Hero Talks

Tim Thurmond: We Need Heroes Instead of Bystanders

Tim Thurmond is a balloon animal world record holder. He shares a personal story of how a bystander's lack of action changed his life. He also teaches the audience how to make a basic balloon animal.

Adam Molnar: Hero Training for Everyone

Adam Molnar works on the Hero Square Conference in Budapest and has now created an app to help promote heroism.

Stephanie Preston: Active Altruism

Stephanie Preston from the University of Michigan explains the neurology and evolutionary background of heroic acts.

Kathryn Bolkovac: Heroic Whistleblower

Kathryn Bolkovac blew the whistle on human rights abuses by the United Nations in the Balkans. Here she explains what makes a hero and reflects on her own experiences.

Davey Talbot: Heroes Escaping Oppression

Davey Talbot, from the Victims of Communism Memorial, shares three personal heroes and the reasons for each.

Ari Kohen: How to be a Hero

Ari Kohen, Political Philosophy Professor, shares his research and work on heroes, ending with a suggestion on how you can be a hero today.

Travis Langley: Teaching Batman

Travis Langley teaches Batman at college and has published numerous books on the psychology of pop culture, including Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, and Star Trek. He teaches psychology through pop culture, particularly those with strong heroes.

Chase Masterson: Pop Culture Heroism Coalition

Chase Masterson introduces her work in combating bullying through her nonprofit, Pop Culture Heroism Coalition, that works at ComicCons around the world.

Michelle Werning: Learning to be a Hero

Michelle Werning grew up in the shadow of real, lifesaving heroes. After years of believing her family's heroic gene had skipped a generation, she began a journey of discovery. She discovered that a hero is not always born a hero - anyone determined enough can learn to be a hero.

Matt Langdon: The Hero's Journey

Matt Langdon introduces the hero's journey as a model for our life and provides ideas for using it more effectively and deliberately.