What if trying—and failing—isn’t a setback, but a sacred part of becoming who you are?In this heartfelt talk, muralist George F. Baker III (aka GFB3) takes us from a rooftop in Atlanta to the vibrant Bonnaroo Mushroom, sharing how a single moment with a legendary artist, and a lifetime of lessons from his father, transformed the way he approaches both art and life.From nervous doodles to massive public murals, GFB3 reveals how creative risks, imperfect attempts, and second chances aren’t flaws in the process—they are the process. Whether you’re starting something new or struggling to keep going, this talk is a powerful reminder: it's just paint—you can always start again. Muralist George F. Baker III’s—GFB3—mission is clear: to encourage people to take creative risks, embrace mistakes, and design the life they truly want--one brushstroke at a time.With over 50 murals to his name, including the Bonnaroo Mushroom Fountain, GFB3's art reflects his belief that life, like art, is built through bold attempts and continuous learning. He uses his work to awaken the inner child in all of us—encouraging curiosity, playfulness, and fearless creativity. 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 dignity isn’t something we lose but something we choose to give? When Alzheimer’s began to erode her mother’s identity, healthcare strategist and caregiver advocate Lisa Groon discovered that compassion and presence can restore dignity and nurture well being. In this talk she shares candid stories, from laughter in unexpected moments to person-centered care innovations, that challenge our approach to dementia and inspire us to create moments of joy and connection. Lisa Groon is a healthcare strategist and caregiver advocate with over twenty years of experience in patient-centered care. Inspired by her role caring for a mother with Alzheimer’s, she reframes dignity as an act of compassion and presence. Her Dignity Paradox framework challenges conventional approaches to Alzheimer’s, empowering caregivers to preserve dignity through presence. She also brings these lessons to life through keynotes and workshops, guiding audiences to deepen connection and restore dignity in the face of memory loss. 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

Seeing the Unseen explores the power of human connection in street medicine, where healing begins with trust, compassion, and meeting people where they are. Through firsthand stories, this piece highlights the harsh realities faced by the unhoused, from untreated infections to survival-driven substance use. It challenges misconceptions, shedding light on systemic barriers that keep people trapped in cycles of poverty, addiction, and trauma. From a man seeking a prosthetic leg to a woman using substances out of fear for her safety, these stories reveal the stark realities of life on the streets—and the profound impact of showing up, listening, and providing care where it is needed most. Street medicine isn’t just about medical care—it’s about dignity, advocacy, and providing basic necessities often overlooked. Focusing on real experiences, this work calls for a redefinition of healthcare, urging society to see and acknowledge those who are too often invisible. Dr. Mo, (Melissa Dittberner), PhD, CPS, PS, LMT, is an award-winning lecturer in the Addiction Counseling and Prevention department at the University of South Dakota. Melissa has a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychology in Education, a master’s in Addiction Studies, and a bachelor’s in Health Sciences. Dr. Mo is an advocacy speaker, prevention specialist, and peer specialist. She is the CEO of Straight Up Care, a telehealth platform for peer specialists. Dr. Mo is the Executive Director of Midwest Street Medicine. She is a co-author of The Alcohol Reset. She conducts research in the areas of college students’ substance use, pedagogy, addiction, trauma, body brokering, tattoos as healing, and harm reduction. Dr. Mo is a person in long-term recovery, and her mission is to empower individuals to learn and navigate their paths to recovery and well-being. 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 uncertainty wasn’t a threat, but an opportunity? In this deeply personal and eye-opening talk, futurist Dimitris Dimitriadis invites us to stop treating the future as a single straight line and start seeing it as a landscape of possibilities. From neurodivergent struggle to global strategy, he reveals how the power of foresight can help each of us become architects of our own future — not just survivors of someone else’s plan. Dimitris Dimitriadis is a futurist, keynote speaker, and author of 2049: A Hopeful Perspective on the Futures of Humanity. As the founder of TheFutureCats, a future-first consultancy, he advises institutions like the European Commission and leading brands on foresight and exponential technologies. Blending strategy with imagination, he empowers people to reframe uncertainty not as a problem, but as a tool for transformation. Diagnosed with Asperger’s and ADHD, he brings a unique, lived perspective on the power of thinking differently. 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

Have you ever felt like your career and life were defined by someone else? That the path you're on isn’t really yours? Theo felt as if he were in handcuffs—until he chose to break free and dive into uncharted waters. In this talk, he shares four lessons that shaped his growth mindset. Are you ready to hear about the Iguana Component, the Jane Approach, the Yiannis Mentality, and the Pushback Perspective? Theo Anagnostopoulos is a science communicator, social entrepreneur, and National Geographic Explorer who has travelled to 112 countries across six continents. He is the co-founder and general manager of SciCo, an international non-profit that promotes science education and public engagement with science. His work focuses on combating scientific illiteracy and empowering educators and students through large-scale STEM programs, particularly in under-resourced communities across Greece, Cyprus, the Eastern Balkans, Tanzania, and Nepal. Theo holds a Ph.D. in medical genetics from King’s College London and is an Ashoka Fellow. His impact has been recognized with awards from the British Council, Newcastle University, and the European Network of Science Centers and Museums. In 2022, The Explorers Club of New York named him one of the “50 People Changing the World”. 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 this moving TEDx talk, Air Force veteran Lisa Stein opens up about her lifelong battle with bipolar disorder—and the moment she and her care team forged a “Contract to Live.” From childhood anecdotes with her rescue dog Schroeder to soaring highs and devastating lows during the Gulf War, Lisa’s honest storytelling shows how manic creativity and crushing depression can collide without warning. When her diagnosis cost her the career she loved, she hit rock bottom—until she and her psychiatrist and therapist sat down and crafted a simple but powerful agreement: a roadmap of actions, coping strategies, and support systems designed to keep her safe. Today, Lisa shares how that Contract to Live became the cornerstone of her recovery and offers a blueprint for anyone struggling with mental health challenges. Whether you’re managing your own condition or supporting someone you love, this talk will inspire you to create commitments that transform survival into a life of purpose and connection.Lisa Stein, a retired US Air Force Captain and decorated Combat Veteran, piloted AWACS surveillance aircraft on global National Security and Desert Storm combat missions. A University of Miami graduate with degrees in both Mathematics and International Studies, a true trailblazer. 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