"What happens when the one overboard… is you? In this raw and powerful talk, Navy veteran Taka Barron shares how years of depression, silence, and trauma nearly ended his life — and how learning to ask for help became his turning point. Through the metaphor of a "man overboard" call, he reveals the truth about vulnerability, survival, and why no one is meant to face the storm alone." Robert "Taka" Barron is a student at Bentley University, pursuing a B.S. in Management. He is a U.S. Navy veteran who served as a Hospital Corpsman—equivalent to a combat medic—he spent six years in high-pressure medical environments, serving in a variety of roles including Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Naval Medical Center San Diego, as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton, and later as a civilian during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout his service, he silently battled depression and anxiety. Now, he is committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, encouraging others to seek support, and fostering open conversations about mental 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

Have you ever felt like you’ve been operating on autopilot while trying to meet the numerous demands of your daily life? If so, these feelings are quite normal because many cultures emphasize action and achievement, classifying them as “DOING” cultures. In her TED Talk, Trinity Moulton highlights how too much “DOING” and not enough “BEING” can have negative implications on mental and physical health. After studying abroad in Southern France for 4 months then facing the shock of returning to American culture, Trinity shares a key insight she learned: “BEING” is just as important as "DOING!” She leaves listeners with the message that taking 10 more minutes of your day to "BE" by pursuing your passions, doing things where you lose track of time, and focusing on relationships can improve your overall wellbeing and life satisfaction. Have you ever felt like you’ve been operating on autopilot while trying to meet the numerous demands of your daily life? If so, these feelings are quite normal because many cultures emphasize action and achievement, classifying them as “DOING” cultures. In her TED Talk, Trinity Moulton highlights how too much “DOING” and not enough “BEING” can have negative implications on mental and physical health. After studying abroad in Southern France for 4 months then facing the shock of returning to American culture, Trinity shares a key insight she learned: “BEING” is just as important as "DOING!” She leaves listeners with the message that taking 10 more minutes of your day to "BE" by pursuing your passions, doing things where you lose track of time, and focusing on relationships can improve your overall wellbeing and life satisfaction. 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 growing up didn’t mean giving up wonder? In this talk, we explore how curiosity, awe, and play—often dismissed as childish—can enrich adult life in powerful ways. From personal stories to cultural insights, this talk challenges misconceptions about adulthood and invites you to rediscover the magic in everyday moments. What if growing up didn’t mean giving up wonder? In this talk, we explore how curiosity, awe, and play—often dismissed as childish—can enrich adult life in powerful ways. From personal stories to cultural insights, this talk challenges misconceptions about adulthood and invites you to rediscover the magic in everyday moments. 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 happens when you're taught to be strong—not by others, but by your own expectations? In this honest and deeply personal talk, Chris shares how growing up alongside family illness shaped a mindset of perfection, independence, and silence. From hiding pain behind straight A’s to navigating college applications and varsity tennis, Chris opens up about the power of shifting perspective, embracing imperfection, and finally learning that asking for help is not weakness—it's growth. What happens when you're taught to be strong—not by others, but by your own expectations? In this honest and deeply personal talk, Chris shares how growing up alongside family illness shaped a mindset of perfection, independence, and silence. From hiding pain behind straight A’s to navigating college applications and varsity tennis, Chris opens up about the power of shifting perspective, embracing imperfection, and finally learning that asking for help is not weakness—it's growth. 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

Dr. Gordon Bean explores the idea of beautiful code. Beyond code that just works, code that is clear, organized, and changeable. He emphasizes that well-written code is a form of effective communication. Just like a good recipe or a compelling essay, beautiful code conveys ideas in a way that others can understand, modify, and build upon. His message extends beyond programming: clear thinking and thoughtful structure are essential to solving problems and creating meaningful work in any discipline. Dr. Gordon Bean is a professor of Computer Science at Brigham Young University, where he focuses on helping students master foundational programming and software development skills. With a passion for teaching and a background in computational biology, Dr. Bean brings real-world problem-solving into the classroom, guiding students with clarity and energy. 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

Zach Frisch shares his transformative journey of falling in love with the Utah mountains after moving from Arizona for college. What began as a personal craving to explore and connect with the natural world became an all-consuming passion, leading him to spend 750 hours trail running in 2024 and achieve the staggering goal of climbing 1 million feet of vertical gain. Zach reflects on how this goal taught him that the true value lies not in external rewards, but in the process itself: the daily consistency, the unexpected connections, and the personal growth along the way. Ultimately, Zach urges listeners to stop waiting for the “perfect” time and instead start pursuing their passions now, emphasizing that fulfillment is found not in the final result, but in who we become through the journey. Zach Frisch is a Utah-based trail runner, outdoor enthusiast, and community builder known for his ambitious 2024 goal of climbing one million vertical feet, equivalent to summiting Mount Everest 34 times. He used this challenge to deepen his connection with nature and foster community through shared outdoor experiences. Zach shares his journey and passion for the outdoors on Instagram as @trailswithzach, where he encourages others to embrace consistency and find joy in the process of pursuing their passions. 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