When stand-up comedian Jodie Mitchell noticed audiences reacting differently to their Drag King persona, John Travulva, they realised just how gendered our perceptions of who is and isn’t funny are. As John they had the trust of the audience straight away, but as Jodie they would have to work harder to get laughs for the same material. This came to a head after a stand-up gig, where a menacing interaction with an audience member brought to life the frequent discrimination women, non-binary and trans-masculine comedians face.Jodie Mitchell, aka John Travulva, is a stand-up comedian, writer and Drag King. They’ve appeared on Comedy Central Live, Channel 4’s Jokes Only a Lesbian Can Tell, and award-winning BBC Radio 4 sketch show Time of The Week, which they were also a writer for. They were featured in The New York Times for their work on trans representation in Netflix’s Sex Education. Their debut stand-up show, Becoming John Travulva, sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and they’ve co-created numerous hit shows with their Off Broadway Award winning Drag King troupe "Pecs".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 should democracies deal with anti-democratic voices? Political scientist Angela Bourn explores why democracy must welcome dissent to remain strong—examining the effects of banning anti-democratic parties and questioning whether such measures truly work. By embracing diverse opinions, even those that challenge democratic values, we can ultimately strengthen democracy and ensure its resilience. Dr. Bourne is Professor (MSO) in European Politics at Roskilde University, Denmark. She has published widely on the politics of party bans, including a 2018 book on Democratic Dilemmas: Why democracies ban political parties (Routledge). She currently leads a team of researchers examining opposition to European populist parties and in 2023 published a book on Responding to Populist Parties in Europe: The Populist People vs the Other People (Oxford University Press). She has held posts at University of Aberystwyth and University of Dundee in the United Kingdom. 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

Hollywood's biggest productions are hiding an inconvenient truth: their massive environmental impact. But could the industry that shapes global culture also lead the way in sustainability? In this talk, Filmmaker and Geographer Aidan Rhode uncovers the hidden carbon footprint of moviemaking, from excessive waste to sky-high emissions, and explores how studios, production companies, and industry leaders can drive real change - without compromising creativity. By rethinking how stories are made and told, the Film and TV industry has the power to influence audiences and decarbonise itself in the process. Aidan Rhode is a researcher and filmmaker passionate about making the Film and TV industry more sustainable. He has worked on major sets, interviewed over 30 industry professionals, and explored practical solutions to reduce Hollywood's carbon footprint. Now, he's working to bring this knowledge beyond academia, helping the industry implement real, measurable change, and how other industries can learn from Hollywood's sustainability wins and challenges. 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 urban planning embraced uncertainty instead of resisting it? Instead of chasing a perfect master plan, Pino explores how small, adaptive interventions can reshape cities over time. This talk reveals a new approach to building resilient urban spaces—one step at a time. Pino Heye challenges traditional urban planning by embracing adaptability over rigid master plans. As co-founder of Emergent Lab, he explores how small, community-driven interventions can reshape cities in real time. This talk introduces a metabolistic approach to design—where urban resilience grows through continuous learning and collaboration. 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

Mental habits shape our personality, and true growth comes from taking charge of the change we are constantly undergoing. The key lies in three pillars:1) Conscious distance from thoughts and emotions. 2) Overcoming fear. 3) Embracing the power of rituals.Like an electron in a thunderbolt, life may seem unpredictable, but its nature is to rise. Step into the driver’s seat and move towards your higher potential. Ankita Shree is a former IRS officer turned entrepreneur, currently serving as the Managing Director of Mamacoco Hospitality. In this role, she leads the flagship restaurant MOGLU, which has transitioned from a modern vegetarian establishment focusing on South Indian micro-cuisines to a vibrant Modern American dining experience. This evolution reflects her commitment to adapting the menu and expanding the restaurant's appeal, incorporating bold flavors from Louisiana and Texas, with a dash of New York influence. Ankita also co-founded the Ghee Roast Company, a Quick Service Restaurant that serves authentic Mangalorean Christian cuisine, further diversifying her portfolio in the food industry. Before her ventures in hospitality, she was the CFO at UnitX Technologies in Saudi Arabia, where she played a key role in developing AI-driven safety compliance solutions for the oil and gas sector. Her diverse professional background is complemented by her training in classical Hatha Yoga, which informs her holistic approach to both business and wellness, emphasizing balance and mindfulness. Through her leadership and innovative vision, Ankita continues to make a significant impact in the hospitality sector while inspiring others with her journey. 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