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TEDxCharleston 2024 – Uncharted – April 17, 2024 at the Charleston Music Hall. GET TICKETS HERE
As uncertainty permeates seemingly every aspect of our lives, we continue to find ourselves in new and unexplored realities. Distilling truth becomes more challenging in our increasingly uber connected world, while the prospect of artificial intelligence entices and threatens us at the same time. But beacons of hope, honesty and humanity give us hope for the future, a confidence that we will be able to navigate what seem like uncharted waters.
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2024
Uncharted: As uncertainty permeates seemingly every aspect of our lives, we continue to find ourselves in new and unexplored realities. Distilling truth becomes more challenging in our increasingly uber connected world, while the prospect of artificial intelligence entices and threatens us at the same time. But beacons of hope, honesty and humanity give us hope for the future, a confidence that we will be able to navigate what seem like uncharted waters.
LB Adams
Back for her 3rd stint as Emcee of TEDxCharleston, LB brings her dynamic style, wit and insights to keep the show moving along. LB was a popular 2019 TEDxCharleston speaker, and spoke most recently at DisruptHR Charleston. She is the CEO of Practical Dramatics, a communication training company that builds better teams by building better conversations.
Ann-Marie Adams
In the 21 st Century new methods of communication are becoming the norm. An experienced professor, Adams seeks to explain the shifting notions of communications within these new parameters as it relates to a number of issues including free speech, privacy, confidentiality and even national security. Understanding the public forum in today’s world and its ever-shifting modalities for communication, speech and human interaction is critical to better understanding of each other in an increasingly fragmented society.
Jordan Benton
Free expression of movement is the hallmark of this Charleston native’s contemporary dance which she uses to explore the beauty of the time and place - in a thoroughly modern and urban style. Jordan Benton, a graduate of the School of the Arts and College of Charleston, moves with seeming abandon and obvious joy, reflecting her family’s history of music and dance that has influenced her.
Kubby Culbreth
Kubby Culbreth, founder of Stop Light Observations and Wide Awake Life Coaching, has lived a life many only dream of. As a young musician, he performed to sell-out crowds nationwide, collaborating with stars like Ed Sheeran. But he still searched for happiness. He also experienced a profound journey into mental health advocacy following a personal tragedy, which inspired his exploration into the radical difference between joy and happiness. He has learned that becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable is essential and challenges us with the notion that replacing one simple word can empower and motivate modern youth in this comparison-driven digital age.
Herb Frazier
As a writer and Charleston native, Herb Frazier believes that spreading ukweli – the Swahili word for truth – about the Black experience is the only path to racial healing. For the last two years, he’s been spreading ukweli through talks at colleges, churches, libraries and civic organizations across South Carolina. What he’s witnessed is that audiences become more sympathetic and less resistant to social change once they learn the truth about what it means to be a Black person in America today. Building on his experience in traveling the world, Frazier wants to amplify his and others’ learnings so that racial healing can happen here in Charleston.
Emily Curtis
Emily Curtis is a soulful singer-songwriter with a captivating southern flair. Since bursting onto the local music scene in 2015, she has enchanted audiences with her guitar skills and smooth vocals, following in her father's footsteps. With a crowd-funded EP and a collection of singles under her belt, Emily's tracks have been signed to sync catalogs for prestigious publishers including Concord Music Publishing and Koze Music. Emily wowed audiences at the Charleston Spiegeltent alongside Grammy winning artists Charlton Singleton and Quiana Parler, and performed at the Riverfront Revival music festival curated by Darius Rucker in October 2023. Her all-female band caught the attention of Garden and Gun Magazine, leading to a feature in the magazine's online performance series, "Back Porch Sessions". She is committed to fostering a healthy creative community and is a proud co-founder of "Sisters In Song," a group dedicated to empowering women in the Charleston music scene.
Erin Kienzle
Introverts are not always what you think: they’re not the ultra-shy kid in the corner at the school dance; they’re sometimes mildly misunderstood. And who we might think is an introvert just might be wrong. Erin Kienzle, a local TV show hostess and noted auctioneer - not two powers of introverts, challenging the notion that being loud isn’t the same as being heard.
Peter Kfoury
Peter Kfoury has brought the concept of the American melting pot to life through his music. Of Lebanese descent, Peter immersed in his songs the influences of jazz, pop, blues and even funk along with his Middle Eastern/North African roots. At TEDxCharleston, Peter will play "Lucia" one of his original compositions that honors an Italian immigrant friend that lived to be 100 years old. Peter will perform on the oud, an instrument that is regarded as the grandfather of the guitar and that is still the principal instrument in many countries. In addition, TEDxChalreston will be the world premiere of his new music video Mussawat which honors women's equality and equality in general. Featuring Jamaican American singer Audrey Martells, this song and video help us to see the beauty of the human experience.
Amber Ludeman
Amber Ludeman, co-founder of Matchstick Social, Charleston's leading social marketing firm, believes it's never been more important to strengthen the art of how we relate to one another at work. Her journey as a remote worker pre-pandemic has fueled her desire to help others see what has been lost as in-person work relationships fall to the wayside. She points out that culture can't truly exist when no one is relational. Amber's talk highlights the profound need to master the art of relationships to thrive in every aspect of our lives.
Vikki Matsis
As a co-founder of the non-profit Media Reform, SC, which was the driver behind local community radio station Ohm Radio, Vikki Matsis has a front row seat on the challenges presented in today’s ever shifting media landscape. Vikki believes a change in how we consume information is needed in this era of increasingly unregulated news in order for increased tolerance and understanding in our society. Her talk will look at emerging concepts like filter bubbles and media literacy strategies to help better understand what we are consuming.
Stephanie Mackara
Originally from Philadelphia, Stephanie Mackara has lived in Charleston for 13 years and is the owner of Charleston Investment Advisors, LLC where she helps clients build healthier financial habits and stay accountable to their goals. Drawing from her own personal struggle with financial scarcity, Stephanie's insights challenge us to flip the script and rethink our relationship with money, advocating for a holistic integration of financial health into our overall well-being.
Dr. Melissa Milanak
Dr. Melissa Milanak knows about the importance of a good night’s sleep. With over 70% of Americans struggling to do what the body is designed to naturally and use incorrect strategies that make sleep worse, she has researched better approaches to improve insomnia and sleep problems. Melissa has transitioned from her career as a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in stress, trauma, and sleep into a business innovator who helps improve workplace effectiveness and optimize performance through better sleep. Her mantra: Fix your sleep and you improve your life.
Dr. Jon Pangia
Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to dramatically impact every aspect of our lives. But Dr Jon Pangia wonders when and how it will have a meaningful impact on the world of medicine and health care. As a practicing physician and AI engineer, he has a unique perspective to offer people on what's to come and what to expect in the near future. As AI changes the nature of health care and the providers who deliver it, people will need to understand these changes and the problems they're solving in order to trust them and the clinicians using them.
Dr. Jeannelle Perkins-Muhammad
Dr. Jeannelle Perkins-Muhammad, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor with two decades of experience addressing the systemic racism that impacts the mental and emotional health of Black couples. She holds a BA in organizational communications, a Masters degree in marriage and family therapy, and a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision. The author of, Into-Me-See, her work navigates the complexities of the psychological effects of racism, offering insights and solutions for overcoming the challenges that contribute to high divorce rates among Black families.
Nina Cano Richards, Esquire
Building bridges to enable and engender inclusion for the Latinx community is key to the better cross-cultural understanding and acceptance into our country. Language barriers, difficulty in navigating American culture and finding ways to benefit from services are part of Charleston attorney Nina Cano Richards’ goals. Her own family challenges with integration, combined with her involvement in the Latinx community and its 300% increase in the Charleston area in the past 20 years or so has prompted her to work on those goals.
Dr. Adam Tanious
Innovative medical technology can allow doctors to offer patients less invasive therapies than traditional surgery. But to do that, surgeons need to have an ongoing dialogue with the for-profit medical industry that develops those technologies. As a surgeon at the Medical University of South Carolina and an entrepreneur, Dr. Adam Tanious says the physician-industry connection is critical. But he says doctors must be careful not to let that relationship sway their decisions about what’s best for patients. Tanious wants to start a community conversation about how to establish rules for that critically important physician-industry link to ensure that patients always come first.
Ben Towill
Ben Towill is co-founder of a major hospitality group in Charleston and a passionate promoter of food education and equal access to farm fresh food. But that’s not all he wants to talk to you about. His message is about seizing the moment and taking the crucial first steps toward accomplishing something you can always be proud of. Towill will weave together his ideas about food, community and life’s adventures in a story about a 3,000-mile trans-Atlantic rowing race that he and the executive chef at one of his restaurants completed in 2022.
Julie Walker
If you found out that you were at a higher-than-average risk for cancer because of your family history, would you do something to reduce that risk? For most people, the answer is a resounding yes. But many people don’t know much about their family’s cancer history, and even when they do, it’s not clear what to do about it. Julie Walker, a genetic counselor and Charleston native, has some answers for you. When you know your risk and act on it, you can stop cancer in its tracks, she says. It’s called personalized medicine. Walker will walk you through it. Her hope is that community awareness will lead more people to assess their risks, make necessary changes to their health care and beat cancer in the Lowcountry.
Cookie Washington
Cookie Washington, our 2024 featured artist, is an artist, curator and folklorist. Cookie led a sold-out art quilting presentation at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2023. She has been invited back in March of 2024 to teach two classes at the NMAAHC. In addition to her ongoing studio art practice, she has curated & produced exhibitions.
Taiko Charleston
Taiko drumming is a Japanese musical art form grounded in core aspects of the martial arts, dance and percussion. Since 2009, when the first group of students gathered under the direction of Tracy Bush, a diverse community of drummers have emerged to make music and honor the roots of the art form. Having grown in popularity in Charleston and the southeast, it has been rewarding to keep up with the interest within the area and numerous requests for performances, workshops, residencies and artistic collaboration.
Manny Houston
South Carolina native Manny Houston, and his Boom Bap Crew - Alex Kellner, Lee Barbour and JT Rollerson - will amaze you with their unique brand of hip hop improv – showcasing what it takes to keep the music and poetry flowing. A classically trained pianist who recently completed a tour with an improv comedy hip hop troupe started by Hamilton creator Lin Manuel Miranda, Houston is gaining a loyal fan base here and across the country.
2023
RE-EMERGE - Following an unprecedented time over the last two+ years, we are slowly but surely re-emerging to a brave new world, fraught with new challenges and risks, but full of opportunities. Creativity, innovation and thoughtfulness are all needed to deal with this new reality. We’ll explore many important and inspiring ideas in our 2023 TEDxCharleston event, appropriately themed “Re-Emerge.”
Andrea Abbott
Mastering the art of communication across all aspects of our lives is an on-going goal of Dr. Andrea Abbott. As a preeminent surgical oncologist, Abbott understands the need for clear, concise and honest communications. Using skills and experience honed in her medical role, she is particularly interested in creating confident, unapologetic techniques that help people […]
Mahoganee Amiger
A Gullah/Geechee lowcountry creative, who is a renowned vocalist, recording artist, songwriter, poet, mixed-media visualist and music cultural preservationist who believes in arts advocacy through strategic partnerships. In her work she explores “time travel” “portals” and Afrofuturism. Mahoganee traces her roots to the orginal Gullah Geechee Corridor. Her indigenous soul music celebrates resilience and commemorates […]
Michael Bauerschmidt
As a long time practicing Emergency Department physician, Dr. Michael Bauerschmidt’s life took a turn to Environmental Medicine after an accident and resulting illness that changed his professional direction. He now studies the “why” as well as the “how” of illnesses and focuses on hard-to-treat cases. His focus on Environmental Medicine specializes in chronic and autoimmune issues, chemical sensitivities, pain management and a wide range of brain disorders.
Earl Bridges
If you ask Earl Bridges, host of the PBS show The Good Road, life isn’t like a box of chocolates – it’s more like a bowl of ramen. What you put into your bowl can make all the difference, Bridges says, enhancing the good – or the bad. He’ll explain how his travels and focus on “philanthropology” have taught him the wisdom of ramen can be used to craft a compelling message that will make people want to follow you and solve the world’s most pressing problems.
Patrick Bryant
A serial entrepreneur, tech evangelist, investor, advisor, and a veteran of launching 8 companies himself, Patrick understands how entrepreneurs must delve through streams of advice as they plan their strategies. How do you rationalize seemingly opposite recommendation – like never give up and fail fast? Patrick has mentored dozens of startups and business leaders and […]
Bonnie Compton
Bonnie Compton is on a mission to wake people up to the fact that death is inevitable while inspiring them to live their life fully. Bonnie is an End of Life Doula and Conscious Living & Dying Coach. She believes in the importance of planning for the end and at the same time living life […]
Dom Cooper
Learning to live again after the suicide death of her 16-year-old son is the ongoing goal of Dominique Cooper. There are many things that prompt the grief and aftermath that comes after the suicide death of a loved one, especially a child. Using her background as a massage therapist which offers a calming of the body through therapeutic massage, Dom’s mission is to show how there are steps in the eternal journey to the recovery process.
Stephanie Dasher
As Executive Director of the Warrior Surf Foundation, Stephanie Dasher teaches the power of surf therapy work to change lives. Using surf therapy as a catalyst for change in our society not just helping to overcome trauma in Veterans, but our communities as a whole. As a Navy veteran herself, her personal life experiences with PTSD have given her a passion for Veteran advocacy and have driven her desire to push for expanded Veteran services and access to alternative therapies.
Sydney Ford
When a delinquent youth loses a loved one, it can mean deeper involvement in the juvenile justice system. Sydney Ford, an adjunct faculty member at the Charleston School of Law, wants people to know that if high-risk juveniles get the kind of grief counseling they need, when they need it, their lives don’t have to […]
Leon Geter
Almost everyone has some sort of “smart” device and Dr. Leon Geter is making students – as young as kindergarten – through college and beyond of the need for caution. Increased cybersecurity awareness and protections are critical toward being safe. The better protection of one’s personal data and information in the face of constant risks, […]
Natalie Hauff
Where do you go to solve a healthcare problem, help a hungry child find a meal or reinvent yourself? Your local public library may not be the first place that comes to mind, but Natalie Hauff thinks it should be. A former journalist, Hauff is now Deputy Director of the Charleston County Public Library and she wants to share her passion for the evolving role of public libraries where everyone is welcome to come learn and grow.
Paige Knowlson
An occupational therapist by trade, non-profit executive by chance and opportunity, Paige is a fierce advocate for the inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Her life's work is a focus on raising awareness of the need for, and value of, the disability population. Paige believes any DEI discussion needs to include this silent population and her mission is to catapult this community to the forefront of the DEI conversation. Their inclusion in our community is key for us to begin to see and appreciate that, more than different abilities, they bring a host of strengths to be seen and appreciated.
Ashley Hink
Gun violence is the number one killer of children and is a leading cause of death for young adults. Dr. Ashley Hink is a trauma surgeon who sees the devastating effects of violence firsthand, and says healthcare should do more than treat the physical injuries caused by violence. Ashley will explain how healthcare systems can work with survivors and communities to break cycles of violence by addressing its root causes, and will make the case for others to do the same.
Christian Morant
This renowned spoken word artist understands that artists tend to experience emotions on deeper levels, sometimes such being dark/heavy, which can immensely effect their lives. As a poet, Christian's performance acts a catalyst to remind the audience it's okay to speak out and re-emerge into the world.
Alex Pelbath
Piloting the last American C-17 aircraft to lift off from the chaos on the ground in the final evacuation of military and civilians from Afghanistan, Col. Alex Pelbath was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross. The path of a 20+ year Air Force career led him to flying over 4,000 hours of flight, multiple deployments, command of a number of large military organizations and capping his career as the former director of C-17 Special Operations out of Joint Base Charleston.
Alejandro Spiotta
Alex Spiotta, MD, a thought leader in the field of Neurosurgery who has authored greater than 300 peer reviewed publications and three textbooks, Vice Chair of Neurosurgery and Director of Neuroendovascular Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina, and Co-Founder and Principal Investigator of STAR (Stroke Thrombectomy & Aneurysm Registry), an international research consortium involving Neurosurgeons from greater than 100 hospitals, utilizes entry into flow state to complete long distance endurance events such as Ironman 70.3 triathlons. But life is rarely an individual sport. His emphasis is on achieving Team Flow, a much harder skill of the superior leader and will describe the neuroscience underpinnings of achieving peak performance in teams as well as practical methods of improving your team's success.
Watoto Charleston Ensemble
Featuring students from the WatotoAcademy of the Performing Arts at Meeting Street Schools, this stage production entitled The Happy People features the music, costuming and movements from African to Cuba, Brazil, Puerto Rico the Caribbean. It is a colorful, exciting festival on stage representing cultural diversity through the arts.
LB Adams
Back for her 2nd stint as Emcee of TEDxCharleston, LB brings her dynamic style, wit and insights to keep the show moving along. LB was a popular 2019 TEDxCharleston speaker, and spoke most recently at DisruptHR Charleston. She is the CEO of Practical Dramatics, a communication training company that builds better teams by building better conversations.
Full Circle Featuring Grace McNally, The Plantation Singers, Gino Castillo, Abdiel Iriarte & Tim Khayat
This Lowcountry group, led by the indomitable Grace McNally, fuses traditional styles of music such as gospel, Gullah, Malian Kora and Brazilian folk music. These styles ‘re-emerge’ as a new sound reflecting the cultural and musical narrative of the Lowcountry and the Americas. They will be performing two orginal compositions.
Okeeba Jubalo
A successful businessman, artist and publisher, Okeeba wears many hats in fueling his creative passions for creating curating, enabling and sharing art and culture. From his local gallery, to his touring exhibitions, to his latest media project and his own creative agency, he draws inspiration for his newest role as the TEDxCharleston 2023 featured artist and stage designer.
2022
CASCADES embodies the spirit that triggers great force and movement within the Charleston community and beyond. The city is overflowing with energy and momentum, and Cascades illustrates that dynamic renaissance our whole area is experiencing. Our 2022 event explores timely, relevant and inspiring ideas with the power to cascade throughout the rest of the world.
Austin Fitzhenry
Enamored with biology from an early age, Austin looks to nature for clues on improving our own human interactions. Who knew that the much-maligned snake would give us a template on how to treat each other in life, by using environmental responsibility as a natural bridge to culture and environment?
2020
2020 Pandemic in the Lowcountry A discussion with local experts and TEDxCharleston alumni on where our community stands as the Covid-19 situation evolves. TEDxCharleston presents an interactive discussion with two noted experts on the science and medical facts behind infectious diseases. Hosted by award winning Post and Courier journalist Tony Bartelme, the session will present timely information and insights into where we stand, and where we are likely to head next, in the Lowcountry's battle with the coronavirus.
2020 Pandemic in the Lowcountry
MIchael Schmidt, Satish Nadig, Tony Bartelme
An interactive discussion with two noted experts on the science and medical facts behind infectious diseases. Hosted by award winning Post and Courier journalist Tony Bartelme, the session presents timely information and insights into where we stand, and where we are likely to head next, in the Lowcountry's battle with the coronavirus.2019
CURRENTS bring together unstoppable, incredible energies for a convergence of conversation. We’ll learn together what forces have taken hold and empower each other to dive in, explore, and take action with open minds and hearts. All photographs by Alice Keeney.
Take Charge of Your Words – Out Loud
LB Adams
Teaching others to frame themselves in the light they want to be illuminated is essential for building confidence and empowerment. Discover how words used to narrate their stories help shape how others perceive them.
Plankton – Our Breath of Life
Tony Bartelme
On a mission to expose the connection between plankton, oxygen and carbon dioxide, this three-time Pulitzer Prize finalist gives us the deep dive on major climate threats waiting just below the ocean’s surface.
Porn – A Mother’s Concern and Action
Stephanie Boye
With increased accessibility to porn, the perspective of healthy sex and relationships for teens is increasingly skewed. This mom turned activist says parents can impact the trajectory of their teens’ sexual experiences.
Opioid Epidemic – One Fix from a Physician
Jay DeMarco
Think every broken bone requires a prescription to opioids? This 18+ year orthopedic surgeon is urging others to think again. Learn about post-op healing using non-narcotic methods to combat the current opioid epidemic facing the US.
Detecting Concussions in the Blink of an Eye
Ryan Fiorini
What if you could determine in 20 seconds whether a patient is suffering from a concussion, and if necessary, provide immediate care. Learn how one biotech entrepreneur is changing the game of neurological damage.
The Flow of Dance
Annaliesa Gowe
From ballet to contemporary, dance flows from movement to movement. This teen dancer shares this in an expressive performance that offers a glimpse into the backstage elements necessary for a dancer’s preparations.
Atrocity to Apology: Beginning The Path for Change
Melissa Maddox-Evans
Working to break down barriers of race relations, this champion and community leader insists apologizing for past atrocities is necessary for progressive dialogues and collective change.
For the Love of Jazz
Robbie Madison and Kanika Moore
What are the sounds of modern jazz? Meet this dynamic duo, whose mutual love for this genre led to the forming of their band. Their performance celebrates, honors and modernizes the classics for music to be enjoyed and shared by all.
The Future of Hearing Is Loud and Clear
Keith McElveen
What would life be like without the ability to hear and pick out one voice from many? For some, it’s an every day challenge.This audio engineer has cutting-edge technology to perceive the acoustic depth of different voices for thousands with hearing loss.
Police and Communities – How to Build Trust
Kylon Middleton
With the critical divide between law enforcement and the communities they protect and serve, discover how one Charleston-based program is working to fill that void. Kylon Middleton shares strategies for uniting our communities and police.
Music – Medicine for the Brain
Jacobo Mintzer
Can music heal? Some say it heals the spirit; heals the body; but what about healing the brain? As the Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Research at Roper St. Francis, Dr. Jacobo Mintzer says that early evidence suggests yes.
40% of Homeless Youth Are LGBTQ – What We Can Do
Melissa Moore
Coming out at a young age is difficult in the LGBTQ community—but being homeless? That only deepens the isolation many experience in an already confusing time. With over 40% of the homeless population identifying as LGBT, Melissa Moore is working to break the perpetuating cycles.
Your Brain In Space
Donna Roberts
With the probability of space tourism on the horizon, the question shifts from how to send humans to the moon, to how to bring them back—without permanently altering their brain and body. As long-duration human missions to Mars and other celestial spots become closer to reality, this NASA-funded neuroscientist is researching such concerns.
Service Provider
Small Opera
What happens when we care more about the screens than the people around us? Better yet, what happens when this modern day conflict is put to the test with opera as its medium? Service Provider by Christopher Weiss and John De Los Santos is performed by Small Opera, an opera group found popping up on a moment's notice.
AGEs Might Kill You. Do You Know What They Are?
David Turner
Foods you are eating on a daily basis is literally taking years off your life. From processed foods to the ways you cook your meals, discover exactly what these toxic AGEs (advanced glycation end products) are doing to our bodies—and how to prevent it.
Mary Edna Fraser, 2019 Artist
This artist’s life work is from an aerial perspective, a view of the earth she chooses to transcribe onto silk using dyes in the ancient medium of batik. Her stage design were panels from “Charleston Coastline”, an aerial view of the Charleston Coastline, commissioned for the Charleston Visitor Center over 20 years ago.
2017
Shake It Up! Speakers, Artists and Performers: SHAKE IT UP flips the script on conventional wisdom by enriching our community with unlikely conversation. As an audience of many gathered as one, we’ll explore new perspectives that transcend normal expectations – and kickstart the future by setting invigorating ideas into motion. Photographs by Vince Musi unless otherwise noted Click on presenter's name to learn more
Making Sense in a Fake News World
Dan Bellack
It may be newsworthy, but is it news? This professor studies ways confirmation bias alters perception, and is sharing techniques for finding credible news sources and questions that separate fact from fiction.
Drive Innovation through Cognitive Diversity
Li Chang
Powerful problem solving is rooted in diverse thinking. Discover how this technologist embraces a spirit of celebration and inspires his team to use their unique creativity, logic, and reasoning to do better together.
College Is for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Edie Cusack
Disability is not a life sentence, but a cause for celebration. This advocate has programs in place to give students with intellectual difficulties tools and resources to living, working, and thriving as equals in society.
What’s in Your Water
Sarayu Das
Pharmaceuticals aren’t just in our medicine cabinets, but are in our tap water. This student invented prototype filters to combat contaminated water and is educating others on the importance of proper disposal.
Can We Save Our Reefs
Phillip Dustan
Ecology begins at the grassroots – or in the bottom of the ocean. Our reefs, marshes, and waterways are slowly degrading due to warming oceans and rising tides. Learn how you can take action.
Mind Your Monkeys
Feral Creative
You know how to mind your manners, but do you know how to mind your monkeys? Watch as these puppets, people, and masks uncage your innermost thoughts to unleash your most creative thinking.
Embrace a Future with Robots
Jason Kerestes
Robots aren't as you see them in movies. This technologist is disrupting how we see robotics in everyday spaces, and how robotics is changing industries.
Toys Are for Grown-ups
Michael Kleiss
Think toys are all fun and games? Think again. This Clemson University architecture professor is redefining play, exploration, and experimentation as necessities for unlocking the genius within the human spirit.
Sober Reality for the F&B Industry
Steve Palmer
This celebrated restaurateur knows the strains and successes of his industry can drive employees to the darkest of places. With a focus on service, he’s committed to flipping the tables on professional support.
Men, Own Your Role in Domestic Violence
Christan Rainey
It takes a cycle-breaker to shake up generations of domestic violence. Meet the man who is encouraging men everywhere to own their role in breaking the chain.
Contemporary Twist to Gullah Sounds
Ranky Tanky
Get down with this Gullah quintet, celebrating the timeless sounds of the Southeastern Sea Island region with contemporary arrangements.
Strings of Change
Rene Russell
Freedom is yours to grasp – if you’re bold enough to pick up your instrument. This Lowcountry guitarist and singer-songwriter share her stories of choice, change, and the hope that talks between twelve strings.
Global Connections Begin at the Dinner Table
Tina Singleton
Breaking down barriers starts with breaking bread together. Tina Singleton traveled to the hostile corners of the world to find what all humans desire: to belong and to be fed.
Game Your Brain
Jake Stauch
Your brain is a muscle you can train! This neuroscience entrepreneur is sharing how live feedback can change the landscape of ADHD, giving access to attention and controling impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Emotive Tools to Empower Human Connection
Brian Sullivan
Does reach equal engagement? This clinical psychologist isn’t convinced. Learn how emotion science empowers human connection through new emotive tools.
Let’s Give Face to Mental Illness
Emily Torchiana
To break the stigma, we’ve got to shake up the silence. Emily’s brave quest is to bring invisible illnesses into the light by giving herself and others permission to see the strength in their struggle.
2017 Emcee
Marcus Amaker
Charleston’s first Poet Laureate and performer for TEDxCharleston 2016, Marcus Amaker returns as our 2017 emcee.
2017 Artist
Zak Collins
Balancing art with aesthetic, Zack captures the mysterious and the mystical in his landscapes. Photograph by Jennifer Collins2016
Tipping Point Speakers, Artists and Performers: Experience today’s change agents who have reached Tipping Points to harness ideas, actions and events are positively impacting our community and the world. Explore the concept that Tipping Points are not easily reached, but can and do lead to constructive outcomes if the idea is buoyed by sufficient energy, passion and purpose. Expect results as speakers inspire a diverse audience of bold, bright, inquisitive people who in turn will strive toward reaching Tipping Points in their vocation or avocation. All photographs by Fia Forever Photography. Click on presenter's name to learn more
Head In A Bucket
Don Alderman
In this TEDxCharleston talk, Don shares his story of helping a family create a sustainable dairy farm, and build a life for themselves that in turn enriched the community
Roll Down The Windows, Unlock The Doors
Jack Alterman
In a desire to “roll down his windows and unlock his doors” and get to know his neighbors, Alterman launched a photo project called East Siders Matter. Here he shares his story of how it impacted the neighborhood.
Poetry And Jazz
Marcus Amaker & Quentin Baxter
Take the mesmerizing rhythm of spoken word verse and add the percussive magic of drums and you get the genre-blending marriage of poetry and jazz. Marcus Amaker and Quentin Baxter perform “The New Foundation” with an intuitive syncope that is both riveting and inspiring.
Cuban Jazz Experience
Gino Castillo with Abdiel Iriarte
Cuban samba rhythms and New Orleans’s style jazz piano are an intoxicating combo in this jiving performance by Castillo on drums and Iriarte on keyboard.
More Ocean Less Plastic
Lia Colabello
Eight million tons. That’s a lot of plastic to swallow, and a lot of straws to bear even if you’re the world’s oceans (yes, who knew we use 300 million plastic straws a day?). Or rather, especially if you’re the ocean, according to the startling data that Lia Colabello delivers in this talk on the global marine crisis of plastic pollution.
Correcting Corrections: Why I Am In Prison
Lefford Fate
We’ve all heard the startling statistics regarding incarceration rates, and our burgeoning prison industrial system. What’s less known or acknowledged is the high rate of mental illness among our prison population. Nearly one in five offenders in our correctional system suffer from mental illness, and Lefford Fate believes this is unacceptable.
Forget What Your Mom Said: Laugh At Me
Jason Groce
Need to laugh today? Listen to Jason Groce present his very dry, self-deprecating sense of humor and material which borders on both clever and bizarre.
Ignore The Gap: Connections Are Key To Disrupt Aging
Kate Jerome
Think vertical, says Kate Jerome. Make connections between generations—it’s the best kind of problem solving: mutually beneficial, easy and not costly to do.
Creating An Ecosystem of Good
Catherine LeCour
Catherine LaCour is keen on disruption. But mostly, she’s a champion of innovation, and here she challenges TEDx viewers to be catalysts of shaking things up in a positive way by the power of enterprises and the cloud. That may sound simple, but as she makes clear, it’s pretty radical.
Cyber Insecurity: Why You Are The Vulnerability
John LaCour
Warning: don’t watch this TEDx talk if you a) currently feel invincible on the internet; b) have little stomach for vulnerability or c) shy away from FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt).
Brighter Than A Billion Suns: Imaging Life On Earth
Phil Manning
Paleontology is often viewed as a 'blue sky' science, one with little relevance, beyond Indiana Jones movie scripts, in the 21st Century. Phil Manning buries this prehistoric notion in a compelling talk that first and foremost reminds you just how totally cool scientific research can be (plus, his British accent doesn’t hurt).
And You Thought History Was A Snore
Joseph McGill Jr.
Plenty of museums and cultural sites sponsor living history programs, but Joseph McGill is likely the first person to dream up a “sleeping history” program. But five years ago, when he began sleeping around, so to speak, in former slave dwellings, he realized he was on to something.
Silence Is Not Always Golden
Kat Morgan
Speak up. Speak out. Speak loudly, especially in calling out racism. That’s the quick take-away of Kat Morgan’s compelling and heart-felt talk that we all need to hear, especially those of us who are white and may think racism isn’t “our issue.”
The Sea Also Rises: Prepare For A Changing Shoreline
Eric Morris
If you’re on the fence about whether or not the sea rising is real, you better find a taller fence, at least if you plan on watching Eric Morris’s absolutely riveting talk about sea level rise. (You’re going to need that fence’s elevation).
Bollywood Finds Its Roots
Anuradha Murali with Mrudani School of Performing Arts
Did you know that Bollywood dancing originated from classical forms of Indian dance? Kathak, Mohini Attam, Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi are a few styles of the Indian classical dance. Anuradha Murali with the Mrudani School of Perform Arts show that classical dance provides the foundation for Bollywood.
How To Win Transplants And Influence People
Satish Nadig
As one of only five transplant surgeons in the state, Satish Nadig is pursing innovative research to prolong the life of organs through immunosuppressive nanoparticles or to create groundbreaking technology which can enhance or replace the functions of the damaged organs.
Kid Power: Small But Mighty
Jackson Silverman
What if you were 7 years old and you were told that you could not help feed hungry kids, what would you do? Well, Jackson Silverman decided this was unacceptable and started a nonprofit where kids help kids, packing backpacks to feed hungry children on the weekend in an area where one in four children are at risk of hunger, with poverty rates as high as 44 percent in some pockets.
Heirs Discover Money Does Grow On Trees
Jennie Stephens
Across the South, land that has been in African American families for generations is often untitled. The family may wish to hold on to their land, but economic pressures make it difficult. That’s where Jennie Stephens comes to the rescue.
2015
Embrace Chaos Speakers, Artists and Performers: Experience today's change agents who have Embraced Chaos to harness ideas, actions and events that are positively impacting our community and the world. Explore the concept that chaos, disorder and uncertainty indeed abound, but can and do lead to constructive outcomes if embraced with passion and purpose. Expect results as speakers inspire a diverse audience of bold, bright, inquisitive people who in turn will Embrace Chaos in their lives and community and use it creatively. All photographs by Fia Forever Photography Click on presenter's name to learn more
The Science Of Yogic Breathing
Sundar Balasubramanian
ARather than examining what takes your breath away, Sundar Balasubramanian, a radiation oncology researcher studies what breath gives you. A deep breath relaxes, and as he explains it creates significant beneficial changes in physiologically relevant biomarkers.
Our Disposable Architecture
Jenny Bevan
When admiring an old building's fine craftsmanship and durability, have you wondered if a new building would be similarly admired 100 years from now? Jenny Bevan is glad you are asking. A designer from the birthplace of historic preservation in the U.S., Bevan outlines how old ways hold new, sustainable solutions.
Zero Equals One: Creating A Business From Nothing
Riley Csernica
Riley Csernica makes entrepreneurship a simple equation, especially for young adults. The 24-year-old biomedical engineer explains how she co-founded a medical brace device company to create a job she would love.
Not Just Ebola
Jeffery Deal
"Write it down," advises Jeffrey Deal, inventor, physician, author, and the director of health studies for a global non-profit. Additionally, Dr. Deal prescribes collaboration and sharing credit as the other key elements to put an idea into action.
The Business of Hope
Randy Dobbs
Following a long business career, Randy Dobbs, a three-time CEO, describes a challenge he never anticipated. An expert in turning around businesses and motivating people, Dobbs was equipped to handle that which would be daunting for many. Confidently, Dobbs shares how he has lived his motto, “I will never give up on whatever I do! " to apply his business skills to make an inspiring and meaningful difference for his family in their endeavor to overcome his daughter's pancreatic cancer.
Classical Fusion
Seth Gilliard
Violinist Seth Gilliard fuses different times and places for a unique experience. In this riveting performance Gilliard, combines elements of a classical Bach piece with a violin arrangement of Flo Rida's piece Good Feeling. Accompanied by electronics, Gilliard has mixed, Gillard's violin music mesmerizes.
Digitizing The Family Doctor: Put Care Back Into Healthcare
Nicholas Glover, Sr.
Violinist Seth Gilliard fuses different times and places for a unique experience. In this riveting performance Gilliard, combines elements of a classical Bach piece with a violin arrangement of Flo Rida's piece Good Feeling. Accompanied by electronics, Gilliard has mixed, Gillard's violin music mesmerizes.
Lucky Is A Lie
JamieSue Goodman
A self-taught computer programmer, JamieSue Goodman explains that no one really knew about computers or computer programming in her native, rural town of Manning, South Carolina when she was a student. That's changing. Implementing a pilot program to cultivate future computer programmers, Goodman provides several examples of how fourth to eighth grade students create programming from what they know and love.
Indigo Dreams: Downhome Roots Of The Blues
Donna Hardy
A blues artist of a sort, Donna Hardy is a plant-loving native of Augusta, Georgia. She shares where her interest in a new-found species, descended from a 270 year old indigo plant inspired her to specialize in growing and harvesting indigo in Charleston, South Carolina. Farmer, chemist, historian, entrepreneur and artist, Hardy digs into how the plant used to create the beautiful blue is a culture all its own.
Creating Opportunity From Chaos
Earl Hewlette
ways to stir things up. Answering the "why" in the midst of chaos has resulted in two of his biggest successes. A natural skeptic, Hewlette matter-of-factly outlines the opportunity and value that disruption provides.
College: Necessary, But Insufficient
Will Jamieson
A self-confessed computer geek, Will Jamieson says he doesn’t play video games. He's interested in pragmatic applications—in both technology and in education. Jamieson, a student at the College of Charleston published his first million-plus-user app at age 16. Though his apps have been used in more than 50 countries, and featured on several online blogs, he explains why, he's still in school, and talks about the value of incorporating a practical component— as there should be more to school than just the "A."
Lightning, CO2, And A Microbe Walk Into A Bar…
Harold May
Harold May introduces all the elements and encourages scientists, elected officials and business people to work together for a sustainable outcome. Trained in microbial physiology and ecology, May shares a new field of environmental research. He illustrates how microbes use carbon dioxide and electricity to make fuels and chemicals. This process, unlike conventional biofuels, doesn't depend on food crops, arable land or water, but rather waste, making his discoveries a two punch impact.
Life Is Full Of Delays: Finding Peace With That
New Music Collective
Percussionist Ron Wiltrout and saxophonist Dan Voss transport listeners to a new realm of music. This structured improvisation, titled Life is Full of Delays— Finding Peace reflects the emerging patterns of natural systems, which seek balance. From the field recording of nature sounds, the two performers respond from opposite ends—one simple, the other elaborate, and they subtly begin connecting, as they play towards the other's direction.
Secrets Of A Wounded Healer
Nancy Simpson
Nancy Simpson describes herself as uniquely positioned to de-stigmatize mental illness because she has been on both sides of the locked door. With great honesty and humor, Dr. Simpson, who is a licensed clinical psychologist, courageously uncovers what can lay behind the milk and honey. Walking the talk, Dr. Simpson offers a personal testimony for the need to de-stigmatize mental illness.
Finding Home Among The Homeless
Derek Snook
Not long after graduating from Furman University, Derek Snook embarked on an unusual career path, and lived at a homeless shelter in his hometown. There he observed first-hand the difficulties for those who were trying to get ahead. Snook shares how he was challenged by someone whom he least expected. From this experience, Snook found the support and courage to write the next chapter of his own story, in order to help others find voice to theirs.
Drawing The Line With Political Cartoons
Steve Stegelin
From the Charlie Hebdo tragedy, Steve Stegelin recognizes the two sides of the same coin - one that provokes to instill fear, and the other to instill awareness and thought. A published satirist since college, Steve Stegelin passionately believes in the power of the pen. This editorial cartoonist in only a few square inches of space and a “deceptively cute” style targets hypocrisy and chaos from his adopted hometown of Charleston, South Carolina.
Return From Chaos: Treating PTSD
Peter Tuerk
Peter Tuerk, the director of a VA PTSD program, introduces how we process experiences and trauma. Using examples from his research, he describes how it's possible to process memories and their associated meanings to overcome a traumatic incident. When active avoidance impedes natural recovery the most effective healing is facilitated through treatment designed to limit avoidance and to assist with the processing of relevant information.
Guinea Suite
Wona Womalan West African Drum and Dance Ensemble
Ushering a colorful, vibrant energy of ancient times, Wona Womalan awakens the collective unconscious. This performance celebrates the seasons and the elements of life. The Charleston-based ensemble is influenced by traditional Guinean rhythms. Celebrating the distinctive style of an all-female Dun-Dun (bass drum) section, they are dedicated to preserving the arts and culture of West African dance, drum, musical and folkloric traditions.
Entanglement: Aerial Silks Duo
Wonderson Duo
Jordan Anderson and Clayton Woodson elegantly suspend themselves and the audience's breath. This duo's performance exhibits strength, flexibility, fearlessness, and trust. With the grace of ballet dancers and the daring of circus performers, they create beauty as they spin through the air supported by silk and their skill.
Navigating From Storm To Agreement
John Zinsser
Whether at home, school or in the workplace, John Zinsser observes that most people want to avoid disagreement, but at what cost? Like a summer thunder storm, conflict regularly occurs and has benefit. Zinsser makes the case that it's the legal-based model of how we react to conflict, which creates the maelstrom. For a more fulfilling path forward, he encourages people to embrace conflict, using three waypoints to negotiate a beneficial outcome.
2015 Artist
Kristy Bishop
A textile artist working in locally sourced natural dyes who finds inspiration in what most people think of as weeds: indigo, goldenrod and tickseed.
2015 Emcee
Vince Musi
An award-winning photographer for National Geographic, this 2014 TEDxCharleston speaker will do about anything to get into a TEDx talk for free.2014
Ripple Effect Speakers, Artists and Performers: Experience today's change agents whose ideas, actions and events are creating an ever expanding Ripple Effect in our community and the world. Explore the concept that even the smallest ideas and actions can have exponential impact. Expect results as speakers inspire a diverse audience of bold, bright, inquisitive people who have the potential to create their own exciting Ripple Effect. All photographs by Fia Forever Photography Click on presenter's name to learn more
Common Denominator
Annex Dance Company
Memminger Elementary School's fifth graders are on the move, on the stage and in the classroom, thanks to Annex Dance Company's extraordinary blend of math, science and modern dance.
Rock ‘N Ripple: Double Standard
Laura Ball
There was nothing standard about the songs Laura Ball and Ann Caldwell rolled out, popular tunes that created a ripple effect right there on the spot.
Teach Life Skills And Change Our World
Jill Chalsty
The way to help young people succeed, is to build their schooling on a strong foundation of communication, decision-making and goal setting tools.
Successful Thinking: It’s A Know Brainer
Heather Collins
Cognitive neuroscientist proves that what holds you back from happiness and lifelong growth is all in your mind, and so is the solution.
Gullah Geechee: The Me I Tried To Flee
Ron Daise
Gift yourself with the impact of your own culture, says educator and historian, and enrich the lives of others around you.
Simple Solutions for Colossal Problems
Derreck Kayongo
Using an ordinary object to make an extraordinary difference in the world, human rights hero transformed the lives of those most in need.
Your Roof – Why Green Is the New Black
Hunter Legerton
Only in high school, this student is sure to go over your head, as he speaks passionately about sustainable engineering which led him to design a modular, green roof.
Beauty And The Beast – Photographing Animals
Vince Musi
Taking pictures of animals was doggone challenging for this National Geographic photographer until he learned how to channel his inner Doctor Doolittle.
Schoolhouse Rock – Changing Status Quo
Ben Navarro
Why is the American dream nothing more than a dream for so many children? The problem isn't the kids, says businessman and educational reformer, the problem is the system, and the solution is in our hands.
Art Is My Soap Box
Kate Nevin
As a citizen artist in a creative community, this talk paints a picture that illustrates the many colorful ways in which you, too, are a citizen artist.
Rather Have HIV Than A Broken Leg
Edward O’Bryan
Travel halfway around the world to explore how healthcare practitioners can make a difference by treating what hurts.
Your DNA Speaks – Do You Have A Choice
Jorge Roig
Does leaving DNA threaten your civil liberties? Learn how corporations can use genetic material you leave everywhere you go.
Libraries Bridging The Digital Divide
Andrew Roskill
Entrepreneur advocates for a public library of the future, a multi-purpose techno center that exists and thrives in cutting edge communities.
Rhythm Effect
Taiko Charleston
A dynamic musical art form, grounded in core aspects of the martial arts, dance and percussion, . Taiko Charleston drums up awe and excitement.
Fun Kills Fear
Greg Tavares
Improvisational comic becomes head coach and lead cheerleader show us how fending off what frightens us most is indeed a laughing matter.
Looping Effect
Graham Whorley
Songwriter and instrumental virtuoso presents a moving and breathtakingly beautiful acoustic set that gives us all "permission to think."
Why They Call It Play – The Joy of Sports
John Wilson
Professional soccer player talks about what's really at stake when we forfeit our love of the game and lose sight of the real goal.
Solving Obesity Crisis One Child At A Time
Louis Yuhasz
Inspired by love and driven by pain, advocate is determined to change the way society disregards and discards overweight youth.
2014 Artist
Lisa Abernathy
A papercut artist, inspired by Chinese medicine and Southern storytelling, to create work emphasizing parallels between human emotions and natural landscape.
2014 Emcee
Teresa Bruce
A one-time Olympic hopeful turned memoirist and screenwriter, and former Ogilvy PR executive, who was a featured speaker at TEDxCharleston 2013.2013
Reinvent Speakers, Artists and Performers: Our speakers share transformative concepts backed by inspired action - exploring breakthrough ideas that honor the past while bringing forth the full potentioal of something new. Our goal is to provide a platform where thinkers, visionaries and fascinating teachers will inspire us and in turn, be inspired. All photographs by Fia Forever Photography Click on presenter's name to learn more
How Cheating Alters Our Happiness
Jennifer Baker
Applying ancient ethical standards to modern day life, undestand how cheating and our ethics can alter happiness.
The Unpainted South
William Baldwin, Mindy Burgin, Rutledge Leland
This poet who dreamed of being a country song writer, reads his poems while musicians sing and play music created for the poems.
Seeking A Sense Of Place
Eve Blossom
Implementing social change by stemming human trafficking through a plan to connect artisans and designers around the world.
Mazurka
Caleb Borick and Benjamin Halford
A 10-year-old homeschooler pianist and a third-grader violinist perform Mazurka together.
The Wisdom In Quitting
Teresa Bruce
A one-time Olympic hopeful turned writer discusses how reinvention starts with learning how to quit..
Make It Or Miss Out
Dave Dawson
How artisanal manufacturing positively impacts innovation through process, training, culture and experience.
A Chef’s Hunt
Ricky Hacker
Restaurateur and outdoorsman talks about how hunting makes a better chef and more importantly a better person.
Promoting A Culture Of Stewardship
Winslow Hastie
A preservationist and urban planner presents how we need to look at historic preservation differently.
Conscious In Unconscious Times
Brendan James
Brendan performs and presents how performers can use their song to inspire social change.
Gershwin/Wild & Rachmaninov
Micah Mclaurin
An 18 year-old piano soloist performs Gershwin and Wild & Rachmaninov.
Creating Parks In Urban Areas
Michael Messner
How an abandoned rail line and urban areas can be used to create parks and recreation for the city.
Try Anything, Try Everything
Justin Nathanson
How I was able to come back from heroin addiction by the mantra, Start Doing and Stop Thinking.
The Womanist Way – Technology Reimagined
Tiffany Russell
How technology can be used to empower women and communities
The Secret And The Solution
Michael Schmidt
How copper, used ages ago, can be used today to control healthcare associated infection.
Conversations With The Universe
Simran Singh
How one can heal and change with faith in the universe.
When Trying To Solve, Does Not Solve Problems
Bill Stanfield
Rather than focusing on problems, philanthropy should focus on discovering and investing in the assets of particular individuals and neighborhoods.
Skipping School – Concept of Unschooling
Lua Martin Wells
Lua introduces the idea of Unschooling, a concept where students are schooled at home and the students choose what they will study.