Colleges & Universities

What if the problem was never that someone was a “bad student,” but that they were being measured by the wrong standard? That question is at the center of Justin Shaifer’s new TEDx talk, “You Weren’t a Bad Student, You Were Taking the Wrong Test.”

From Pride Month programming to student leadership conferences and campus-wide conversations about belonging, these 10 LGBTQIA+ speakers bring powerful stories, lived experience, and practical insight to colleges and universities.

In a recent American Conversations interview, historian Heather Cox Richardson sat down with legendary LGBTQIA+ activist and bestselling author Cleve Jones for a powerful discussion on activism, public health, the AIDS crisis and the importance of remembering the movements that brought us here.

David Pogue was recently featured by Next Big Idea Club in “The Apple Way: Creativity, Obsession, and a Little Insanity,” a story highlighting ideas from his book Apple: The First 50 Years. In the piece, Pogue reveals some of the unlikely stories, eccentric personalities, and relentless pursuit of excellence that helped turn Apple into one of the world’s most influential brands.

How do you know if your team is ready for a high-stakes challenge? For Lindy Elkins-Tanton, the answer starts long before the problem shows up. Elkins-Tanton, leader of NASA’s Psyche mission, was recently featured in Next Big Idea Club Magazine in the article “How NASA Teams Solve Problems Before It’s Too Late.”

What happens when the winningest contestant in Jeopardy! history sits down with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett? A conversation that's equal parts hilarious, insightful, and unexpectedly thought-provoking. Ken Jennings recently joined the hosts of the hit podcast SmartLess, where he shared stories from his remarkable career, reflected on his journey from trivia enthusiast to cultural icon, and offered his unique perspective on knowledge, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

Each June, Pride Month offers an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities, honor the history of the movement and recognize the ongoing work required to build more inclusive systems and organizations. It is also a moment to reflect on the connection between inclusion and well-being. 

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a time to recognize the rich histories, diverse cultures, and lasting contributions of AAPI communities—and to create space for meaningful conversations about identity, belonging, and inclusion. Across industries, organizations are increasingly prioritizing opportunities to elevate diverse voices and foster deeper cultural understanding. AAPI Heritage Month offers a powerful moment to engage audiences in conversations that inspire empathy, challenge perspectives, and build stronger, more inclusive communities.

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.