The rituals and symbolism associated with food have deep cultural significance; however, in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world, individuals may often overlook the significance of a simple meal as a means of truly understanding oneself -- or the world. Through this talk, Nichole Wilson, a former Fulbright Scholar, and Advanced Placement English Literature Reader, Mentor, and Consultant at Mason High School, and Rory Flynn, former VP of Sales for CBS Radio/Atlanta, will discuss their own pivotal food experiences. Additionally, they will discuss the process by which they coached high school students to analyze the deep cultural components of food, write personal food memoirs, and make strategic use of digital media to share their understanding of themselves as individuals who function critically in a community, society, and the world. Nichole and Rory are seasoned speakers and consummate foodies! Nichole has been teaching Language Arts for 19 years, and she is an AP Lit Reader, Mentor, and Consultant for the College Board. A former journalist, adjunct instructor in journalism, PR director, and Fulbright Scholar, she recognizes the power of voice in storytelling and has explored food culture around the world. She also worked in the restaurant industry for 9 years and developed an awareness of the sociological importance of the rituals of food. Rory has worked in the radio industry for 26 years; most recently, he was the VP of Sales for CBS Radio in Atlanta, where he coached a diverse sales staff and built cohesion and project engagement across all levels of staff, management, clients, and key decision-makers. Also a foodie, Rory hosted the famous "Monday Night Supper Club" in Cincinnati for 8-25 people once a week for six years.

Nichole and Rory are seasoned speakers and consummate foodies! Nichole has been teaching Language Arts for 19 years, and she is an AP Lit Reader, Mentor, and Consultant for the College Board. A former journalist, adjunct instructor in journalism, PR director, and Fulbright Scholar, she recognizes the power of voice in storytelling and has explored food culture around the world. She also worked in the restaurant industry for 9 years and developed an awareness of the sociological importance of the rituals of food. Rory has worked in the radio industry for 26 years; most recently, he was the VP of Sales for CBS Radio in Atlanta, where he coached a diverse sales staff and built cohesion and project engagement across all levels of staff, management, clients, and key decision-makers. Also a foodie, Rory hosted the famous "Monday Night Supper Club" in Cincinnati for 8-25 people once a week for six years. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx