Theme: Grounded

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

2nd & Main
115 S Main Street
Corbin, Kentucky, 40701
United States

Alice Tremaine

Alice Tremaine was born and raised in Brazil but, 20 years ago, college brought her to Kentucky—where she serves as a healthcare chaplain in the heart of Appalachia.

Andrew Brown

Andrew Tyler Brown has been deeply rooted in bluegrass, country and old-time music from an early age. As a folk music educator and touring musician, he’s built a reputation for his progressive bass playing and ability to adapt to unfamiliar musical situations.

Chelsea Nolan

Chelsea Nolan has found her fire and uses it to shine a light on all the real, dirty corners of life, sometimes even from festival main stages.

Crystal Good

You may know Crystal Good as Social Media Senator for the Digital District of West Virginia but she’s also an artist, advocate, and entrepreneur.

Dreama Gentry

Dreama Gentry is a hope dealer who works to ensure all Appalachian children have the opportunity to succeed.

Drew Hubbard

Drew Hubbard broke the family mold when he chose a career path outside of the mining industry, but that didn’t stop him from joining conversations about Coal Country. Alongside his wife, Drew hosts a podcast called Speaking Over The Mountains, where they share and elevate Appalachian perspectives on life, art, and social justice movements.

Jonathan Piercy

Dr. Jonathan Piercy is a physician and educator, leading the way on best-in-class rural medical education with an emphasis on evidence-based medicine. He finds time on the side to delight worldwide audiences with his ukulele skills.

Kristen Wiley & James Harrison

Kristen Wiley and James “Jim” Harrison run the Kentucky Reptile Zoo in Slade, Kentucky, a facility providing snake venom for research and educational purposes.

Kristin Smith

Kristin M. Smith is a farmer and chef from Williamsburg, Kentucky. She’s an owner and the executive chef at the Wrigley Taproom and Eatery in Corbin, Kentucky—a farm-to-table Appalachian restaurant that works with area farmers to create a sustainable, supportive economy for local foodways.

Larah Helayne

Larah Helayne is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, telling the story of her love affair with Appalachia and inspiring others to nurture their roots.

Lily Gardner

Lily Gardner is a speaker and youth advocate for issues of student voice and environmental justice.

Logan Bechanan

Logan Bechanan is a student at the University of Kentucky and has a passion and vision for youth empowerment.

Mae Suramek

Mae Suramek is a philanthropist and socially-conscious restaurateur in Berea, Kentucky.

Melissa Bond

Melissa Bond is an artist, farmer, and community development expert who weaves stories and art from found objects on her family's 200-year-old Appalachian farm.

Nathan Hall

Nathan Hall, a former underground coal miner, has spent years restoring damaged Appalachian landscapes and imagining new sustainable sectors for the region's economy—and has found CBD hemp to be the most promising option yet.

Robert Gipe

Robert Gipe is an award-winning novelist, educator, and advocate for the people of Appalachia.

Ryan Johns

Ryan Johns is a coal executive dedicated to harnessing solar power in the heart of Appalachia.

Sandi Curd

Sandi Curd is the Promise Zone Coordinator for the Kentucky Highlands, the first rural Promise Zone in the nation.

Tina Brouwer

Tina LaDeur Brouwer is Executive Director of Red Oaks Forest School, a non-profit organization focused on nature immersion as a way to increase compassion, community, exploration, and wonder to the children of central and eastern Kentucky. As a professional photographer, she documents the rewilding of the American child.

Xiao-Yin Chen

Xiao-Yin Chen is a first-generation Chinese-American pursuing her master’s degree in educational psychology; her research focuses on students’ beliefs in education and how they influence learning.