Why curiosity gets you farther than ambition | Drew Lynch | TEDxNashville 

Thank you so much, TED. It was an awesome opportunity and a great experience to have. I’m glad we can share this with the world.

Anyone that’s followed Drew for a bit will get how this isn’t his natural forum to thrive. I am so impressed that he knew the room though and tried to educate them. Even the use of “Nanas” not to get into the whole…well you know where that could have gone. He kept the main thing the main thing. Very awesome professional talk while overcoming a lot of nervousness. Much props Drew and well done indeed sir 👏

"I'm at my best when things don't work out." I love this.

"If you're naturally ambitious, you need to embrace your detours. If you are easily distracted, you need to confront your deadlines." 💯felt this. Love Drew so much!

Drew Lynch is a brilliant comedian. A brilliant guy, you can hear it and see it in his stand-up. His observational comedy is unlike anything I've ever seen.

As a science teacher for the past 15 years, my class motto, my email signature, and the one thing my students remember me saying the most is "Stay Curious." Thank you for giving those 2 simple words so much depth. I can say them with so much more life behind them and with undeniable passion and sincerity. Because you made them come alive. Thank you, Drew. Stay Curious.

Omg this quote is fire: "I'm not here trying to convince you to be something you're not, using your natural and unatural tendencies is the key to unlocking your supernatural self"

You know Drew, you handle hecklers so well that you could do an entire Comedy Central show just with that

One of the best Ted Talks I’ve ever seen. Drew Lynch already had my respect beforehand, but seeing him shift from comedic to serious like this has just added a layer to that respect. Wonderfully talented wordsmith and communicator.

Your body is so calm and confident in this talk. No swaying, no pacing. You become your own straight man. Your gift is sizable. Thank you for sharing.

I LOVE how the comment section has just become a space for the community to talk about how Drew has impacted them. It speaks volumes of his character 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Drew, I know you won’t read this. You have been an inspiration to me; I don’t have a stutter, but I do live with Lyme disease. Every day, I wake up tired. Seeing your message, your comedy, your outlook has helped me to better cope with my own struggles. I just looked up Stella and saw she passed away earlier this year, and I find myself crying at 9am on a Thursday. You’re a good man, a good human, and I hope you know that 6 minutes in you have reminded me what it means to be alive.

"Interrupting someone who studders is like tickling someone who's gassy. Huge risk" 🤣🤣😍😍

"I was so fixated on this obstacle that I didn't realize how heavy it was making me. That I was becoming the thing that was impossible to move." 4:56 that was wonderfully stated 👏

It's a strange feeling, being so proud of someone I don't know.

His self-control really shined when he just stopped at 'Nanas'!!! Such a great guy with such an inspirational story. It is wonderful to see how humble he has remained throughout his career thus far.

I remember this guy when he first started off in stand up comedy. Didn't recognize him without the stutter. I can't believe he got rid of it! Go Drew! 😁✌️

So cool to come across this TED talk, Drew! I have been a fan and following your career for a few years, also, recommending your comedy sets to friends and family… I had not heard your youthful backstory (reading Tennessee Williams, Shakespeare, et. al., aspiring to be an actor) until now! Reign on, Drew!

Really love his drive and courage. He chooses to get up on stage every night even with hecklers making fun of him and handles it like a champ.

So crazy, he’s been able to delete his stutter through speech rehabilitation. Well done mate, I love your comedy

It's crazy how much I needed to hear this. And I never watch Ted talks, I only clicked because it was Drew. My life is constantly getting derailed by things outside of my control and I get so angry. Maybe it's time for me to play with my monkey instead of kicking and screaming lmao. I'm taking this to heart. Thanks Drew!!

The first person I've seen who's stuttered or forgotten, all very natural things, thanks for keeping it real tedx!

I'm so proud of him he's doing really good with his speech therapy he barely studders at all... Soo proud my guy....

Congratulations, Drew! I've followed you since the dog vlog days and once embarrassed myself when meeting you, after you performed at Comedy Works in Denver. You are one of my top creative inspirations in life and I am so happy for you and this accomplishment! Thank you for sharing your story since the beginning. ❤️ Your authenticity has taught me a lot over the years!

Wow. Drew, I've commented many times on your videos, and I still can't find the words to express the ways you've affected my life and how I see myself. I discovered your channel over three years ago when I was at the lowest point of my life. Watching your stand-up and how you interacted with people got me laughing out loud for the first time in months. And now, three years later, I've never been more content. I can't give you all the credit for my happiness, but you, combined with good therapy, good friends, and a great dog, seems to be a recipe for a good life. Thanks for sharing your journey.

Incredibly cerebral and also touching.

The only Ted talk I’ve seen where the presenter forgot where they were at in their presentation

Probably one of my favorite Ted talks to date. Wonderful message and Beautiful delivery

Embracing his detours has made him wise beyond his years. It’s amazing to see how for he’s come since AGT. The insight he has and his ability to articulate his thoughts so well is something I aspire to have one day. He makes his message easy to digest and has a way of putting us in his shoes, so we relate to his hardships at the same time. Very inspiring. Thank you, Drew. You’re absolutely my favorite comedian. ❤

You did great!! I've followed you for quite some time, so now seeing you do a TED talk with such presence and polish... I felt like a cheering mother bursting with pride for you! ❤️❤️❤️ I hope you do feel validation 🌟 because, young man, you have achieved success. You are an incredible human being, inspiring and impacting the world around you. Well done! 👏 and well said 😊

Thank you for posting, Drew. As a fan since AGT, you're a model for all of us struggling with life. Continued success & joy💖 RIP Stella😢

Such a huge Drew Lynch fan since seeing him on AGT. This talk just solidified it even further how great he is !

Drew is absolutely one of the best inspirations I’ve ever seen. The strength to talk to these people and keep everyone engaged. Great video Drew!

Wow. I think that was my favorite Tedtalk I've ever seen. It was funny, inspiring, honest, touching, raw and informative. It really made me think about my life and how I see things, how I respond to them, and how I could do things better, while also getting more out of life in general, AND it made me laugh. I've been a fan of Drew's since his AGT days and a follower of his RU-vid channel from the very beginning, and I've seen him in many different moods and performance styles... This was the most calm, confident, thoughtful, open, and eloquent I have ever seen him appear. Even more so than when he's in his element on stage - where he typically appears to be at his best. I'm so proud of him for all the work he's put into himself and his life, his goals, etc, but also because he is so comfortable with himself and well spoken now -- NOT because he controls his stutter better, or because he's mastered his nerves, but because he put together and delivered this genius talk in a way that really painted a multi-layered story that hits home to the listener in various ways. It delivers a message of openness, understanding, acceptance, encouragement, inspiration, humor, curiosity, wonder and more. Absolutely Fantastic, Drew. Bravo. This was wonderful. Thank you, for sharing it with us all.

This is insane!! Handling hecklers/rowdy crowds is one of his best skills, and SO fun to watch. You’d never realize it was something that was so difficult for him

He has made the best of his situation. He is well-spoken and able to laugh with others. What a gift!

His timing is spot on.

I got to meet Drew at his Saint Louis show, I have stuttered my entire life. I also am very ambitious and have come along way in life and my career. It was an honor to be able to shake your hand and I am a forever fan! You are not only an amazing writer and comedian but an amazing human.

Omg Drew, that was fantastic and powerful! Thank you so much for doing that and sharing it with us! Your words meant a lot to me!

Thanks man. I've been a musician for about 20 years and now I'm 37. Not really sure if I've gotten anywhere with it. I still love it. I'm easily distracted, and very ambitious. So I don't know where that leaves me, but I really loved this, and it made me think and be open to changing direction. Thanks man. Honestly. This was very motivating.

What an awesome TED talk!!! I discovered you when Stella was your partner in crime and have been a huge fan ever since. While I LOVE your scripted material I think you are absolutely BRILLIANT when you go off script and riff off the audience. That is where you shine the brightest (imo of course lol)! You are at the top of the list of the best comics I've ever listened to. Keep up the great work!!!!

Dude! This is amazing this makes me feel awesome that you are up there doing a TED talk!! I thought you just recommended a TED talk of someone else to us was I excited yes, I take what you say or recommend with pride thought it would be great. But to my amazement and surprise there you are Drew Lynch doing a TED talk you made my night dude!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

Ambition drives people while curiosity draws people in.

Been with you through a LOT over the years, Drew. Laughed through your adventures. Got angry for you when things went awry (ugh, like that hotel that refused Stella😠). So happy when you found your beautiful wife and grieved deeply with you through Stella’s illness and passing. You are a gift for many reasons, one being you are never afraid to be yourself and have fun with it. Thank you for staying curious!

4:47 Embrace trials in life. People will act normal around you if you do not feel burdened by it. 9:11 "How is it you can do everything right and it still ends up going wrong?" It's not wrong. It's just different than you expected. 9:44 Giving up in planning every detail for a specific destination. Instead, act on impulse, knowing that you know nothing. Do what feels right, and let it take you to your destination, which is not what you originally expected.

He's one of my new favorite comedians. & I can't even hear him stutter now I'm so happy for him & his success! I used to do speech therapy when I was younger so I can kind of relate.

The first time I saw you was on AGT. I felt then and still feel that you are one of the most creative and funny people around. I have been one of your subscribers since I found your youtube channel. I truly enjoyed this Ted talk and believe that a great number of people will benefit from hearing what you have said. Bravo!!

This is deeply powerful. I will show it to my class of students that struggle with dyslexia. I wonder if you comprehend how inspirational you are. 💛

@Drew Lynch, thank you so much man. What you said really resonates. Very well said. Your experience and story are so inspiring, Drew. Lots of love and appreciation!

Another door closed, another chance to prove I was good enough, another reminder that I wasn’t. - This gave me goosebumps

Being someone who struggles with epilepsy this really resonates with me. This disability has closed many doors for me and most people will either offer bad advice because they don’t understand or just avoid the topic altogether. Thank you Drew for sharing this. It was witty, fun, and relatable. Congratulations on your successes. Hope to see you perform live one day.

Kudos to you Drew as I live less than a mile away from Las Vegas Academy and I would have never thought in a million years that you were from Las Vegas where I have lived in for over 12 years now primarily on Fremont Street and YOU have opened to me UP to what is entirely possible in my OWN life!!! I applaud you for what you have been through and to overcome!!! Kudos!! :)-

Inspiring for me. Very Buddhist. Don’t get too attached to the plan. I am someone who fights unexpected change and that is always where the pain lies. Thank you.

Watched your videos before agt, and I've seen the progress you've made all these years. 702 is a hard place to grow up, and despite you're hurdles you've jumped over all of them. Much love Drew. You deserve everything you've created.

This is amazing as somebody who now has a physical ailment And as somebody who recently got sober this is really motivating. I just got done showing it to my kids they loved it they love your inspiration. I showed it to my wife who at times has struggled with the decisions that have put us in a tough spot but also have opened new doors and new journeys. Thank you for sharing this you're still one of the funniest people I've ever heard

Drew I’m a comic from Louisville and I love TED talks. This is truly one of the best ones that I watched. Good luck and safe travels my friend.❤️

He went through alot. I cant imagine the pain he went through. He is so sincere and kind with the way he sent this message, I like this guy.

Such an amazing presentation

"Using your natural and unnatural tendencies is the key to unlocking your supernatural self." 🎯

I love how applicable this is to many situations. I've been going through something where I have been, along with my mom, worrying about the end result, and that hasn't been great. But I can absolutely take this talk and apply it to myself, and instead focus on the journey 😁 great job Drew!!

Wow! I wish this had been years ago before I hit rock bottom! I finally got to see Drew live a few nights ago. He was hilarious! I was so excited to meet him! Not only is he funny, but he really is an inspiration for many people. And his comedy really is the best medicine for helping one get through tough times. He always gets us laughing. So thank you for that, and also for this serious & important talk. I need to make what's left of my life worth living, so it's something to think about. ♥️♥️♥️

I watched this last winter of 2022. I could sorta get the message but not completely. Now a year later i come back to it with a new spirit and sense of self and it makes all the sense in the world. I believe that its okay, to not know some things or be amitious as a previous day. Just stay the course in your mental, have fun, and breathe, you'll get to where youre needed to go. Praise God also. Thank you Drew

I've lived my entire life with a speech impediment, I was a premie born 3.5 months early and have mild spastic cerebral palsey.. I was raised knowing I had a disadvantage but I was as good as anyone else. It took me 20 years to achieve what this man did in half the time, going from "normal" to not so normal. And what he says about all of it is true. Stop trying to control your life and live it, accept those detours, it's your real path. ❤️ It's how we learn. Thank you Drew

The Psychology of the Talent Contests selecting the winner as the person whom will benefit most positively from the prize. The person who comes next to the winner, are deemed to have the stuff that will make such a wonderful success with their new found impetus. Success comes more to the next to winner, than continued success for the winners. Drew Lynch is a success because he is Drew Lynch.✅👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

This was something I really needed to hear, a great speech, with an even better lesson.

@DrewLynch is a pure comedic genius! He makes it look so easy you may not realize it at first but he has incredible timing and imagination! Things you never thought were funny become funny and the most amazing natural capability is his ability to make the whole audience fall in love with him. ❤❤❤

I’ve watched you for a few years now, and there was some of your story I did not know. This really makes me appreciate and respect you even more. And thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world, Drew.

THIS IS SO COOL!!! You’re speech was amazing Drew, so happy that you took this opportunity and made it so great. Also I started tearing up when you mentioned Stella. That girl was so cute 🥹💕

Bigger question is, how do we came to this when stuff like this need to be explained

Great talk Drew. Long time fan. Enjoyed hearing your story and the obstacles you’ve overcome to get where you are. You should be proud. You’ve certainly earned it. 🤙

Drew has come so far and overcame so much with his stutter throughout the years. It really shows the hard work and dedication he puts into his speech therapy when he can talk and sound like he never had a stutter at all.

Incredibly inspiring! Such a deep reminder that play and curiosity is key. Thank you!!!

Oh I love Drew so much 😍!!

I love this guy --monkey or no monkey -- Drew, I first saw your comedy on RU-vid. I've seen your progress along the way. I was surprised to see you on TED and I was honestly expecting you to still be laughing at your stutter! Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy to see your progression, including all the wisdom you've acquired along the way. You've kept your humility and I guarantee continued growth for anyone with your level of resilience.

My favourite words of that speech are: 17:32 "I think the less i've thought the more i've done and the more i've done the less i've cared"

You are so incredible! I also grew up with a stuttering problem, and it took a lot of hard work get through it. I still stutter from time to time, but it's nothing like when I was a child. Thank you for your perspective, you are an absolute joy of a human being!

@TheDrewLynch, Thnx for this, I so needed this. Concussion survivor 4.5 years, and not thriving... yet. I'm going to endeavor to be curious and see where that takes me. Scattering that scat!

"CURIOSITY is the route to knowledge" A student of mine, once told me this, and he said he made it up. "PRACTICE does not make perfect. Only perfect PRACTICE makes perfect" (Vince Lombardi) =========================== Thanks Much =======================

Oh my God! I love, love, love this. Thank YOU, Drew.❤

Incredibly inspiring. I’ve known Drew for years, back when he would just do sit downs with Stella, his service dog. He’s come so far, I still watch his comedy shows but man. This hit me.

Thank you Drew Lynch for being you. Love ya brother

My Favorite Ted Talk yet Thank you Drew

Wow wow wow, drew!!!!! Been following you since AGT and you have come so far!!! This was truly amazing and I have been thinking of all i can send this too!! Way to go!!!

Fabulous talk. I’m glad I’ve followed you for years. Your journey has become mine vicariously through you.

Drew, You are the very best. Your honesty and realistic approach is wonderful and relatable. Please know you make a difference and are appreciated. I look forward to what you post next.

I love Drew so much! Always have since first seeing him on AGT. Then by following him on social media and RU-vid. His comedic genius is always present in the moments where he is interrupted or the way he engages the audience in his shows. It always seemed so natural the way he dealt with hecklers. I did not know it was traumatic and that his response was to laugh through the pain - to play with it. I cried more than once in this TED talk and continue to love him for who he is and all he gives to us in each moment of every show. Well done. Thank you for all that you are, all you have lived through, and all that is yet to come.

Very well said, Drew. Thanks for continuing to share your journey with us

I've been following him from the beginning and he describes perfectly the evolution of his career and self discovery. You could clearly see it taking shape. I didn't like his stand ups but loved the couch talks with Stella. One day i revisited his comedy and my god it had changed!Today I'm a huge fan and can't wait for him to come to Sweden to perform. I'll be there

I love everything about this. I laughed, I felt your pain, and I gained a new perspective about curiosity and having fun with things. Thank you for this, and for all you do. This was an amazing TedTalk.

The part where you talked about "Embracing the detours" has really got me thinking. I had everything roughly planned out for the coming years, however something happened recently outside of the art that has me reconsidering what i REALLY want from life.

Hes come so far and his journey is so great to see.

Thank you Drew, this couldnt have come at a better time. Life is throwing a curveball at me and it seemed like my life was going sideways. 9:23 is bringing tears to my eyes. My goal is still there, i just have to take the longer route to reach it.

I love u, Drew Lynch! Thank u, from my heart 💕

This was SO fantastic -thank you Drew! I truly enjoyed listening to all of it. And you know... that lady was right - you really are awesome when you go off script -SO funny!!

As a former stutterer, I can tell his stutter is legit and real. So many peoples stutters sound fake and exaggerated. Sucks he still struggles. So glad I don’t anymore but occasionally I’ll stutter the first word I’m trying to get out or when I try to speak Spanish, or say a big word sometimes. I did years of speech class in elementary school; but it slowly decreased on its own and I just simply wouldn’t talk when I knew I couldn’t get the word/words out. It’s so weird, stuttering.

Just be thankful about everything moment

Omg! I remember this comedian, but his stutter was extreme. I think he was on a American Idol. I can’t freaking believe that he has trained himself out of it. That’s craaaazy!!! Wow! I am really rooting for him!!!

This guy is a Master of "styling it out". This talk is way more inspirational than "live laugh love" signs.

He’s so inspiring and likeable!

Drew you are such a beautiful person……thank you for your comedy and telling your story…..❤