Speak With Purpose — A TEDxCatawba Production

Episode 12: Meet Dr. Ernest Brown, House Call Physician & Healthcare Advocate

In this episode, Christine D. Gagnon sits down with Dr. Ernest Brown, known as the "Punk Rock Doc." He is a house call physician for the elderly and disabled in Washington, D.C., and founder of Humans for Healthcare, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring patient-centered care through direct service, advocacy, and technology.
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TEDxCatawba is named after the Catawba River, which stretches over 220 miles through North and South Carolina. The inaugural event will be held on June 14, 2025, at Drendel Auditorium in Hickory, North Carolina, and will bring world-changing ideas and extraordinary voices to the heart of the region. This is where visionaries, disruptors, and creative minds converge to challenge perspectives, ignite dialogue, and unveil the ideas shaping our future.
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, TEDTalk videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.
Christine D. Gagnon is Founder, Organizer, and Licensee of TEDxCatawba, an independent TEDx event operated under license from TED.

Episode 11: Meet Michael Galinsky, Award-Winning Filmmaker

In this episode, Christine D. Gagnon sits down with Michael Galinsky, an award-winning filmmaker. He is recognized for his compelling documentaries that delve into the complexities of American life and culture.
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TEDxCatawba is named after the Catawba River, which stretches over 220 miles through North and South Carolina. The inaugural event will be held on June 14, 2025, at Drendel Auditorium in Hickory, North Carolina, and will bring world-changing ideas and extraordinary voices to the heart of the region. This is where visionaries, disruptors, and creative minds converge to challenge perspectives, ignite dialogue, and unveil the ideas shaping our future.
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, TEDTalk videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.
Christine D. Gagnon is Founder, Organizer, and Licensee of TEDxCatawba, an independent TEDx event operated under license from TED.

Episode 10: Meet Dr. Kathy Wilson, Sleep Medicine Expert & Medical Director

In this episode, Christine D. Gagnon sits down with Dr. Kathy Wilson, Medical Director of the Sleep Center and Respiratory Department at Catawba Valley Medical Center. A former medical technologist who pursued her medical degree at 43, Dr. Wilson now leads advancements in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine.
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TEDxCatawba is named after the Catawba River, which stretches over 220 miles through North and South Carolina. The inaugural event will be held on June 14, 2025, at Drendel Auditorium in Hickory, North Carolina, and will bring world-changing ideas and extraordinary voices to the heart of the region. This is where visionaries, disruptors, and creative minds converge to challenge perspectives, ignite dialogue, and unveil the ideas shaping our future.
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, TEDTalk videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.
Christine D. Gagnon is Founder, Organizer, and Licensee of TEDxCatawba, an independent TEDx event operated under license from TED.

Episode 9: Meet Cassidy Burel, Founder & Custom Apparel Designer at CassB by Design

In this episode, Christine D. Gagnon sits down with Cassidy Burel, founder and custom apparel designer at CassB by Design. She is known for her dedication to personalized fashion, transforming the industry one custom piece at a time.
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TEDxCatawba is named after the Catawba River, which stretches over 220 miles through North and South Carolina. The inaugural event will be held on June 14, 2025, at Drendel Auditorium in Hickory, North Carolina, and will bring world-changing ideas and extraordinary voices to the heart of the region. This is where visionaries, disruptors, and creative minds converge to challenge perspectives, ignite dialogue, and unveil the ideas shaping our future.
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, TEDTalk videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.
Christine D. Gagnon is Founder, Organizer, and Licensee of TEDxCatawba, an independent TEDx event operated under license from TED.

Episode 8: Meet Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Catalyst & Author

In this episode, Christine D. Gagnon sits down with Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Catalyst and author of In Her Own Voice. She is a national voice on inclusive leadership and advancing women in the workplace.
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TEDxCatawba is named after the Catawba River, which stretches over 220 miles through North and South Carolina. The inaugural event will be held on June 14, 2025, at Drendel Auditorium in Hickory, North Carolina, and will bring world-changing ideas and extraordinary voices to the heart of the region. This is where visionaries, disruptors, and creative minds converge to challenge perspectives, ignite dialogue, and unveil the ideas shaping our future.
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, TEDTalk videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.
Christine D. Gagnon is Founder, Organizer, and Licensee of TEDxCatawba, an independent TEDx event operated under license from TED.

Episode 7: Meet Tessa West, NYU Psychology Professor & Author of Jerks at Work and Job Therapy

In this episode, Christine D. Gagnon sits down with Dr. Tessa West, a professor of psychology at NYU and best-selling author. She is widely recognized for her expertise in interpersonal dynamics and the science behind human behavior at work.
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TEDxCatawba is named after the Catawba River, which stretches over 220 miles through North and South Carolina. The inaugural event will be held on June 14, 2025, at Drendel Auditorium in Hickory, North Carolina, and will bring world-changing ideas and extraordinary voices to the heart of the region. This is where visionaries, disruptors, and creative minds converge to challenge perspectives, ignite dialogue, and unveil the ideas shaping our future.
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, TEDTalk videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.
Christine D. Gagnon is Founder, Organizer, and Licensee of TEDxCatawba, an independent TEDx event operated under license from TED.

Episode 6: Meet John Lentini, President of BOLD Training

In this episode, Christine D. Gagnon sits down with John Lentini, President of BOLD Training Corp. With a background in finance and global operations, he now focuses on helping organizations grow through strong, people-centered leadership.
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TEDxCatawba is named after the Catawba River, which stretches over 220 miles through North and South Carolina. The inaugural event will be held on June 14, 2025, at Drendel Auditorium in Hickory, North Carolina, and will bring world-changing ideas and extraordinary voices to the heart of the region.
This is where visionaries, disruptors, and creative minds converge to challenge perspectives, ignite dialogue, and unveil the ideas shaping our future.
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, TEDTalk videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.
Christine D. Gagnon is Founder, Organizer, and Licensee of TEDxCatawba, an independent TEDx event operated under license from TED.

Episode 5: Meet Joe Schurman, PwC Partner & AI Leader, Aerospace & Defense

In this episode, Christine D. Gagnon sits down with Joe Schurman, a partner at PwC and a leading voice in AI for Aerospace and Defense. He advises government agencies and space organizations on advanced technologies and has nearly three decades of experience in the field.
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TEDxCatawba is named after the Catawba River, which stretches over 220 miles through North and South Carolina. The inaugural event will be held on June 14, 2025, at Drendel Auditorium in Hickory, North Carolina, and will bring world-changing ideas and extraordinary voices to the heart of the region. This is where visionaries, disruptors, and creative minds converge to challenge perspectives, ignite dialogue, and unveil the ideas shaping our future.
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, TEDTalk videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.
Christine D. Gagnon is Founder, Organizer, and Licensee of TEDxCatawba, an independent TEDx event operated under license from TED.
 

Episode 4: Meet Rob Sweetman, Former Navy SEAL & Sleep Scientist

In this episode, Christine D. Gagnon sits down with Rob Sweetman, a former Navy SEAL turned sleep scientist. He is the founder of Sleep Genius and works with elite performers to improve resilience and recovery through science-backed sleep solutions.
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TEDxCatawba is named after the Catawba River, which stretches over 220 miles through North and South Carolina. The inaugural event will be held on June 14, 2025, at Drendel Auditorium in Hickory, North Carolina, and will bring world-changing ideas and extraordinary voices to the heart of the region. This is where visionaries, disruptors, and creative minds converge to challenge perspectives, ignite dialogue, and unveil the ideas shaping our future.
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, TEDTalk videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.
Christine D. Gagnon is Founder, Organizer, and Licensee of TEDxCatawba, an independent TEDx event operated under license from TED.

Episode 3: Meet Schele Williams, Broadway Director & Author

In this episode, Christine D. Gagnon sits down with Schele Williams, a celebrated Broadway director and published author. She is known for her groundbreaking work on productions like The Wiz and her commitment to telling powerful, inclusive stories on stage.
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TEDxCatawba is named after the Catawba River, which stretches over 220 miles through North and South Carolina. The inaugural event will be held on June 14, 2025, at Drendel Auditorium in Hickory, North Carolina, and will bring world-changing ideas and extraordinary voices to the heart of the region. This is where visionaries, disruptors, and creative minds converge to challenge perspectives, ignite dialogue, and unveil the ideas shaping our future.
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, TEDTalk videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.
Christine D. Gagnon is Founder, Organizer, and Licensee of TEDxCatawba, an independent TEDx event operated under license from TED.