Neil Walker is a former Major League Baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates. It's no secret that being a professional athlete requires tremendous skill and dedication. Mr. Walker discusses the importance of discipline and how it has allowed him to become successful in his career. Neil Walker is a former Major League Baseball player from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Raised in a baseball family, with his father Tom Walker a former MLB pitcher, Neil attended Pine-Richland High School, where he played baseball, basketball, and football. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round of the 2004 MLB draft, after receiving offers from Pitt and Penn State to play both baseball and football. Neil played for the Pirates, New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, Miami Marlins, and Philadelphia Phillies during his 12-year career, earning the 2014 Silver Slugger Award. He retired with 149 home runs and 609 RBIs. Now a radio and TV broadcaster for the Pirates, Neil lives in Pittsburgh with his wife and children. 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 talk, Josslyn Schain explores the power of choice and how embracing uncertainty, building character, and seeking adventure can shape the story of our lives. She challenges us to view our decisions not as obstacles but as opportunities to craft our own Choose Your Own Adventure. This is Josslyn's first year attending Saint Andrews School as a senior. She plans to study abroad in Israel next year, majoring in business and entrepreneurship. She is originally from Bethesda, Maryland. In her free time, you can find her on walks, doing hot yoga, or reading a good psychological thriller. 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

This talk contains strong language, descriptions of physical and emotional abuse, and a brief description of a murder. Viewer discretion is advised.During the 2024 Euros, domestic abuse cases rose by at least 25% regardless of whether England won, drew or lost a match, according to research from the UK’s National Centre for Domestic Violence. This harrowing statistic is part of the ongoing situation when it comes to violence against women. Nicolette Kay speaks to everyone, not just men, in this incredible call to action, and seeks to answer the question “Why is this happening, and what must change?”This talk contains an excerpt of “Hurried Steps”, written by Dacia Maraini, translated by Sharon Wood, and performed by David Binder and Britte de Groot. Nicolette Kay is a British theatre director, known for bringing hidden theatrical gems to life on stage. Trained at The Drama Centre, London, she began her career as an actor, performing leading roles with companies such as the Cambridge Theatre Company, Derby Playhouse, The Gate, and The Women’s Theatre Group. Notably playing Miss Hoyden in The Relapse alongside David Jason and Ophelia to Edward Fox’s Hamlet at The Young Vic.Shifting her focus to directing, Nicolette founded Muzikansky Theatre Company, staging productions at prominent Off-West End venues. She directed and toured the world premiere of Seed by Souad Faress, a piece inspired by a plaque in the foyer of Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. 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

Perfection is often considered an ideal to strive for. However, as former elite gymnast Scarlett Gutierrez attests, working for perfection can be actively harmful. She shares her journey of how striving for perfection in gymnastics eventually led to burnout and some harsh realizations, and how she has grown beyond that to seek constant improvement and a healthier self-image. Scarlett Gutierrez is a distinguished Presidential Scholar at the University of Tulsa, majoring in Political Science with a Pre-Law focus. She plans to attend law school and make a lasting impact through legislation and legal advocacy in her community and beyond. Her journey began in the high-stakes world of elite gymnastics, where, as an Olympic hopeful, she confronted the true cost of perfection. These experiences now fuel her passion for inspiring others to embrace setbacks, prioritize mental health, and advocate for child protection. Through her work, she empowers others to live authentically, resiliently, and free from impossible standards. 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

One of the biggest problems with clean energy is its unreliability–the wind isn’t always blowing, the sun isn’t always shining…. Colby DeWeese used his background in the energy sector to found a startup focused on using hydrogen as an alternative clean fuel. The biggest problem with hydrogen today is its inefficient production. With his new, more efficient process, he describes a world where renewable energy sources are used to create hydrogen, a completely clean-burning fuel to replace traditional fuels. Colby DeWeese started his career in oil and gas before shifting to hydrogen combustion technology. Along the way, he realized the biggest challenge in clean energy wasn’t making hydrogen work—it was making it make financial sense. Now, he’s developing new electrolysis technology to make hydrogen production as efficient and scalable as battery storage. With a background in chemical engineering and a master’s in oil, gas, and energy law, he brings a rare blend of technical expertise and industry insight to the future of clean 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

When many people hear the word “abuse” in reference to a relationship or marriage, their minds may instantly go to physical abuse or violence. Unfortunately, this is not the full picture when it comes to abuse, as Dr. Christine Cocchiola goes on to explain. Abusive relationships can drag on painfully for a long time without one partner even fully comprehending the abuse due to something called coercive control, which manifests itself in gaslighting, victim-blaming, and more. Christine M. Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW is an expert on the experiences of adult and child victims of coercive control. A college professor teaching social work, she received her doctorate in clinical social work from New York University working under the tutelage of Dr. Evan Stark. She presents nationally and internationally on coercive control with a focus on educating professionals, advocates, and protective parents, on the experiences of children and best intervention strategies for adult and child victims of coercive control/narcissistic abuse. She is the creator of The Protective Parenting Program, a therapeutic evidence based attachment focused program for parents of children harmed by abusers. 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