What happens when "Black Boy Joy" dies | Terrance Brown

This talk analyzes the meaning of #blackboyjoy, it's role in present day, and it's demise due to the suppression of emotional freedom.

Build a postpartum village for yourself, not just your child | Amy Moor, LPC-S

How parents can build their community to decrease postpartum mental health issues in a disconnected world. Through her varying counseling jobs, as well as the experience of birthing her two children, Amy has become passionate about women’s issues, especially pregnancy and postpartum mental health. Her son was born in 2017 and her daughter during the height of Covid in 2020. Her two pregnancy and postpartum journeys were vastly different, as a result of Covid. These experiences led to a greater understanding of how important our support system is during such vital life chapters.

The unexpected, but monumental influence of North Alabama | Codie Gopher

Highway 72 through North Alabama is one of the most surprisingly important corridors in America. This talk explores the treasure trove of talent.

Why we need mining to save the environment | Alp Bora

The mining industry faces two major challenges: it is slow to change and generally perceived in a negative light by the general public. The industry is often misunderstood, and its future is at risk. As a mining & metals expert, Alp Bora is passionate about making mining greener, more sustainable, and more attractive for new generations. He is creating a movement to transform the role as well as the future of the mining industry.

Life with cyclical grief. Managing the hope and loss y-yo | Loresa Stansell

Millions of Americans have been tragically impacted by the loss of the "normal" life script. Where do they fit in society? How do they manage a-cyclic grief and restart life following their loss? Maybe the answer to managing the yo-yo of hope and loss is to redefine normal, together. Loresa Stansell, Licensed Professional Counselor, shows us what that looks like, with a very personal spin.

What to ask yourself before you consume true crime | Lindsey A. Sherrill

As true crime media has exploded in the last several years, producers, especially podcasters, have used the medium to go beyond entertainment to teach, mobilized, and advocate for criminal justice reform throughout the US and the world. But with the increase in popularity, we must also have increased awareness of how to consume it responsibly.

Hina Sheth | Pain with sex? Insights from a “sex mechanic”

Genital and pelvic pain affects a significant number of men and women, yet there is little community and healthcare awareness of this condition. Increasing awareness of this condition, its causes, and treatment options will improve the quality of life for these people and their loved ones.

Overcoming the illusion of division in America | Monica Harris

America is more divided today than it’s been in decades. The roots of the current political and racial divide are deep-seated, but they’re also being exploited and exacerbated. Manufactured division is the single greatest threat we face because when we’re pitted against each other, we can’t see what we have in common. By unplugging from the narrative of division and focusing on what we have in common instead of what separates us, we can speak with one voice and with power. When we understand that we can be different without being divided, we can build the prosperous future we all want and deserve.

The power of the folk process | firekid [Dillon Hodges & Heidi Feek]

Art thrives through rebirths and cross pollinations. The folk process itself, allows us to collaborate with those who have come before us and add another mask to the existing melodies of the world. Known as firekid, the universe brought Dillon Hodges and Heidi Feek together based on their shared love for making the old new again. With both Hodges and Feek emerging from divorce and grieving the death of loved ones, XY is firekid’s exploration of those feelings, finding happiness, and learning how to appreciate the small victories.