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# TED Talk: Responding to Comments
- URL: https://joshua-johnson.ghost.io/ted-talk-responding-to-comments/
- Published: 2026-08-18T14:07:05.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-13T21:50:59.000Z
- Description: They weren't as bad as I expected... some were great!
- Author: Joshua Johnson
- Tags: Podcast, #Migrated-1791927903932, #Import 2026-10-13 16:50

100,000 views.

In the week since [**my TED Talk**](https://youtu.be/ElYYD7Wx2WE?si=4SZ8rg2iQ0GMfwrZ&ref=joshua-johnson.ghost.io) posted on YouTube, it’s already gotten 100,000 views and counting. It crossed that threshold just in the last few hours. It’s a heartening sign that plenty of people are open to improving how we deal with our differences.

My flabbers are completely gasted. WOW.

[![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/10/7d/107d565c-65a1-4733-bbac-6025a86babed/content/images/2026/10/3e17f4ae-36b4-4278-879f-a3245a34b925_1212x207.png)](https://youtu.be/ElYYD7Wx2WE?si=xdhWeMLMQ9OFcKNk&ref=joshua-johnson.ghost.io)

Click the image to watch my TED Talk.

I’m also amazed by the thoughtfulness of the comments people have posted - not something we’ve come to expect from social media, but there it is! Despite the usual rants and rudeness, there were plenty of smart critiques, worthwhile perspectives and very supportive reactions. There were even a few conversations in the comments that showed people were disagreeing with one another thoughtfully — exactly what I hoped would happen.

This video responds to a variety of YouTube comments on my TED Talk and builds on some of its themes. And yes, I deal with a few of the folks who just could not handle the fact that there’s a gigantic horseshoe hanging from my nose… or at least, they act like there is. I’m amazed at how my piercing unnerves some folks! But it’s okay. I’d rather they bring it up, because then I can address it. So bring it on.

Is there anything else I should’ve addressed in this video? Let me know!

[Leave a comment](#ghost-comments-root)

CHAPTERS:

- 0:00 - Hello!
- 0:13 - Why I used the word “Idiots”
- 2:30 - Should we be more confrontational?
- 3:55 - Why people use anger as armor
- 5:10 - Walking away doesn’t end your influence
- 7:48 - Sitting with your feelings
- 10:30 - …but what about Trump?
- 12:09 - explaining my nose ring (again)
- 14:40 - No, I’m not THAT Joshua Johnson

---

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