What we’re about
In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and ideas, struggling to engage in meaningful discussions that stimulate our intellect and broaden our perspectives. This challenge of finding a space for deep, thoughtful conversations is something many of us face, leaving a gap in our personal and professional growth.
To address this, we are excited to introduce Bethesda TED Talk Discussion Club. This club aims to create a vibrant community where individuals can come together to explore and discuss the fascinating ideas presented in TED Talks. By focusing on a wide range of topics, from science and technology to personal development and societal issues, we provide a platform for members to delve into thought-provoking content and share diverse viewpoints.
Our mission is to foster an environment of continuous learning and intellectual curiosity. Through engaging discussions, we seek to inspire and challenge each other, encouraging members to think critically and expand their horizons. The TED Talk Discussion Club is not just about watching videos; it's about creating a dynamic space where ideas come to life through conversation, collaboration, and connection. Join us in this journey of discovery and let's explore the world of ideas together.
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To ensure a positive experience for all participants, we have three ground rules for TED talk discussion events:
- Step up and step back: If you've been talking a lot, step back and listen; if you've been quiet, step up and share your perspective or ask questions.
- Listen to understand, not to respond.
- Show respect for others and embrace diverse viewpoints.
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If you have a ted-talk video in mind that you’d like to discuss or host, feel free to message me. Here is a great Ted Talk list to choose from:
https://www.youtube.com/@TED/videos
Notes: This discussion club will always be free and will never accept any fundraising, sponsorship, or advertising.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- [Movie Discussion] Soul (2020) by PixarTrue Food Kitchen, Bethesda, MD
New Location: We will meet at True Food Kitchen (Bethesda) (7100 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815)
Joe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn't quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have soul.
Please watch this 1 h 40 min Oscar-winning Pixar movie Soul (2020) before joining the discussion (available on Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video):
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2948372/If more than 10 people join the discussion, we will break out into separate groups.
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1. The movie suggests that purpose and passion are not the same—your life’s meaning doesn’t have to be tied to a single calling.
How can you create space in your daily life to explore a wider range of interests without pressuring yourself to define a singular purpose?
2. Soul reminds us that ordinary moments—like tasting food or feeling the breeze—can be deeply fulfilling.
What are simple practices you can introduce to help yourself notice and appreciate the small moments that often go overlooked?
3. The film challenges the idea that your identity is defined by your job or talents.
What steps could you take to broaden your sense of identity beyond your profession or performance?
4. 22 learns that living doesn’t require earning a right to exist—life itself is inherently valuable.
How might you reduce the pressure to constantly prove your worth and instead embrace the idea that being alive is already enough?
5. Joe’s obsession with performing blinds him to the joy of living, even after achieving his dream.
How can you balance ambition with presence so that the pursuit of goals doesn’t eclipse your ability to enjoy the process?
6.The film reveals that even the creative “flow zone” can become isolating or unhealthy if we disconnect from reality.
What boundaries or habits can help ensure that your deep focus remains energizing rather than all-consuming?-------------------------------------
To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events:
- Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question)
- Listen to understand, not to respond.
- Be open-minded and value differences.
- Why Change Is So Scary, and How to Unlock Its PotentialTrue Food Kitchen, Bethesda, MD
Location: We will meet at True Food Kitchen (Bethesda) (7100 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815)
Unexpected change like an accident, an illness or a relationship that suddenly ends is inevitable -- and disorienting. With a heartfelt and optimistic take on life's curveballs, cognitive scientist Maya Shankar shares how these challenging moments can inspire transformation, offering three questions to ask when facing uncertainty, so you can let go of rigidity and embrace change.
Please watch this 14-min video before joining the discussion:
https://youtu.be/Tt0arZN6EBM?si=fkZY3sYpaHIjlp00If more than 10 people join the discussion, we will break out into separate groups.
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1. Change often arrives without warning, disrupting not only our plans but our sense of self.
What habits or practices can we adopt to stay grounded when sudden changes upend our expectations?
2. Research shows we find uncertainty more stressful than guaranteed bad outcomes.
How might we train ourselves to tolerate uncertainty better, so that it doesn’t paralyze our decision-making during times of change?
3. We consistently underestimate how much we’ll grow after major life shifts.
What mindset shift can help us trust more in our future adaptability and capacity to evolve?
4. Christine Ha’s story shows that new capabilities often emerge only when we're forced to operate under new constraints.
How can we create a challenge or constraint in our lives or work that might reveal untapped potential?
5. Major life changes can reorder our priorities in surprising ways.
What regular check-in or reflection method could help us stay aligned with our evolving values?
6. Identity paralysis happens when we cling too tightly to a single role or pursuit.
What language can we use to define ourselves that reflects deeper motivations rather than fixed titles or achievements?
7. Reframing identity around purpose rather than position offers more flexibility in the face of disruption.
How might we anchor our sense of identity to a “why” that holds up across different roles and seasons of life?-------------------------------------
To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events:
- Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question)
- Listen to understand, not to respond.
- Be open-minded and value differences.
![[Movie Discussion] Soul (2020) by Pixar cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/7/6/6/event_528430086.webp "[Movie Discussion] Soul (2020) by Pixar")
