TEDxNashville

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Anne-Laure Le Cunff

  Dr Anne-Laure Le Cunff is a neuroscientist, author, and entrepreneur who studies curiosity – both in the lab and in life. Her research at King’s College London explores how our brains seek, learn, and adapt, spanning areas from ADHD to AI and mental health. She founded Ness Labs, a science-based learning platform helping people live more experimental lives. Her bestselling book Tiny Experiments offers a practical guide to transforming uncertainty into curiosity, creativity, and self-discovery. Through her research and writing, she bridges science and everyday life, showing how curiosity can help us loosen control, embrace change, and uncover who we truly are.

• Ashleigh Maxcey

  Dr. Ashleigh Maxcey is a Research Assistant Professor and Senior Lecturer at Vanderbilt University's Department of Psychology and a pioneering educator in the science of happiness. By creating a groundbreaking positive psychology course that grades students on engagement with intentional joy-building activities, she challenges traditional academic paradigms and demonstrates how happiness can be systematically learned and practiced. Her work explores how achievement-driven students can intentionally cultivate well-being through structured interventions and what happens when happiness habits are no longer required. Maxcey's innovative approach offers a radical reimagining of personal well-being, one in which the skill of happiness is maintained not just with the practices we keep but by the beliefs and structures we pass on to others.

• Jerome Moore

  Jerome Moore is a bestselling author, storyteller, and explorer of communities dedicated to discovering solutions and social change. He created the award-winning podcast Deep Dish Conversations, hosts A Slice of the Community on Nashville PBS, and co-hosts The Nashville Scene Podcast. A former Peace Corps volunteer, Jerome’s global experiences inspired Explore Social Change, a platform that uses exploration and media to uplift community-driven impact and drive meaningful change worldwide.His latest PBS series, The Good in Us, debuted in June 2025, spotlighting everyday acts of service that empower, connect, and strengthen communities. In September 2025, he premiered his first independent documentary, a powerful chronicle of Dr. Eiman Jahangir, the first Iranian-American man to travel to space. Jerome was named a Nashville Gamechanger by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and a 2025 “40 Under 40” honoree by the National Peace Corps Association for his local and global leadership and impact.

• Jillian Turecki

  Jillian Turecki is a renowned relationship expert, NY Times bestselling author, and host of the Podcast, Jillian On Love. Fueled by an insatiable curiosity about what makes a relationship thrive, Jillian has helped millions over the last 20 years through her teachings, courses, social media, and writing to revolutionize their relationship with themselves so that they transform their romantic relationships. Jillian is sought out for her compassionate, direct, and very authentic style of coaching, teaching and writing.

• John Whyte

  Dr. Whyte is a physician, public health advocate, and executive currently serving as the CEO of the American Medical Association. He is consistently recognized as a leading voice on health topics. He has written five best-selling books, helping people take control of their health.

• Larz May

  Larz May is the founder and executive director of #HalfTheStory, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the next generation’s relationship with technology. She is also the co-founder and CEO of Ginko, the first clinician-backed AI helping families navigate the digital era with peace of mind. Larz founded #HalfTheStory after facing her own struggles with social media, and has spent the past decade working with teens to drive the global movement towards digital wellness. Larz founded Ginko after witnessing firsthand the challenges that come with parenting in a digital world, and is working alongside doctors and clinicians to build tangible solutions for families. Prior to #HalfTheStory, Larz helped build some of today’s buzziest D2C brands, including Kin Euphorics and Otherland, winning the Business Insider Brand Marketing Rising Stars Award for her work.

• Randall Wallace

  Randall Wallace is the Oscar®-nominated creative force behind the epic storytelling of such critical and box-office hits as BRAVEHEART, WE WERE SOLDIERS, PEARL HARBOR, SECRETARIAT, and HEAVEN IS FOR REAL. Along with screenplays, Randall Wallace is the author of nine books, and in addition to his work as a creator, Wallace is the founder of Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity and the father of three sons.

• Stephanie Styll

  Stephanie is a world traveler, entrepreneur, and advocate for alcohol-free living. After growing up in Nashville, she spent 14 years overseas helping US Service Members earn college degrees. During this time, she visited 53 countries, competed in the German roller derby championships, and earned her Master's in Human Relations. She's also hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, climbed Mt. Fuji and Kilimanjaro, and become a certified yoga teacher in India. On her 40th birthday, Stephanie quit drinking and discovered her superpower. She founded Killjoy—Nashville's first and only alcohol-free beverage shop—where she's hosted over 175 events, built a thriving community, and won a NEXT award for innovation. Through her business, podcast, and social platforms, Stephanie is redefining what it means to live joyfully without alcohol.