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
- 17:39The Digital Drug : Why Social Media needs Safety labels | Nishtha Jain | TEDxAndoverNOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of technology and mental health which remains an ongoing field of study. Comparisons to drug addiction lack scientific support and may be alienating to some viewers. 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.pdfIn a world wired for constant connection, what is it costing us to always be online? In this talk, Nishtha Jain unpacks the hidden dangers of social media addiction and how it is hijacking our attention, and changing how we live, connect, and feel. Drawing from personal experiences this talk proposes a revolutionary idea of having the Digital Safety Labels. It's time to pause, reclaim presence, and choose a more mindful relationship with technology. Nishtha Jain is a highly esteemed strategic thought leader and executive with over 15 years of global experience in information technology. She specializes in steering digital technology transformations, developing digital products, and formulating and implementing digital innovation strategies. Nishtha possesses significant expertise across multiple industry sectors, including healthcare technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, with an in-depth understanding of the entire value chain. Her fervent interest lies in harnessing emerging digital technologies, such as AI, to improve patients' healthcare experiences and journeys. In her current position as Head of Innovation & Digital Technology, R&D Quality at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, she spearheads digital and data initiatives from ideation to execution, applying emerging technologies and design principles for transformative outcomes. Her prior experience includes positions at GSK, Biogen, Thomson Reuters, Dr.First, Accenture. 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
- 18:01How Quiet Nudges Can Lead to a Life of Purpose and Impact | Pam Rosener | TEDxPlanoNOTE FROM TED: 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.pdfWe're all looking for clear direction to tell us what's next. But what if the biggest signs come through small whispers? Pam Rosener is the President and Founder of Young Men’s Service League. Pam loves mentoring young men to develop their hearts for service. She also delights in seeing moms deepen their relationships with their sons while growing personally through their leadership roles in YMSL. She’s on a mission to bring the YMSL experience to as many communities as possible to provide YMSL’s unique service, learning and leadership opportunities to young men and their moms across the country and around the world. Currently, there are over 100 chapters in 15 states. Since its inception YMSL members have served over 2 million community service hours. 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
