What makes one story unforgettable and another instantly forgettable? In this funny, insightful, and deeply engaging talk, novelist John Duffy explores the hidden ingredient behind every great narrative. With examples that range from Die Hard to Toy Story and Mean Girls, John reveals how meaningful change is at the heart of every story that moves us. Whether you're a writer, a film lover, or just someone who tells stories at the dinner table, this talk will change the way you think about storytelling forever. John F. Duffy is a writer and journalist. He co-created the true crime podcast series After the Uprising, which has twice been nominated for an NAACP Image Award. His 2022 novel, A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing, was shortlisted for the Indiana Authors Award for fiction. In 2024 his second novel, Where When It Rains, was released, and made Independent Book Review's "Best of 20204" list. He lives in Bloomington with his wife and daughter. He is a BJJ purple belt. 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

How well do you know your neighbors? Do you feel connected to your community? Jill Bond asks you to consider what community means and the ways we can be more connected to each other. She offers hope and a simple action that can have a profound impact on how you see your community and the people you share it with. Jill Bond is the News Director of The Herald-Times newspaper in Bloomington and the first woman to serve as the paper's top editor in its 148-year history. Jill began her journalism career with the Herald and News in Klamath Falls, Oregon, where she started as a reporter covering city government and agriculture. She is the current president of the Park Ridge East Neighborhood Association where she works to foster community connections through communication and event planning. 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 today's world, where science is advancing rapidly and our lives increasingly depend on new technologies, how can the arts keep up? Can music still capture our screen-saved souls and move our hard-drive hearts? Yet, humanity is still rich in culture, and technological advances can allow us to appreciate nature on a much deeper level. Chinese-American composer Lei Liang was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Music, and the winner of the Grawemeyer Award – the highest international honor for classical composition. He launched “Lei Lab” where he works with oceanographers, geologists, engineers, and software developers, to explore what he calls “the unique potential for learning offered by creative listening.” 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 pain wasn’t just a symptom—but a message we’ve misunderstood? In this insightful talk, Dr. Shovan Rath, founder of Pain Free Odisha, breaks down the science behind different types of pain—acute, chronic, and neuropathic—and explores how they affect both body and mind. Blending medical knowledge with real-world experience, he offers a compelling roadmap to recognize, manage, and ultimately reduce pain for a better quality of life. Dr. Shovan Kumar Rath is a Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at Hi-Tech Medical College, Bhubaneswar, and a leading pain management specialist in Odisha. He founded Pain Free Odisha, a pioneering clinic dedicated to providing advanced interventional pain management and palliative care services.  With over a decade of experience, Dr. Rath is committed to alleviating chronic pain and enhancing patients’ quality of life through minimally invasive procedures. His dedication to public health was recently recognized when he was honored by the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Shri Raghubar Das, at The Health Conclave 2024 for his significant contributions to pain management.For more insights into his work, you can watch this video: 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

Sandesh M was born in the culturally rich town of Shivamogga, Karnataka, where dreams often stayed safe and small. But Sandesh chose to think differently. A restless overthinker, he turned his flaw into fuel—empowering businesses, students, and healthcare initiatives across India. From a Google Street-style project in college to founding Sunrise Digital, One Click Academy, and HealthIn Pocket, his journey reflects grit, vision, and purpose. In this heartfelt TEDx talk, Sandesh shares how overthinking—when embraced—can become your greatest strength. A talk for every dreamer, doer, and deep thinker afraid of their own thoughts. Mr. Sandesh M is a visionary entrepreneur transforming digital marketing, brand integration, and healthcare. Since 2017, he has elevated 350+ brands and bridged corporate and entertainment sectors. Beyond business, he enhances healthcare accessibility and trains future digital leaders. With 200+ hospital collaborations and ₹100+ crores in ROI, his impact spans industries and government initiatives. Recognized for his strategic foresight, Sandesh continues to shape the future of digital marketing, healthcare, and education 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 her talk, Susanne proposes how physical strengthening can help enhance the mind. Strategy consultant, cultural historian, and MBA candidate with a passion for combining structure and energy. As an MBA student at EDHEC and passionate advocate for holistic strength, Susanne will deliver a powerful talk titled “Becoming Unbreakable: How Strengthening the Body Strengthens the Mind.” 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