The secret to de-escalating angry people | Katelyn Carey | TEDxPortsmouth
What if the angriest people you meet aren’t your enemies—but just overinflated blowfish? In this riveting and unexpectedly funny TEDx talk, veteran ER nurse and award-winning speaker Katelyn Carey unpacks the biology of rage and the hidden science of why telling someone to “calm down” never, ever works.
With gripping stories and cutting-edge neuroscience, Katelyn shows how modern stress hijacks our ancient threat responses—and how understanding those responses can help us de-escalate even the most chaotic conversations. Her practical tools, or "brain hacks," help deflate tension, reduce conflict, and restore calm when it matters most.
Katelyn Carey is a healthcare leader, national speaker, and the founder of “Beauty After Breast Cancer,” a trauma-informed resource offering hope and empowerment. If you’re tired of polarization and ready to connect through the chaos, this talk will leave you equipped, inspired, and newly curious.
Katelyn Carey is an acute care nurse and crisis management specialist who uses humor and storytelling to explain how our brains process information differently under stress. Passionate about making science accessible, Katelyn turns complex concepts into practical tools and brain hacks to support high-stress interactions. She has designed and taught programs supporting caregivers, from community crisis nurseries to physician residency programs. As a speaker and author, the tools Katelyn has developed are used by healthcare organizations globally, helping professionals navigate the challenges of caregiving and crisis management. 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
More from TED
- 8:26The Gift of Regret | Patrinee Thamsriswadi | TEDxAssumptionUWhat if the dream you worked so hard for… wasn’t meant to last? Dr. Ploy was once an ophthalmologist with a clear plan—until life led her elsewhere. In this warm and witty talk, she shares how unexpected detours can reveal a different kind of clarity—and the courage to begin again. Dr. Patrinee Thamsriswadi, M.D. is currently serving as the Assistant Hospital Director and is a rising voice in the new generation of healthcare leaders. With a background in medicine and healthcare management, she is passionate about transforming hospital systems, improving patient experience, and bridging the gap between clinical care and organizational leadership. Dr. Patrinee represents the new wave of medical professionals who not only treat patients but also rethink the structures that support them. 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
- 10:29I stop letting Anxiety control my life | Natchaphat Nuchsawas | TEDxAssumptionUWhen life feels overwhelming, don’t retreat — dare to change. A young athlete shares her journey through anxiety, fear, and self-doubt. By taking small but brave steps, she learned to trust her own strength and transformed her struggles into growth. Natchaphat is currently a second-year BBA student with a strong passion for public speaking, storytelling, and content creation. As an athlete, she has faced and battled with anxiety, particularly social anxiety and panic attacks, that hindered her personal and academic progress. Through her journey of overcoming these challenges, she has found strength in vulnerability and personal growth. Natchaphat is now sharing her story to inspire others facing similar struggles, with the goal of encouraging a more open conversation around 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
