Conversations with Influencers and Disruptors

Live conversations every other Wednesday at 4 pm Pacific

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Conversations with Influencers
and Disruptors

Live conversations every
Wednesday at 4 pm Pacific

Learn More

This show would not be possible without the support of the Santa Barbara community.
Thank you.

Upcoming Salon Conversations

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Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD – The Long Road to Awareness: Breaking down barriers in long covid research

May 31, 2023 04:00 PM in Pacific Time
There is irrefutable data on the underpinnings of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (aka Long COVID). However, despite the burgeoning research on the topic, it has taken some time for the medical community and the general public to recognize the existence and severity of Long Covid.
Speaker bio & Register for this talk
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William Skinner – California doesn’t have a water problem – it has a storage and distribution deficiency.

Jun 14, 2023 04:00 PM in Pacific Time
In recent years, California has faced severe droughts that have further highlighted the inadequacy of its water infrastructure. As a result, many experts argue that California doesn’t have a water problem per se but rather a storage and distribution deficiency.
Speaker bio & Register for this talk
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Nelly Ortiz – Hacking the Wealth Gap with Tech

Jun 28, 2023 04:00 PM in Pacific Time
In this conversation we’ll explore topics such as the impact of emerging technologies like the Metaverse, Blockchain, and AI on wealth creation, the role of startups in driving innovation, and how individuals from developing countries can creatively use technology to overcome financial barriers.
Speaker bio & Register for this talk
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Ceah Justice – From Ally to Co-conspirator, becoming active in the fight for social change.

July 12, 2023 04:00 PM in Pacific Time
In a world of growing complex social problems— the ongoing pandemic, war, climate change, economic inequality, and rising populism—driving lasting positive social change in communities is on the minds of social innovators and racial justice leaders everywhere.
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Jill Greenbaum: Drawing the Future: Visual Storytelling for End-of-Life Choices

Aug 23, 2023 04:00 PM in Pacific Time
Through her unique visual storytelling approach and compassionate guidance, Dr. Greenbaum invites individuals to engage in deep conversations about their hopes, fears, and wishes surrounding their own mortality.
Speaker bio & Register for this talk

Salons

Regular events for smaller groups to explore single topics of community interest
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Adventures

Regular field trips for smaller groups to explore our community
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Main event

Our Annual All-Day Event with Live Speakers and Performers at The New Vic

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Coming Soon

Be sure you don’t miss these conversations coming later this year.
* indicates new guest added to the show.

Jan Campbell 12/9
Finding a Vaccine for Violence

* OP Almarez 12/16
Cleaning up after COVID

Bittersweet Gratitude
Virtual Concert and Conversations
Jackson Gillies
Kenny Loggins
Hana Loggins
Zach Gil
Glenn Philips
John Irving and the Renaissance Dancers

People Are Talking

“It was an honor to contribute, once again, to the profoundly vital discussions the TEDxSantaBarbara team hosts, initiates and propagates with unparalleled integrity and consistency."
Dr. Harry Grammer, Making Waves speaker
"Really nicely done to be using your platform to spotlight something like this. Very proud of you guys."
Evan Asher, TEDxSantaBarbara performer
“Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your Conversations. Each of these presentations helps to make connections across disciplines, as a result, we’re all inspired to learn more.”
Dr. Yonette Thomas, Making Waves speaker
“This series has been terrific! I have caught a few of them and the conversations have been insightful. Keep up the great work.”
Julie Sorenson, Attendee
“Thanks so much for hosting such an important presentation by Dr. Wizdom Powell.”
Cheri C. Wilson, Education and Training Manager, Johns Hopkins Medicine
This program is one of the best I have ever seen in my life. This was amazing and there are not enough words to say Thank You and your Team."
Attendee, BJ King

What is the TEDx Santa Barbara Salon?

Our TEDx Salon is different than a live, in-person event where speakers give 12-18 minute talks in front of an audience. Instead, our Salon is an online conversation with our host, Mark Sylvester, and our guest, who is an expert in their field and joins us for a short talk, followed by questions from the online audience.

The topics we explore are focused on the Pandemic, Sustainability, Creativity, Technology, and Social Justice. We look at them individually and, at times, see how one has influenced the other. We look through various lenses and hear different voices as we explore these categories. 

We navigate through opinions to help us reflect on our existing attitudes, increase our knowledge, and, when appropriate, take action. The exploration of ideas can provoke and impact our opinions of topics we bring to be discussed. Sometimes we make waves as well.

We want to thank the Community Environmental Council and the UCSB Bren School of Environmental Science & Management for their help in curating our Sustainability track.

The Salon series, Making Waves, is hosted by TEDxSantaBarbara's Executive Producer Mark Sylvester and Produced by Tracy Wyle.