In 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration declined to approve several psychedelic therapies, based in part on testimony provided by activists concerned about ethical lapses in the underlying research. Dr. Neşe Devenot helped lead that opposition effort. In this talk, she shares her profound journey with psychedelics, highlighting their potential for personal healing and societal impact. While Devenot believes psychedelic therapies hold significant promise, she discusses the ethical challenges within the industry, detailing her opposition to Lykos Therapeutics' MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD due to serious allegations of misconduct. Her story underscores the importance of rigorous ethical standards and transparency in research, as well as the unique power of language and humanity in driving change. Neşe Devenot, PhD (they/she) is a Senior Lecturer in Writing at Johns Hopkins University who has contributed to the interdisciplinary field of Psychedelic Studies since 2010. They completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Bioethics at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and received their PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Pennsylvania. Neşe’s scholarship explores the intersections between health humanities, psychedelic bioethics, neuroethics, and comparative literature.They were a 2015-16 Research Fellow at the New York Public Library’s Timothy Leary Papers and a Research Fellow with the New York University Psilocybin Cancer Anxiety Study, where they participated in the first qualitative study of participant experiences. Their psychedelic ethics research has appeared in the Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal, JAMA Psychiatry, the Journal of Psychedelic Studies, Frontiers in Psychology, and Anthropology of Consciousness. 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

NOTE FROM TED: While air pollution has been identified as a public health and safety concern, several claims discussed in this talk around health, disease, and the environment remain an ongoing field of study. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfDr. Anna Gunz is a paediatric intensive care doctor at Children's Hospital and the Founding Medical Director of Children's Environmental Health Clinic, Ontario. Her work bridges clinical practice and advocacy for planetary health, focusing on climate change’s impact on pediatric health, eco-distress support, and nature-based healing. Dr. Gunz leads efforts to integrate nature into healing practices at the hospital, aiming to foster holistic recovery for young patients. Dr. Anna Gunz is a paediatric intensive care doctor at Children's Hospital and the Founding Medical Director of Children's Environmental Health Clinic, Ontario. Her work bridges clinical practice and advocacy for planetary health, focusing on climate change’s impact on pediatric health, eco-distress support, and nature-based healing. Dr. Gunz leads efforts to integrate nature into healing practices at the hospital, aiming to foster holistic recovery for young patients. 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

NOTE FROM TED:. While some viewers may find this talk helpful as a complementary approach, please do not look to this talk for medical advice. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of social contagion, lifestyle, and health, which some may find stigmatizing. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfMore than just nutrients - every meal is a choice that triggers a series of reactions. This talk reveals how small, consistent food decisions shape not just personal health but also the larger health of families, communities, and the environment. Gouri Krishna is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Nutritionist based in Trivandrum. With a triple major in Nutrition, Chemistry, and Human Development from Mount Carmel College, she runs her own functional health organization named harmony wellness concepts and actively promotes health awareness through social media. 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

NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal approach to and understanding of neuroplasticity, energy and self-improvement. Neuro-Linguistic Programming lacks legitimate scientific support. Some viewers may find elements of this talk to be stigmatizing. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfAre you stuck in overachievement but still feel unfulfilled? In this powerful TEDx Talk, mindset coach Roopal Kulreshtha shares how NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and NAC (Neuro-Associative Conditioning) helped her shift from silent burnout to deep emotional freedom. Learn how to:Rewire limiting beliefsBalance masculine drive with feminine flowRecode your mindset for success that actually feels goodThis isn’t just about performance — it’s about personal alignment, identity shift, and emotional recoding. Roopal Kulshreshtha is a certified Peak Performance Coach, NLP Practitioner, and Author of Quantum Peak Performance Techniques. With over 10 years of corporate experience as a software engineer and a degree from VIT University, Vellore, she understands the unique challenges professionals face in high-pressure environments. Roopal specializes in helping independent working professionals overcome self-doubt, emotional blocks, and burnout using powerful tools like NLP and NAC. Her work inspires lasting mindset shifts that lead to greater clarity, confidence, and inspired action. She has helped many women break free from limitations, realize their true potential, and manifest a more balanced, fulfilling life. She has actively contributed as a mentor in initiatives like the Design Thinking Program for Students, Organic Farming for Students, and YMCA’s Youth in Transition Project, supporting survivors of human trafficking. 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

NOTE FROM TED: Please do not look to this talk for medical advice. This talk only represents the speaker’s personal approach to and understanding of nutrition, health and personal growth. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfWhat if becoming a doctor wasn’t enough to truly succeed in life? In this thought-provoking TEDx talk, Dr. Usama Zuhair — medical doctor, clinical researcher, nutrition expert, and author of Calorics — challenges the traditional path of medical education and reveals why financial independence, creativity, and multidisciplinary skills are essential for every medical student.From the inspiring journeys of Avicenna and Leonardo da Vinci to his own story of creating Pakistan’s first calorie-tracked nutrition manual, Dr. Zuhair shows how thinking beyond the stethoscope can transform not only your career but your life. He delivers a powerful message: ? Break the mental shackles ? Create opportunities instead of waiting for them ? Use your medical knowledge to impact communities in their own languages ? Build skills in research, telemedicine, and health innovation — while still in medical schoolWhether you’re a medical professional, a student, or simply someone seeking inspiration to redefine your career, this talk will push you to dream bigger, act sooner, and design a future where your skills truly serve humanity — and sustain you in the process.Watch till the end — it might just change how you think about your profession, your purpose, and your potential. Dr. Usama Zuhair Medical Doctor | Nutrition Expert | Author of CaloricsDr. Usama Zuhair is a medical doctor, clinical researcher, and certified nutrition coach based in Faisalabad. He is the author of Calorics, a pioneering resource that features over 220 calorie-tracked recipes and case studies spanning a range of medical specialties. His work bridges the gap between nutrition theory and clinical application, offering healthcare professionals practical tools to manage obesity, chronic illness, and dietary challenges in diverse patient populations.Through his online courses and public health initiatives, Dr. Zuhair is advancing nutritional literacy in Pakistan and empowering individuals to take control of their health through evidence-based lifestyle changes. At TEDx Faisalabad Medical University, he shares his vision for transforming healthcare by placing nutrition at the core of clinical practice. 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

NOTE FROM TED: While some may find this helpful as a complementary approach, please do not look to this for medical advice. This talk only represents the speaker’s personal views and understanding of pain, breathwork, and healing. Several claims lack sufficient scientific support. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfIs your 'new normal' secretly a state of chronic stress, and are you ready to finally find real peace? Get ready to go on a journey with Dr. Danielle Griffin, unraveling how we can reverse the mental and physical impacts of the pandemic and ongoing global pressures. Dr. Danielle Griffin is an educator, coach, certified yoga practitioner, and is a thought leader in somatic exercise therapy. She empowers individuals and organizations to enhance well-being and performance by blending ancient wisdom and modern science to alleviate pain, stress, anxiety, and trauma. Her expertise includes somatic exercise therapy for pain and stress, hypnotherapy for anxiety and trauma, mindfulness, overcoming limiting beliefs, and the mind-body connection for peak performance. 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