NOTE FROM TED: Please do not look to this talk for health advice. Contents only represent the speaker's personal views and understanding of sound, smell, the brain, and healing. Several claims lack legitimate scientific support. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfWhen the world falls apart, why do we make art? In this poetic and powerful talk, Dr. DaeEss 1Dréa Pennington Wasio reveals how creativity has always been a form of sacred defiance—across war zones, enslavement, revolutions, and heartbreak. Blending moving historical stories with neuroscience, she shows how beauty, sound, scent, and story restore coherence, calm, and connection in times of chaos. This talk is a soul call to remember: art isn’t just expression—it’s resistance, resilience, and renaissance. DaeEss 1Dréa is a Sonic Alchemist and Conscious Evolution Guide, supporting seekers on the path from the dark night of the ego to the dawn of the soul. She weaves the art of sacred ritual, science, and sound to facilitate personal and collective awakening. With 20 years of professional experience as an integrative physician and trauma therapist, DaeEss 1Dréa helps people reclaim vitality, foster post-traumatic growth, and rewrite their personal narratives with purpose and power. She is the founder of The Cornerstone Process for Conscious Evolution and creator of the Attunement Meditation, both designed to support holistic healing, spiritual awakening, and the cultivation of resilience. In addition to hosting transformational retreats, she is the visionary behind Soul Sense Alchemy—a collection of perfumes, meditations, and original music infused with affirmations and sonic activations—each crafted to attune the mind, body, and soul to higher frequencies of 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

NOTE FROM TED: While some viewers may find this helpful as a complementary approach, please do not look to this talk for health advice. This talk only represents the speaker’s personal views and understanding of the brain, rhythm, and healing. Statements in this talk around anxiety and OCD treatments have been challenged by scientists working in this field and warrant further scientific investigation. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfUnderstand how rhythmic patterns like Indian Taals bridge cultures, boost cognition, and alleviate pain and stress. Siya Marwah is a Bsc Psychology Final year student at the University of Bath. A certified yoga instructor, and a Bachelor of Arts holder in Indian classical dance and music, Siya is the founder of Kulaa.fit, a platform that bridges fitness and Indian art forms that promote holistic well-being. She was also the Co Founder & Treasurer of the Bath Indian Dance Society. She spent a year at the Bio Behavioural Pain Innovations lab at Harvard University conducting research on pain management, and contributed to college clubs, and international conferences. 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 heartfelt TEDx talk, Felony Misdemeanor describes how doing drag became a journey from rejection to radical self-love. Through humor and honesty, she shares how coming out, embracing drag, and building community turned pain into power— and proves that drag doesn’t just entertain, it saves lives. Felony Misdemeanor is a walking contradiction turned living legend — a drag artist, community leader, icon, and activist who once hated drag and now uses it to save lives. Born from resistance and refined through purpose, Felony doesn’t just perform — she transforms. Her story is one of rebellion turned revelation: proof that healing can wear lashes and a crown. With a sharp tongue and a soft heart, she stormed stages, shattered norms, and stood boldly in spaces that weren’t built for her — and made them hers.Through her work with Planned Parenthood and Black Pride Colorado, she’s amplified the voices of the unheard, the unseen, and the unstoppable. Felony Misdemeanor is more than a name — she’s a movement draped in sequins, shaped by struggle, and committed to reminding every soul that growth is gritty, glittery, and gloriously real.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

Nick explains how one Daoist thought can positively affect ones actions. Nick Liu is a high school student in BIPH who is enthusiastic about philosophy. He is especially curious in ancient Chinese philosophy, which he claimed is “fundamentally different with Western philosophy.” This is why for his Tedx talk, he decided to talk about how Daoist Ideologies, not the religion, can be used to solve problems in our lives. During his spare time, he likes to bike and read books, including the original copies of ancient Chinese scripture. He said that it makes him feel connected with those intellects from the past. 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

From her personal experience and documentation, Zoe talks the why and how family life matters so much to elephants. Zoe He is a passionate and determined student with a deep love for animals and a drive to make a difference in the world. Though she may be a little shy at first, she thrives on stepping out of her comfort zone—whether it’s trying new activities, taking on challenges, or speaking up for causes she believes in.Her biggest passion is animal welfare, and she dreams of creating real change, whether through advocacy, conservation efforts, or simply inspiring others to take action. She believes even small steps can lead to big impacts and hopes to encourage those around her to join in making the world a kinder, more sustainable place.When she’s not busy brainstorming ways to help animals, Zoe enjoys exploring new hobbies, from creative arts to outdoor adventures. She may not always be the loudest in the room, but her quiet determination and willingness to take on challenges make her a force to be reckoned with. 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

Thomas Long explains the affects of dopamine and some ways one car break addictive habits. Thomas Long is a passionate, driven young man who believes in pushing limits—both his own and others’. With an unstoppable energy and a unique outlook on life, he thrives on challenges and refuses to settle for mediocrity. But his journey hasn’t been without struggles. Through his own battles, he’s learned the power of resilience, and now he’s determined to help others find their own paths to success.Whether it’s through mentorship, encouragement, or leading by example, Thomas wants to inspire people to become the best versions of themselves. He knows that real change starts one person at a time, and he’s committed to making the world brighter through action, not just words.When he’s not motivating those around him, you’ll find him testing his limits—physically, mentally, and creatively—because for Thomas, growth never stops.His motto? *"Obstacles don’t block the path—they are the path."* 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