Marine biologist and composer Dr. Heather Spence drops a microphone into the ocean and invites you to tune in to your own life. Backed by neuroscience and twenty years of underwater listening, she explores how the hidden soundscape around you can shift your attention, your emotions, and even your decisions. Heather reveals her simple tools to train your ears and shape your surroundings. Heather’s unique blending of science and music has led her to be featured on National Geographic and funded by the National Academy of Sciences. She learns about coral reefs by listening to them and incorporates her research recordings into music that inspires deeper connections with our ocean planet.Dr. Heather Spence is a marine biologist, musician, and composer based in Arlington, VA. Her research, featured by National Geographic and funded by the National Academy of Sciences, focuses on listening. With an MS in Marine Biology and a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience, she pioneered the use of underwater recordings to monitor coral reefs in the Mexican Caribbean. She composes music that interprets field recordings by jamming with them and teaches this process in the online course Nature Music on Studio.com. She co-founded the Ocean Memory Project and Ocean World of Sound, initiatives that integrate across disciplines for community-based coastal conservation.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 compelling talk, licensed psychotherapist and wellness guide Jotina Buck shares her powerful journey of leaving the United States to reclaim her mental health through rest as her pillar and an act of collective community care. As a Black woman navigating burnout and hustle culture, Jotina opens up about the emotional and spiritual shifts that led her to relocate to Mexico. Her story offers insight into holistic healing, intentional living, and the radical act of choosing rest over survival. This video is essential viewing for those interested in mental health, Black women’s empowerment, rest as reclamation and the liberating possibilities of life abroad. Jotina Buck (she/her) is a black queer female licensed professional counselor, 200 hr. registered yoga teacher, meditation and breathwork guide. She is the owner and founder the first and only black, queer, female-owned integrative mental health practice in central Houston, Root + Yoke Wellness. Jotina has over 15 years of experience studying psychology and human behavior. She is a native Houstonian but recently relocated to Quintana Roo, Mexico.Over the years her soul’s work has manifested in various forms. She’s written personal development books, hosted empowerment gatherings, shared messages as a public speaker, served as an educator, school counselor, and mobilized on-ground support for marginalized communities in need both locally and abroad.Today her soul’s work is manifesting through listening and looking at what’s here now to help heal as a mental health therapist + yoga guide.She is a wellness advocate with a commitment to closing the gaps of equity disparities in the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Jotina loves supporting humans with better humaning. She is a native Houstonian who loves her city. Jotina affirms that she is here to co-build a better, kinder, and more compassionate human-centered world.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

#shorts #tedx #ted #design #health #architecture #interiordesign #mood #psychology

We’re told that America is hopelessly divided—that our politics are broken beyond repair. But Congresswoman and former judge Laurel Lee offers a different perspective: disagreement is how democracy works. In this talk, she explains why debate is essential, not dangerous, and how we can all stay in the conversation. Laurel M. Lee serves in the U.S. House of Representatives and previously served as a judge in Tampa, Florida. A former federal prosecutor and Florida Secretary of State, she brings a deep understanding of the law and a strong commitment to principled leadership. Her work in Congress focuses on national security, public safety, and defending constitutional freedoms. Drawing from her experience on the bench, she believes that disagreement is not a weakness in democracy—but a necessary strength when it’s grounded in respect. 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

Luna and Helin discuss how social media fragments our society by polarizing politics. In particular, they explain the echo chamber effect and filter bubbles resulting from algorithms and how these further radicalize opinions. Sensationalist journalism exacerbates the spread of misinformation and extreme political views, while politicians and influencers simultaneously manipulate social media to spread their ideology. Towards the end of their talk, Luna and Helin will offer tactics of critical analysis to protect our society from misinformation and political polarization. Luna Fast and Helin Turhan are both seniors at the Berlin Cosmopolitan School. Growing up in an international environment, they developed a multicultural perspective that sparked their interest in cultural, social, and political issues. Their passion for politics led them to participate in Model United Nations (MUN), where they honed their public speaking skills and deepened their understanding of international relations. After graduation, Helin plans to study business at Hult International Business School in London, while Luna will begin a voluntary social year (FSJ), volunteering at food banks in New York City and supporting a community center on the coast of Ecuador.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