Summer of TED Talks

Date: 08/01/2022
Time: 1:00 pm-2:00 pm

Join us for our on-going summer discussion series of the “Top 10 TED Talks That’ll Change Your Life.” After watching a selected TED Talk ahead of time, we’ll meet virtually through Zoom on Mondays from 1:00-2:00pm to discuss. Attend as your summer schedule and interest allow. The discussion group runs through September 19 (no meeting on Labor Day, Monday, September 5).

Registration gives you access to the entire discussion series. If you registered for a previous TED Talks Summer Discussion Group, you do not have to register again. If this will be for your first time joining the group, please register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArd-qsqjIrGtY3NRlHdTu-56ChDTE_5i2R

Here’s our remaining schedule of TED Talks:

August 1: Dan Gilbert – The Surprising Science of Happiness

When people talk about happiness, it’s often referred to as a search—a quest to find something so elusive and out of reach, that there are now a bottomless pit of ideas on how to acquire it. But shockingly, it could be our power to choose from thousands of great experiences in life that actually keeps us from being happy. In this TED Talk, psychologist Dan Gilbert breaks down happiness into its two most basic components—the happiness we stumble upon and the happiness we create—to reveal a shocking truth.

August 8: Brene Brown – The Power of Vulnerability

Brené Brown is a shoot-from-the-hip Texan, who also happens to be a shame and vulnerability expert. Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathise, belong, love. In this poignant, funny talk that has been viewed over 6 million times, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity.

August 15: Malcolm Gladwell – Choice, Happiness & Spaghetti Sauce

It just wouldn’t be an inspiring talks list without author Malcolm Gladwell on it. In this TED Talk, Gladwell explores the story of the man who refused to believe in a ‘perfect’ spaghetti sauce, and how his research impacts our broader understanding of choice and happiness. While the talk centres on the food industry, the larger discoveries about human behaviour are poignantly relevant for leaders who want to build workplaces where people are happy and fulfilled.

August 22: Sam Berns – Philosophy For  A Happy Life

Here’s one of the most inspiring TED Talks you will ever have the pleasure to watch. It is the fascinating legacy of a boy who was one for the ages. Seventeen-year-old Sam became the spokesman for a genetic condition called Progeria, also known as the aptly named ‘aging disease’. Sam refused to allow his disease to define him and worked to overcome limitations others said he never would. He lived the life he chose to and didn’t focus on his illness and what made him different, but rather his dreams and what made him happy.

In memoriam: Sam Berns passed away on January 10, 2014. We thank him for the inspiration he provided

August 29: Alain de Botton – A Kinder, Gentler Philosophy of Success

Psychologist and author Alain de Botton examines our ideas of success and failure — and questions the assumptions underlying these two judgments. Is success always earned? Is failure? He makes an eloquent, witty case to move beyond snobbery to find true pleasure in our work.

NO DISCUSSION SEPTEMBER 5 – Happy Labor Day!

September 12: Lucinda Beaman – What Does It Take to Change A Mind

“A man convinced against his will is of his opinion still”. Ever tried to change a person’s mind when they weren’t really that convinced? Impossible, right? As fact check editor at The Conversation, Lucinda Beaman sees first-hand the conflict between facts and beliefs. She offers a framework for understanding how we process information and how we can connect with those who disagree with us.

September 19: Isaac Lidsky – What Reality Are You

Reality isn’t something you perceive; it’s something you create in your mind. Isaac Lidsky learned this profound lesson firsthand, when unexpected life circumstances yielded valuable insights. In this introspective, personal talk, he challenges the concept of cognitive dissonance, and encourages us to let go of excuses, assumptions and fears, and accept the awesome responsibility of being the creators of our own reality.