In The News

Award-winning actor and APB speaker Blair Underwood is paying tribute to his late mother in a deeply personal new project, announcing that he and his sister, Marlo Underwood, will co-narrate the audiobook version of her biography, A Soldier’s Wife: My Mother, the Marvelous Mrs. Marilyn A. Underwood. Set for release on April 14, 2026, the book offers an intimate portrait of Marilyn Underwood—a trailblazing woman whose life spanned roles as a fashion designer, entrepreneur, military spouse, and mother. 

In a country where dissent can carry severe consequences, Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist and APB speaker Dmitri A. Muratov remains one of the few voices still speaking openly from within Russia. From a modest studio at his newspaper, Novaya Gazeta, Muratov continues to deliver pointed commentary on the state of his nation—criticizing political repression, calling for the release of prisoners, and warning of the country’s growing militarization.

Before diving into speaker options, take a step back and define what success actually looks like. The goal of your program should shape every decision that follows. Are you looking to leave your audience with meaningful, actionable takeaways? Or is the priority to drive attendance with a recognizable headliner? Both are valid, but they lead you down very different paths.

On World Health Day, global leaders, healthcare professionals, and organizations are rallying around a powerful message: science and collaboration are essential to building a healthier future for all. This year’s theme, “Together for health. Stand with science,” emphasizes the importance of evidence-based decision-making and international cooperation in addressing today’s most urgent health challenges. 

As change accelerates across every sector, leadership is shifting from having answers to asking the right questions. That same approach applies to speaker selection. The strongest programs start with curiosity, remaining open to new ideas, formats, and voices. This mindset leads to stronger collaboration and more thoughtful outcomes. Takeaway: Start with curiosity, not certainty. Better questions lead to better decisions. Want to learn more? APB speaker Kelly Corrigan explores how curiosity fuels collaboration, innovation, and leadership growth.

Autism Awareness Week serves as a powerful reminder to celebrate neurodiversity, elevate understanding, and champion inclusion. This year, the week shines even brighter with the contributions of leading voices who have transformed how the world perceives autism—not as a limitation, but as a different way of experiencing and contributing to the world.

We’re excited to share that APB exclusive speaker Nora McInerny’s podcast, Thanks for Asking, has been named Best Advice/Inspirational Podcast at the prestigious iHeartPodcast Awards—an honor that recognizes the top voices shaping conversations and culture today. 

Acclaimed technology journalist, bestselling author, and APB exclusive speaker David Pogue recently released a landmark new book, Apple: The First 50 Years—a comprehensive and captivating look at one of the most influential companies in modern history. Already a New York Times bestseller, the book is rapidly topping several lists, including Amazon and USA Today.

TIME magazine’s annual Women of the Year list has spotlighted 16 influential women shaping culture, leadership, and equity in 2026—including two celebrated speakers with whom APB has collaborated: Mel Robbins and Sheryl Lee Ralph.