Fake news isn’t new—but today, it spreads faster and hits harder thanks to smartphones, social media, and AI. In this talk, Nolan Higdon breaks down who creates disinformation, why it works, and how it spreads. He shares how media companies and tech platforms actually profit from fake news—and what we can do to stop being fooled or used. Read More >

You’ll leave with practical skills to spot disinformation, tools to teach others how to think critically about news, and simple actions anyone can take to fight back.

You’ll Learn:

• The different types of fake news and how they work
• ‘Don’t let ‘Fake News’ steer your sales judgement’
• Why platforms like Facebook and TikTok help fake news go viral
• What you, your school, or your community can do to build media literacy
• Easy, everyday ways to push back against the spread of lies

Most people act like fake news is a new crisis. Nolan shows that it’s actually a long-term problem—and offers real, non-partisan solutions anyone can use. You'll leave with a plan, not just more problems. Read Less ^

Tired of arguments that go nowhere? You’re not alone. These days, even small disagreements turn into big fights—and the media and politicians love to stir the pot. In this talk, Nolan Higdon shows how we got here, and how we can turn things around. Read More >

Instead of yelling or avoiding tough conversations, you’ll learn how to have respectful, smart discussions—even with people who totally disagree with you.

You’ll Learn:

• Why public debate has gotten so toxic
• How media and politics make division worse
• Tools you can use to have better conversations
• Ways to bring respectful dialogue into your classroom, workplace, or community

This isn’t about pretending both sides are always right. Nolan shows how we can challenge bad ideas without shutting down discussion—and gives you a plan to bring civil discourse back into your life. Read Less ^

From Zoom to digital textbooks to online testing, schools are more high-tech than ever—but it comes at a cost. In this talk, Nolan Higdon explains how education technology (or ed-tech) is collecting data, tracking students, and quietly changing what learning means. Read More >

He makes big ideas like “surveillance capitalism” easy to understand—and shows how these tools affect teachers, students, and society.

You’ll leave with clear steps to protect privacy, keep education democratic, and push back against tech that does more harm than good.

You’ll Learn:

• How tech companies use schools to collect data
• What’s being lost when classrooms go digital
• How teachers, students, and parents can resist harmful ed-tech
• Policies and practices that support real learning—not just monitoring

Most people think school tech is just about convenience. Nolan shows how it’s really about power—and gives you the tools to challenge that power and protect education. Read Less ^

When the internet went mainstream in the '90s, no one asked the hard questions. Now we’re dealing with constant surveillance, online hate, and deep division. Nolan Higdon says AI could be even worse—unless we act now. Read More >

This talk breaks down what AI really is, clears up the hype and fear, and explains how it’s already changing jobs, culture, privacy, and democracy. You’ll leave with a solid understanding of what’s at stake—and a plan for how to respond.

You’ll Learn:

• What AI is (and isn’t)—in simple terms
• How it’s already impacting your life
• What lessons we should’ve learned from the internet boom
• What you can do to shape AI’s future—from everyday actions to policy ideas

This isn’t a doom-and-gloom talk. Nolan gives people the facts, clears up confusion, and offers a roadmap for action. You'll leave informed, empowered, and ready to make a difference. Read Less ^