TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa

09/03/2026

08/21/2026

Coming Monday: How you show up matters.

The next episode of LEAD UNI features Tyler Hospodarsky and a conversation about the impact our energy, mindset, and authenticity can have on the people around us.

What does it mean to bring positive energy to a workplace without falling into toxic positivity? How do you stay authentic while recognizing that your attitude can influence the culture around you? And what can leaders do to build stronger relationships through the simple, everyday ways they show up?

Tyler shares his perspective on leadership, connection, authenticity, and the importance of being intentional about the impact you have on others.

🎙️ New episode drops Monday.

Leadership starts with how you show up.

06/17/2026

🎺 One of the highlights of TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa 2025 was welcoming Mariachi Panteras to the stage, an ensemble with the UNI School of Music.

Founded in 2024 and led by UNI student Stephanie Ramos, Mariachi Panteras brought incredible energy, talent, and passion to our event. Their performance showcased the power of music to bring people together and celebrate culture, community, and connection.

We're grateful they shared their talents with our audience and helped make TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa an unforgettable experience.

Thank you, Mariachi Panteras, for helping us create a day filled with ideas worth spreading!

06/10/2026

150,000+ Views. One UNI Stage. Global Impact.

We're proud to celebrate University of Northern Iowa alumnus Mitch Matthews and his TEDx University of Northern Iowa talk reaching more than 158,500 views.

Every TEDx talk begins with a speaker willing to step onto a stage and share something meaningful. The real magic happens when that message continues to inspire conversations long after the lights dim and the audience heads home.

Congratulations, Mitch, on this incredible accomplishment. Thank you for representing UNI, TEDxUNI, and the power of ideas that challenge us to think bigger and act bolder.

Here's to the impact you've already made - and to the thousands of conversations still to come.

🎉 150,000+ views and counting.

Watch Mitch's TEDx talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi4Hw4ugpSw

06/08/2026

🎉 Half a million views - and still growing.

The talks from TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa have now surpassed 500,000 views with less than three months of going live on YouTube.

What started as a single day on campus has turned into something much bigger - ideas reaching people across the country and around the world. From leadership and education to music, wellness, and innovation, these talks are continuing to spark conversation, challenge thinking, and inspire action far beyond UNI.

This milestone belongs to our speakers who brought powerful ideas to the stage, and to everyone who has watched, shared, and engaged along the way.

If you haven’t explored the talks yet - or want to revisit a favorite - you can find them by searching “TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa” on YouTube or by visiting tedxuni.com. And if a talk resonates with you, consider liking, sharing, or leaving a comment. Those small actions help these ideas travel even further.

We’re just getting started.

05/18/2026

🎶 As schools begin thinking about next year’s curriculum, Dr. Kevin Droe’s TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa talk asks an important question:

Are we teaching music in ways that resonate with today’s students?

Research from Northwestern University found that while most children participate in music during elementary school, only 34% continue in junior high elective music programs.

Kevin challenges us to rethink music education - not by replacing tradition, but by expanding it so more students can find belonging, creativity, and passion in music.

▶️ Watch the talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCSbuNegh8Q

What if the reason students are walking away from music isn’t because they’ve changed—but because school music hasn’t?Dr. Kevin Droe, music educator and foun...

04/06/2026

🚀 30,000 views and growing for Mitch Matthews’ TEDx talk!

What if the way we ask about someone’s dreams is actually holding them back?

In his TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa talk, success coach and podcast host Mitch Matthews challenges a common mistake: asking questions that unintentionally shut people down. Drawing from neuroscience, coaching experiences, and the story behind his “Big Dream Gatherings,” Mitch shares simple but powerful strategies to help people move from stuck to inspired.

His message is a timely reminder that the right question - asked the right way - can unlock clarity, momentum, and possibility.

Reaching 30,000 views reflects just how many people are ready to think differently about dreams, goals, and what’s possible.