"In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and endless digital scrolling, are we losing something vital? Join author, Good Life Project podcast host, entrepreneur, and lifelong maker, Jonathan Fields, as he unpacks a profound truth: the act of making with our hands isn't just a hobby, it's a powerful act of reclamation. An antidote to a screen-based existence, and a pathway to deep personal awakening.From a mysterious childhood briefcase to building guitars and beyond, Jonathan shares a deeply personal journey that reveals why craft, creativity, and the tangible act of creation are more crucial than ever for our well-being, sense of purpose, and human connection. Discover how the process of making shapes us, teaches us resilience, and offers a sanctuary in a chaotic, AI-centric world.This isn't a debate about AI's utility. It's an urgent call to remember what truly makes us feel alive, to reimagine your relationship with technology, your hands, and your own inherent maker's soul." Jonathan Fields is a dad, husband, award-winning and bestselling author of six books, co-executive producer and host of the top-ranked Good Life Project® podcast, which has been listened to and viewed more than 100-million times. Through his Awake at the Wheel Substack newsletter, he helps you feel more alive and less alone.Jonathan is also the founder of a series of companies focused on human potential, currently serving as CEO of Spark Endeavors, where he developed the Sparketype® Assessment, which has been tapped by over 1-million individuals and organizations to identify and pursue work that reconnects you with purpose, possibility, and joy.He is also a lifelong maker of everything from businesses, experiences, books, and brands to paintings, prints, mixed-media art, acoustic guitars, metalwork, tables, and beyond. Jonathan’s work has been featured widely in the media, from The New York Times, FastCompany, Wall Street Journal, and the Harvard Business Review to Oprah Magazine, SUCCESS, Allure, Parade, Vogue Elle, Outside, Reader’s Digest and more. Learn more at jonathanfields.com 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

An Expedition Mindset will transform your life, even if you don't like camping. Annie is a mother, polar guide, author and educator. She regularly gives presentations about polar expeditions and the significance of the polar regions. Her role as a polar guide allows her to teach people about the effects of climate change on the Arctic and polar regions. Favorite tent pastime? Playing her ukulele and while having a hot coco after a long day. 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

Asking better questions is an unexpected shortcut to more connection and less loneliness. Amber A. Johnson, PhD, is a Chicago-based leadership consultant and communications expert who works with organizations of all sizes to build people-focused, results-driven cultures. She is committed to helping individuals become better leaders, partners, and parents by improving their communication and the questions they ask. Amber’s work has been featured in Forbes.com, Psychology Today, SmartBrief, Substack, and TEDx Wilmette. Find her at https://amberajohnson.substack.com. 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 an era of increased polarization, local news is how we recreate the community connectivity necessary to a healthy society. Kayce Ataiyero is the Chief External Affairs Officer at the Joyce Foundation, where she oversees the Foundation's strategic communications, the Journalism Program and the Lend A Hand community grants fund. Kayce has extensive experience in communications, journalism and politics. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2018, she led communications for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly, the Illinois Governor’s Office and the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office. As an award-winning journalist, Kayce previously worked as a staff writer for the Chicago Tribune, The Raleigh News and Observer, Philadelphia Inquirer and Washington Post. She is board chair of Media Impact Funders, a national organization that advances the work of a broad range of funders committed to supporting media in the public interest. 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

Shaarav (Year 9) explores The Psychology of Money and Value, challenging the assumption that humans make rational financial decisions by examining how emotion, social pressure and instant gratification shape our spending choices. He distinguishes between price and value, arguing that true wealth encompasses time, freedom, wellbeing and meaningful relationships rather than mere possessions, before introducing the concept of compound growth and encouraging mindful evaluation of financial decisions that balance immediate pleasure with long-term investment in skills, health and experiences. Shaarav is a Year 9 pupil at King’s College School, Wimbledon. He is very passionate about economics and has been reading many books on the topic lately. He enjoys maths, sciences, and Design Engineering at school and enjoys exploring extra-curricular topics around them. He also loves to play the piano, sings well, and has a passion for cooking and baking. 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

Arush (Year 10) examines The Evolution of Public Discourse, exploring how modern communication platforms have transformed the way ideas are shared and debated. He investigates three phenomena shaping contemporary dialogue: the impact of group dynamics on individual expression, algorithmic echo chambers that limit exposure to diverse perspectives and potentially radicalise views, and the challenges of balancing protection from harmful speech with open discussion. He argues that exposure to different viewpoints drives societal progress and calls for active engagement with diverse perspectives to strengthen public discourse. Aarush is a Year 10 pupil at King’s College School, Wimbledon, and has a great interest in political sciences and the dynamics of free speech. He has often competed in essay competitions exploring these subjects, but also enjoys drama and film, which has led to an interest in acting, and naturally a hunger for public speaking. 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