We had a BALL at Stuff’d!

We had a blast for our 2nd Semifinalist Meetup for TEDxThirdWard!

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.

Right now we’re in the semifinal round for Cohort 3, and the journey is just getting started. But if you make it to the finalist stage, one of the first big moments is Media Day. It’s one of the first time finalists get to meet each other in person. This is a behind-the-scenes look at what that looks like. At TEDxThirdWard, we don’t just announce speakers and hope people show up. We help our speakers market their ideas and build momentum for the event. Once finalists are selected, we host a dedicated Media Day where we bring in a studio setup, photographer, and videographer so each speaker can create polished content around their talk. This time will be even better than last time. I had to give my TEDx talk on the day media day was already scheduled, but we still made it happen. That content becomes the fuel for: • promoting their talk • building excitement for the event • encouraging their network to attend • helping us collectively drive ticket sales Think of it as the moment where your idea becomes real and shareable. Speakers record short promotional videos, take professional photos, and capture content they can post across LinkedIn, Instagram, and other platforms to invite their community into the journey. Because when speakers are excited and sharing their ideas with the world, it doesn’t just elevate them. It elevates the entire event. This clip is a small glimpse into that process. If you’re currently a Cohort 3 semifinalist, keep going. The road to the red circle is just beginning.

My TEDx talk is live. In the talk I share a three-step framework to help you move forward even when the path is invisible, because most of us have been conditioned to wait for the complete map before we dare to begin. If you have ever felt parked in the driveway of your own life, this one is for you. Also, if you’re willing to like and leave a comment, it really helps the YouTube algorithm get this message to more people. I truly appreciate your support. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGki_UYls0I