NOTE FROM TED: This talk contains a discussion of traumatic childhood experiences that some viewers may find upsetting. 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.pdfJohnie McGlade and Kathryn Mullen believe puppetry is a magical medium. Remember Yoda, Fozzie Bear, the Fraggle Rock fraggles? Characters who live in your imagination, and enter your heart a little. It’s the same people behind these famous puppets who are making No Strings films.These films are specifically for children who find themselves in ongoing crises around the world.https://www.nostrings.org.uk/our-team Johnny and Kathleen believe puppetry is a magical medium. Remember Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, the Fraggle Rock fraggles? Characters who live in your imagination, and enter your heart a little. It’s the same people behind these famous puppets who are making No Strings films. Films for children in ongoing crises around the 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

NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of the nervous system, spirituality, and personal development. Several theories around flow state 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.pdfWhat if the most powerful state of mind you could experience wasn't random, rare, or reserved for elite performers — but something you could learn to access daily? In this moving and scientifically grounded talk, Deri Llewellyn-Davies takes us from the scorching sands of the Sahara Desert to the icy slopes of Mount Everest to explore the one state that changes everything: flow. Often described as a sense of total immersion, clarity, and peak performance, flow is not just a fleeting experience — it’s a habit you can build. Deri Llewellyn-Davies is a high-performance strategist, entrepreneur, and adventurer dedicated to unlocking human potential. With experience running over 20 businesses and advising more than 300 boards, he combines business acumen with a passion for pushing limits—both professionally and physically. He has climbed six of the world’s seven highest mountains, including a near-fatal Everest attempt, and completed some of the toughest endurance races on the planet.Deri’s research into elite performers led to a signature framework for balancing extraordinary achievement with personal fulfillment. He challenges individuals and organizations to redefine what’s possible. 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 helpful as a complementary approach, please do not look to this talk for mental health advice. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of breathwork and healing. 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.pdfThis talk tells the story of a mother navigating years of despair, guilt, and pain as her teenage son spirals into crime and incarceration. With honesty and vulnerability, she shares the emotional toll of parenting through crisis—and the path that ultimately led to healing, reconnection, and hope. Along the way, she explores how asking for help, confronting deep pain, and reclaiming one’s identity can spark profound transformation. This is a story of resilience, not perfection—reminding us that even in the darkest moments, we are not meant to break. We are meant to transform. Elsa Regan is an accomplished executive coach with extensive experience in coaching leaders and teams, from management to executive level. Prior to that, Elsa had a 15-year-long academic career in the field of cell biology, followed by a few years in the food industry.. Elsa’s mission is to inspire people to follow their hearts with courage, so they become who they are meant to be. As a mother of three sons, Elsa has faced long-standing family challenges that were extremely painful and confronting. Elsa found support in therapy to navigate these challenges. In parallel to her work as a coach, Elsa is now also a Gestalt therapy practitioner, helping others grow, transform and heal. 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 views and experiences in law enforcement. 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.pdfMs. Mamta Rani discusses women's rights in the workplace, the importance of laws ensuring equality, and the constitutional protections available to women, emphasizing the need for a safe and supportive environment. Mamta Rani Chaudhry, from the batch of 1996, is a distinguished police officer currently serving as Additional DCP in the Varanasi Police Commissionerate. She is responsible for the Women and Child Department, along with maintaining security. With a focus on ensuring safety and balance in the community, Mamta Rani Chaudhry is dedicated to creating a secure environment in Varanasi. 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

Dr. Alex Curmi unpacks the science—and psychology—behind intuition, revealing why our instincts often lead us astray—and how we can train them to be more reliable. Dr. Alex Curmi is a consultant psychiatrist, speaker, and writer from Malta. He trained in psychiatry at the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust and is currently completing his psychotherapy training at the Metanoia Institute.As the founder and host of The Thinking Mind Podcast, he leads in-depth conversations on psychiatry, psychotherapy, self-development, and the philosophy of mental health. Featuring experts from around the world, the podcast makes complex psychological ideas accessible and engaging for the general public. Beyond podcasting, Dr. Curmi has written for The Guardian, exploring the intersection of psychology, culture, and mental health.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 technology industry promised us connection, convenience, and creativity. Has it delivered, or offered false promises that may never be fully realized? Scott Hanselman offers a candid look at what’s really happening beneath the surface of AI and innovation and how we must make conscious, informed decisions about the tools shaping our future.We could not do this without community support. With special thanks to the University of Oregon for their presenting partnership. The world-class stage production by For Good & Co. The incredible legacy bound Event Book provided by Premier Press. Lastly, the brand identity and creative digital craft provided by our Agency of Record - Thesis. All of our Partners and event history can be found at TEDxPortland.com. Scott Hanselman is the VP of Developer Community at Microsoft and has spent over 30 years as a teacher, programmer, and prolific blogger. In addition to writing numerous technical books, Scott has produced nearly 2,000 episodes of his popular Hanselman Minutes and Azure Friday podcasts. A passionate technologist, he focuses on empowering developers and fostering inclusivity in tech. Scott frequently speaks at conferences worldwide, sharing insights on software development, productivity, and diversity in technology. 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