In a world trained to scroll past pain and celebrate perfection, Kapil Raj brings attention to the quiet suffering we often overlook. A bestselling author and corporate leader, Kapil shares how storytelling became his way of witnessing the unheard, the unseen, and the unspoken. Through deeply personal narratives—of abuse, shame, unmet dreams, and quiet resilience—he explores how silence distorts our understanding of reality, and how breaking that silence can begin the process of healing. With raw vulnerability, he reflects on the emotional toll of writing stories without happy endings, and the profound connection that happens when someone simply feels seen. This talk is a call to listen deeply, speak bravely, and hold space for the truths we’ve long been taught to hide. Kapil Raj is a nationally bestselling author, speaker, and writer-activist whose work blends storytelling, emotional truth, and social impact. A corporate leader at a Fortune 150 organization, he drives large-scale transformation while championing the power of narrative to spotlight unheard voices. His novel Endurer and Change Stories series (Kuroopa, A Gutterful Life, A Mother by the Window) explore mental health, identity, and silence with psychological depth. Kapil speaks at global forums and universities on the healing power of uncomfortable stories, emotional intelligence in leadership. 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

Brooke Baldwin spent over a decade as a CNN anchor, in millions of living rooms — until one day, she was suddenly gone. For the first time, she reveals the real reason she was forced out of her dream job — and why she now believes she was part of the problem. In this raw, riveting talk, Brooke opens up about her own unraveling and challenges all of us to face an uncomfortable truth: America is at an inflection point, where we can no longer agree on what’s real. But what if this mess — this collective chrysalis moment — is actually our chance to transform? Her message is clear: the future depends on curiosity, compassion, and the courage to tell the truth — even when it breaks you open. Brooke Baldwin was in millions of living rooms as a CNN News Anchor for more than a decade. She was known for her versatility, authenticity and humanity at the news desk. Brooke loved her job until one day… she didn’t. For the first time Brooke publicly tells the truth about why she really left CNN — which kicked off the start of, what she calls, her “Unraveling." She talks candidly about her observations of America and issues a challenge to each of us as Truth and reality are at an inflection point. This, she says, is America’s “Chrysalis moment.” 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

Food sits uniquely at the intersection of human health, environmental stewardship, education, and social justice. In this powerful talk, filmmaker, chef, and food advocate Oliver English explores how our current food system—while a major driver of chronic disease, environmental degradation, and inequality—also holds the key to solving these urgent, interconnected challenges. Drawing from his upbringing in the restaurant industry, years working alongside leading chefs and hospitality innovators, and visits to over 80 farms across the globe, Oliver shares insights gathered from interviews with world-renowned farmers, nutritionists, climate scientists, and entrepreneurs. Through the lens of his impact-driven production company and award-winning documentary Feeding Tomorrow, English offers tangible, hopeful solutions rooted in a new regenerative food paradigm—solutions that can empower individuals, businesses, and communities to create meaningful change. Solutions that can start tonight at the dinner table. Oliver English is a filmmaker, chef, and global food advocate working at the intersection of storytelling, sustainability, and social change. He is the CEO & Co-Founder of Common Table Creative, an impact-driven production company shaping the future of food and farming through cinematic storytelling.Oliver directed and produced Feeding Tomorrow, the award-winning documentary that premiered in 2024 on Apple TV and Amazon Prime, exploring how regenerative food systems can heal people and the planet. He crafts stories that influence culture, business, and policy.Born into a restaurant family, Oliver’s journey began in kitchens and dining rooms, later leading international expansion across five continents. A sought-after speaker, he’s presented at COP27, COP28, SXSW, Sundance, and A+E Networks events. He is a graduate of Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration and a member of the American Council of Young Political Leaders. 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

In a world flooded with tutorials, top-10-skill lists, and AI panic, most students are overwhelmed—not under-skilled. In this eye-opening talk, Dr. Amar Panchal challenges the myth that simply learning to code guarantees a successful career. Drawing from his experience mentoring over 23,000 students, he shares how confusion—not lack of opportunity—is the real threat to young professionals today.Through humor, real-life analogies, and a powerful 5-step career clarity framework, he urges learners to move beyond passive consumption of skills toward active exploration, reflection, and application. Whether it’s AI, Python, or Java, the key isn’t what you learn—but why and how. A must-watch for anyone caught between too many options and too little direction. Dr. Amar Panchal is a trailblazer in the field of technology education and career transformation. With over 17 years of industry and academic experience, he co-founded Career Credentials to bridge the gap between technical learning and employability. Through innovative programs, certifications, and placement pathways, he empowers the next generation of IT professionals. Renowned for his holistic approach to programming and pedagogy, Dr. Panchal is committed to building a future-ready talent ecosystem through education, mentorship, and impact-driven leadership. 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 embrace being different and thrive to achieve your dreams A two-time Olympian (Rio and Paris). she plays beach volleyball, and is the first ever hijabi to play such sport and reach the olympics 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

Many may see recycling as a net gain, citing how it keeps materials from being thrown out indefinitely. However, what's very often overlooked is how recycling can be used to shift responsibility away from companies and onto consumers, especially by shifting focus away from reduction and reuse, without meaningful shifts in material from the company. I'm a high school junior with a strong interest in public speaking, an activity that I recently gained more interest in, thanks to my school's MUN and, of course, TEDx. For my topics, I usually enjoy talking about not just things that change individuals but also about things that can benefit society as a whole. Outside of speaking, I'm also into volleyball, painting, and reading. 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