Pop Culture / Lighter Side Speakers

Andy Borowitz

Called "America's satire king" by The Daily Beast, Andy Borowitz is the most popular online satirist in the nation. His website, The Borowitz Report, is an Internet sensation, read by millions around the world and syndicated in newspapers across the country, earning him the first-ever National Press Club Award for h ...

Larry Wilmore

As "The Senior Black Correspondent" for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Wilmore is a cultural commentator. He opens the door to an honest conversation about race and diversity in our country with his versatile and entertaining message laced with wit and a dash of levity in an interactive, multi-media discussion.

Common

Grammy Award-winning artist Common holds an extensive acting career starring opposite such stars as Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker. Hailed as one of hip-hop’s most poetic and respected lyricists, Common delivers messages of self respect, love, and activism in speeches that inspire all audiences.

Danny Boome

The breakout star of the hit Food Network show Rescue Chef, Boome shares practical, no-fuss recipes and techniques for aspiring cooks of any skill level. Incredibly charismatic and energetic, and a strong believer that a healthy meal enhances both body and mind, his handy tips are designed to provide essential nutri ...

Summer Rayne Oakes

The author of Style, Naturally, the first global guide to sustainable “green” beauty and fashion, Oakes is known as the “Eco-Model,” working on campaigns for socially and environmentally conscious companies and brands. A graduate of Cornell University with training as an entomologist and environmental scient ...

Carol Leifer

A trail-blazing female in the world of comedy, Leifer is not only a veteran on the standup circuit, but is also a sought after writer and producer who has worked on such shows as Saturday Night Live, Seinfeld, and HBO’s critically acclaimed The Larry Sanders Show. Whether sharing the struggles of a w ...

Joe Quirk

In high school, Joe Quirk was known for being a smart-ass, getting A’s in biology, his interest in the opposite sex, and having a name like Quirk. He decided to combine these talents in his second book, It’s Not You. It’s Biology. Attempting to get the science of relationships out of the science aisle and into ...

Amber Tamblyn

A movie star, poet, and spoken-word artist, Tamblyn is best known as “Tibby” in the hit Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants film series. Most recently starring in ABC’s The Unusuals, her dedication to her craft shines through the multifaceted characters she brings to life, and the intimately brave places s ...

Billy Bretherton

The star of A & E’s hit reality show The Exterminators, Bretherton specializes in handling extreme animal emergencies while ensuring that Mother Nature’s scariest creations are caught and treated humanely. His passion for the environment extends to advocating for resource conservation, waste reduction and living ...

Les "Survivorman" Stroud

Stroud is a musician, filmmaker, and survival expert best known as the host of the television program Survivorman. He has produced survival-themed programming for The Outdoor Life Network, The Discovery Channel, and The Science Channel. The survival skills imparted from his television programs and keynote speeches ha ...

Aaron McGruder

Creator of "The Boondocks" comic strip and animated series, McGruder is a young, fresh, and outspoken political satirist who dispenses social commentary with subversive humor. In his insightful presentation, "Negrology, the State of Black America," he demystifies all aspects of the truth about where African Americans are ...

John McPherson

John McPherson is the cartoonist and writer behind the renowned comic panel Close to Home. McPherson has published more than 20 book collections of his work, yearly block calendars, and an award-winning line of greeting cards. He also created his own line of clothing and various other licensed products.