If you are applying to speak at TEDxThirdWard Salon on Sunday, June 14th, 2026 at MATCH Theater in Houston, this is where you introduce yourself. In the comments below, please share: • Your name • Where you’re from • Your big idea in one or two sentences This is how we begin building community beyond the application. We want to know who you are and what you hope to bring to the stage! Drop your intro below.

I’m excited to share that my TEDx talk is officially live on YouTube. It starts from a simple but slightly uncomfortable question about friendship, loyalty, and growth, and unpacks why some ideas are meant to challenge what we’ve been taught to value. It’s the kind of title that should make you pause, maybe raise an eyebrow, and feel compelled to click, the same way a good book title pulls you in before you’ve read a single page. 👉 Watch here: https://youtu.be/FAoGs4Bw7fg?si=nrKxY1zUAEwnUSD6 As you watch, please leave a comment directly on YouTube responding to one or two of these prompts: - What made the title work or not work for you before you even pressed play? - What moment in the talk clarified the real idea behind the provocative framing? - How does this change the way you think about loyalty, growth, or who we keep close? For those of you thinking about applying to speak at a TEDx event, pay attention not just to what is said, but how the idea is framed to invite curiosity and conversation. Looking forward to reading your thoughts.

In this first episode, we’re kicking things off with an introduction to our curator, Durrell Douglas, followed by conversations with Terry Williams, Kenneth Morris, and Sherhara Burrell who were all part of our last cohort on 01.10.26.

What's your inspiration behind the RED Dot if you're a speaker applicant?

TEDxThirdWard Open House Tonight Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming June 14, 2026 TEDxThirdWard 2026 experience. Whether you’re interested in applying to speak, volunteering, sponsoring, or simply learning more, this virtual open house is your chance to connect directly with the team and hear what’s ahead for this year’s event. We’ll walk through key dates, what makes a strong TEDx talk, and how to get involved in shaping one of Houston’s most dynamic idea platforms. Open to past applicants, first-timers, and anyone curious about what it really takes to bring a TEDx event to life. Spots are limited. RSVP to secure your place and receive the Zoom link: https://www.mobilize.us/hia/event/890894/ ALSO: 5-Day Speaker Bootcamp Designed to help you clarify one powerful idea and prepare it for a TEDx stage anywhere. What’s included: • 4 Live sessions • Small-group labs • Hands-on feedback and coaching Starts: Monday, February 9th at 6:00 PM CST Cost: $197 LINK: https://www.skool.com/big-idea-speaker-bootcamp More details and registration will be shared during the open house.