Everest, One Lung, and the Impossible: How Words Shape Our Lives | Sean Swarner | TEDxUNYP
NOTE FROM TED: Please do not look to this talk for health advice. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of mindset, healing, and behavior, which some viewers may find to be stigmatizing. 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.pdfFrom surviving two terminal cancers to climbing Mount Everest with one lung, Sean Swarner’s life is a testament to the power of resilience and perspective. In this extraordinary talk, Sean reveals how the words we use—spoken, written, and internal—shape our reality, influence our mindset, and build invisible strength. Through his awe-inspiring journey of survival and world-record achievements, Sean invites the audience to reframe their challenges, harness positive self-talk, and embrace the resilience within to conquer their own mountains. Sean is a world-renowned adventurer and cancer survivor, known for being the only person to summit Everest and all Seven Summits, ski to both Poles, and complete the Hawaii Ironman—all with one lung after surviving two terminal cancers. Sean is a motivational speaker, inspiring countless people worldwide through his incredible resilience and world-record achievements. His story has been featured in an Emmy-nominated Amazon film and on global media platforms, empowering audiences to break through their own limitations. 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
- 14:54Courage to Stand Tall - True Story of Resilience | Saadhvi Alapati | TEDxRaks Pallikkoodam YouthSaadhvi talks about her personal experience of suffering from Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, a medical condition and how resilience, determination, family and camaraderie from friends helped her overcome the challenges and problems associated with the condition. She also mentions in her talk a few famous personalities of the world who were also paragons of resilience. It is a powerful and compelling TEDx talk from a teenager that inspires everyone. Saadhvi is passionate about creative and intellectual pursuits, excelling in math, problem-solving, and writing. She enjoys baking, drawing, reading, and painting as outlets for her imagination. A confident public speaker and quick learner, she embraces challenges but finds socialising with new people difficult. Despite this, she strives to grow and step out of her comfort zone. 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
- 9:54Active Listening - A Foundational Skill | Krithic Sriram R | TEDxRaks Pallikkoodam YouthThis talk emphasises how truly listening—with presence, empathy, and intention—strengens relationships, resolves conflicts, and builds a more connected world. The speaker demonstrates how this often-overlooked skill can be developed and utilised to foster trust and understanding in any setting. He urges peers to be intentional listeners in a distracted world. Krithic is an A-level learner who is a passionate sports enthusiast who thrives both on the field and as a spectator of the game. Beyond athletics, he expresses his creativity through drawing and finds inspiration in music. He values meaningful conversations, embracing deep connections through active listening and thoughtful dialogue. 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
- 10:32Let Them Play in the Dirt | Amirtha Varshini S | TEDxRaks Pallikkoodam YouthThe talk sheds light on the often-overlooked importance of letting children connect with soil and the natural world. Amirtha speaks passionately about how playing in the dirt isn't just fun—it builds immunity, sparks curiosity, and nurtures emotional well-being. With heartfelt insights and a call to reconnect with nature, she urges the audience to view mud-splattered hands as a sign of healthy, joyful learning. Her talk reminds us that the earth, quite literally, has wisdom to offer. Amirtha Varshini is a passionate learner who excels in sports, dance, and music, with a strong foundation in biology and chemistry. She embraces new experiences through travel and cuisine, valuing growth beyond her comfort zone. Aspiring to be a successful businessperson and philanthropist, she is driven by excellence and a desire to make a positive impact. 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
- 12:24The Art of Drawing Healthy Personal Boundaries | Anitha Ranganathan | TEDxRaks Pallikkoodam YouthIn a world where the lines between public and private are increasingly blurred, the speaker emphasises the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries to protect emotional and mental well-being. She offers tools for assertiveness and self-awareness, making it clear that boundaries are not barriers, but bridges to balanced living. Ms Anitha is a dynamic soft skills trainer dedicated to bridging communication gaps for individuals across all age groups. With a passion for empowering others to find their authentic voice, she specializes in coaching children to develop self-confidence and assertive communication skills. An avid reader, Anitha brings a nuanced approach to her training, transforming communication challenges into opportunities for personal growth. Her methodology seamlessly integrates empathy, strategic insights, and a profound understanding of interpersonal dynamics, fostering meaningful connections and empowering individuals to thrive in both personal and professional spheres. 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
- 9:03The Importance of Nutrition and Physical Wellness | Nivedha Kaushik | TEDxRaks Pallikkoodam YouthA nutritionist and wellness advocate, the speaker explains the direct link between food, energy levels, emotional balance, and learning. She encourages learners to be mindful eaters and illustrates how wise choices fuel both academic and athletic performance. Nivedha Kaushik, a dedicated nutritionist and Naturopathic Doctor (ND) certified in the UK, turned a childhood experience into a lifelong passion for mindful nutrition. A mother of two, she has over five years of experience guiding individuals toward sustainable health transformations. She specializes in effortless weight management and the nutritional care of conditions like PCOS, diabetes, cholesterol, and uric acid imbalances. With a science-backed approach, Nivedha empowers her clients to make lasting lifestyle changes, promoting overall well-being through practical, mindful nutrition strategies that go beyond diet trends. 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
- 10:05The Lifelong Learning Journey of a Teacher | Riswana Shiek Abdullah | TEDxRaks Pallikkoodam YouthAn impassioned educator, the speaker shares her personal journey of growth, learning, and transformation as a teacher. Her talk celebrates the evolving role of educators and reminds learners that teaching is not just a profession but a lifelong purpose. Ms Riswana, Upper Secondary Science Educator and Head of Examinations, is passionate about inspiring scientific thinking and lifelong learning. With 13 years of experience, she encourages learners to question, analyze, and apply knowledge in real-world contexts. She holds a Master’s in Applied Chemistry, a certification in Food and Nutrition, a CIDTL Diploma, and a Bachelor's in Education.Dedicated to fostering science literacy, she goes beyond textbooks to spark curiosity and creativity. Her mission is to cultivate independent thinkers who connect learning with everyday life, ensuring they develop not just skills for today but a mindset for innovation and discovery. 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
