Vahchef Sanjay Thumma serves up a flavorful story of Hyderabad’s culinary evolution—from the regal feasts of the Nizams and Satavahanas to the street food delights of today, and even a sneak peek into what the future holds for Hyderabad’s food lovers!As our city’s tastes have changed with time, one thing remains constant—our love for great food. But can we truly enjoy these timeless dishes without caring for our health? Sanjay Thumma dishes out food for thought on savoring tradition while staying fit enough to relish it for years to come. @vahrehvahChef Sanjay Thumma, better known as Vah-Chef is the dynamic force behind the globally celebrated cooking site, Vahrehvah.com. Since launching his engaging recipe channel in 2007, he has captivated food lovers everywhere with over 750 million views, particularly resonating with the Indian diaspora. Sanjay’s charisma extends to television, where he shines as a judge on MasterChef India – Telugu, inspiring home chefs across the nation in both seasons. With a flair for flavor and a passion for sharing culinary joy, Sanjay Thumma has become a household name in Indian cuisine worldwide.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 can improv teach us about life? Pediatric emergency physician and performer Mark Zonfrillo shares how taking an improv class transformed not only his creativity but also his approach to parenting, medicine, and leadership. With humor and humility, he highlights the radical power of “Yes, and…” to build trust, reduce anxiety, and foster collaboration. This talk is a compelling reminder that embracing uncertainty can unlock surprising joy, connection, and growth—on and off stage. Mark R. Zonfrillo, MD, MSCE, (Brown ’99 and MD ’03) is a pediatric emergency medicine physician, clinical epidemiologist, and Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. His research focuses on pediatric injury epidemiology and prevention, with an emphasis on risk factors and outcomes for motor vehicle occupant injuries and traumatic brain injuries. In addition, he has completed over 120 hours of improvisational comedy training and performs regularly with two local improv teams. He hopes to inspire others by demonstrating how spontaneity, deep listening, and a “yes, and” mindset can enhance communication, teamwork, and adaptability in their personal and professional lives. 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

Is objectivity in journalism a myth? Reporter Ellie Barnett challenges the traditional standards of “neutrality” in media, arguing that fairness, not false balance, should be the guiding principle. Drawing from her work with major outlets and firsthand experiences in the field, she outlines how transparency, inclusion, and reader engagement can rebuild trust in news. This talk is both a critique and a call to action—for journalists and audiences alike to rethink how stories are told. Sofia Barnett is a New England journalist and senior at Brown University studying history and English nonfiction. Sofia has reported on Native American communities, reproductive and public health, state and higher education, and breaking news for a handful of newspapers, including The Dallas Morning News, The Boston Globe, The Providence Journal, and The New York Post.In her free time, Sofia enjoys freelancing for publications like WIRED, Teen Vogue, and The Daily Beast, where she writes about technology and culture. This summer, Sofia will join The Minnesota Star Tribune’s News and Politics desk.Sofia is a member of The New York Times Corps class of 2025 and a proud alum of the Princeton Summer Journalism Program for low-income high school journalists. 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 does it mean to bet on yourself, even when the odds are against you? Psychologist and rapper Malik Boykin reflects on his remarkable journey from being told he’d amount to nothing, to becoming a hip-hop artist, Ivy League professor, and resilience advocate. Through powerful storytelling and lyrical insight, Boykin explores how art, education, and community helped him transform grief into growth. This talk is a celebration of perseverance—and a call to embrace imperfection, try relentlessly, and find your voice in every space you enter. Dr. C. Malik Boykin, aka Malik Starx, is a psychologist, professor, and globally traveled hip-hop artist whose public work unites science and music. An Assistant Professor at Brown University, he researches intergroup relations, bias in AI, and racial identity while teaching the psychology of stigma and prejudice. His artistry and scholarship inspire resilience, advocacy, and joy. With an improvisational style in both the classroom and on stage, Malik uses rap to spark discourse and reinvention. In The Power to Try, he blends rhythm and narrative from his journeys in hip-hop and academia to explore the power of persistence and transformation. 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

After a rare autoimmune disorder left her temporarily paralyzed, Samantha Bozeman found herself rebuilding not just her body—but her understanding of resilience. In this candid and heartfelt talk, she explores how true strength lies not in toughness, but in showing up, adapting, and embracing help. Her story weaves humor, hope, and healing into a powerful reminder: recovery isn’t about returning to who you were—it’s about building forward into who you’re becoming. Sam Holvey is a healthcare communications expert, author, and speaker with a knack for turning complexity into clarity (and occasionally, a punchline). She’s been a guest on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, and The New York Times—but not for the reasons you’d expect. A survivor of rare and autoimmune diseases, Sam knows firsthand that the only thing strong enough to stop her is... well, herself (and bread). The author of The Stairway to Heaven is Not ADA Compliant, she brings sharp insight, humor, and a fresh perspective to every stage she steps on. 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

Why do adults stop playing—and what happens when we start again? Ava Yang, a design engineer and board game creator at Hasbro, redefines “play” not as childish escapism, but as an essential tool for joy, creativity, and connection. With charm and clarity, she argues that imagination and tactile engagement can—and should—be a part of adult life. This talk invites you to reclaim play as a form of self-care, problem-solving, and community-building. Ava is a Brown University alumni who graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2022. After getting her Bachelor’s Degree, she enrolled in the joint Brown-RISD program MADE and earned a Master’s Degree in Design Engineering. Since graduating from Brown and RISD, Ava has been working as a Game Designer at Hasbro on the brands Monopoly and Clue. In 2024 she won several awards for her first published board game Monopoly GO, including a TAGIE for Rising Star Innovator of the Year from the People of Play organization. Ava is passionate about designing games that are innovative, accessible, and human-centred. Some of her favorite board games include Splendor Duel, Apiary, and Rock Hard 1977. 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