NOTE 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 psychedelics and the brain which remains an ongoing field of study. Experiments discussed in this talk should not be performed outside of accredited research settings. 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.pdfWhat if the most meaningful part of a psychedelic experience isn’t the medicine, but what it awakens in you? In this thought-provoking talk, Matt Zemon, MSc, challenges the growing narrative around psychedelics as "miracle" medicines. Instead, he offers a grounded perspective: that these substances, when used responsibly, may simply create conditions for individuals to access their own inner wisdom. Matt explores how psychedelics can spark profound spiritual insight and emotional transformation—not as an escape from suffering, but as an invitation to face it, understand it, and ultimately transform it.Matt Zemon is an educator, author, and leader in psychedelic wellness, blending academic rigor with compassionate advocacy for safe, intentional use. He is the best-selling author of Psychedelics for Everyone, The Beginner’s Guide to Psychedelics, The Veteran’s Guide to Psychedelics, and Beyond the Trip. With a Master's in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health, Matt collaborates with healthcare professionals and entheogenic communities to promote mindful, risk-reduced approaches to psychedelic healing. His work empowers veterans, spiritual seekers, and others on the path of personal growth to engage these experiences with care and respect. Matt Zemon, MSc, specializes in the impact of psychedelics on mental health. He is the author of three best-selling books, including The Veteran's Guide to Psychedelics, Psychedelics for Everyone, and Beyond the Trip. Holding a Master's degree in psychology and neuroscience from King's College London, Matt merges academic insights with a passion for safe and sacred psychedelic use, focusing on broadening understanding and access to these transformative substances. In addition, he consults with medical practitioners, contributing his expertise to further the responsible integration of psychedelics in healthcare. 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

“Critical thinking” increasingly stands as the most sought-after skill that has long been too fleeting to define. Employers rate it as a pinnacle skill, but one of which they see too little, and educators claim to teach it, but over half of Millennials recently failed a simple Mindedge critical thinking test. So, what is critical thinking? Analysis? Information literacy? Thinking outside the box? Informal logic? Problem-solving? Evaluating data? Decision science? What if all of our efforts to define critical thinking as above have been the core problem with teaching it?What if, instead of using our brains to devise conceptions of critical thinking, we eliminated the noise and revolutionized a way to teach people how to think better by tracing critical thinking back to its core evolutionary survival mechanisms?With over 35-years of experience in higher education, Steve founded the first academic office in higher education with a specialized focus on critical thinking. Author of America’s Critical Thinking Crisis, he has been featured on NPR, Fox News Radio, The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, CBS Atlanta, The Hill, and a plethora of podcasts. Steve founded The Critical Thinking Institute and is a keynote speaker on critical thinking for businesses, universities, conferences, and the U.S. military. With over 40-years of experience, Steve is also a sought-after martial arts instructor for his unique theoretical approach to training. Most of all, he’s a devoted father, an endeavor which stretches his own critical thinking most of all.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

If you’ve ever felt “off” but your labs came back normal—this talk is for you. Millions of women are misdiagnosed, dismissed, or medicated when the real issue might be a hormone imbalance doctors aren’t checking. In this TEDx talk, Maranda Carlile, FNP-BC, reveals how hormone shifts in midlife impact mood, energy, metabolism, and mental health—and why it’s time to start asking better questions. www.astrahealthandwellness.com Instagram: @astrahealthandwellness, Facebook: Astra Health and Wellness, LinkedIn: Maranda Carlile, FNP-BC#HormoneHealth #PerimenopauseSupport #WomensWellness #FunctionalMedicine #MoodSwings #Fatigue #RootCauseHealing #HighAchievingWomen #MentalHealthAwareness #MarandaCarlile #TEDxStGeorge Maranda Carlile, FNP-BC, is a board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Astra Health and Wellness, where she helps high-achieving women balance hormones, restore gut health, and optimize longevity. She combines deep listening with clinical insight, recognizing that “normal” labs don’t always mean optimal health. Her work blends science and soul to uncover the root cause of fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, low libido, and stubborn weight gain—helping women finally feel like themselves again. She empowers women to reclaim energy, mood, and vitality. As a speaker and educator, she’s on a mission to redefine women’s wellness. Learn more at www.astrahealthandwellness.com or follow @astrahealthandwellness on Instagram and Facebook. 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 all carry stories that shape how we see ourselves, but what if those stories aren’t true? In her talk, "Taking Off the Mask: Owning Your Truth", Eileen Galbraith explores how fear and limiting beliefs keep us hidden and how three simple yet powerful questions can help us rewrite our narrative. By challenging these false stories, we can step into our authenticity, embrace our worth, and create a life of confidence, freedom, and success. www.ImplementToImpact.com As a Women’s Financial Empowerment Coach, Eileen brings warmth, compassion, and empathy to her clients. Eileen champions a philosophy rooted in dialogue, believing that communication is the linchpin of a better world. Mentors consistently hailed Eileen's joy in service, her intuitive grasp of people's desires. For Eileen, sales are about understanding needs and offering solutions with sincerity and empathy.Confronting a personal crisis, Eileen discovered a reservoir of resilience and empathy within herself, prompting her to extend counsel to other women facing similar challenges.Eileen is a sought-after Speaker and a best-selling Author; she is the visionary behind "Implement to Impact," a coaching enterprise dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs. With a focus on fostering time freedom, wealth creation, and a supportive community, Eileen's mission resonates deeply with those she serves, embodying the transformative power of empowerment. www.ImplementToInpact.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

What do you do when the right decision isn't obvious—and the data doesn't tell the full story? In this insightful and practical talk, the speaker dives into the art of making decisions in uncertain, high-pressure situations where there’s no clear yes or no.Through real-world examples, from financial crises to startup strategies, the talk explores how to balance intuition with incomplete data, how to iterate instead of aiming for perfection, and how to stay clear-headed under pressure. You’ll learn how successful leaders make smart, adaptable choices even in the greyest areas of life—and how you can too.If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by uncertainty, this talk will leave you with the tools, mindset, and confidence to take action when the answers aren't obvious. bdulaziz Pulatjonov, a backend developer, is passionate about problem-solving and decision-making in complex environments. With years of experience in software development and fintech, he has honed his ability to navigate uncertainty and craft structured solutions in ambiguous situations. 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 words you speak are shaping your reality—without you even realizing it? In this talk, Vicki Parker reveals how small shifts in language can transform self-worth, confidence, and the way others perceive us. Through personal stories and real-world examples, she challenges you to prune disempowering words, plant self-belief, and step fully into your power—because when you change your words, you change your life.https://www.vickiparkerunlimited.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-parker-unlimited https://www.facebook.com/VickiLynnParker/ Instagram: Vlparkergirl#ChangeYourWords #Empowerment #Confidence #TEDxStGeorge #SpeakPower #MindsetMatters #FemaleLeadership #Leadership #DevelopingLeaders,#WordsMatter #Confidence #WhatWouldVickiParkerDo Vicki Parker illuminates the power of words to transform confidence, leadership, and connection. As a Women’s Empowerment Coach and Executive Performance Trainer, she has traveled to all 50 states and 16+ countries, coaching high-level professionals and sparking personal breakthroughs.With a background in corporate training and personal development, Vicki helps women own their voices, lead with certainty, and rewrite limiting narratives. Now an innkeeper in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, she continues to witness firsthand how language shapes identity and opportunity.Vicki's TEDx talk challenges audiences to rethink the words they speak—because the language we use doesn’t just describe our world, it creates it. Connect with Vicki :VickiParkerUnLimited.com| https://www.vickiparkerunlimited.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-parker-unlimited 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