Beginning in March 2018 as a weekly community improv workshop, Morganton Improv transitioned a couple months later into an improv and sketch comedy troupe, performing monthly at local bars. Morganton Improv creates one-of-a-kind performances based on audience suggestions. Some of the cleverest and socially awkwardest folks of Burke, Caldwell and Read more…
Before integration came to Catawba County, folks both black and white came out on Friday nights to witness an example of sports excellence, as well as an exciting ballgame, as a group of young men established a winning streak unparalleled in North Carolina high school football history. Since 1957, the Read more…
The more connected we become the more disconnected we become. People are more lonely, depressed, anxious, nervous than ever before in part due to digital connection. We chase HI-TECH, we’re drowned in HIGH-TASK, but we need HI-TOUCH to live a better life. Using a little known science called axiology since Read more…
As we prepare to celebrate the sesquicentennial of Hickory, North Carolina next year, this talk will reconnect us to both the origins of this city and an uncomfortable past that has been largely forgotten. William Keener is the current president of the Hickory Humanist Alliance and a member of the Read more…
At 17, Joshua Elliott experienced the most vulnerable event of his life, being diagnosed with a brain tumor. In this deeply personal talk, Josh describes what he learned from vulnerability, how it can lead to purpose, and why purpose rooted in dignity is the path to true community. Josh Elliott Read more…
Did you know we all have a personal unicorn? In this creative and powerful talk, discover how to let your unicorn remind you to believe in infinite possibilities and develop the type of meaningful connection that will allow you to live your best life. Therapeutic Riding instructor, Patty Adams, shares Read more…
I made the conscious decision to #letothersin to my journey with breast cancer. What if we adopted that mentality to social media? Instead of making it about portraying an ideal life, what if we made it about sharing the raw footage? What if we encouraged others through our social outlets? Read more…
“The Wolf Crystal” is a project whose creation came about because of artists connecting with each other and collaborating. It is a work of art that encompasses several concepts: technology (drones, microelectronics); entertainment (live performance, immersive theater experiences, dance); and design (puppets, sculpture, animation, illustration). It started as an exploration Read more…
Social psychologist Karen Shackleford talks about how fictional stories are so consuming because they help us satisfy one of our greatest human needs: the need to develop social expertise. While it’s been a stereotype that nerdy film and tv fans lack social skills, the latest scientific research shows the opposite Read more…
Dennis Gillan has survived the loss of two brothers to suicide and uses his time on the TEDx stage to help people combat loneliness. He explores his fear of dying alone only to discover his true fear is living alone. Dennis Gillan is a national thought leader on the topic Read more…