What if the difference between a hit song and a forgotten idea isn’t talent - it’s curiosity? In “Curiosity Wrote the Song,” Grammy-nominated songwriter and creative strategist Beth Raebeck Hall reveals how relentless curiosity fuels lasting creative breakthroughs. Through iconic examples from country, rock, and Broadway, she shows that curiosity - not perfection - is the real power behind innovation. This talk invites us to see curiosity as creativity’s secret superpower - and the key to rewriting not just our work, but our lives. Hall argues that what drives extraordinary creators isn’t confidence, luck, or even genius - it’s the willingness to keep digging when everyone else calls it done. Curiosity Wrote the Song challenges the myth of effortless inspiration, reframing “failure” as fuel and “rejection” as raw material. With humor and hard-won insight from five decades in the creative trenches, Hall invites audiences to reimagine curiosity not as a childlike trait - but as a professional superpower that can rewrite not only songs, but entire lives. Beth is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, award-winning writer, and visionary business coach with over three decades at the intersection of music, media, and entrepreneurship. She’s the founder of The Quantum Creator, MusicRow411, and Crazy Rae Music, and has advised over 110 music tech startups, countless creatives, and mission-driven founders. Beth co-created and branded Tin Pan South, now the world’s largest songwriting festival. A sought-after strategist and mentor, she fuses creativity with business insight to spark clarity, empowerment, and transformation. Whether coaching mid-career professionals or consulting for cutting-edge ventures, Beth helps others reignite their purpose, build with integrity, and lead with vision. Her work is rooted in real-world experience—and a deep belief in what’s possible when you align with your true creative self. 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

What if the key to thriving as an adult is rediscovering something we were all born knowing how to do: Play? In this TEDxOldHickory talk, Adam Tanaka explores why play is more than just a childhood pastime. Drawing on research, real-world examples, and personal stories, he shows how play can reset the mind, spark creativity, and deepen human connection. From climbing trees to drumming for five minutes a day, Adam illustrates how intentional, meaningful play can interrupt the pressure of productivity and open the door to curiosity, collaboration, and purpose. His talk challenges the idea that play is wasted time and instead invites us to consider what might happen if we gave ourselves permission to play. Adam Tanaka is a multi-venture founder, mental wellness strategist, and advocate for playful leadership. With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, he’s built and sold companies, advised high-performing founders, and now leads Cavehouse Supply, a brand that empowers kids with confidence and creativity while supporting families. Through his speaking and advisory work at Mind Your Business Labs, Adam helps leaders design systems that keep them out of survival mode and stay in control. His mission bridges the gap between who we were and who we’re becoming by helping adults reconnect with their inner child and helping kids build resilience and a strong sense of self. A creative and recovered hustler, Adam’s work is rooted in personal reflection, bold optimism, and the belief that play isn’t childish - it’s critical. When he’s not speaking, writing, or building, you’ll find him hiking in the mountains with his partner Kelsey and German Shepherd Otto, chasing quiet moments of joy. 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