Hoge explores why we all need to own our own faces. Sharing his own personal story, Robert examines, life, love, beauty, imperfection and pain in this powerful TEDxTalk.

Robert Hoge has worked as a journalist, a speechwriter, a science communicator for the CSIRO and a political advisor to the former Queensland Premier and Deputy Premier. While he never went far with his professional lawn bowls career, Robert did carry the Olympic torch in 2000. He is married and lives in Brisbane with an eleven-year-old daughter who thinks his Olympic torch would make a really great cricket bat.
@RobertHoge
@TEDxSouthBank

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Eva is a veteran actress from New York who recently moved to Richmond and took up makeup artistry as a means to pay the bills between gigs. She soon discovered a new passion: helping women look and feel their best. Lately she has focused on bringing makeup artistry and acting together by documenting the diverse stories of the women who sit in her makeup chair and then bringing them to life on stage. Her mission is to convince every woman that she is beautiful -- with or without makeup. Eva's acting credits include Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Saturday Night Live, and All My Children. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from The New School University in NYC.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

After breaking his leg, undergraduate student Luke Durward used his time to return home and mentor his little brother on healthy eating. While illustrating his brother's dramatic transformation, Durward shares the obvious secret that is repeatedly overlooked by unsuccessful dieters.

TEDxYorkU held its 4th annual event on March 4, 2014 at York University. The theme for the event was Combustion. Follow us on Twitter @tedxyorku

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Shots of tequila? Chemistry music videos? Neil Garg, an innovative Professor at UCLA, tells us about his educational initiatives that have transformed the scariest of all subjects - organic chemistry - into one of UCLA’s most popular courses. Garg’s TEDxUCLA talk will restore your faith in science education and inspire you to challenge your perceptions.

Neil Garg is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Bio Chemistry at UCLA.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Para más charlas de TEDxRíodelaPlata:

Subtítulos en Español: Lourdes Lávaque
Subtítulos en Inglés: Andrea Pisera
Coordinación de subtítulos: Gisela Giardino

Música por Dexter Britain


Florencia Rolandi es médica cardióloga y docente, es coautora de Medicina familiar y práctica ambulatoria y participa del desarrollo de campañas de difusión para concientizar a las mujeres sobre la adopción de conductas saludables y control médico periódico para prevenir enfermedades cardiovasculares.
Nació en Buenos Aires el 10 de febrero de 1974. Se recibió de médica (UBA), luego formó su especialización en la Sociedad Argentina de Cardiología y realizó una Maestría en Efectividad Clínica (UBA-HIBA-Harvard). Fue docente de Farmacología en la UBA y en el Post grado en Investigación Clínica de la Universidad Austral.
Actualmente desempeña sus tareas médico-asistenciales y de investigación clínica en CENPEC y en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Ha escrito diversos artículos publicados en revistas científicas nacionales e internacionales y presentado numerosos trabajos científicos. También fue invitada como disertante en congresos nacionales e internacionales.
El corazón de una mujer puede romperse, EN SERIO es el lema de la campaña que la Fundación Cardiológica Argentina (FCA) eligió para conmemorar el Día Mundial del Corazón, que se celebra el 29 de septiembre. Su propósito es que ellas entiendan que deben cuidar su salud, estar atentas a los síntomas y hacer consultas al médico con regularidad.
Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son el principal problema de salud en las mujeres; causan más muertes que todos los tipos de cáncer, el sida y accidentes de tránsito juntos dice Florencia en su papel de coordinadora del Grupo Corazón y Mujer de la FCA y agrega datos alarmantes del Ministerio de Salud de la Nación: en nuestro país, una de cada tres mujeres muere por enfermedad cardiovascular, ésto es, una cada 11 minutos.
Tabaquismo y obesidad son algunos de los factores de riesgo; por otra parte, en pacientes femeninas los síntomas de enfermedad cardíaca pueden ser confusos, dificultando el diagnóstico. Buena alimentación, actividad física, cuidado del colesterol y la consulta a tu médico son algunos de los consejos que Florencia Rolandi propone para que las mujeres tomen el control de su corazón.

About TEDx
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Emeran Mayer provides us with a talk that will take us on a deep dive of science and researched observation concerning the gut.

Emeran mayer is a Digestive Diseases Specialist at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Can true change be made by one person? Or does change occur more efficiently when others are involved? Dara Frimmer gives us a talk that will help you understand how to make change occur.

Dara Frimmer is a Rabbi at Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Joel Runyon is a javelin-throwing, world, traveling, triathlete set on doing impossible things in order to tell a great story with his life. A few years ago, Joel was an unemployed college grad who decided he no longer wanted to live a boring life. He made a list of all the things he used to think were impossible and then set out to do them. Joel created the Blog of Impossible Things and works to live a life of adventure and meaning.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

How do your pre perceptions color what you experience? How will they affect what you remember? Adi Jaffe gives an insightful talk about the setbacks of labels as well as the shame that comes from them.

Adi Jaffe is a Addiction Specialist and UCLA Lecturer.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Jessica Gimeno lives with bipolar disorder and wants to expand the discourse around mental health. It's not enough to just receive a diagnosis, she says, people have to learn to live with depression and other mental health issues. In her talk, she shares the techniques she's learned to help her get stuff done while depressed.

Jessica is a warrior who fights five illnesses daily: bipolar II, polycystic ovarian syndrome, asthma, psoriasis, and the neuromuscular autoimmune disease Myasthenia Gravis (MG). Jessica Gimeno was valedictorian of her class, winning more than 20 speech competitions. Motivated by a friend’s suicide, she spoke to hundreds of students about mental health stigma and helped thirty students get psychiatric help. In her free time, Jessica is a diehard New Kids on the Block fan who enjoys pilates, painting, and playing with her nieces and nephews.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

We make decisions every day but do you ever wonder about the impact of your decisions on those beyond yourself? Susan Packard gives an excellent talk on considering everyone in our life while making decisions.

Susan Packard is the co-founder of HGTV.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Are there any hobbies, or fascinations that you have that you do not share with others?
That you think would be frowned on by your classmates or your colleagues at work? Andrea Letamendi gives us a talk about how she decided to embrace her interests, and in the process became a superhero.

Andrea Letamendi is a Psychologist, Comics Consultant, and Assistant Director of Clinical Training at Hathaway-Sycamores Child & Family Services.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

TEDxHackney // Radical Beauty // Curated by Daniel Vais
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

After years of travelling and writing, Gavin turns to the most intimate landscape of all - the human body.

Gavin Francis qualified in medicine from Edinburgh in 1999. He is the author of three books: True North, Travels in Arctic Europe (2008, 2010), Empire Antarctica, Ice, Silence & Emperor Penguins (2012), & Adventures in Human Being (2015). When not writing, he works in general practice and emergency medicine in Edinburgh.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Physical Fitness does not have to be complicated. There are psychological aspects to staying motivated for fitness and then a few rules to adopt for success. The speaker presents his ideas on motivation, measuring your fitness level, and exercises to become fit.

Ogie Shaw is a native of Raleigh, NC. He is a veteran of the US Army and served in Vietnam. Afterwards, he graduated from UNC at Chapel Hill earning degrees in both Speech and Physical Education, later earning certification as a Health Promotion Director from the Cooper Institute® in Dallas, Texas. He served with the Portland Police Bureau and later joined a national network of medical and fitness leaders dedicated to teaching the health benefits of daily exercise. He has been an author, counselor, seminary graduate and pastor to Portland-area retirement homes. He has trained the Portland Trailblazers and Seattle Seahawks, and he has been asked to write a book on his work providing fitness training for paraplegics.

Ogie has had a passion for fitness, health, business, and music all of his life. His career goal is to establish a model for a fitness lifestyle for Americans that is sufficient to impact physical and mental health. He has given over 5000 speeches on fitness motivation.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

The numbers associated with human sex trafficking are staggering, but the lives of victims and survivors are what stay with us. In this talk, Kanani Titchen M.D. reveals her experiences as a physician whose interactions with trafficked patients opened her eyes to a parallel world previously unseen.

Kanani Titchen MD, is an Adolescent Medicine fellow at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, New York. She encountered human sex trafficking for the first time during a gynecologic rotation while in medical school at Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Kanani served as the 2013-2014 President of the American Medical Women’s Association National Resident Division. During her tenure as President, she trained with Girls’ Educational & Mentoring Services in New York City and created an online video tutorial to educate doctors about human sex trafficking.

She has authored numerous articles for medical journals and for the lay press about US child sex trafficking and physician education, and she has advocated for sex trafficking survivors at the United Nations and at the US Department of Health and Human Services.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. What is beauty? What makes someone or something beautiful? It's in everything you just have to see things differently. Take it from the fashion world's newest supermodel.

The fashion industry has a new leading lady, who is serving up stunning images and redefining the global definition of beauty. Chantelle, who was diagnosed at age 4 with vitiligo, the skin condition that was made infamous by Michael Jackson, spent her youth bullied and tormented for her differences. Through all of the vocal and often volatile doubters, she believed her 5’10 frame, modelesque features and internal beauty could see her through to her dreams of becoming an international super model and spokeswomen for others with low self-esteem. At age 16, a local Toronto journalist, Shannon Boodram, discovered Chantelle and shared her story in a YouTube video. The video received over 150k views, as well as features in The Daily Mail and Access Hollywood. Her maturity, beauty and message resonated with fans around the world. Before her 18th birthday, she found herself encouraging people all over the world through her growing social media platforms.

With her emerging success online, the fashion industry began to turn their heads her way as well. Despite being rejected by every single modeling agency in Toronto, designers, photographers and runway directors began to see the beauty that the rest of the world could see. Unrepresented, she was invited to walk in several Fashion Art Toronto shows in 2013. From there, she had several of the city’s top photographers clamoring to capture her. Along her unprecedented ride to notoriety, that same year, America’s Next Top Model producers caught wind of Chantelle fever. After being discovered by Tyra Banks, Chantelle was requested to compete in the 21st cycle of America’s Next Top Model. Even though Chantelle was Canadian and visibly had vitiligo, Tyra was ready to make all exceptions necessary to make a lifelong dream come true for this young girl who refused to be held back by her own skin. Cosmopolitan, Access Hollywood, Buzzfeed, The Insider and MTV all agree that Chantelle is the next IT girl, and anyone in the know can safely rest their hopes and dreams in this new face of beauty as well.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

By providing content, resources, and connections, Dr. Cortney Warren's goal is to support anyone who is brave enough to live a more conscious life. For when we are honest about who we really are, we have the opportunity to change.

For more information on Dr. Cortney Warren and her talk visit choosehonesty.com. Her book, Lies We Tell Ourselves: The Psychology of Self Deception, was written to supplement this talks and is available on Amazon and Nook.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Change is constant. Although the fundamentals remain the same, the vehicles we use continue to evolve. The world is more connected, now than ever before, and with the convenience of the internet and social media platforms, it has never been easier to find information, tips or strategies to build the life you’ve always dreamed of. Bren will share his own personal journey of growth and transformation, including his vision to create a new generation of inspiration, motivation and transformation to reach a wider audience.

Bren Dubé is the co-founder and CEO of Implicit Entertainment, an organization on a mission to revolutionize the entertainment world, to empower people to grow as individuals and tp come together as one.
Discovering a love for music at a young age, Bren found success locally with his band, Letterbomb, allowing him the opportunity to release multiple records and perform on tour for audiences all throughout Ontario. Living the stereotypical “rockstar” life of drinking and partying, Bren found himself on a dark path of self-destruction, alcoholism and depression when, after a 5 year run, the band parted ways. Searching for answers, Bren discovered the online world of personal development, immersing himself in books, audio programs and podcasts, finding mentors to learn from and relate to. He began making drastic changes in his lifestyle and as a result, inspired others to do the same.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. How pain can be the best thing to happen to you.

A severe acne sufferer, Jake Solomon was put on a controversial medication whose side effects were linked to suicide and depression. After two years of loneliness, embarrassment and treatment - his skin was clear - but he was still unsure of who he was. Enter open mic night at his college. This became a life-changing experience that led to becoming a stand-up comedian.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Harriet says we need to support people with eating disorders in order to stop them from spreading. But how do we do that? By letting people know that they are enough—just the way they are. This talk was pre-recorded due to complications that prevented Harriet from presenting live.

Harriet Manaker is a 17 years old junior in high school. She has battled anorexia nervosa for approximately three years, and was recently hospitalized for about 3 ½ months.
Like her peers, Harriet has struggled to discover her true identity. Unlike her peers, She feels that her life has been dominated by her disease. Before she turned 13, Harriet was an athlete, musician, and scholar; during high school, her health began to deteriorate. She remained Valedictorian for 2 years, joined the canoe and ski teams, danced, played the guitar, and participated in many other extracurriculars. This year, anorexia prevented her from enjoying her life, and eventually sent her to the hospital.

Surprisingly, being hospitalized has had a positive impact on her life. She has realized her own will to live a happy life. She wants to help and make a difference. Mostly, Harriet has come to believe that she truly matters. Many will affirm her new mantra: I can do anything I set my mind to. I am enough.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

The Yoruba people have a fascinating family of musical instruments called talking drums that speak the language. Presented will be a newly composed work that combines the essence of the talking drum with European Amplified Bassoon making a unique combination and listening experience! the presentation introduces the cultural aspects of the talking drum.

Dr. Varner has been Director of Percussion at the University of Texas at Arlington for 34 years. He holds a degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, a Master’s in Performance from The University of Michigan, and a Doctorate in Performance from The University of North Texas. With a long history as an educator he has given presentations Internationally. He draws from 40 years experience performing repertoire to the highest standards. In 2014 he released his latest CD “reVelations” featuring his own compositions. Excerpts from Dr. Varner's performances can be seen on Youtube.
His interest in world music led to a sabbatical in Nigeria and “Study-Abroad” classes to Ghana. His article “Skin That Speaks” was published in the 2013 Percussive Notes Journal. He teaches all percussion and world music courses at UT Arlington. He has presented Percussion clinics in every state, Europe, and Japan and has over 20 commissioned compositions published internationally.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences.

In this talk, Tai Lopez reminds us that everyone wants the good life, but not everyone gets the good life because not everyone is willing to do what it takes.

When is the last time you stopped and really looked at a tree? Sometimes the things we see everyday lose their profound importance as they seem so commonplace, ordinary, already understood. Andy Lipkis has dedicated his life to trees, and talks about the extraordinary, and untapped power of the tree.

Andy Lipkis if the Founder and President of TreePeople, a nonprofit organization that is growing a green and climate-resilient Los Angeles.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. In the wake of the financial meltdown and the euro crisis, a new interest in understanding capitalism has surged. So what is this system? It has the power to transform rural societies into bustling urban metropoles in only a decade, foster innovation and new technologies - but one thing the system lacks is a plan. And as we face not only economic crisis, but a much bigger climate crisis, a plan is exactly what is needed.

Kajsa Ekis Ekman was born in Stockholm 1980. She is a journalist and author of two books, Being and being bought about trafficking in women, and Stolen Spring about the eurocrisis and its consequences for Greece. Her books have been translated into several languages and she lectures around the world about crisis theory, women's rights and Latin American politics. She is a critic at Sweden's major daily Dagens Nyheter and an op-ed writer for the newspaper ETC. She is the founder of the climate action movement Klimax and the solidarity network NFG.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Can we really cure ageing? David Sinclair thinks so, and he's going to try to prove it.

David Sinclair is a scientist and entrepreneur working on increasing human health, productivity, and lifespan. After co-discovering a molecular cause of aging at the Massachusetts Institute in Boston in the mid-1990s, he joined the faculty of Harvard Medical School where he is now a tenured Professor. In 2005, he founded the Glenn Laboratories for Aging Research at Harvard and serves as their Co-Director. He is also a Professor at the Lowy Cancer Centre at the University of New South Wales, Sydney.

His research is aimed at understanding why we grow old and using this knowledge to prevent and treat both rare and common diseases. He is perhaps best known for identifying resveratrol from red wine as an anti-aging molecule. He has founded four biotechnology companies; to treat age-related diseases (Sirtris), improve female reproductive health and IVF (OvaScience), treat type 2 diabetes (Cohbar), and develop vaccines against malaria, chlamydia, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and cancer (Genocea).

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Because of her body type, Natalie was discouraged from ice skating. Instead of letting this defeat her, she discovered dance as her new passion.

Natalie is an avid photographer, and is currently on the her high school’s yearbook staff as publicity editor. She volunteers at an animal center and is passionate about working with animals and the biological sciences. When she is not eating her weight in dim sum and grilled cheese sandwiches, she daydreams about becoming the world’s best pediatric oncologist.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Magicians have mastered the art of understanding different perspectives
in order to create illusions and connect with the audience. Brian Miller
explains how he used that skill to create magic for a blind man. Then he
shares how you can use the same technique to make better, more
meaningful connections with people in your life, personally and
professionally.

Brian Miller is a private event magician, corporate keynote speaker, and
youth motivational speaker. For more than 10 years he has entertained
and spoken with thousands of audiences in over 25 states and
internationally.

Visit BrianMillerMagic.com for info on his work as a magician and
corporate keynote speaker.

Visit BrianMillerSpeaks.com for info on his work as a motivational
speaker for high schools and colleges.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Can a person be cured of Type 2 Diabetes? Dr. Sarah Hallberg provides compelling evidence that it can, and the solution is simpler than you might think.

Dr. Sarah Hallberg is the Medical Director of the Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program at IU Health Arnett, a program she created. She is board certified in both obesity medicine and internal medicine and has a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology. She has recently created what is only the second non-surgical weight loss rotation in the country for medical students. Her program has consistently exceeded national benchmarks for weight loss, and has been highly successful in reversing diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Dr. Hallberg is also the co-author of fitteru.us, a blog about health and wellness.

B.S., Kinesiology & Exercise Science, Illinois State University, 1994

M.S., Kinesiology & Exercise Science, Illinois State University, 1996

M.D., Des Moines University, 2002

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

We've all heard of the phrase life hack. But have you heard of something called a brain hack? Don Vaughn gives us the inside scoop on the amazing powers of the human brain.

Don Vaughn is a UCLA PhD Student and DJ.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

¿Cómo se aprende a ser creativo? ¿Qué trucos hay que saber que no te contarán en la Universidad o en la escuela de creatividad?
¿Cómo se empieza a ser creativo publicitario? ¿Qué talentos hay que trabajar? ¿Qué dones hay que cultivar?
¿Un creativo se nace o se hace? Javi Inglés nos habla desde su experiencia de esta apasionante oficio y de las claves que debe conocer todo el que empieza en él.

Event: TEDxUPFMataró
Organizer: Roger Viladrosa

Director Creativo experto en creación de contenidos con amplia experiencia publicitaria tanto en medios offline como online.

Experto en estrategia y creación de contenidos para marcas en redes sociales.

Además, gracias a mi amplia experiencia como Director Creativo en el sector publicitario, puedo ofrecer servicios de creación, producción y postproducción de contenidos audiovisuales online para Facebook, Youtube, Vimeo e Instagram.

He trabajado para algunas de las marcas más importantes de este país como: Carolina Herrera, San Miguel, Lacoste, Vueling, Seat, Roche, Benckiser, Intermon, Gaes, Purina, Igloo, Bayer, Gas Natural, Frito Lay, Greenpeace, Bimbo, Eroski, Litoral, La Lechera, Grupo Godó, la Caixa, Moritz, Ajuntament de Barcelona, Generalitat de Catalunya y Nike entre muchos otros, desarrollando funciones de director creativo, director creativo interactivo y/o redacción.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Meet the father who created a Minecraft community for people with autism.

Stuart Duncan created the Autcraft Minecraft server for people with autism and their families in response to a need. Parents were reaching out to other parents because their autistic children were being bullied on public servers.
The Autcraft server launched in 2013 and grew very quickly due to word of mouth within the autism community. Duncan found himself talking to an average of 2 children per week that were feeling suicidal due to the constant bullying, feeling alone and being depressed. After quitting his job to focus solely on the server, a strong, supportive community grew and developed which news outlets would one day call one of the best places on the Internet.

Learn how a video game server went from keeping children safe from bullying to attracting researchers and journalists from all around the world as parents began reporting greater progress in their children's social abilities than ever before.

This TEDx talk was recorded on April 22 2017 at TEDxYorkUSalon AutismInnovations in Toronto, Canada.

Stuart Duncan is the founder of Autcraft, the first Minecraft server for children with autism and their families. He is also an autistic parent of two children, one with autism and one without.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

between two world

Vassilios Kiosses was born in Kastoria where he is currently living and working. He is a psychologist and person-centered counselor of mental health, while he is working as a counselor with women victims of domestic violence. He is also the instructor of the elective course Empathy during doctor-patient relationship in the Medical School of the University of Ioannina through an experiential training program that he developed, as a part of his PhD studies. He loves traveling because it is a way to identify more configurations of himself.


This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Tomorrow, anyone could be disabled, reminds Jess Benham, a disabled activist academic, in this talk. People with disabilities have rights and contribute to our society in often unrecognized ways. Benham urges us to reconsider how disability and accessibility truly impact our lives, in the past, the present, and the future.

Jessica is a strong advocate for Autistic rights and currently serves as the Director of Public Policy at the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy. Among other projects, Jess has organized a statewide coalition against organ transplant discrimination, pushed successfully for more and better Medicaid waiver services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and trained first responders in autism competence. Jessica Benham is also a doctoral student in Communications, where she serves as a Graduate Teaching Fellow, and master’s student in Bioethics at the University of Pittsburgh. She holds a master’s in Communication Studies from Minnesota State University and Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Communication from Bethel University. In addition to her academic appointments and activism, Jessica’s research interest lies mainly in the investigation of the rhetorical and ethical constructions of disability in society.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts, in the United States, Sterling is a teacher who wants to inspire creative thinking through collaborative projects. Before teaching, Sterling worked as a documentary filmmaker

Sterling Toppings, American Art Teacher, Head of house Masters

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Using stay-at-home moms as a case study, Ben Young tackles the polarization and prejudices rampant in discussions of gender in the workplace and in society at large.


Ben Young graduated with University Honors from Brigham Young University with a BA in Economics, and a minor in Business Management. After graduation, he worked in the insurance and non-pro t arenas, specializing in data analytics and visualization. Outside of work, Ben is an avid baseball fan and an a cappella nerd. He also works as a freelance BI consultant, advising busi- nesses on Tableau implementations and analytics best practices, as well as conducting webinar trainings. He and his wife Aubrey both currently study at Oxford University when not playing with their two daughters, Joan and Ruth.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Dr. Bill Ju discusses his unconventional approach to teaching, notably his use of social media to engage students and his focus on mental health as an integral part of the learning experience. Dr. Ju is breaking down barriers surrounding mental health, treating it as a natural extension of what is talked about in a neuroscience classroom.

Dr. Bill Ju is an associate professor in the Human Biology Department of the University of Toronto, with a focus on neuroscience.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at