Several of our TEDxThirdWard semifinalists are published authors — and not just self-published, we’re talking major releases, including a USA Today bestseller. I grabbed six of their books and did a quick rundown of each. These are stories that live beyond the stage and keep our theme Dream. Dare. Do. alive in print. @Laryssa Creswell @LaTasha S. @Steve Spiro @Emily Jamea @Obrian Kerr @Nicole Wilhelm

Before we move to the next phase, here’s something I want everyone in the TEDxThirdWard community to know, especially those who have been part of our first-ever Speaker Bootcamp. I’m proud of what’s being built here. This community has shown up with curiosity, courage, and commitment to big ideas. The Bootcamp was just one part of that journey, and it’s already producing results that make me excited about what’s ahead. For perspective, more than 600 people applied to speak at TEDxThirdWard, and 150 made it to the semifinal round. That means these Bootcamp members are already part of the top 25% of applicants. Out of that group, a select few will take the stage for the main event on January 10, 2026. Since becoming a TEDx curator, I can’t tell you how many people I meet who say they have always wanted to give a TED or TEDx talk. They pull me aside and tell me about the idea they have been sitting on. But most of them have never actually applied, let alone made it this far. This milestone is huge. It shows what is possible when you take your big idea seriously, no matter where you are in the process. And here’s the bigger picture. TEDx is not a one-time opportunity. There will be three additional TEDxThirdWard events in 2026, our Salons in April, July, and October, each smaller in size but equally polished, produced, and shared with the world. Also remember that TEDx is a global community. There are independently organized events in cities and countries all over the world. If your goal is to stand on that red dot, think beyond your city. Apply broadly, stay persistent, and keep refining your idea. Sometimes the opportunity that is meant for you is waiting in a place you have not looked yet. A great TED talk is not just a big idea. It is a clear, well-crafted message that connects with people and stays with them long after they have heard it. One of the best ways to sharpen your message is to talk about it. Share your idea with people around you. Not necessarily to take their critique, but because there is something powerful about explaining what you care about to someone you know. It helps you hear it differently and clarify it for yourself.

Here are a few photos from the Big Idea Mixer. It was such a joy to meet many of you in person, collaborate in groups, and watch fresh ideas come to life in real time. Even though this gathering came together last minute, it reminded me why we need to make it a regular part of our journey. What I love most is the process — meeting you, hearing your stories, buying your books, and learning from your perspectives. This has been an honor, and I’m looking forward to building on the momentum as we continue this work together. Poll Question: What part of the TEDxThirdWard journey have you enjoyed the most so far?

Thanks again to everyone who joined us for tonight’s Q&A. For those who couldn’t make it, HERE'S THE LINK TO THE RECORDING. (Reminder: Thursday’s call will follow the exact same agenda, so no need to attend both.) 📌 Important Resources for Semifinalists: - 2026 Semi-Finalist Information Packet (read carefully — everything you need is here):👉 Information Packet - Video Submission Form (due by October 15 at 11:59 PM CST):👉 Submit Your Video ⚡ Extra Support Opportunity: There are still a few spots left in the Virtual Speaker Bootcamp. This one-week intensive will help you sharpen your idea, get live coaching, and receive feedback from alumni and TEDx veterans. It’s $197 and designed to give you the best possible preparation for this TEDx or any other speaker submission. 👉 Sign up for the Bootcamp We’re excited to see your big ideas take shape. Keep going, you’re closer to the stage than you think! -Durrel and the rest of the TEDxThirdWard Team

In this powerful talk, TEDxThirdWard speaker Gina L. Carroll uncovers why you must write your life stories and how to actually get them down — started and finished. Her talk has garnered the most views from our first cohort who took the stage in March of this year: 115,853 views as of today (Sept 30, 2025). She shares deep insights, inspiring stories, and surprising facts about why your voice is needed in the storytelling universe. Gina, an author, editor, and writing coach, believes every story has an audience and is an important thread in the fabric of history. Whether you’re just beginning or trying to finish a manuscript, her message is about urgency, focus, and motivation to finally tell your story. Poll Question: If you hadn't yet, what’s the biggest challenge keeping you from writing your own story?