The Big Idea Speaker Bootcamp starts Monday at 6 PM CST. If you’ve ever thought about giving a TEDx talk but felt unsure about: - whether your idea is strong enough - how the selection process actually works - or how to turn your story into something stage-ready this bootcamp is for you. Over the week, you’ll get direct feedback from: - 3 TEDx event directors - Former TEDx finalists - Me, from both the speaker and organizer side - Important to be clear: this bootcamp does not guarantee a spot on a TEDx stage. What it does give you is clarity, honest feedback, and a much stronger understanding of what works, what doesn’t, and how to move forward strategically. This is not motivational fluff. It’s practical, real guidance. The full bootcamp is $197 and kicks off Monday. 👉 Join here:https://www.skool.com/big-idea-speaker-bootcamp If a TEDx stage is even remotely on your radar this year, this is the right room to be in. What’s your biggest reason for joining the bootcamp?

Virtual • Feb 9–13 • $197 I’ve read hundreds of TEDx applications. Most don’t fail because the speaker isn’t smart or interesting. They fail because the idea isn’t sharp yet. So I’m opening a small, virtual working room called the Big Idea Speaker Bootcamp. Over five live sessions (Feb 9–13), we’ll pressure-test one idea, refine it to a TEDx-level standard, and break down how strong talks are actually shaped and selected. You’ll also hear directly from three TEDx organizers who currently have open applications. 🎟️ Virtual Bootcamp | $197 If you’re serious about your idea, the link is in the comments.

Finalists! @Terry Williams , @Kenneth Morris , @Sherhara Burrell , @Mary Ann Hughes et al, what's one piece of advice you wish you knew before applying based on your experience making it all the way through the process? Share in the comments. Applicants, ask a question in the comments and myself or one of the finalists will answer!

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.

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.