The Best TED Talks to Get You Ready for School

Levo League
Aug 20, 2015

We know that in the middle of August, it’s hard to hear the words “back to school.” I mean, as long as the beach is packed with tourists and the sun is setting at 8pm, it’s still endless summer, right?

As much as we may hate to admit it, classroom days are almost here. But don’t worry — we’re here to get you ready and pumped to hit the books once again. Take a few minutes one summer night, and get inspired by these TED talks celebrating, questioning and revitalizing education.

1. Let’s Use Video to Reinvent Education.

Salman Khan, the founder and executive director of Khan Academy, shares the story behind the creation of his company and the benefits of video education. Whether you’re heading back to a traditional or online classroom this fall, Khan will give you another perspective on education and how these new ways of teaching can help us all learn better.

2. How Schools Kill Creativity.

While the title may not seem like a “feel-good-back-to-school” video, it’s fascinating to hear Ken Robinson challenge the typical school system we’ve grown so accustom to. Instead of feeling discouraged, use Robinson’s talk as a push to foster your own creativity, wherever you can.

3. Kids, Take Charge.

Kiran Bir Sethi shares the incredible power of the phrase “I can” and the success that has come from her Riverside School in India. “When children are empowered, they don’t just do good,” Sethi says. “They do well.”

4. If I Should Have a Daughter…

When my high school English teacher showed our class this TED talk, it (somewhat) changed my life. Sarah Kay is a perfect champion for the importance of self-expression and the wonderful teaching powers of poetry. If there’s anything that will make you want to rush back to your writing class, it’s this.

5. A Teen Just Trying to Figure it Out.

I know she’s only 18, but when I grow up, I want to be Tavi Gevinson. She started the popular fashion blog Style Rookie before creating Rookie Magazine, an online publication for teenage girls, and she’s also made the Forbes “30 under 30″ list… what is it? Three times now?

In Gevinson’s talk, she acknowledges that it can be hard, at any age, but especially when you’re going through school, to feel like you have anything figured out. But in true Rookie fashion, Gevinson helps us to realize that we’re not alone.

If you’re itching for even more video education or inspiration, check out TED-Ed, TED’s education initiative aimed at students and educators.

What is your favorite TED Talk? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

This post was originally published on Levo League by Madison Feller.

How to Manage Your Time and To-Dos Like a Boss

We all want to be more productive and get things done, but most of us don’t really know how. Do you want to know the real secret to improving your productivity?

You need a personal mission statement! Because once you understand the “why” behind your goals, you can better prioritize opportunities, ideas and work. If that seems a little ambiguous right now, don’t fret. Motivational speaker and writer Maxie McCoy is here to show you how to bring productive habits into your life with a new online class.

In collaboration with Levo, Maxie’s online class will arm you with tools to create a productive lifestyle in 2017. By the end of her course, you’ll know how to:

  1. Develop your personal mission statement and use the SMART recipe to set goals
  2. Practice single-task time management skills to prioritize tasks
  3. Create actionable to-do lists (that are not overwhelming!)
  4. Use your new productive habits to work smarter, not harder — and get more done!

In addition to learning valuable time management and productivity skills, you’ll also unlock a 12-page workbook created by Maxie that includes:

  • Three important steps to follow to create a personal mission statement
  • A worksheet to plan out three career-driving goals and make sure they’re SMART
  • A guide to help you manage your time like a boss
  • A guide to help you handle your daily, weekly and monthly to-do lists
  • Tips and tricks on how to keep productive habits moving forward

It’s time for a new, more productive YOU! Turn your ideas into actions, and let’s make those dreams become a reality in 2017.

So what are you waiting for? Enroll in How to Boost Your Productivity class today!

Did you pre-order for the class? Access to the Levo Courses offered will only be available to anyone who pre-ordered for this class between December 29, 2016 and January 2, 2017. Be on the lookout for an email from Levo! Brit + Co will also randomly select three early enrollees (who signed up for the class during this timeframe) to enjoy TWO business courses for FREE!

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Sorry Y'all, Glen Powell Might Be Off The Market

2024 was the year of the internet boyfriend: Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor (Challengers), Ryan Gosling (The Fall Guy), and Glen Powell (Twisters). But it looks like Glen might be taken IRL — but no, it has nothing to do with Sydney Sweeney postponing her wedding (she's got a busy schedule, y'all!). Glen was seen leaving a pre-BAFTA party with Lily James, and the internet is in a frenzy.

Here's everything we know about those Glen Powell and Lily James dating rumors following the 2025 BAFTAs.

Lily James and Glen Powell get cozy ahead of the BAFTAs.

Glen Powell and Lily James starred together in Netflix's The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society in 2018, where they play lovers, but they were most recently seen together ahead of the 2025 BAFTAs. After a party thrown by Charles Finch and Chanel at Loulous in Mayfair, London, the duo hopped into a car together — and Glen lent Lily his coat (based on the rain on the windshield, he must have been protecting her from the weather. Sweet!).

These two actors match their energies so well, and now that they've been spotted together again, fans are hoping we them in a rom-com sooner rather than later. I could totally see them in a "farm girl meets city boy" love story (or maybe even an Emily Henry movie?)

Only time will tell whether these two are an item, but until we know for sure we'll just have to enjoy these super cute pics!

In the past, both actors have been linked with other stars in the past. Glen Powell dated model Gigi Paris until 2023, which is the same year rumors about a relationship with Sydney Sweeney went viral (Sydney later shut those rumors down).

Lily James has dated Matt Smith and Michael Shuman, and was spotted with Chris Evans in 2020.

Obsessed with celeb romance? Check out 35 Celebrity Couples Who Will Break Our Hearts If They Ever Split.

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6 Mentorship Myths We Need to Clear Up Right Now

There are so many myths out there (The Loch Ness Monster, the Bermuda Triangle, all that stuff that happened on the set of Poltergeist), and many of them surround mentorships. People think certain things when they hear the word “mentor” or “mentoring,” and a lot of it is false. As part of #MayIsForMentorship month, let’s get to the bottom of these myths so you can find the perfect professional mentor!

1. Mentoring is totally one-sided. False! It takes two to tango, people — both on Dancing With the Stars and in a mentor/mentee relationship. This is not you just showing up and asking the Wizard of Oz for answers to all your problems. You need to give your mentor something to work with. Explain the context, including your background, your hopes, your goals, your limitations and what you would like help with from them. Even Luke Skywalker gave Yoda some basic guidelines.

2. Mentors have to be older than you. No way, Jose. Mentors can be the same age as you, or even younger. If someone can give you guidance in your career and has done things you admire, why wouldn’t you want to pick their brains? Elle Magazine editor Leah Chernikoff told Real Simple, “I’m at least five years older than many of my coworkers, and despite my being supposedly wiser and their boss, I find myself taking notes from them on new apps, trending hashtags and the latest way to stream live video.”

3. The relationship has to be in person. If companies can function well with employees all over the world, then there is no reason why you can’t have a great communicative relationship with your mentor over Skype, texts, email and Google Hangout.

4. Mentoring stops once you reach your goals. Absolutely not! You don’t just ditch your mentor once you have hit your marks. Now is when you need them more than ever. Super successful people talk to their mentors everyday! General Motors CEO Mary Barra is constantly using her network of mentors, and she is the CEO! “Different people see different aspects of us as we progress in our careers and handle the opportunities and challenges along the way,” she writes. She said her mentors have helped her to speak up in meetings and honor commitments.

5. You can only have one mentor. Lyle Stevens, co-founder of the social influencer marketing platform Mavrck, says it is best to have mentors in different area of expertise. He has four, actually — “one very technical expert, a second one who’s an expert on customer acquisition and marketing, a third who is focused on recruiting and team building and the fourth is an expert in general operations, team management and how to run a business.” He even has one that helps with work-life balance.

We’re not saying everyone needs four, but don’t limit yourself to just one. “When building your network of mentors, be honest about your mid- and long-term career goals, and how hard you are willing to work to achieve them. Then turn to those who best know you and your work. Earn their respect and trust so they will extend their personal capital to you with confidence and be your professional champion,” Barra said in an interview. 

6. Only mentees will learn from this relationship. Not so. Mentors can get so much knowledge from their mentees. In addition to learning how to be more tech savvy, they may also gain a new outlook by looking back on their own career milestones.

Got any career myths you need us to explore? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know!

This post was previously published on Levo League by Meredith Lepore

(Photos via Getty)

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8 Baby Names That Are Nearly Going Extinct In 2025

While trends in everything from fashion to interior design always come and go, certain baby names are on the brink of extinction, and it remains to be seen if they'll make a resurgence.

BabyCenter, a parenting resource website, recently shared its "Baby Names at Risk of Going Extinct" list for 2025, which used data submitted by registered website users.

The list revealed that a specific category of boy names, those ending with "-aden," are falling in usage. Jaden, for instance, hit peak popularity back in 2002 at number 62. Yet, in 2024, this name dropped 162 slots.

More millennial names are on the outs, too. From 1974 to 1996, Jamie was a name that stayed in the top 100 picks. However, it plummeted by 320 spots in 2024.

Plus, not even royal names have managed to evade the fall. Names like Phillip, Anne, and Catherine, all tied to the British royal family, have also seen notable dips.

Here are eight more baby names that could be heading toward extinction in 2025.

Scroll to find out which baby names are nearly extinct now!

1. Remy

Hồng Xuân Viên

This French name may remind you of the lovable cartoon rat from the movie "Ratatouille," but its popularity has still taken a hit.

From 2023 to 2024, Remy, which means "rower" and was historically used to honor St. Remigius, dropped a whopping 277 spots.

2. Guy

Erika Quirino

Despite the charm of this lighthearted yet masculine name, Guy is on the verge of extinction.

It was most popular during the 1950s, with usage steadily declining ever since then. Guy fell 990 spots from 2023 to 2024, landing at number 2,718 last year.

3. Liv

J carter

Short for Olivia, which means "olive tree," this name is Latin in origin and reached its height in 2016.

However, its short length and elegance seemingly haven't been enough to keep it relevant. Liv tumbled 257 spots from 2023 to 2024, landing at number 970.

4. Randall

Helena Lopes

With Old English roots meaning "wolf shield," Randall was once a beloved boy's name. But ever since peaking in 1960, this baby name has continued on a downward trend.

There appeared to be some hope in 2023 when Randall saw a rise of 63 spots. Nonetheless, it was still number 1,753 in 2024.

5. Belle

Subin Cherian

You may associate the name Belle with the classic film "Beauty and the Beast." However, this French name, which means "beautiful," has witnessed a pretty consistent downturn since 1880.

It has dropped 242 spots since 2023 and sat at number 984 in popularity in 2024.

6. Danny

Helena Lopes

Stemming from the more formal name of Daniel, which means "God is my judge," Danny is a classic and friendly name. Even so, it's faded in recent years.

Danny was most popular during the late 1940s and early 1950s. As of 2024, it sat at number 558.

7. Carolyn

Natalia Olivera

Taking inspiration from the names Carol and Linda, which mean "joyous song" and "pretty," respectively, Carolyn was most popular in 1942. A total of 14,794 baby girls per million were given this name that year.

This figure fell to 140 baby girls per million in 2023, landing Carolyn at number 1,568.

8. Arnold

Henley Design Studio

Last but not least is Arnold, a name with Germanic roots that means "eagle power."

According to BabyCenter, it was most used in 1916, but in 2024, it ranked number 3,328 in terms of baby boy name popularity.

Looking for more baby & parenting advice? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!

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Where To Stream The Biggest Movies Of The Year Before The 2025 Oscars

In the midst of award show season, everything points to Oscar Sunday. The show, which celebrates achievement in film, is my most-important night of the year and my friends and I go all out. Themed snacks, ballots, and very loud celebrations when our favorite stars and movies win. But before the big day comes, we need to watch all the movies that are up for awards!

Here's where you can stream all the biggest movies of the year before the Oscars airs on March 2, 2025.

Dune: Part Two — Stream On Max

Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures

This sequel opens after Paul has joined the Fremen, and after he escaped the murderous Harkonnen family. Now he's out to avenge his father — and come to terms with his destiny as a savior.

Dune: Part Two is on Max and stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgård, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Charlotte Rampling, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Lea Seydoux, and Christopher Walken.

Twisters — Stream on Peacock

Universal Pictures

Twisters follows former storm chaser Kate. When she's roped back into chasing by her friend Javi, Kate meets social media star Tyler, and comes face-to-face with the biggest storms ever.

Twisters is on Peacock and stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Brandon Perea, Anthony Ramos, Maura Tierney, Sasha Lane, Harry Hadden-Paton, David Corenswet, Daryl McCormack, Tunde Adebimpe, Katy O’Brian, Nik Dodani, Kiernan Shipka, and Paul Scheer.

Emilia Pérez — Stream On Netflix

Netflix

In this musical thriller, Cartel leader Emilia enlists the help of Rita, a lawyer, to help her retire from a life of crime and live out her truth.

Emilia Pérez is on Netflix and stars Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Edgar Ramírez.

Wicked — Rent On Amazon Prime

Universal Pictures

But this year's biggest musical is definitely Wicked. This alternative origin story for the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good follows the college roommates as they come of age in Oz, and learn the Wizard isn't all as he seems. I can't for Part 2 this year!

Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Marissa Bode.

The Substance — Stream On MUBI

MUBI

Elisabeth Sparkle gets fired from her own fitness TV show after she turns 50. But she seems to find a solution when she acquires The Substance...and creates a younger version of herself. The absolutely crazy thriller was one of the buzziest movies of the year — and won Demi Moore her first Golden Globe!

The Substance is on MUBI and stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid.

Challengers — Stream On Prime Video

Amazon MGM Studios

In Challengers, former tennis star Tashi coaches her husband Art, but her job gets way more complicated when he ends up in a match against his former best friend (and her ex) Patrick.

Challengers is on Prime Video and MGM+ and stars Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor.

Inside Out 2 — Stream On Disney+

Walt Disney Studios

Riley's becoming a teenager in Inside Out 2, which means Joy, Sadness, Anger, Envy, Fear, and Disgust have to make way for new emotions like Anxiety and Envy. What could go wrong?

Inside Out 2 is on Disney+ and stars Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Ayo Edebiri, Maya Hawke, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Paul Walter Hauser, Amy Poehler, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Kensington Tallman, Lilimar, Diane Lane, and Kyle MacLachlan.

Deadpool & Wolverine — Stream On Disney+

Marvel Studios

Deadpool teams up with the one and only Wolverine (well, after meeting dozens throughout the multiverse) after learning the TVA plans on destroying his timeline and his loved ones.

Deadpool & Wolverine is on Disney+ and stars Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Stefan Kapičić, Brianna Hildebrand, Shioli Kutsuna, Owen Wilson, Matthew Macfadyen, Emma Corrin, Jennifer Garner, Chris Evans, Wesley Snipes, Channing Tatum, Blake Lively, and Dafne Keen.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice  — Stream On Max

Warner Bros.

Lydia Deetz and her daughter Astrid return to Winter River after a family tragedy, and wind up enlisting Beetlejuice's help (if you can even call it that) after Astrid opens a portal to the afterlife.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is on Max and stars Jenna Ortega, Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Willem Dafoe, and Justin Theroux.

Gladiator 2 — Rent On Amazon Prime

Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures

After the death of his wife, Lucius becomes a gladiator with a mission: take revenge on the general responsible for her death.

Gladiator 2 is on Amazon Prime and stars Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Fred Hechinger, Joseph Quinn, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington.

Anora — Rent On Amazon Prime

Neon

When sex worker Anora and politician's son Vanya tie the knot so Vanya can get a green card and escape his father, their lives totally flip upside down — and not just because Vanya's family sets out to end the marriage.

Anora is on Amazon Prime and stars Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, and Aleksei Serebryakov.

Conclave — Stream On Peacock

Focus Features

This movie takes place during a conclave to choose the next pope, and is totally unprepared for the scandals he uncovers along the way.

Conclave is on Peacock and stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini.

A Real Pain — Rent On Amazon Prime

Searchlight Pictures

Two Jewish American cousins who reconnect and embark on a Holocaust tour in Poland after the death of their grandmother. This was one of my favorite movies of the year and I couldn't recommend it more!

A Real Pain is on Amazon Prime and stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Liza Sadovy, and Daniel Oreskes.

The Wild Robot — Rent On Amazon Prime

Universal Pictures

Robot Roz crashes on a deserted island and quickly adopts an orphaned gosling, teaching him to fly and prepping him for the annual migration. Prepare to cry, like, a lot!!

The Wild Robot is on Amazon Prime and stars Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Catherine O'Hara, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, and Mark Hamill.

Alien: Romulus — Stream On Hulu

20th Century Studios

A group of young space colonizers are tasked with exploring an abandoned space station and must confront the most terrifying life form in the universe.

Alien: Romulus is on Hulu and stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.

Stay tuned for the official 2025 Oscar nominations and check out 25 New TV Shows You NEED To Watch In 2025!

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