Don’t Buy a Couch: the freedom to live sustainably | Kika Mevs | TEDxCowes

[@lonniepee9804]

Kika, I was so TOTALLY impressed with your ability to speak publicly. You're an educated natural.

[@pakde8002]

I'm sixty two years old and I remember the first time I heard "don't buy a couch" on an LP recording. It's remained a guiding lesson throughout my life. Some of the greatest philosophers were comedians. Materialism is slavery. "Retired" at 45, now living in Bali the last 12 years with 90k in a bank I haven't visited to in two years. Life in a developing country where the main form of transportation is a motor scooter. No credit card, no debt and living better than I ever did in the USA surrounded by all the stuff.

[@ilarious5729]

I had no idea Kika is such a good public speaker 👏 Very inspirational talk, thanks ! "Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose"

[@26N80W]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Really enjoy your adventures.

[@PrecisionSailLoftVictoria]

Kika and Dan you an inspiration to the entire team at Precision Sails! Keep exploring and motivating us to do the same!

[@marcryvon]

Thank YOU for sponsering Kika, Dan and Uma so we can all travell with them ! 👍👏

[@davidhtims]

Bravo Kika. Your story will generate a philosophy many will strive to understand in the coming years.

[@philippenicolas5417]

Wow Kika, très bon speech, simple naturelle, attachante et convaincante comme toujours. Tu as été parfaite dans ton discours, compliments et bises à vous 2.

[@franklinnunley8405]

Perfect, educational, philosophical. Way to go

[@robm.4512]

Kika…”I’m no good at public speaking”. Well, I wish that I was no good at public speaking like you’re no good at public speaking, Kika. That was exceptional!

[@CanadiansinKayaks]

I've been watching Sailing Uma for a while now and have been inspired by Kika and Dan (as well as others), to do exactly what they are doing. That being said, this was probably the most inspiring thing I have heard either of them say.

[@icewolfen6360]

Kika! Your epic! I have been watching this video many times and all of your Una videos. Your at great inspiration to more people than you can ever imagine!

[@justinkase7763]

Love Kika and Dan. Wish them fair winds and following seas always.

[@KamboCan629]

Kika... you made us all so proud.

[@gulfcoastbeemer]

Your SAILING UMA KZbin channel has served as an inspiration of the highest order. Wishing you fair winds and following seas.

[@dankotz722]

That was simply fantastic: The perfect distillation of your 7-year journey and all of the lessons learned. Well done, Kika! We are all so proud of what you and Dan have accomplished. Be safe, have fun, sail on!

[@simplyfocus9937]

They inspired me to do big things, unimaginable things like making an airplane in Haiti. Hope is life.

[@SirCharles12357]

Kika, I can just imagine your father watching this bursting at the seems with pride and love. Great job!

[@robertdeland3390]

Thank you Kika. Wonderful talk. You are right, fear is the enemy of freedom. I always knew that a "couch" was a metaphor. I own three, but I have traveled to over 60 countries. And I must say, that fear almost stoped me before my first. Going to a place I didn't understand, with a language I didn't speak was frightening. In retrospect, the freedom and reward of travel is amazing. Travel on Kika and Dan, I'll continue to follow you and your amazing videos. In my old age, I now live vicariously through your travels. Fair winds and following seas!

[@ghost307]

Thank you for making the most important point of all. It's up to US to change...not some faceless government to force us to change.

[@bhodson7954]

Kika, that was great. Loved what you said especially "fear is the enemy of freedom".

[@simplyfocus9937]

Fear is the unknown, the things that the mind cant understand YET. A little bit of hope & time, we will conquer it.

[@vijanth]

'if it was easy, everyone will be doing it' - that was word of wisdom.

[@RogerCampanelli]

"...learn the skills to sail to the horizon... only five miles away." Brilliant speech! I really enjoy both you and Dan's attitude, cinematography, and message. Thanks for the work you do, and thanks for the TED Talks wisdom! Peace to you all!

[@alexjokic6820]

I am very happy that your journey became mine and I lived with you every episode on the KZbin. You guys are amazing young people!!!

[@mrtelechi]

Superb, I am already subscribed to Sailing Uma, this couple are amazing and give me faith that there are people out there that can save the World if they put their minds to the task. Something my generation failed.

[@adc5811]

Kika, you did an amazing job! You and Dan are inspiring!

[@johnpearson4502]

We are sitting on our sailboat and just watched your latest blog in which you mentioned your Ted Talk. We zipped over here to see it. We liked your talk. It was authentically you.

[@loughkb]

I've been watching Sailing Uma for over a year now. Nice talk. They should have provided a link in the video description.

[@The6zero4]

“Let fear show you where you lack understanding!” I have followed your journey for the last 3 years. I have watched the videos mapping the steps in the journey that I had missed. Tika, Dan, you inspire but more important than that, you show how it is done AND you demonstrate the benefits of the efforts put out in pursuing a worthwhile goal. Of course you have garnered support from your followers and rather than throwing that in your face as some kind of argument for why it is easy for you and hard for … well the rest of us, I applaud you. You have earned the support you have. You deserve it! You provide us with content that encourages us to lo live sustainably and to challenge ourselves. I’m 74 years old, living on my sailboat and often overwhelmed by even the daily demands of keeping my home and my sources of life and enjoyment seaworthy and functioning optimally. Something as simple as cleaning and covering the dinghy for the winter, winterizing the engine and making sure I am safe and warm are sometimes daunting but I know that the payoff is that I am physically and mentally 10 years younger than my chronological age; that I enjoy a level of freedom, autonomy and sheer vitality that many of my peers do not experience. I know that the care home, and as Shakespeare termed it “the slow decline to dusty death” is not on my 5 mile horizon. I’ll quote to you what I have shared numerous times over the years but NEVER more enthusiastically than I do today. “Thank you for being who you are and doing what you do. Who you are is wonderful and what you do is important.”

[@The6zero4]

@@masterspacetime2826 No I’m not busy. i’m semi-retired. “Professional panhandlers”. That’s an interesting take on their youtube channel. Any panhandler I’ve ever encountered just hung out on a street corner, doing nothing and asking for money. IMO, this couple is more active and engaged than almost anyone I’ve ever known and never once have they asked me for money.

[@WHEREVER-I-ROAM]

HA HA HA I'm a semi retired bum/panhandling artist con? Who knows Sometimes maybe I'm 65 , and live in a VAN with a CAT SAILING the highways of life Dodging all the couches out here on my OCEAN of FREEDOM Yes I fly a sign ,$950 last only so long, AND IF YOU DON'T WANT TO DONATE TO MY BUM SIGNS FINE WITH ME , THERES ALWAYS SOMEONE WHO WILL DONATE TO MY FUTURE ✌ SPARE A CHEESE BURGER AND BEER, AND OF COURSE 420 FRIENDLY 🤣🤣🤣✌ TRUE STORY 🤘 P.S. spare some weed 😉

[@barefootgeek]

You're an excellent public speaker Kika and of course what an amazing journey you've been on. Well done to you both.

[@richardgreen7225]

Brilliant! "Fear is the enemy of Freedom. Fear simply shows us what we have yet to learn ... and where we lack understanding."

[@simplyfocus9937]

Great comment

[@mschiemer]

Proud to be one of the many Patrons you guys have behind your adventure. Keep it going!

[@NewSkiwi]

Well done. Kika. A beautiful, honest, authentic and intelligent presentation. That you walk the talk adds credibility to what you propose. I awe of your courage, resilience, tenacity and insights.

[@TBPollock]

I take exception to the comment "So proud of you", though I believe it was kindly meant. Speaking for myself, I'm not qualified to be "proud of you". In awe, YES, hopefully, I could strive to make you, proud of me

[@WHEREVER-I-ROAM]

WEALTH FAVORS THE BRAVE ⛵💰⛵💰⛵🌞🌞🌞

[@soloflight75]

Kika, we can't ever get enough of you guys!!!

[@Rockingoodman]

I'm father taught me the definition of Freedom is the right to fulfill your own responsibilities. I added to that, the right to assign those responsibilities to yourself. You have added the cherry on the cake: The right to live in that freedom and do no harm. Thank you

[@speckofdust272]

Brilliant talk and well done 👍 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@rickmartins4646]

Great speech Kika. You are a natural. I loved the comment about sailing to the horizon only 5 miles away. It's like any daunting task, you tackle it one small piece at a time.

[@BohemianBeatster]

Very well spoken and quite inspirational Kika. Love you SV Uma adventures. I've seen them all. Stay groovy and stay safe.

[@JeroenSWart]

You are the example of a perfect public speaker! Kika well done!

[@PtangPtangBiscuitBarrelSmith]

Im just glad Kika n Dan do there thing and we get to watch, Im trapped by debt but i can escape for a while tuning into uma.

[@ruedigerrekate4906]

Well done, Lady! You guys are incredible!

[@hansk.4482]

Very impressive Kika. I am a follower of your and Dan's "ULM" travels but this was an impressive TED speech. Cheers

[@swm-sm6cu]

Kika, God has blessed you and Dan with amazing intelligence. Not everyone can do what you do, but thanks to your sharing of your knowledge and experience, more people will be able to. I love your enthusiasm, your creativity, and your cheerfulness. Thank you and Dan again for sharing your lives with us.

[@dalewatson7982]

That was brilliant! I did all of my sailing back in the 80s. I am 81 now and thinking of buying an electric recliner. I'm now going to look for another sail boat,thank you Tika.

[@cjamachado]

I am proud to follow your YT Channel since Episode 1. Together we cross the Atlantic, and remain eita you till today, in Norway. Congratulations for your TED Talk, Kika. You are a beautiful soul. You both are an inspiration for many people around the world. Regards from Laguna, South Brazil.

[@trailsandsails2722]

You are a brave and brilliant woman. Very well done presentation and quodos for making the plunge into public speaking. I am a retired scientist so I was particularly impressed with your skills the content of your speech and heartened by your attention to sustainability - a topic dear to me as a greenhouse gas researcher, witnessing a vastly changing climate in my lifetime.

[@simplyfocus9937]

Great comment

[@kunoknollenbuddler2167]

A resonable speech from a woman who it is more than worth, listen to her carefully. Well done Kika, bravo!

[@matthewrockall1588]

Sadly, I bought a couch last year! However, the cats and dog do like it. But seriously, watching your videos has inspired me to get a bigger sailboat, and to cruise in it, and become more connected to the natural world and less connected to the internet. Now, if I can convince my wife of the allure of this goal, who know where we may end up? Great talk! Well done, Kika!

[@KrimoFoodTravelandWaffle]

Your message is so clear but I’m glad I’ve got a couch to watch your Sailing Uma channel. You and Dan are so full of enthusiasm and inspiration. Two young people who are living the life most of us can only dream of.

[@waterdog226]

You showed those who watched, that you really did what you talked about. Well done.

[@davewal100]

I have followed their YT channel for quite some time .. mainly because of her … and they are the REAL deal well said Kika .. well said !

[@carmenrosario5539]

You are so brave!!! Great job, Kika! Your presentation, your control, your strength and determination...WOW! VIVA UMA and the freedom you are fighting for! Stay safe and enjoy your oneness...THAT IS your biggest asset!

[@joeltelfer3147]

Kika and Dan Thank you for letting me see the world through your wonderful adventures. Kika your TED talks presentation was very well done. 👏🏽

[@anthonyrondolino8148]

Amazing speaking skills. I watch your videos but those presentations are entirely different than appearing before a live audience and communicating coherently, having your message flow and maintaining the audience attention. No editing. No fancy drone shots. No awesome landscapes. You are indeed talented….

[@manfredwarnecke282]

I had no idea, what a great speaker Kika is. Very well done Kika, that speech was an inspiration

[@Frostbbitten]

Great job Kika!! Perhaps the years of narrating your videos has helped but you are an excellent speaker, no ummming at all, kept your hands from fidgeting, very nice pacing with great use of pause for effect. You guys convinced me a long time ago in your wisdom of not buying a couch, sadly we have 4 of them! If you thought it was hard to give up "everything" when you were just out of college and had nothing but each other, imagine how hard it is with 30 Years of stuff to give up and you are dragging along two kids! :-) I live vicariously through you, thanks for living your dreams and sharing that with us.

[@alaenke]

I've been following you for quite some time. I know you were nervous to 'give a speech'. You so naturally invited us to do what we can. Thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone to give this talk. You rocked it!

[@jspodek]

Thank you for sharing your story that the opposite of mainstream life of debt, being trapped, and owning things isn't deprivation but freedom, discovery, and fun. That you did it on your own shows we all can.

[@thommeyer6356]

I've been following Kika and Dan for a couple years, now...and am amazed at what they continue to accomplish. Because of them, and their passion for sustainability living, they are a driving force in changes coming in the sailboat industry, using solar power and electric sail-drives, rather than diesel engines. They are a remarkable couple!

[@marcryvon]

Agreed. When they went electric, they started a huge discussion among sailors or would-be sailors, about it being sustainable, if ever possible. Now, going solar and wind energized is a normal option. Plus, the solar panels and their control systems are much more affordable than 8 years ago.

[@jamielozada8511]

I can't wait to grow my chickens and raise crops...lol. Dan and Kika you are truly inspirational. I'm glad you made this video which is full of raw honesty from your travels. Kika, I never would have guessed you were nervous speaking in public. I really enjoyed your talk and hope others are taking notes. Thank you for the video.

[@anthonymiller8989]

Tony & Susan here, Thank you for inviting Sailing Uma

[@FrancoVettor]

Very good, Kika. You are inspiring.

[@stephanie-joe]

Amazing Kika!! I’ve been a subscriber for a long while and have seen every video. You guys are so inspiring!!!

[@dearyvettetn4489]

😆 Great Ted Talk Kika‼️ I still have the fire to set sail as I did a year ago when I first saw you and Dan’s reveal of a totally remade Uma. I went straight down the rabbit hole and binged all or your content until I was caught up. I did buy the couch and live the 🇺🇸 dream that I was told would make me happy. But the result for me, especially career wise have been lukewarm at best and I’m approaching a stage in my life where I can consider traveling, something I love to do but don’t have the wealth to attempt it conventionally. But I have amassed the skills and the knowledge (with the loans to prove it😓) to work hard for myself and realize my dreams. Even if it’s just bumming around in the Caribbean for a few years, anything would be better than here. You both are Comrades in Design and I am truly inspired. So stay safe and warm and don’t let the polar bears board lovey Uma, but continue welcoming 🥰 🥺 the cutest little 🦭 seals. This patron will keep watching 💛

[@anthonygould2774]

Kika, you and Dan are a beacon of light ! Your message so inspiring and beautifully delivered. Thank you.

[@simplyfocus9937]

Great comment

[@rasmussrensen6119]

What an inspirational TED talk. This makes me rethink my life and about making changes about being dependent of the things I own.

[@lipham]

Nicely said, I love following you two on your sailing adventure.

[@timhmetal3499]

I've been following Kika and Dan since they first started their KZbin channel. They are role models for everyone in one simple notion, follow your dreams!!

[@janetclark8754]

You guys are my heros! I have been following your youtube channel for over a year now, and look forward to seeing your posts. I too live sustainably on the hard, but work for a voyaging academy which mentors youth to obtain careers in the maritime industry. Your story is an inspiration to us all.

[@nickperspective]

Well done Kika. Great talk. I loved the photo of Uma by the glacier, amazing.

[@ericlawrence8753]

Excellent presentation, should be offered to all just starting out.

[@pigeoningles]

I’ve been a fan of the sailing channel. Didn’t know Kika was mad smart. Good luck in Norway.

[@jonathanleonard1152]

Downsizing is inevitable by all at some point in life or by those you leave behind. Late in life we sold most of what we had, possessions and property. We went to live tiny in, what for us is, a large apartment house. Though we were on the old side we were like teenagers to most of the residents in this seniors cooperative residence. We were two living in what was designed for one. It is cozy, yet comfortable. Comfortable due, in part, to modifications we made to our unit. We live in a small city that is walkable with transit to get all essentials. So we too are on an adventure. Late in life we are exploring how to live to the end in a final home that will last to our end.

[@Reality_TV]

OMG! Kika! I love this! Congrats on your TEDx talk!

[@Lea4-22]

~Well done, Kika. You are a world ambassador.

[@robertdobson183]

Great talk Kika . Wish we’d known about it . We’re not far away . My wife and I have been watching you and Dan on your Channel for a couple of years now . Inspiring ! Well done .

[@MagivaIT]

nice presentation, i almost felt like Laurence Fishburne was describing the control of the matrix. really well done

[@cherylsibson2529]

Kilka great speech, given all that you and Dan had gone through, you've made it!

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Kika, you are a good motivational speaker, thanks. I have no couch and i have a small solar power system i built myself at home. Greetings from sunny Jamaica.

[@FanbBarca]

Thank You and Dan for letting me see the world through your lenses. So proud of both of you. Great job.

[@willham7038]

Wow! Amazing, nothing but respect for the two of you

[@marioluque1107]

Enjoyed your presentation as much as your excellent sailing episodes. Lots of truth! Hope many people get to watch this! Blessing Kika!

[@flyonthewall28]

I have a lot of admiration for you and your partner. Very well presented by an architect !

[@danieloliver20]

Awesome presentation Kika, but an even better message! It simply comes down to "supply & demand" and the individuals that drive that market... Stay warm and cozy this winter crew of Uma

[@tomwitman7465]

Absolutely wonderful presentation. I could listen to you for hours while I can't spend one second listening to GRETA, even though you both have the same message, basically. Very, very well done.

[@marcryvon]

Greta has not the same age and experience. And she does not adress to the same audience: the young ones, the future adults, our kids and grand children.

[@davidallen9526]

Wow Kika well done! I've been watching your channel and have so much admiration for the two of you. Great Job!

[@nealeburgess6756]

Well done Kika. Having seen and heard your presentation, I am even more in love with you than I was before. I really appreciate that you and Dan have not just dreamed, but you have planned and worked with those dreams in mind, and you have had the most amazing experiences along the way. I also love the way you think outside of the box.

[@banyameadow8864]

What a speech! Amazing, so well done Kika! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@magnusbjornsson3490]

Great talk Kika, you and Dan are an inspiration and your message is important to us all !!

[@travailer594]

You have a great memory don't you? Very well done Kika your a very good presenter.

[@rick_wheatley]

What a great talk! Have really enjoyed following you both and as an American recreational sailor also living in Norway it's been cool to see you exploring here! And TedX talks aren't easy - super polished. I'd say you nailed it!

[@mikeh720]

Well done Kika, great presentation!

[@paul_gradenwitz]

Kika, Your talk is as much a masterpiece as are your video episodes. There is a large arc with a foundation of basic information to make the whole completely understandable. It is a call that invites to do similar without the obligation to follow. Not "You have" to, but "isn't this what you always wanted?" Uma nation is not only for sea dwellers, but also those who remain on the shore.

[@sailing1]

Exceptional, honest and inspiring talk by Kika! Thankyou!

[@briandines]

I've been watching Uma since Step 1. I could tell Kika was a little nervous giving that talk, but I think you did very well.

[@Sommers234]

Wow what a great surprise seeing you in this Ted talk after watching so many of your amazing sailing vids! Boy oh boy, spread the gospel. Rampant consumerism is the scourge and I commend you for seeing the light at a young age.

[@Paul_Crosbie]

Kika your a legend, go girl!

[@loripeaceandlove6391]

Hi Kika, Wow! What a wonderful talk. You have so many heavenly gifts and public speaking is definitely one of those gifts. The way You shared your personal testimony regarding making choices when it comes to Fossil fuel was powerful. I’m a longtime subscriber of your KZbin channel - it’s wonderful to watch. PeaceAndLove Lori

[@vonbraun9697]

Nice to see a member of UMA crew - this time as a lecturer :-)

[@kathleenviar5542]

So proud of you and Dan!!!!! That was amazing! Thank you.

[@luisroebuck4354]

`Come on KIKA, you not only show us what you are doing, now you lecturing us haw you did it, you guys inspire me about sailing , since we met I bought me the first sailboat a Jeanneua Fantasia 27 and is ready to go on the water. love what you doing. keep it up

[@johnthompson2143]

What a brilliant young lady. Kika rocks!

[@anight8661]

I love their lifestyle and simplistic ideas about life and Living true to ourselves without outer influence. Great TED talk.

[@dayvid60van]

Bravo ! Excellent delivery, flawless ideal. Very very well done