Shocking and upsetting stories may get clicks and views in media and culture, but they don't create the change we need, explains Nathalie McDermott. Nathalie works with all sorts of storytellers: people with first-hand experience, journalists, creatives and campaigners. She shifts their focus from stories of trauma, to stories of empowerment. Throughout her career, Nathalie noticed that trauma-led stories were forcing people with lived experiences into the role of victims. This reduced audiences into the role of rescuers or blamers, making them feel fatalistic and hopeless. Using research from psychology, Nathalie shows why shifting storytelling through empowerment dynamics can be revolutionary – not only for creating a healthier media environment, but also for inspiring the long-term change society needs.Nathalie is the Founder and Co-CEO of Heard, a charity that works with people and the media to inspire content and communication that changes hearts and minds. With 20 years of experience in the media and charity sectors, Nathalie is passionate about finding common ground on big, important issues, such as climate change, poverty, domestic abuse and migration. Her work aims to create the necessary conditions for long-term social change.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 small, everyday moments in your life; a quiet walk, a quick photo, or a glance up at a tree could turn you into a contributor to groundbreaking science? In this thought-provoking talk, Dr. Suhel Quader explores the incredible power of citizen science, where ordinary people and professional researchers come together to solve some of the biggest challenges facing our natural world. Learn how your curiosity and simple actions can help unlock the mysteries of nature, drive conservation efforts, and transform the way we understand our planet. Get inspired to make a difference, one moment at a time. Suhel Quader is a distinguished evolutionary biologist and a leading advocate for citizen science in India. His pioneering work has made scientific knowledge more accessible, fostering a culture of community-driven biodiversity conservation. Through initiatives like the India Biodiversity Portal and MigrantWatch, Quader has empowered citizens to actively participate in biodiversity monitoring, bridging rigorous science with public engagement.Quader’s approach has inspired thousands to connect with nature and contribute to ecological research, deepening environmental awareness across India. His commitment to conservation and education highlights the vital role of citizen involvement in sustaining biodiversity. A respected figure in both scientific and community circles, Quader continues to lead impactful initiatives in environmental awareness and biodiversity preservation. 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

Words matter, not just in how opinions of other affect us and drive responses and behavior, but how AI leverages information (any information relevant or not, true or not), and presents it back to us as a new reality. That narrative, corrupted, returns back, the word boomerang. Creating a future reality starts with us carefully selecting and curating the words we use, and the words we share with the world – family, work, social media. Joshua Berry is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and CEO of Econic, spending the two decades evolving the what, who, and why of Fortune 500 companies and venture-backed startups. Along with his team, Joshua has sparked change in organizations like US Bank, John Deere, Procter & Gamble, Ameritas, Omaha Public Power District, Principal, and Microsoft, among others. As a facilitator of change, he focuses on overcoming limiting beliefs, adaptive leadership, and the innovation systems and mindsets that create engines for growth. His book, Dare to Be Naive: How to Find Your True Self in a Noisy World, was published in 2023 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

Our healthcare system is in critical condition, and we need an informed public to ask why? If you live in the city, you may have had to wait too long for emergency care due to overcrowding by patients with preventable diseases. If you live in the country, you may have had to wait too long for care because the nearest hospital was hours away. Our acute care system can do miracles – if you can access it. Although we know prevention saves lives and reduces costs, our preventative care system is not prioritized. New technologies – telehealth, wearables, home monitoring - offer significant promise. However, an old yet disruptive idea exists for expanding our healthcare system and delivering essential service where they are needed. Ultimately it is up to us to challenge our health system leaders with the simple question: “Why not ?”Health, Medicine, Healthcare Delivery Founder of The Family Van, Founder of Mobile Health Map, Founder of HMS MEDscience and former Dean for Students at HMS. 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

Nevada highlights the importance of cultural connection in shaping identity, community, and resilience. Through personal storytelling, they share how rediscovering their heritage deepened their sense of belonging and strengthened their confidence. I’m Nevada Ropotar, a grade twelve student from Canada, and I enjoy a variety of activities. Typically, you can find me working in the theatre, solving equations in labs, writing stories, doing crafts, or surrounding myself in nature. I’m very grateful to my mentors, advocates, and mother for teaching me about my culture, as I know I couldn't have done this without their support. Though this is my first time doing something like TEDx, I’m excited about this opportunity and hope you enjoy my hard work and effort! 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