TEDxTemecula Hosting Free Watch Parties For 6 New Talks

TEMECULA, CA — Despite the coronavirus, the annual TEDxTemecula event is a go — but with a fun twist — organizers announced this week.

In lieu of its regular live event, TEDxTemecula is hosting free online watch parties to debut six new live talks that will run each week starting Tuesday, Nov. 17. Each watch party will stream live at 7 p.m. (see speaker schedule below). They are open to the public. Free registration is available at https://bit.ly/2IkWC2L.

The organization chose "Against the Grain" as its 2020 event theme.

"Attendees in the Temecula Valley and beyond look forward to the event each year," said TEDxTemecula organizer Jim McLaughlin. "Of course, we were disappointed not to have a live, public event in 2020, but TED's motto is 'Ideas Worth Spreading,' and we strove to remain true to that in spite of the circumstances. Most years, the event is one day, while the legacy of these speakers and their ideas live forever."

Six speakers were selected in 2020 out of hundreds of TEDxTemecula applicants, according to McLaughlin. The six spent weeks honing their TEDx talks, which were then recorded in the studio of TEDxTemecula partner JDS Video and Media Productions on September 26.

In addition to watching the live talks, online attendees will be invited to discuss ideas presented by each speaker, the event host, and each other.

"We're delighted to be able to present these wide-ranging and timely talks in a virtual format," McLaughlin said. "These are thought-provoking topics that we think our audience will find relevant to our region and their own lives."

The 2020 TEDxTemecula speakers are:

Doyin Richards

November 17

A Black father of two multi-racial children, Richards is a best-selling author of a children's book on positive race relations and an activist for mental health and healthy masculinity, especially among people of color. A graduate of Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., Doyin holds a bachelor's degree in psychology. (This talk may not be suitable for children under 12, according to event organizers.)

Veronica Kirin

December 1

Anthropologist, author, and entrepreneur, Kirin conducts primary cultural research to learn from individuals' experience and apply lessons to the broader society. Her most recent research involves studying human responses to a pandemic, interviewing people from all over the world.

Heather Conklin

December 8

A political scientist and science communicator, Conklin is fascinated by the role of the skeptic in bridging divides, reducing polarization on issues of science, and creating opportunities for critical thinking and dialog in our society.

Daveed Gartenstein-Ross

December 15

As chief executive officer at Valens Global, Gartenstein-Ross has worked on national-security issues related to violence and terrorism for 20+ years. He is pioneering the field of crisis architecture, developing practical ways that architecture can address social challenges. His unique background includes a Ph.D. in world politics from the Catholic University of America, a J.D. from the New York University School of Law, and a view of terrorism from the inside.

Dan Pettus

January 5

Professional photographer, now retired, Pettus weathered a complete market disruption in his own business and now sees this kind of major change as our new norm. His experience and observations in the field of photography provide insights for everyone dealing with disruption in their own lives and businesses.

Dr. Ernst von Schwarz

January 12

A triple board-certified internist, cardiologist, and heart transplant cardiologist, Dr. Schwarz is currently leading an investigation for stem-cell-based clinical trial studies to develop therapies for treatment of disease and prevention. His knowledge and research illuminate both the promise and the issues of stem-cell therapies.

Learn more about TEDxTemecula and see past talks at www.tedxtemecula.com.