Pop Culture / Lighter Side Speakers

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.

Clinton Kelly

Co-host of TLC's popular show What Not to Wear, Kelly sets the standard for redressing crimes against clothing and encouraging the style challenged to use their wardrobe to their advantage. An entrepreneur, spokesperson for Macy’s, and author of Freakin’ Fabulous, Kelly is one of the most sought-after ...

Troy Carter

Troy Carter is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Coalition Media Group, a talent management and full-service film and television production company. Carter is responsible for establishing the careers of numerous recording artists, including multi-platinum Grammy award winner Lady Gaga.

Mayim Bialik

Talented & multifaceted, Mayim Bialik - best known for her roles on Blossom & The Big Bang Theory - has a Ph.D. in neuroscience, studies Judaism & practices natural living.

Talib Kweli

Few hip-hop artists have made as profound an impact in as short a time as Talib Kweli. In recent years, Kweli has played a major part in bringing a sense of spirituality, social conscience, and moral balance back to hip-hop.

Gary Shteyngart

Celebrated by Publishers Weekly as an up and coming young author, and recently recognized as one of today's top fiction writers on The New Yorker's prestigious "20 Under 40" list, Russian immigrant Shteyngart penned the bestsellers The Russian Debutante's Handbook, Absurdistan, and his latest, ...

A.J. Jacobs

Renowned as “the human guinea pig,” A.J. Jacobs has outsourced his life to India, read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica in a quest to become the smartest person in the world, and lived modern life as the ultimate biblical man. Throwing himself into bizarre situations all in the name of a little curiosity and a ...

Saul Williams

One of the world’s most prominent spoken-word artists, Williams has redefined poetry as an accessible, living art form to countless youth across America. A contributor to the “Not in our Name” pro-peace initiative, his draft of their “Pledge of Resistance” served as a manifesto to millions across the world ...

Michael Emerson

An award-winning actor known for his role as "Benjamin Linus" in the hit series Lost, Michael Emerson is a 2009 Emmy Award winner for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series and a 2010 Golden Globe nominee for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series, or Motion Picture Made for ...

"Boston Rob" Mariano

Reality superstar Robert "Boston Rob" Mariano made his first television appearance on CBS' Survivor Marquesas in 2002. He has been a contestant on two additional Survivor seasons, Heroes vs. Villains in 2010 and Redemption Island in 2011, making him the only person to have appeared on ...

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 ...

Ice-T

Hip-hop pioneer currently starring on Law and Order: SVU, Ice-T has risen up from the harsh realities of growing up disadvantaged to become a successful entertainer and entrepreneur. Serving as a sobering, yet inspirational, role model, he shares a powerful message with youth about overcoming adversity through ...

Jerry Springer

Although controversial and often criticized, Springer believes that television talk shows serve as important forums for the discussion of prevalent issues in our society. A former Mayor of Cincinnati, Springer has dedicated his life to upholding the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.

Joe Hernandez-Kolski

Joe Hernandez-Kolski, aka "Pocho Joe," is committed to creating work that challenges the audience while it entertains. He combines poetry, comedy and his unique socio-political "Chicagoan" point of view to create a performance that embraces the conundrums of America. Among others, he is applauded by Dr. Cornel West and ...

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 ...

Ken Jennings

The master Jeopardy! player, Jennings has surpassed all records., establishing himself as the All-Time Top TV Game Show Winner in the world.

Omarosa Manigault

One of the original participants on NBC's hit reality show, The Apprentice, Omarosa is known for her pride, sophistication, and flair-and unwavering drive to crush the competition-she is a powerful force who advocates the use of courage and wisdom to achieve goals. Currently, Omarosa serves as a Managing Partner for ...

Jewtopia

Bryan Fogel presents "Jewtopia Live," his hilarious, sometimes irreverent, and always highly entertaining show. Be prepared for an evening filled with non-stop laughter and outrageous fun as the creator takes center stage! For this very special performance Fogel (and sometimes his co-star, Jeremy Rishe) combines scenes ...

Lisa Cortes

Executive Producer of the Oscar-nominated Precious, Cortes worked for over a decade to bring this brilliant story to the silver screen. Passionate about revealing expressive voices and important stories to a worldwide audience, her credits as a producer include The Woodsman and the Academy Award-winning ...

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 ...