Wonder Wisdom and the World We Need | Deb Nichols | TEDxSouth Congress
In this thought-provoking TEDxSouthCongress talk, Deb Nichols invites us to reawaken our sense of wonder, tap into timeless wisdom, and envision the kind of world we truly need. Through powerful stories and fresh insights, she explores how curiosity, creativity, and collective care can transform not only our personal lives but the future we all share. Discover how reconnecting with wonder and applying deeper wisdom can help us build more compassionate, resilient communities, and ultimately, a world that works better for everyone. I have 25 years of experience in higher education, with a constant emphasis on enhancing communication and exchange of information between academia and industry or the community. I consistently translate evidence into actionable policies, interventions, technology development, and other experiences supporting science in decision-making and critical thinking. I have co-edited a book that brought academic researchers together with industry leaders; published research used in multiple media-related policies; partnered with PBS Kids to more effectively create educational media content; and co-founded a company to develop a mHealth app that supports informal caregivers and their loved ones. 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
- 15:26Don’t Fix Yourself, Unbecome | John Jacob MUBARAK | TEDxPromenade des AnglaisNOTE FROM TED: While some viewers may find this to be helpful as a complementary approach, please do not look to this talk for mental health advice. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of the body, the brain, and healing, which some viewers may find to be alienating. 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.pdfWhat if healing isn’t about becoming something more—but about unbecoming everything you're not?In this deeply personal and transformational talk, spiritual teacher John Jacob shares a radical new path to healing. Through emotional honesty, soul-centered insights, and a practical four-step process, he helps us recognize that our triggers are not flaws—they're guides. They're doorways to liberation.By releasing childhood conditioning and rewriting the narratives we inherited, we stop striving to be “better”… and start remembering that we are already whole. This talk is an invitation to unbecome the roles, masks, and programs that never belonged to us—and come home to our true self. John Jacob Mubarak is a spiritual teacher and integration guide dedicated to helping individuals awaken to their infinite potential. He bridges ancient wisdom with modern science to foster profound transformation. For over a decade, John Jacob has guided thousands through integration, breathwork, and spiritual practice, helping them embody lasting change and become a beneficial presence on the planet. His work is rooted in the Sacred Truth Principles of Acceptance, Joy, and Oneness, empowering individuals to move beyond limiting beliefs and step into a life of deep alignment. Whether leading retreats and workshops, coaching clients, or exploring the jungles and beaches of Costa Rica, he is devoted to fostering a world where inner healing leads to collective flourishing. 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
- 19:044 steps to mental well-being. | Marian Jelínek | TEDxBrnoNOTE FROM TED: Please do not look to this talk for medical or mental health advice. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of lifestyle, mindset and health. Some viewers may find elements to be stigmatizing. 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.pdfHow can mental techniques and mind work influence performance and success in sports and in life? Hockey Coach, Mental Coach, Educator, AuthorMarian is a respected hockey coach and mental coach with over 35 years of experience. He worked for more than a decade with hockey legend Jaromír Jágr. His expertise extends beyond sports—where he has collaborated with top athletes such as Karolína Plíšková and Petr Mrázek—into the world of business, where he coaches managers and entrepreneurs.He is the author of several books and serves as the guarantor of the Psychology for Managers program at a university. 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
- 17:40How to Unstick a Stuck Brain | Garnet Dupuis | TEDxBerlinNOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal views, business approach to, and understanding of the brain, habits, and behavior. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. 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.pdfCurrent neuroscience has given us a powerful clue into how to optimize positive changes in our neuroplastic brain. Habits are not just psychological, they are also neurological. And as such, the neurological pathways can often be quite “fixated”, “habituated”….STUCK. The good news is that there are safe, fast acting, efficient, non-drug, non-invasive ways to “unstick a stuck brain”. Garnet Dupuis is a Canadian innovator and creator of neuroVIZR, a light and sound technology designed to support brain wellness and enhance creativity. Garnet brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the field of consciousness exploration, neurological science, neuroplasticity, and brain signal variability. Driven by insatiable curiosity and a profound respect for both science and nature, Garnet’s work bridges ancient wisdom and modern technology. As a visionary thinker and wellness pioneer, Garnet continues to challenge conventional boundaries, inspiring others to explore new ways of understanding and optimizing the human brain. 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
- 19:41Press Start to Heal: Video Games and the Future of Therapy | Dr. Sara Roldan | TEDxSDSUNOTE FROM TED: Please do not look to this talk for mental health advice. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of video game therapy, trauma, and healing which remains an ongoing field of study. Several theories discussed lack sufficient scientific support. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. 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 her talk, Dr. Sara discusses the visionary exploration of how video games are reshaping the future of therapy. By bridging the gap between entertainment and mental health, she demonstrates the immense potential of technology to enhance well-being. She inspires hope for a more interactive and personalized approach to therapy, one that can reach and resonate with people in unprecedented ways. Dr. Sara Roldan is a Guatemalan-born therapist, educator, author, and speaker who is dedicated to empowering individuals to transform their lives by reclaiming their stories. With over 20 years of advocacy for inclusion and a decade of clinical expertise, Dr. Roldan merges her cultural heritage, modern therapeutic techniques, and the power of fandom culture to create innovative and accessible pathways to healing. Her passion is to help people feel empowered through their own narratives, encouraging them to see themselves as the heroes of their journeys. Her own experiences—shaped by her background in performing arts, education, and her journey as an immigrant—drive her commitment to making others feel seen, heard, and capable of thriving. Her work is a powerful call to transformation, inspiring individuals to embrace their power, overcome adversity, and become the heroes of their own stories. 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
- 16:37The Science of Walkable Cities | Craig Lewis | TEDxUNCCharlotteNOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of urban planning, the brain and behavior. Several claims have not been tested experimentally and currently lack scientific support. 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.pdfWalking has numerous benefits– and yet so many American cities are not designed to be walkable. By unpacking the science behind walkable cities, Craig Lewis shares factors that impact how we interact with urban environments. When we consider the science, we not only can turn an ignored alley into a place where warm memories can be created, but we can also be better, happier people. Craig Lewis is Placemaking Practice Group Manager at Arcadis, managing planning, landscape architecture, mobility, and urban design studios across the US and Mexico. For more than 30 years, he has used an inter-disciplinary approach to plan and implement the growth and regeneration of urban places across the globe that are more livable, equitable, and sustainable. As a practitioner and researcher, he has been studying how the physical characteristics of places affect our mental and physical well-being across a wide range of contexts– from global cities to local main streets. Pulling data from a variety of sources, Lewis works with clients around the world to create places of enduring economic and emotional value.He lives in Davidson, NC where he and his wife have raised 4 children to appreciate the beauty in great urban places and the value of walking. He recently completed his second term as the chair of the Design Review Board for the Town of Davidson. 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
- 11:13Food Will Tell Our Story | Jeffrey Held | TEDxNYU Langone HealthFrom his early culinary career to leading NYU Langone’s Cooking for Wellness program, Chef Jeff shares how food can be more than comfort or nourishment—it can be healing. Jeffrey Held is the Health System Director of Culinary Operations at NYU Langone 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