Celebrating the Power of Conversation

Making Waves with TEDxSantaBarbara: A Series to Spark Real Change

Over the years, TEDxSantaBarbara's Making Waves series has become a go-to for anyone who loves big ideas and practical inspiration. Each episode tackles the topics that matter most today—Creativity, Social Justice, Technology, Sustainability, and The Pandemic—featuring voices that bring fresh perspectives and real-world solutions. We’re talking about folks making a real difference and challenging us to do the same.

With over 225 episodes, Making Waves has something for everyone. Here’s a quick look at each theme and a few of the conversations that are still resonating with listeners:

Creativity: Igniting Innovation and Self-Discovery

Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s a way of thinking, growing, and connecting. These episodes explore how creativity manifests in our work, communities, and ourselves.

• Freddie Ravel ?"Life in Tune: Harmonizing Personal and Professional Growth Through Music"?uses the principles of music to show how rhythm, harmony, and melody can balance our lives and careers. It reminds us that creativity goes way beyond art—it’s a tool for personal growth and resilience.
• Delida Costin – "Defying Imposter Syndrome" Delida dives into imposter syndrome, helping us understand self-worth and authenticity in leadership. Her talk sheds light on how self-reflection can help us push past internal barriers.
• Sarah Thurber "Good Team, Bad Team: Lead Your People to Go After Big Challenges—Not Each Other"?explains how building safe, creative teams can drive amazing results. She also?explains why psychological safety and diverse thinking are key to tackling tough challenges as a team.

Social Justice: Building a More Equitable World

In the social justice series, we hear from changemakers shaking up systems and helping create fairer, more inclusive communities.

• Michellene Davis, Esq., In?"Why Health Care Leadership Needs All Voices: The Best Path to Health Equity,"?Michellene discusses the need for diverse voices in healthcare, emphasizing how inclusive leadership can save lives and tackle deep-rooted inequalities.
• Ceah Justice – In "From Ally to Co-conspirator: Becoming Active in the Fight for Social Change," Ceah challenges us to move from passive allyship to active involvement in social change, sharing her personal journey toward more meaningful advocacy.
• Ashley J. —In?"Unstoppable: Social Change & Collegiate Leadership,"?Dr. Joseph discusses how we can nurture young leaders who will challenge inequality and promote systemic change, showing that education and leadership go hand in hand.

Technology: Shaping the Future Responsibly

Technology is advancing fast, and these episodes explore the exciting possibilities—and responsibilities—that come with it.

• Robert Tercek In?"How to Digitize the Whole World: Industrial Metaverse is the Biggest Opportunity in a Generation,"?Robert discusses the industrial metaverse's vast potential and how digitizing industries can open up major opportunities for innovation.
• Chad Lane ,?in?"The Adaptive Age: AI’s New Frontier—The Evolution of AI: Learning, Adapting, Transforming,"?breaks down how AI is evolving, adapting, and transforming industries, reminding us to develop these technologies with responsibility in mind.
• Andreas Forsland and?Tim Jin:?"What Did the Nonverbal Person Say to the Verbal Person?"?This conversation reveals how assistive technologies are changing the lives of nonverbal individuals and highlights the profound impact of tech on human connection.

Sustainability: Protecting Our Planet for Future Generations

These episodes focus on how we can all contribute to creating a healthier planet, from climate action to sustainable food systems.

• Avril Johnnidis – "Net-Positive Regenerative Neighborhoods" Avril introduces the idea of regenerative neighborhoods that actively benefit the environment, emphasizing how communities can drive positive change.
• Sandra Kwak – In?"Climate Justice through Renewable Energy Access,"?Sandra explores the connection between climate justice and renewable energy, calling for equal access to sustainable resources.
• Brian Reisinger – "Food Security and Supporting Local Agriculture" Brian explains why supporting local farmers is key to food security and environmental health, making the case for a sustainable food system that benefits all.

The Pandemic: Navigating Unprecedented Challenges

The pandemic changed everything, and Making Waves brought in experts to help us understand and adapt to this new reality.

• Sandro Galea —In?"A Wake-Up Call for Public Health,"?Dr. Galea discusses how the pandemic exposed gaps in public health and why we need a system that can better protect communities.
• Mariel Hemingway – "Lives at Stake: Suicide and Mental Health During COVID," Mariel addresses the mental health impact of the pandemic, advocating for open conversations and community support to help people stay resilient.
• Sigrid Wright —"The Pandemic Did Not Fix Our Climate Problem."?Sigrid points out that the lockdowns did not solve our environmental issues, reminding us that meaningful climate action is still crucial.

Join the Conversation

These five themes comprise a framework for tackling the issues that matter most today. TEDxSantaBarbara’s Making Waves series has created a space for thoughtful discussions that challenge, inspire, and connect us to the big ideas shaping the future.

Whether you want to get creative, promote equity, use tech for good, commit to sustainability, or learn from the pandemic, Making Waves has something for you. Check out the episode archive, find resonating topics, and join us on the journey toward a better world.

Meet Mark Sylvester, Curator and Host of Making Waves

At the heart of Making Waves is Mark Sylvester, a TEDxSantaBarbara organizer and longtime TEDster known for his knack for bringing out the best in every guest. Mark carefully curates each episode, selecting topics and voices that reflect the pressing issues of our time—from creativity and social justice to technology, sustainability, and the impact of the pandemic. With his background as a co-founder of introNetworks and experience in technology and design, Mark brings a unique perspective to the show, blending technical expertise with a passion for storytelling. His warm, engaging style makes complex ideas accessible and encourages guests to open up, resulting in conversations that are as relatable as they are thought-provoking.

Meet Tracy Wyle, Guest Concierge and Producer of Making Waves

Tracy Wyle is the welcoming force behind Making Waves, serving as producer and guest concierge. Her role goes beyond production; Tracy ensures guests feel at home, handling everything from pre-show coordination to on-set comfort. Her attention to detail and genuine care for the guest experience allow each conversation to flow naturally, letting the audience feel the authenticity of each story. With a knack for helping guests relax and connect, Tracy ensures the series stays true to its mission of fostering honest, impactful dialogue. Together with Mark, she creates an environment where guests feel valued, allowing for conversations that resonate long after the credits roll.

Mark’s thoughtful curation and Tracy’s welcoming touch make Making Waves a standout series that invites audiences to engage with the ideas shaping our world.

Join the Making Waves Community

If you’re ready to dive into big ideas, new perspectives, and inspiring conversations, head over to TEDxSantaBarbara.com to explore the Making Waves archive and see what’s coming next. There’s a world of topics waiting to be explored, so whether you’re interested in the latest in tech, social justice issues, creative innovation, or sustainable solutions, there’s something for everyone.

Check out past episodes that speak to you, share your thoughts, and drop us a comment with your ideas for future conversations—we’d love to hear from you. TEDxSantaBarbara is all about creating a dialogue that matters, so join us, and let’s keep making waves together!

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