Rethinking gout and chronic disease | Arinola Dada, MD

In this eye-opening talk, Arinola Dada, MD, a rheumatologist, explores the real causes and impacts of gout, revealing the systemic challenges that prevent effective treatment and care. Drawing on personal stories, historical context, and medical breakthroughs, Dr. Dada sheds light on how stigma and outdated narratives harm patients and prevent life-changing innovations from being embraced.

The Power of Talking to Strangers: Building Community and Connection | Abraham Rowe

What if the key to building a stronger community, gaining knowledge, and feeling more connected lies in a simple yet radical act: talking to strangers? In this compelling talk, Abraham Rowe shares insights from his decade-long project, Folks of Florence, where he interviews and photographs everyday people in his hometown.

Using AI: what to own, when to partner, what to delegate | Justin W. Carter, Ph.D.

How do we navigate the overwhelming world of artificial intelligence in our lives and businesses? In this engaging talk, Justin W. Carter, PH.D. breaks down AI integration into a simple yet powerful concept: the 3 Buckets Framework.

Why "Never Go to Bed Angry" Is Bad Advice | Dawn Smith

Have you ever been in a relationship argument that spiraled out of control over something small? You’re not alone. Relationship coach Dawn has worked with nearly 1,000 couples across diverse backgrounds and believes many conflicts stem from differences in how our brains are wired—and outdated advice like “never go to bed angry.” In this engaging and practical talk, Dawn introduces the concepts of “waffle” and “spaghetti” brains, rooted in neuroscience, to explain why partners often misunderstand each other. She offers actionable strategies to turn conflict into connection, from the power of timeouts and golden hours to the importance of concise communication and active listening.

From Burnout to Balance: Redefining Success in Work and Life | Dr. Sabrina Starling

What if your work supported your life instead of consuming it? In this heartfelt and transformative talk, Dr. Sabrina Starling shares her journey from burnout to balance, offering powerful insights into how we can redefine success by focusing on what truly matters: being emotionally present for the people we love.

How a professional meteorite hunter finds treasure (and adventure) | Steve Arnold

Imagine holding a piece of the cosmos in your hands—a meteorite that traveled billions of miles and billions of years to land on Earth. In this captivating talk, Steve Arnold, a lifelong meteorite hunter and co-host of Meteorite Men, shares the thrill of finding these space treasures and how you can embark on your own cosmic adventure.

A call for equity in maternal health | Zay Bell

Black women in the United States are two to three times more likely to lose their lives or the lives of their children due to preventable pregnancy complications. This is not a statistic—it’s a crisis. In this powerful and deeply personal talk, Zay Bell shares the story of her son, Zander, and how systemic bias in healthcare failed them both. She shines a light on the devastating racial disparities in maternal care, the historical roots of those inequities, and the ongoing impact on Black mothers and babies today.