(Macky Auditorium, Ainsley Coogan/CU Independent)
On Saturday, starting at 3 p.m., TEDxCU will be hosting its 13th annual event at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Macky Auditorium. “TEDxCU 2025: Anomaly” will feature nine speakers and tickets are available on the official website.
This event will mark TEDxCU’s100th presentation since its founding in 2012. “Anomaly” is the theme for the presentations as speakers will push the boundaries of what society considers ‘normal’ and highlight how anomalies “inspire us to think beyond convention.”
Kalen Sieja, a former TEDxCU speaker, selected and managed speakers for the event. He believes there is a talk that appeals to everyone.
“There’s something that’ll get people talking in the lobby, in the car, on the way home, at the dinner table,” he said. “Every single one of our speakers is a pioneer in a different way this year.”
As well as speakers, “Anomaly” will include fine arts performances, starting with a pre-show performance from the local band “Wampus Cat.” Arts performances will continue during the two intermission periods.
The event itself covers a wide range of topics, from the Olympics to the hospitality industry to the art of drag.
Olympic speed climbing world record holder Sam Watson will join his coach, Albert Ok, to explore their innovative training methods.
Two CU Boulder graduate students will discuss the use of AI. Dylan Thomas Doyle will delve into the use of AI “grief bots” to aid those experiencing loss; Carolus Vitalis will explore how biological anomalies can drive innovation, with AI playing a key role.
Psychology major Kylie Sambirsky will reframe her experience with aphantasia, a rare condition that hinders the visualization of mental images.
Felony Misdemeanor, a drag queen and the founder of Denver’s House of Misdemeanor, will share how drag has served her personal development.
Graduate student Marwa Yacouti will reflect on how the Apollo 13 mission has shaped how aerospace engineers handle the unknown.
Matthew King, CEO of OurCOMMON, will explore the future of capitalism and reimagine it as being built on empowerment.
Laureal Boston will highlight the hospitality industry has served as a model for connection in an isolating world.
Rodrigo Salgado Vallarino won CU Boulder’s 2025 Student Voices Competition with his insights on immigration. He will emphasize the deep impacts immigrants have on society and how people can grow together.
TEDxCU Director Michael Burns said that some of these topics may make people uncomfortable. But to him, discomfort is a vital part of learning.
“If it’s making you clench a little bit or think, or you get just a little defensive, that means it’s done something,” he said. “We also have these talks that are just really good, positive reminders.”
Roughly 1,000 participants are expected to attend the event. According to Burns, who has directed other TEDx events, CU’s TEDx event is among some of the biggest worldwide. Beyond those attending TEDxCU in person, talks are posted to the TEDx Talks YouTube channel, which reaches 42.7 million subscribers.
Burns said decisions about TEDxCU events are centered around its audience.
“We have the responsibility of this platform that can change people’s lives,” he said. “It’s a celebration of public speaking, in the end.”
He highlighted the importance of public speaking, calling it “one of the oldest art forms in human history.”
“We know the power of words,” Burns said. “Words change lives. Words start wars, words end wars. Words make us feel.”
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story used a file photo of a TEDxBoulder event. TEDxBoulder and TEDxCU are different organizations.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Avery Clifton at Avery.clifton@colorado.edu
