It's Never too Late to Chase your Dreams: Steve Mazan at TEDxSanJoseCA

Erasing the line between Silly and Cynical
One joke at a time
Man? Myth? Legend?
Some say none of these. He is however a stand-up comic.
With influences ranging from Richard Pryor to Fozzie Bear, Steve has formed a unique style that bridges the gap between clever and goofy. His material offers layers that leave an audience howling and thinking at the same time. He is Smart and Silly. Daft and thoughtful. Intelligent and ridiculous, but always clever. And clean. Mostly.
In the decade since starting in the great San Francisco comedy scene, Steve has played clubs, colleges and corporate events across America. In addition, to reaching his dream of performing on David Letterman's show, he's been a repeat guest on Craig Ferguson, Byron Allen and the Bob & Tom Show.
But of all the shows Steve has done, he remains most proud of the many trips he's made to the Mid-East to perform for our troops. As a former Navy Submariner, Steve knows how much those men and women sacrifice for our country, and how much they need our support, and someone to laugh at.
www.stevemazan.com
www.dyingtodoletterman.com/
About TEDx, x=independently organize event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@GregCheekSpeaks]

Love it! I'm 4.5 years cancer free and you are right Steve! Since my diagnosis, I've run 6 marathons, started my speaking business, wrote a book, and I live in Germany! Great Steve :-) I didn't do it until 10 May 2010!

[@jonathanfleming7981]

Right on......how's your speaking business?

[@GregCheekSpeaks]

Jonathan, Doing great and my book, Three Points of Contact just hit the Amazon Best Seller list :-) Cheers Greg

[@soyo7482]

Wow, I am so happy for you!

[@antoniostojanovski9008]

Cheers man, congratulations you are a wonderful person and deserve even more success

[@wranglerxx]

I am happy to have spent the 16 minutes of my dying time to be inspired to live. This presentation made a positive difference in my life.

[@011azr]

nutriunt terra Have he died already? I don't mean that I wish that he is, just merely curious.

[@nicoletodd9972]

011azr Still alive & finally made Letterman.

[@ilnur.aznabaev]

Thank you for profound wisdom. I can't stop tears from my eyes.

[@leekirkland1901]

I'm dying to inspire people to live their dreams. Through my music and my clothing brand I can see this coming to fruition. As someone who has been on both sides I can't emphasize enough how important it is to figure out your dharma and follow it... Thanks for this speech Steve ;)

[@MiggsMultiple]

Lee Kirkland What kind of clothes are you selling that inspire people to people to live their dreams?

[@NamiBurger]

My dream is to inspire people through music. Music inspires me and whatever i happen to discover and listen to shapes my entire life. I want to be someone that can motivate and make people happy and inspired

[@sandyrenegade3172]

I watched this video at the right moment in my life. It inspired me not to settle but to chase my dream. Thanks Steve!

[@ritaw6240]

What is it, & did you???????????????????????

[@BeatWood]

ya tell me Hi Rita

[@mattgwynlloyd]

I love this man. My fav TED so far. Thank you Steve and hope you are well.

[@nicolehoang6013]

the most inspiring speech ever given at TED as it is so relatable and makes people question themselves, which is what we don't do everyday. this is definitely not a speech we forget soon after you watch it, this is sth you have to think about carefully and scrupulously . i guess i'm not sleeping tonight....

[@JimGeorgeBaker]

My dream is to make myself truly happy, and make other people happy as well.

[@bladelazoe]

I'm 25, My dream is to be a Game Developer, Which is why I decided in October of 2017 to learn how to program and learn how games are made so that I can skill up and pursue it. I remember ever since I was a little kid I was fascinated by all the behind-the-scenes for any type of game. I'd watch every video I could get my hands on. I'm fully aware of the pro's and con's of the video game industry but that makes me want to go into it even more. Currently, I'm learning C# and getting better all the time, then I'm gonna move onto the Unity Game Engine to integrate the two. After that, build a portfolio.

[@crystalsun4806]

sounds like u r gonna be successfull

[@ToddSloanIAAN]

Thirty years ago I had passion.... My best friend was a martial arts enthusiast, golfer and motorcycle rider. He was much like me in that we inspired one another to rise to toward challenges. This TED talk reminded me of how he told me of his wild brother who he quoted as having said, "Those who aren't busy living are busy dying." I think he warmed people too, like Steve.

[@aenean.]

I'm dying to study abroad. I'm dying to be an editor. These are my dreams. I'm dying to challenge the world. Thanks for the motivation. :)

[@codetyrese7034]

*Don't strive to change the world, **_find something that you love_** and do it everyday. Eventually, the world will **_change_*

[@ppirishjanine97]

im 17 and my dream is to make people hear my music

[@individual746b3]

And that was the beginning of the story of the mysterious singing kidnapper if Ireland

[@SendiSiradj]

Now you're 21. How did it go on you now?

[@Hana-uy1wi]

He is so good :D I want more of his shows :D

[@yanqica5680]

So inspirational, Steve. Thanks for your TED. Love each minute of your TED Talk!

[@pvspeaks]

Loved his message. Easily one of the best Tedx talks I've heard.

[@AnnaGibbs]

amazing message...I am so glad I found this one.

[@lesliebender7977]

Wow, this is so inspiring!

[@staceyjones124]

Amazing speech.

[@jeffweaver955]

Thank you Steve. This talk is refreshing and invigorating

[@determinedtoimprove8077]

Very inspirational, I liked him very much.

[@rajedwa]

I uv9

[@CubanitaFresca]

This might be my favorite Ted talk of all time. Thank you for the wise words and reminder.

[@MomentoMori769]

This guy had great clarity, loved it.

[@markisreal7074]

One of the best Ted talks. Entertaining, inspiring, and delivered like a boss.

[@frankrawl8705]

Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Loved it! I am going to see if he has a book.

[@deliciafernandes9946]

ONE OF THE MOST USEFUL TEDX TALKS I'VE EVER SEEN! A MUST WATCH FOR A PRACTICAL SPIN ON DREAMS!

[@nsfa19]

Fantastic! Awesome! Really inspired me.

[@gaojouayang596]

Thank you!!

[@missrecursive0]

Absolutely inspiring!! Thank you, Steve!

[@GlendaClemens]

Thanks! I needed this talk!

[@MentalGum]

Such an inspiring speech. Wonderful

[@SKYMONEY-zw6zp]

I came here again to see in 2024 after nearly 10 years.... It's still good to see❤

[@thehawaiianman215]

Best TED talk I've ever seen!

[@RAZACHATI09]

this talk, made me so glad to click on tedx talk a few weeks a go.

[@mohamedwasimhudli2858]

One of most inspirational talk

[@TheRoplo1]

Incredible. So inspiring:)

[@hendrikaufderheide3051]

Hello from Germany :) Thank you - all the best!

[@robynb5434]

BEST Ted talk I’ve ever heard

[@pibblesnbits]

This talk reminded me of the song Listen to Your Heart by Roxette.

[@sbdem2]

Thank you!

[@RedAthena24]

Phenomenal. Well done!

[@yesiwill100]

loved this talk! it was perfect.

[@JuanPabloGallego1969]

I love the new perspective: LIVING is HARD, LIFE is easy....

[@captainheinie6355]

Loved this a lot. so simple, but so true. Very good video.

[@ajaypattem3014]

Wow just amazing. Out of all the inspirational videos i've watched this one's the best

[@theclumsydirector6748]

One of the best Speech ever!!!

[@sartikaharahap6603]

I'm so passioante about Crossfit! Been training for 3years. Well, I'm 30 and I'm coming to Australia to get Crossfit Level 1, 2, 3 Certificate!!! The Beast inside of me! The beast inside of You!! The Beast inside of Us!! Very simple concept: IF U WANT IT, U GOTTA GO GET IT!! 🔥 The Universe hears you!

[@hannes3694]

Probably the best motivational live changing speech ever

[@andreacanny2093]

so great! Thanks for the important reminder!! :) Sharing!

[@fezehtalavera6575]

Love your speech..hope im not to late to chase mine.😊

[@esmiley3]

This guy is awesome!

[@teachersharon4634]

I love this video. This video is beneficial for those who have their own dream.

[@tiinannn]

Amazing! This has to be the most inspiring ted talk video I have watched.

[@octaviomichel.r2986]

This was extremely inspiring.

[@daniellepreyar]

Yes...excellent talk!

[@hankenson]

Love this comedian!

[@Djhenny.g]

This is life changing

[@Gif7ed]

this is awesome!

[@swapnanil7053]

TRULY AWESOME

[@Venicebailey]

Great talk!

[@yuaeldesta8581]

Thanku Steve.

[@narcisoanasui246]

Thanks :)

[@joshuanapier8241]

Very Inspiring! I like your way of thinking.

[@kavyanair9329]

It's easy to look at a dream like something way off in the distance. Something that may or may not be accomplished. A thing, an object, a goal. A thought that runs though our mind every now and then. A noun. But dream is also a verb. It has to be lived, it has to be done, it has to furthered, it has to be acted upon. It has to be chased! It's not just an idea or result. To dream encompasses every step it gets to reach there. That hit me, and that hit me hard, sir!

[@jasonlewis9278]

gonna hold onto this inspiration and use it

[@christianferrell2546]

Excellent message! #chaseyourdreams

[@TheSD2289]

Awesome!!

[@netnegryy]

Fantastic

[@queenestherc-squared802]

Perfect!

[@TheMisterMonkeyman]

He lost me when he said life isn't hard. It's beautiful, magical, and wonderful... but it's also hard. For me at least. Working hard and living check to check, one disaster from being homeless is hard to do day after day. I get what he was trying to say, but I don't agree with him. Realizing that our life here on Earth is finite is a good thing to do, it should motivate. But for some of us, life is hard. Peace.

[@adrianli7757]

In his defence, I think he was speaking to a rather upper-middle class audience. After all, this was in San Jose.

[@shreyashj.sharma9746]

please listen first, he was talking about life vs living.

[@AnthonyBranze]

it's all about how you handle yourself during those disasters. I am living the same life as you, 1 year 7 months ago I was a druggie, and a complete failure. now I am 1 year 7 months clean and sober. still living pay check to paycheck and now I have a baby girl, I would never want a different life. I only want the chance to tell myself "get away from drugs before you waste 10 years and come out 27 and with a kid. don't listen to your parents when they say get a stable job, they are just looking out for you and saying what they think is safe for you. follow your passion, keep programming." now I am going to school nights & weekends, working 40hrs+ a wk and raising a child living paycheck to paycheck, but I have a different better quality of disasters. life will always be hard, we are resilient, and we grow with difficulties. The only people who don't have problems are the dead.

[@roger8654]

TheMisterMonkeyman no it isnt

[@roger8654]

Anthony Branze you made it hard

[@abdallahrizk8787]

amazing speech

[@Mattjki]

thanks Steve!

[@RyanODonnell2814]

Totally Awesome Sauce...

[@jmdirito5027]

Very inspirational story, I need to find my dream and maybe along the way I can find me to.

[@alen4960]

Thank you :]

[@saramyers73]

LOVE LOVE THIS

[@TheAntonioMinino]

Inspired!

[@jennybaptiste8387]

What are you dying to do? I'm one of the people who packed my dreams away a long time ago. Brilliant talk

[@victoriousmax75]

i dont want to accomplish any dreams, i just want to have a harmonious and happy relationship with my wife

[@jazzyalmond]

+Victorious Max then study happiness! You already sound like a awesome put but work on becoming a better u! We all can improve something's about ourselves. Then u will become the person you want to be!

[@ritaw6240]

I like your thinking!

[@victoraraoz75]

in order to have a happy relationship with your wife, you need to have dreams and accomplish them!!!

[@VillyMarlou]

I love It...!!!

[@Howdyho.]

Thanks.

[@letty5515]

Very good

[@MeMe-lx2jw]

Never give up!!!

[@sweetesthing84]

Definitely enjoyed :)

[@Oneironaut9]

Well Said.

[@MRedhz]

I would like to get one of these promotional buttons...

[@RkKing1]

Best video i ever watched.

[@shivajichand56ani58]

haai

[@shreenidhids7614]

I'm dying to get into IIT KGP !!And yes I will!!!!

[@johnmiller242]

My dream is it to become a filmproducer. Hope you like my first video.

[@roger8654]

John Miller do it you coward

[@learnsfi2422]

Same dream ;(

[@crystalsun4806]

Same

[@ngantruong1801]

REALLY REALLY REALLY INSPIRED!

[@ngantruong1801]

Thanks a lot! May you have another great dream!

[@aparna2203]

I'm dying to be an Administrator and I'm gonna be one in 2021 💜

[@campthechamp]

Thats amazing

[@TheSahand68]

This is a Ted Talk I will remember all my life....is the guy still around?

[@bananian]

I stopped chasing my dream because of the threat of homelessness.

[@diamondphoenix3453]

If you don't mind my asking, what was your dream?

[@SaltVinegar2010]

LOL You & most of the world.

[@bananian]

Diamond Phoenix just being some kind of artist.

[@shreyashj.sharma9746]

"some kind", thats why you failed!

[@antoinepaine8097]

You haven't failed yet. Keep going :)

[@Patricia-nw5iu]

Beautiful speech! So here is my ''I'm dying to''. I'm dying to become rich so that I can help a lot of people, make this world suck less and so that I can meet a celebrity that admire more than anyone. I wont say who it is and it might seems shallow as a dream for many people, but this artist is really like a muse to me, I admire him so much, that it would means the world to me to have the chance to meet him and have a conversation with him. Maybe it's a weird dream, but it's what my heart really want at least right now. So wish me luck lol And good luck to all of you with your dreams! xxxx

[@sam41981]

Great video -:)

[@howardkoor2796]

Someday is not on any calendar...

[@AdrianLopez-gg1gu]

Sure it is. It's the day after Saturday.

[@PaulFarahvar]

The book is great also. Very quick read.

[@reg4321]

The best lesson I learned about dreams and life was from a Brady Bunch episode when Mike told his son, "not anyone can be a Don Drysdale. Maybe you can, but maybe you can't."

[@howardkoor2796]

Inspiring.....