If you’ve been craving an evening that feels alive (not performatively polished, not painfully small-talky), TEDxPortland is starting 2026 with something special: a Salon event centered on addiction, recovery, and the kind of courage that doesn’t fit neatly into a 60-second Instagram caption.
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, TEDxPortland is taking over Wieden+Kennedy for a night of three all-new talks, live music, and complimentary food and drinks. It’s a gathering designed to make you think, feel, and maybe even text your best friend mid-talk: “Okay, wow… I needed this.”
And yes, you read that right: free Café Yumm. Portland is going to Portland.
Why This Salon Matters (Especially If You’re Sober, Sober Curious, or Just Done With the Stigma)
Let’s be honest. Addiction conversations usually live in extremes, either whispered like shame or shouted like a headline. But this Salon is doing something more interesting: it’s opening a room where addiction is discussed with depth, nuance, science, and lived experience.
That’s the kind of event we want more of in the world. The kind that reminds us addiction isn’t a moral failure, recovery isn’t a personality trait, and healing can look like a hundred different things.
This TEDxPortland Salon is a signal flare:
We’re talking about addiction like adults now.
And we’re doing it with heart.
Event Details: TEDxPortland Salon (Addiction Theme)
📍 Where: Wieden+Kennedy, Portland, Oregon
📅 When: Thursday, January 22, 2026
🎟️ What’s Included With Your Ticket:
- 3 all-new TEDx-style talks
- Live music by Kasey Anderson
- Complimentary food from Café Yumm
- Complimentary drinks from Portal Tea & Deschutes
If you’re thinking, “Wait… is this a recovery event or a TEDx event?”
Answer: Yes.
It’s the sweet spot where both worlds meet and actually listen to each other.
The Schedule (aka, The Socially Anxious Person’s Dream Timeline)
- 5:45 PM – Doors open
- 6:00–7:00 PM – Food and drinks (aka: buffering time, networking time, “let’s pretend I’m casual” time)
- 7:00–8:30 PM – Talks + performance
Translation: you can arrive early, grab food, sip something (tea or beer, your choice), and ease into the room before the main magic starts.
The Speakers (and Why You’ll Want to Hear Them)
This lineup is stacked in the best possible way: science, advocacy, lived experience, and art. That combination matters, because addiction is never just one thing.
🧠 Dr. Milky Kohno
Associate Professor of Psychiatry at OHSU and Research Scientist at the VA Portland Health Care System, Dr. Kohno leads the Biomedical Research of Addiction, Imaging, and Neuroscience (BRAIN) Lab. Her work explores how psychosocial, behavioral, and genetic factors shape addiction.
This is the part of the night where your brain gets upgraded. Expect clarity, context, and that “Oh… that makes so much sense” feeling.
🎲 Kitty Martz
Kitty is an advocate, educator, and a leader in gambling recovery. She serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling and as Executive Director of Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery.
If you’re someone who believes recovery conversations should include all addictions, not just the ones people are comfortable posting about, Kitty’s presence is powerful. Gambling addiction is often invisible until it’s catastrophic. This talk will bring it into the light with compassion and truth.
🏈 Alex Green
Former NFL running back turned mentor and powerhouse human, Alex is the founder of the Dream and Believe Foundation, supporting at-risk youth, students with learning challenges, and athletes navigating big transitions.
He also leads programs in drug and alcohol recovery and prevention, which means his talk will likely hit that rare combo of hard-earned wisdom and real hope. Not fluffy hope. The kind that’s been through the fire and came back holding a flashlight. Follow Alex on IG HERE.
🎸 Kasey Anderson
Portland-native singer-songwriter, producer, guitarist, and Executive Director of the Alano Club of Portland, a recovery cornerstone for over 60 years.
Kasey’s story includes real complexity. A past marked by a fraud conviction tied to a fake benefit concert, followed by a life rebuilt through recovery and community leadership. That kind of arc isn’t tidy, but it’s real. And reality is exactly what makes art land like a punch to the chest in the best way. Follow Kasey on IG HERE.
Complimentary Drinks: A Quiet Revolution in a Cup 🫖🍺
Here’s what I love about this event’s vibe: it’s not centered on drinking, but it’s also not weird about it.
You’ll have options:
- Portal Tea for the elevated, grounding, “I want to remember this entire evening” crowd
- Deschutes for those who enjoy beer and still want to show up fully
It’s subtle, but important: inclusion means choice.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t just a TEDx night out. It’s a room full of people willing to look addiction in the face and talk about it with honesty, intelligence, and compassion, without reducing anyone to their worst moment.
If you’re in Portland (or close enough for a road trip playlist), this is the kind of January event that can reset your entire year.
Because the best way to start 2026 isn’t with a resolution.
It’s with a reminder:
You’re not alone. Recovery isn’t linear. And the conversation is finally getting bigger than the stigma.
ENTERTAINMENT: Uncovering the Truth – The Best TEDx Talks on Alcohol Use Disorder
ENTERTAINMENT: SIP HAPPENS – Why We Don’t Need Alcohol to Connect with Alysse Bryson
SOBER EVENTS at The Sober Curator keeps you in the loop on alcohol-free gatherings happening nationwide. From sober comedy shows and non-alcoholic tastings to festivals, retreats, and sporting events, we highlight vibrant, community-driven experiences from coast to coast. Our goal? To keep you entertained, inspired, and connected—no matter where you live. Need more sober time than one event? We’ve got your back with our Sober Retreat Calendar.
All the cool kids go to rehab…
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
