TEDxBerkeley returned to the UC Berkeley campus for this yr’s theme: xPeriment — a day of talks and performances on what occurs when concepts cease sitting nonetheless. It’s not solely what we all know, but in addition what we now have but to think about.
Experimentation is commonly related to science, however the precept reaches far past the laboratory. It’s equally related to schooling, entrepreneurship, private progress, inventive expression and the methods we construct relationships and communities.
Innovation not often follows a straight line. It requires curiosity, persistence, resilience and sometimes the willingness to abandon assumptions that now not serve us. The 2026 theme inspired audiences to rethink the relationship between success and failure, recognizing that surprising outcomes can grow to be the basis for fully new discoveries. In a world altering at extraordinary pace, the potential to stay open to uncertainty could be amongst our most useful human qualities.
The occasion kicked off with opening remarks from the scholar curators Hetal Kurani and Elaina Lee.
Hetal Kurani & Elaina Lee
When Poetry Turns into an Expertise: Milissa Sutton
The spoken phrase has a singular potential to achieve locations that statistics, analysis and conventional shows typically can’t. Milissa Sutton brought poetry into the program, reminding audiences that concepts can additionally be expressed by way of rhythm, language, storytelling and the emotional energy of the human voice. Spoken–phrase poetry occupies a particular house between literature and stay efficiency. The that means is conveyed not solely by way of the phrases themselves, however by way of the pauses, cadence and presence of the particular person delivering them.
Milissa Sutton: Spoken Phrase.
Together with spoken–phrase poetry in a program centered on experimentation provided one other manner of contemplating how we talk concepts and join with one one other.
The Artwork of Musical Connection: Cal Jazz Choir
The Cal Jazz Choir carried out as nicely, a UC Berkeley vocal ensemble recognized for its exploration of jazz and a cappella music. The group has roots relationship again to 1976 and attracts upon a various repertoire that features jazz requirements, intricate vocal preparations, bebop, bossa nova and modern musical influences.
Not like instrumental jazz, vocal jazz depends upon the human voice to create not solely melody and concord however additionally rhythmic complexity, texture and improvisational expression. The choir’s inclusion was significantly becoming for an occasion dedicated to experimentation since jazz itself has at all times been formed by inventive exploration, collaboration and the willingness to depart from established musical buildings.
The Cal Jazz Choir
The ensemble introduced a unique kind of inventive expression to the TEDxBerkeley expertise, complementing the spoken shows with music and the collective power of voices working collectively.
Max Nguyen: Guitar and Voice
For singer and guitarist Max Nguyen, music is rather more than a inventive outlet. It has grow to be a automobile for private expression, connection and difficult assumptions about what is feasible. Nguyen introduced the expressive energy of singing and guitar to a gathering dedicated to experimentation and chance.
Jon McCormack: Discovering Surprise within the Patterns of the Pure World
Generally essentially the most extraordinary discoveries start not with trying farther, however with studying to see what has at all times been there. Jon McCormack is a photographer and conservation advocate whose work explores the outstanding patterns, textures and complicated relationships discovered all through the pure world.
Raised within the Australian Outback, McCormack developed an early appreciation for the resilience and fragility of nature. Right this moment, his images strikes between expansive aerial views, intimate encounters with wildlife and microscopic particulars that reveal surprising magnificence in kinds we would possibly in any other case overlook.
His images have been featured in main publications and exhibitions, along with his e book Patterns receiving recognition on the 2026 Worldwide Images Awards. Past documenting stunning locations, McCormack’s work seeks to encourage a extra attentive relationship with the planet. By way of images, he invitations viewers to contemplate how slowing down and observing nature can deepen our sense of connection and accountability.
His involvement with conservation and neighborhood initiatives extends this philosophy past the digital camera, linking visible storytelling with a dedication to defending weak ecosystems. In a tradition more and more outlined by pace, distraction and digital stimulation, McCormack’s work raises an vital query: What would possibly change if we discovered to pay nearer consideration?
His inventive method brings one other dimension to the occasion, suggesting that discovery shouldn’t be at all times about inventing one thing new. Generally it begins by seeing the acquainted by way of a completely totally different lens.
Diatoms underneath the microscope
Jasmine Ornish: Can AI Assist Us Perceive the Language of Whales?
For centuries, people have appeared towards the pure world with fascination, making an attempt to know the extraordinary intelligence and communication programs of different species. But regardless of outstanding advances in science, a lot about how animals talk stays a thriller.
At simply 17, Jasmine Ornish is an unbiased researcher exploring one of the extra fascinating intersections of synthetic intelligence, marine biology and interspecies communication. Her work examines what it would possibly imply for humanity to genuinely perceive one other species, significantly by way of the examine of sperm whale communication and the potential functions of AI.
Sperm whales talk utilizing patterns of clicking sounds often known as codas. Researchers are investigating the construction and complexity of those vocalizations, elevating intriguing questions on whether or not refined computational instruments would possibly ultimately assist reveal points of their that means. However past the know-how itself lies deeper questions:
- What wouldn’t it imply for people to acknowledge intelligence expressed in methods essentially totally different from our personal?
- Might higher understanding of one other species rework our relationship with the pure world?
- And what would possibly such discoveries educate us concerning the limits of human notion, intelligence and communication?
Ornish’s analysis pursuits embody the exploratory spirit of Xperiment, inviting audiences to contemplate not solely the extraordinary prospects of synthetic intelligence however additionally how new applied sciences would possibly deepen our understanding of life past humanity.
Patrick Poole: Exploring the Frontier of Nuclear Fusion
What if one in all humanity’s most promising future power sources could possibly be discovered by recreating the extraordinary bodily circumstances that energy the celebs? That query lies on the coronary heart of nuclear fusion analysis, a subject during which Patrick Poole, a analysis physicist at Lawrence Livermore Nationwide Laboratory, works on the intersection of superior experimentation and basic physics.
Poole conducts plasma physics experiments on the Nationwide Ignition Facility, the place researchers examine how matter behaves underneath excessive temperatures and pressures. Such experiments contribute to the scientific understanding wanted to advance fusion analysis and discover its future prospects. Fusion has lengthy captured the creativeness of scientists due to its potential to reshape our relationship with power. But reaching dependable, sensible fusion energy includes immense scientific and engineering challenges.
Poole’s work illustrates how experimental physics advances by way of successive questions, fastidiously designed trials and discoveries that can problem current assumptions. Past the laboratory, his dedication to science schooling and outreach additionally displays the significance of constructing complicated scientific concepts accessible to wider audiences. In lots of methods, this work embodies the spirit of Xperiment: asking formidable questions, testing prospects and recognizing that breakthroughs are sometimes constructed upon years of affected person investigation.
Gas for 30 million years
Inside a fusion facility
Angelica Hale: Discovering Your Voice and Defying the Odds
For singer and Broadway performer Angelica Hale, the journey from a younger lady with extraordinary vocal expertise to an internationally acknowledged performer is a story of dedication, resilience and chance.
Hale captured widespread consideration as a finalist on America’s Acquired Expertise, the place her highly effective voice and stage presence launched her to audiences round the world. Her profession has since expanded to incorporate Broadway, together with her portrayal of Trisha in BOOP! The Musical.
BOOP! on Broadway
Her expertise gives a compelling lens by way of which to look at the relationship between expertise, perseverance and the willingness to pursue seemingly inconceivable goals. What does it take to discover your voice, significantly when the world has already fashioned expectations about who you’re and what you can accomplish? And the way do artists proceed to develop after they transfer from one stage of their careers into one other? At an occasion devoted to experimentation, Hale’s inventive journey reminds us that discovering our potential usually requires stepping into unfamiliar territory.
Taylor Krause: Reinventing Success & the Braveness to Change Path
What occurs when the life you’ve fastidiously constructed now not displays the particular person you’re changing into? For Taylor Krause, a former skilled in local weather and clear power coverage who grew to become recognized to a wider viewers by way of Netflix’s Love Is Blind, reinvention has grow to be an surprising a part of her public journey.
After working in a subject targeted on environmental coverage and the way forward for sustainable power, Krause shifted towards constructing a brand new profession as a digital content material creator. Her expertise represents an more and more acquainted query in a quickly altering world: What does skilled success appear like when our priorities, circumstances and sense of identification evolve?
Making a significant profession transition can require greater than studying new abilities. It usually includes reconsidering established definitions of feat, navigating outdoors expectations and changing into snug with uncertainty. Krause’s path additionally invitations a broader dialog about authenticity in an age of social media, the place private experiences can rapidly grow to be public narratives and people are sometimes anticipated to current fastidiously curated variations of themselves.
Her story gives a up to date perspective on experimentation—not in a laboratory, however within the decisions that form our lives. Generally essentially the most important experiment is giving ourselves permission to pursue a completely totally different route.
Alicia Baker: From Surviving Trauma to Reclaiming Goal
A few of life’s most profound transformations start in locations of extraordinary issue. For Alicia Baker, the journey from surviving human trafficking, trauma and dependancy to serving to others reclaim their lives is rooted in private expertise, resilience and a deep dedication to therapeutic.
An writer, life coach and reentry case supervisor, Baker has devoted her work to supporting folks as they navigate tough transitions and start rebuilding their lives. Her background provides her a perspective on the challenges that accompany restoration, particularly when people should confront not solely their previous experiences but in addition the assumptions and limitations society locations upon them.
- What does it imply to reclaim one’s identification after profound adversity?
- How do folks start to think about a unique future when their circumstances have repeatedly urged that change is inconceivable?
Baker’s journey offers a strong perspective on these questions, reminding us that transformation isn’t linear. Therapeutic usually requires revisiting previous patterns, discovering new sources of power and recognizing prospects which will as soon as have appeared out of attain. Her work connects naturally with the spirit of Xperiment: the braveness to maneuver past what has been, query deeply held beliefs and create a life outlined not solely by the previous however by the chances forward.
Past the Scenes
A couple of behind the scenes pictures under which is the place much more fascinating conversations occur.
Throughout TEDxBerkeley rehearsals
Within the speaker inexperienced room
Renee Blodgett and Taylor Krause Publish occasion
Gordon Garb at TEDxBerkeley
Hetal Kurani and Yash Chainani
On the finish of the occasion, we took benefit of grabbing a group shot as we do yearly.
TEDxBerkeley 2026 Crew
TEDxBerkeley 2026 Curation Crew: Elaina Lee, Renee Blodgett and Hetal Hurani.
Past the Stage: The Enduring Energy of Concepts
Maybe essentially the most significant side of a TEDx gathering is what occurs after the shows finish. An concept shared on stage can grow to be the starting of a dialog, a collaboration, a new analysis route or even a change in how somebody sees the world. TEDxBerkeley’s 2026 theme was a reminder that uncertainty want not forestall motion. Generally progress begins exactly after we are keen to strive one thing with out understanding the place it can lead. And whether or not expressed by way of scientific inquiry, private storytelling, poetry or music, the spirit of experimentation asks one thing deceptively easy of all of us:
Stay curious. Query what appears sure. And by no means underestimate the chances contained in two small phrases: What if?
For extra info, go to www.TEDxBerkeley.org.
Renee Blodgett is the Founder and Managing Editor of We Weblog the World, a world journey, tradition and life-style publication exploring the world by way of the lens of significant experiences, human connection and cultural depth. Having lived in 10 international locations and traveled to 95, Renee has spent a lot of her life immersed within the folks, traditions, landscapes and concepts that form how we expertise the world.
Since launching We Weblog the World in 2007, she has written and produced intensive editorial protection spanning boutique and luxurious journey, culinary experiences, arts and tradition, wellness, journey, know-how, non secular traditions and transformative journey. Her work is rooted within the perception that journey is about greater than the place we go—it’s also about what a spot, tradition or encounter awakens inside us.
Renee brings greater than three a long time of expertise throughout journalism, images, media, model technique, know-how, wellness and international storytelling. She has labored with firms and organizations around the globe on model positioning, communications, product launches, media technique, speaker positioning and storytelling. By way of Blue Soul Media, she works with authors, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and purpose-driven manufacturers to make clear their message and increase their impression, which incorporates speaker teaching/coaching for high-profile levels resembling TED and bringing authors’ work to market whereas retaining authors rights.
She can be the co-founder of Blue Soul Earth, an academic platform exploring consciousness, historic knowledge, spirituality, therapeutic and the intersection between science and the character of actuality. Renee is the producer and host of the award-winning Blue Soul CHATS, a conversational collection bringing collectively main voices in science, know-how, consciousness, wellness and spirituality.
Her rising physique of labor additionally contains Blue Soul Residing, which extends her curiosity in consciousness and well-being into the areas we inhabit, exploring how intentional design, power and setting can help higher concord and connection.
Renee is the award-winning co-author of the bestselling Magdalene’s Journey and founding father of the Magdalene Assortment, impressed by girls’s voices, tales and knowledge throughout cultures and generations.
A longtime photographer and storyteller, Renee has documented folks, locations and cultures around the globe and produced photographic collections targeted on locations together with the Galápagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome and Ecuador. She additionally co-founded Touring Geeks, a global initiative that introduced entrepreneurs, journalists, creators and know-how leaders along with their counterparts in different international locations to trade concepts and discover innovation throughout cultures.
Renee’s work has been acknowledged by Forbes, the United Nations and others for her affect in media and social storytelling. Throughout her work in journey, media, consciousness and tradition, a standard thread stays: curiosity concerning the world, the tales that join us and the methods significant experiences can change how we see ourselves and each other.
