NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker’s personal views and interpretation of substance use disorder and oxytocin, which remains debated by experts working in this field. Several theories have not been tested experimentally and warrant further scientific investigation. 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.pdfLove can be more than just an emotion; it can be a powerful force that rewires the brain and protects it from disorders like addiction. Drawing from his own childhood in a neighborhood marked by drugs and crime, Dr. Juan Dominguez shares how the love he received at home sparked his lifelong quest to understand the neuroscience behind love’s protective effects. In this talk, he takes the audience inside the brain to reveal how love activates the same reward systems targeted by addictive substances, without the harmful consequences, and how harnessing this power may transform approaches to prevention and healing.Dr. Juan Dominguez is Vice Provost for Academics and Curriculum at The University of Texas at Austin, where he is also a professor of psychology, neuroscience, and pharmacology. His research focuses on the brain mechanisms of love and addiction, and his work has been featured in scientific journals, public lectures, and educational initiatives bridging neuroscience and everyday life. Dr. Juan Dominguez is the Vice Provost for Academic and Curricular Innovation. In addition to his role as vice provost, he is an award-winning professor of psychology, pharmacology, and neuroscience and a widely published and highly cited research scientist.The goals of his laboratory are to elucidate the underlying neural and endocrine mechanisms regulating motivated behaviors, specifically, using the study of sexual behavior as a prototypic model for understanding motivation, its acquisition, and associated disorders like substance abuse disorder and depression.Dr. Dominguez’s scientific accomplishments are evidenced in over 50 publications, numerous research grants, including those from the National Institutes of Health, and several awards related to his research on the brain’s regulation of motivated behaviors and associated disorders, such as addiction. His love of science carries over into his love of teaching, which has been recognized by several teaching awards, including the Ann Repp Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Texas 10 Award distinction of “most inspiring professor,” and, more recently, the President’s Associates Teaching Excellence Award.In his capacity as vice provost, Dr. Dominguez aims towards the development of innovative strategies to enhance the quality and impact of education at UT. This includes working with various stakeholders to promote innovative approaches to undergraduate curricula and enhancing interdisciplinary studies and undergraduate research. He aims to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students across the University to promote a culture of academic excellence, innovation, and engagement in undergraduate education and success. 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

Science and modelling shows our civilisation is in existential collapse, but what if this terrifying reality is the prod that humanity needs to live fully and in attainment again? In this provocative talk, international best-selling author and journalist Sarah Wilson explores the upside of losing what we’ve been taking for granted. Sarah Wilson is a multi-New York Times and Amazon best-selling author, podcaster, social philosopher and renegade.She is the host of the podcast Wild with Sarah Wilson and writes the popular Substack newsletter This is Precious, which has an engaged community of 57,000 subscribers.Sarah is known globally for founding the I Quit Sugar movement - a digital wellness program and 13 award-winning books that sell in 52 countries - which saw millions around the world transform their health. In 2022 Sarah sold the business and donated 100 per cent of the proceeds to charity.Her New York Times bestseller First, We Make the Beast Beautiful is described by Mark Manson as “the best book on living with anxiety that I’ve ever read” and was featured as a book of the year on NBC’s Today Show. Her book This One Wild & Precious Life won the 2021 US Gold Nautilus Award.Sarah is an advisor to corporations and universities on media, mental health and existential risk. She’s guest lectured for the University of Cambridge’s Sustainability and Leadership masters course and partnered with organisations such as the Climate Council, Harvard University and Intelligence Squared on campaigns. 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

We live in a time where machines, powered by AI, can do more than we ever imagined. Success isn’t about resisting that shift, but learning how to harness it to your advantage. This talk reveals how to build the mindset and skills that keep you ahead of the curve. Ayanna Varma is a senior at Newark Academy with a passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology. As a nationally ranked tennis player and co-founder of Rally for Tennis Eastern, Ayanna has combined her love for tennis and entrepreneurship to support a nationwide initiative that has raised over $300,000 to increase access to tennis for underserved youth. Her interest in technology led her to explore emerging markets in the metaverse through a BCG-led initiative, while also driving her research into the transformative potential of Central Bank Digital Currencies in wealth distribution. Ayanna also played a key role in launching NOX AI’s next-gen assistant, RPLY, focusing on user engagement and outreach strategies. At Newark Academy, she serves as a CIA, is varsity tennis captain, and is a member of EIT. In her talk, Ayanna is excited to explore how AI augments human decision-making, showcasing the power of education, adaptability, and humanity in shaping our future. 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 this powerful Hindi TED Talk, business coach Rajesh Kumar reveals how entrepreneurs can transform their companies by upgrading both mindset and strategy. Drawing from his own journey—from employee to founder of IPS Business Coaching—Rajesh shares five essential pillars for growth: embracing technology, leveraging the right resources, practicing adaptability, driving innovation, and building strong networking connections. With real-life examples, including a manufacturing unit that doubled profits within three months, he explains why investing in learning, hiring mentors, and delivering faster than competitors are key to staying ahead. This talk is an inspiring roadmap for Indian MSMEs, family businesses, and ambitious startup founders who want to scale smarter, multiply profits, and future-proof their business. India's first Business Automation and Profit Coach, Rajesh Kumar Kare helps entrepreneurs transform their businesses to run on auto-pilot mode while consistently multiplying profits year after year. With over 19 years of business experience, he empowers MSMEs to build system-driven, scalable, and sustainable enterprises. Through his proven frameworks, he enables businesses to escape daily firefighting and unlock massive growth potential. His coaching philosophy is rooted in action, implementation, and results — turning visions into reality. Rajesh Kumar Kare is committed to creating a new era of world-class Indian businesses through innovation, strategy, and automation. 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

Em um mundo que muitas vezes parece individualista, encontrar um senso de comunidade pode ser um desafio. Enquanto a maioria dos adolescentes se interessava por temas comuns, ela dedicava seu tempo a pesquisar história e política. Essa jornada solitária a fez questionar se um dia encontraria pessoas que compartilhassem de seus interesses. Nesta palestra, Melissa conta como sua vida foi transformada ao descobrir a "modelândia" — o mundo dos modelos diplomáticos. Ela compartilha como essa comunidade, onde jovens debatem temas globais, a ajudou a fortalecer sua identidade e a entender a importância do pertencimento. Uma história inspiradora sobre como sair da zona de conforto pode levar a conexões genuínas e a um senso de comunidade inestimável. Melissa Diniz é estudante da Escola Parque e uma das lideranças do MODEP, o modelo diplomático da Escola 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

Can productivity and ambition exist without burnout?At age 18, Caitlin Rozario was confronted with this question when a life-changing health crisis during her first term at Cambridge forced her to rethink everything she knew about work and high performance.But this seemingly terrible experience gave her an opportunity to try things differently. Over the last 13 years, Caitlin has studied, questioned and experimented with what it means to be productive.In this talk, she shares how more sustainable ways of working can help us achieve our goals – without harming our health and wellbeing in the process. Caitlin Rozario is on a mission to make work better. She’s passionate about creating healthier, more sustainable ways of working that help people do remarkable things - without chronic stress, burnout and overwhelm. Inspired by her own experience overcoming a life-changing health challenge, Caitlin is determined to change workplace culture for the better – one workshop, team, and conversation at a time. 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