Buzz Aldrin
Apollo 11 Astronaut and Rocket Hero; One of the First Two People to Walk on the Moon; Advocate for Space Tourism
A living hero, an American patriot and a space pioneer, Buzz Aldrin is a reminder of the adventurous spirit of our country and stands as one of the bravest explorers of all time. 2008 marked NASA's 50th Anniversary and 2009 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. Several film documentaries and TV series commemorating America's achievements in space and the historic moon landings have already been released with acclaim, and Buzz Aldrin appears in all of these special productions, including: In the Shadow of the Moon (Sundance Film Festival Winner of the World Cinema Audience Award); The Wonder of It All; and the Discovery Channel television series, The NASA Missions: When We Left Earth.
Lance Armstrong
7-Time Winner of the Tour de France; Founder of the LIVESTRONG Foundation; Bestselling Author
Lance Armstrong won the prestigious Tour de France an unprecedented seven times after overcoming a protracted fight with cancer. He has further inspired countless others through his story and his cancer support foundation, LIVESTRONG. Through his charitable organizations and programs, Armstrong has helped raise over $325 million for cancer survivors. The effectiveness of the Lance Armstrong Foundation has made Armstrong an international hero.
Richard Cheney
46th Vice President of the United States; Secretary of Defense; Congressman, House Leadership; White House Chief of Staff; Chairman and CEO of Halliburton
For over 40 years, Dick Cheney has served at the highest levels of the US Government and private sector. As White House Chief of Staff in the aftermath of Watergate and America’s withdrawal from Vietnam, Wyoming’s Congressman and a member of the House Republican leadership during the Reagan years, Secretary of Defense as the Cold War ended and America defeated Iraq in Desert Storm, CEO of Halliburton, and Vice President of the United States on 9/11 at the dawn of the Global War on Terror, Cheney has participated in many of the events that have shaped our nation for over four decades. Few Americans alive today can match the breadth and depth of his experience and service.
As a statesman, policymaker, businessman, and politician – who never lost an election in which his name was on the ballot--Cheney’s insight, experiences and knowledge are unparalleled.
Bill Clinton
Founder, The William J. Clinton Foundation; 42nd President of the United States of America
Bill Clinton was elected President of the United States in 1992, and again in 1996—the first Democratic president to be awarded a second term in six decades. President Clinton’s core values of building community, creating opportunity, and demanding responsibility resulted in unprecedented progress for America.
Ann Curry
Emmy Award-Winning Journalist; News Anchor, NBC’s Today Show; Anchor, Dateline NBC
News anchor and esteemed journalist Ann Curry, of NBC’s Today, is one of the most visible and personable female broadcasters in America. Her belief in the power of knowledge and the importance of service echo through her work, allowing her to impact millions of lives daily.
Elizabeth Edwards
Senior Fellow, The Center for American Progress; Bestselling Author of Resilience and Saving Graces; Passionate Advocate for Healthcare Reform & Children's Causes
A passionate advocate for healthcare reform and children’s causes, as well as an accomplished attorney, Elizabeth Edwards has been tireless champion on behalf of important social issues.
Marlin Fitzwater
The Only Press Secretary in United States History to be Appointed by Two Presidents (President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush), 1987-1992
Few are better qualified to comment on the Presidency than the legendary Marlin Fitzwater, who stood next to two Presidents (Reagan and Bush Sr.) during cold war summits, economic downturns, and eight military conflicts. He gave over 850 press briefings in six years, winning praise for his celebrated wit, intelligence, and ability to clarify the issues.
William Frist, M.D.
18th Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, 2003-2007; U.S. Senator from Tennessee, 1995-2007; Heart-Lung Transplant Surgeon; Leading Voice on the Healthcare Debate; Board Member, Clinton Bush Haiti Fund; Co-chair, Partnership for a healthier America; Founder, Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE)
Doctor and Senator Bill Frist is both a nationally recognized heart and lung transplant surgeon and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader. Currently Professor of Business and Medicine at Vanderbilt University, he is uniquely qualified to discuss the challenges and solutions in health care policy. Senator Frist is consistently recognized among the most influential leaders in American healthcare and is one of only two individuals to rank in the top ten of each of the five inaugural Modern Healthcare Magazine annual surveys of the most powerful people in healthcare in the United States.
Tipper Gore
Advocate, Author, Photographer, Mother; Mental Health Policy Advisor to President Clinton; Founder of Tennessee Voices for Children; Co-Founder and Chair of Families for the Homeless
Named one of the Ten Most Admired Women in the World, Tipper Gore has dedicated her life to public service. She is a hands-on advocate for issues related to mental health, homelessness, and family values.
Gary Hall, Jr.
10-Time Olympic Medalist
A three-time Olympian, ten-time Olympic medalist, and hero to millions of swimmers and diabetes patients, Gary Hall Jr. is clearly an American treasure.
Queen Noor
Queen of Jordan; Founder & Chair, King Hussein Foundation; Founding Member, Global Zero (international initiative working towards the elimination of all nuclear weapons worldwide)
Her Majesty Queen Noor is an international humanitarian, activist and an outspoken voice on issues of global peace-building, nuclear non-proliferation, women's empowerment, and cross-cultural understanding. She is actively involved in a number of international organizations dealing with global peace-building and conflict recovery and currently serves as an expert advisor to the United Nations on these issues.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT! As a founding member of Global Zero, an international initiative working towards the elimination of all nuclear weapons worldwide, Queen Noor has made many media appearances in the past few months addressing the importance of nuclear non-proliferation, as well as addressing prospects for peace in the Middle East. Click on the following links to video clips. MSNBC Morning Joe / CNN Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer / CNN Campbell Brown / Huffington Post Column
Mary Lou Quinlan
CEO/Founder Just Ask a Woman; Named the “Oprah of Madison Avenue” by The Wall Street Journal; Bestselling Author, Just Ask A Woman; Women's Correspondent, CBS Early Show
Since founding the strategic marketing consultancy Just Ask a Woman in 1999, Mary Lou Quinlan has advised dozens of blue chip corporations, including Wachovia, Best Buy, Clairol, GlaxoSmithKline, Ikea and Pepsi on what women want.
Della Reese
World Famous Singer, Actress, and Television Star; Spokeswoman for the American Diabetes Association; Ordained Minister
Della Reese is a name synonymous with entertainment par excellence. Known for her unique singing style and her starring roles on some of the most successful television programs of the last thirty years, Ms. Reese always delivers an engaging and inspirational message. In 2002, she announced that she suffers from Type-2 Diabetes. Today, Ms. Reese acts as spokeswoman for the American Diabetes Association, traveling the United States to raise awareness about the disease.
Cokie Roberts
Political Analyst for ABC News; NPR Senior News Analyst; Former Co-Anchor, This Week with Sam Donaldson & Cokie Roberts
Long-time ABC Congressional Correspondent and leading political pundit, Cokie Roberts is one of the most esteemed and brilliant broadcast journalists of our time.
Al Roker
Weatherman and Host of NBC’s Today Show; Host, Wake Up with Al on the Weather Channel; Bestselling Author; Multimedia Entrepreneur
Al Roker brings to the podium the same charisma and sense of humor that have propelled him to number one in Americans' hearts. Whether emceeing events or delivering a closing keynote, his ability to improvise and sling out his legendary one-liners are a huge hit with audiences.
Ben Sherwood
Bestselling Author, The Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life; Founder and CEO of TheSurvivorsClub.org ; Former Executive Producer of ABC’s Good Morning America and Senior Broadcast Producer of NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw
; Bestselling novelist & author of Charlie St. Cloud, which is now a major motion picture starring Zac Efron
In tough times, who bounces back and who doesn’t? After losing a job or home, who finds a new one and who gives up? After a devastating medical diagnosis, who beats the odds and who doesn’t? And perhaps most important: What do the world’s most effective survivors and thrivers know that we don’t? Ben Sherwood is a leading authority on the fascinating and surprising answers to these essential questions. With riveting true stories, cutting-edge scientific research, and his own adventures inside some of the world’s most elite survival schools, Sherwood reveals how to beat the odds and overcome almost every imaginable hardship. An award-winning journalist and the former executive producer of Good Morning America, Sherwood message is both informative and inspiring. Everyone is surviving something right now, he says. And everyone possesses at least some of the strengths necessary to overcome adversity. Do you have what it takes? Sherwood will help you discover the answer.
Amy Silverstein
Author of the Highly Acclaimed Memoir, Sick Girl; Attorney
Author, attorney, and speaker Amy Silverstein was a vibrant 24-year-old Phi Beta Kappa type-A student at NYU law when she learned she had a failing heart; suddenly, it was heart transplant or die. Now, 20 years later, Amy’s new heart is beating strong, despite a 10 year prognosis. Recent award-winning author of the highly acclaimed 2007 memoir Sick Girl, a bold, unforgettable look at full-throttle life-threatening disease, Amy gives audiences a rare and riveting glance at what it takes to succeed – medically and personally – against the odds. She portrays her quest to be a survivor, as well as a prolific author, with wit and insight that inspires us all to grasp onto our lives and our passions, and not to let go – no matter what.
Gloria Steinem
Writer, Editor, Feminist Activist; Co-Founder, National Women’s Political Caucus; Co-Founder, Ms. Magazine
A devoted activist and writer, Gloria Steinem is undeniably one of the most important voices of the modern feminist movement.
Andrew Young
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, 1977-1979; United States Congressman, 1973-1977; Mayor of Atlanta, 1982-1990; Co-Founding Principal and Chairman, GoodWorks International
Ambassador, Congressman, Mayor, humanitarian, ordained minister, international businessman, and sports enthusiast, Andrew Young has been serving and shaping our country for almost 50 years.
Sparky Anderson
Three-time World Series-Winning Manager; Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame; Founder of CATCH Charity
Inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame in July 2000, Sparky Anderson not only left his mark on the game, he also has made a lasting impression on every person he has touched in life. He is a leader who knows what it takes to get the best out of a team.
Lauren Bacall
Legendary Star of Screen and Stage
One of the silver screen's most famous leading ladies, Lauren Bacall draws her audience through memories of the movies and shows they love so well, leaving the crowd clapping and clamoring for more.
Kathy Bates
Academy Award® winning Actress; Director; Ovarian Cancer Survivor
When Kathy Bates speaks, she is applauded not only as an Oscar winner and as one of Hollywood's most sought-after performers but for what might be the most challenging and inspirational role of her career: -- cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in August of 2003, and is now in remission.
Lorraine Bracco
Actress; American Heart Association “Go Red for Women” Spokesperson
Lorraine Bracco is best known for her roles as Dr. Jennifer Melfi on the hit HBO TV series, The Sopranos and Karen Hill in Goodfellas. At the podium, Bracco delivers an inspiring and engaging message about women’s health and wellness issues, such as overcoming depression and heart health.
Dan Buettner
New York Times best-selling author, The Blue Zone: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest ; Founder and President, Blue Zones™; Emmy Award-winning documentary producer ; Three Guinness World Records for cycling six continents; Writer for Outside, LIFE, and National Geographic magazines
New York Times best-selling author, Dan Buettner, has delivered the secrets to living longer to over 250 audiences nationwide. Using National Geographic photography, he tells the stories of four of the world's longest-lived cultures and offers nine habits for people to get up to 10 extra good years out of life.
Joseph Califano, Jr.
Former Secretary
of Health, Education and Welfare; Chairman of the
Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University
Joseph Califano Jr., a former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, founded Columbia University’s Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse and has spent much of his life crusading for a safer, healthier America.
Dan Clark
Award-winning Athlete; Author
Dan Clark's story is a metaphor for the challenges any of us face. With humor, sensitivity and candor, he outlines the principles that supported him through the process of change - a process that he now understands is the process of growth.
Christine Clifford Beckwith
Industry Leading Salesperson; Bestselling Author; Cancer Survivor
Christine Clifford Beckwith’s experience taught her how to sell products, services and herself. Now an Award-Winning, Professional Speaker, Bestselling Author of You, Inc. The Art of Selling Yourself and Not Now...I'm Having a No Hair Day!, and Industry-Leading Salesperson, Christine Clifford Beckwith shares her experiences and successes with audiences worldwide.
Roger Crawford
Former Tennis Pro; Athletic Hall of Fame, Loyola-Marymount University; Author
For 20 years, Roger Crawford has been serving up grand slam programs to audiences throughout the world. As a professional speaker, he works with organizations that want to achieve success, despite the obstacles, in order to inspire a winning attitude towards work and life. Sports Illustrated calls Roger one of the most accomplished physically challenged athletes in the world. A recognized champion on and off the tennis court, Roger is a living example that all of us have the capacity to achieve success despite the obstacles.
Mort Crim
Celebrated Journalist; Creator and Host of the Award Winning Radio Series, Second Thoughts
As a journalist, radio personality and news anchorman, Mort Crim provides a positive perspective on a world persistently portrayed by the media as both negative and dangerous. He offers solid reasons for optimism and direction to a society that seems to have lost its compass and gives reasons for hope to a country that is anxious about its future. Using wit, humor and plain talk, Mort reminds his audience about what’s truly important in life.
Mike Ditka
ESPN NFL Analyst
; Legendary NFL Coach
A legendary NFL player and coach, Mike Ditka understands the mental attitude necessary for success.
In his speeches, Mike Ditka shares his and team-building skills and drive to be the best with audiences across the country. His presentation, ACE – Attitude, Character and Enthusiasm, demonstrates how lessons he learned in a life of commitment and attention to the fundamentals resulted in victory and success – both on the field and off.
Bob Dole
United States Senator, 1969-1996; Senate Majority Leader, 1985-1987, 1995-1996
Senator Bob Dole’s effectiveness as a consensus-builder has earned him the admiration of Republicans, Independents and Democrats alike. On issue after issue, Senator Dole is a statesman who has made his mark.
Hugh Downs
Award-Winning Journalist; Political Commentator
Hugh Downs, one of the most familiar American television figures in the history of the medium, was anchor for ABC News’ 20/20 from 1978 to 1999, concentrating on issues of medicine, science, family, adventure, aging, space and the arts. He has enjoyed a distinguished career in radio and television as a reporter, newscaster, interviewer, narrator and host. In 1985 he was certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as holding the record (10,000 hours) for the greatest number of hours on network commercial television.
Linda Ellerbee
Journalist; Award-Winning Television Producer; Bestselling Author; Breast Cancer Survivor
Linda Ellerbee is a woman of spirit and determination who has enlightened and entertained us for almost 40 years. Revered as a pioneer, a survivor and role model for young and old, Ellerbee charms sell out audiences across the country. She speaks to them about surviving a changing world with her heart intact.
Whether as a keynote speaker, moderator, panelist or host, Linda Ellerbee puts audiences at ease while inspiring them with her gifts of honesty, courage, hope, and laughter. There is a reason Linda Ellerbee gets standing ovations. She is a real person speaking to real people, to the heart from the heart.
Brenda Feigen
Founder, Women’s Action Alliance; President, National Breast Cancer Education and Legal Center; Co-Founder of Ms. magazine with Gloria Steinem
Brenda Feigen, a crusader for feminism and women’s rights, has long guided and shifted the discussion and progress made for women over the last few decades in the U.S. Having survived cancer, Ms. Feigen has much to say on law, health, and women in America.
Geraldine Ferraro
First Woman Vice-Presidential
Candidate
An eloquent defender and constant
champion of women’s rights, Geraldine Ferraro was the first woman
vice-presidential candidate on a national ticket, setting an example
for decades to come.
Betty Ford
First Lady; Founder of the
Betty Ford Center
Former First Lady Betty Ford has been extremely influential in pushing the nation to fight against chemical dependency, breast cancer, and AIDS. For decades she has provided a shining example of leadership and dedicated public service to her nation.
Earvin Johnson
NBA Hall of Famer
Earvin Johnson, Jr. may best be known for his winning ways during his illustrious 13-year NBA career, but today the basketball legend directs his efforts toward his growing business and philanthropic empire, Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE).
Beverly Kirkhart
Breast Cancer Survivor; Bestselling Author
Beverly Kirkhart is a nationally known bestselling author with 225,000 copies of My Healing Companion in print, and co-author of Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul: 101 Healing Stories About Those Who Have Survived Cancer. Ms. Kirkhart has chosen to dedicate her life to encourage and inspire others to triumph over adversity in all areas of their lives.
Edward Koch
As a former leader of one of the world's greatest cities, Ed Koch brings a fresh perspective on the politics, interests, cultures, and concerns that shape the lives of American citizens.
Morton Kondracke
Executive Editor, Roll Call; Author, Saving Milly: Love, Politics and Parkinson’s Disease
As a Washington journalist since the early '60s, Mort Kondracke’s observations and amusing anecdotes possess the weight of his considerable experience. In his speeches, he'll tell you what's going on in Washington and what changes the next elections might bring.
Charles Krauthammer
Pulitzer Prize Winner for Distinguished Commentary; Washington Post columnist; Fox News contributor
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Commentary and named by the Financial Times the most influential commentator in America, Charles Krauthammer breathes new life into tired debates, offering clear and compelling arguments that everyone else overlooks.
Richard Lewis
Comedian; Actor; Author
Named on GQ’s list of the Most Influential Humorists of the 20th century, Richard Lewis is known to millions from his thousands of TV and radio appearances, HBO comedy specials and his sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall.
Susan Love
President, Dr.
Susan Love Foundation; Pioneer in Women’s
Health and Breast Cancer Advocacy
A pioneer in women’s health and breast cancer advocacy, Dr. Susan Love has dedicated her life to the work of cancer prevention, focusing on her passion of educating women across America.
Deborah Norville
Emmy Award-Winning Anchor
After gaining years of experience with numerous broadcast positions for CBS, veteran journalist and two-time Emmy award-winner Deborah Norville is credited with bringing new strength and respect to the syndicated news magazine Inside Edition, which she has hosted since 1995.
Dean Ornish
Founder, President and Director of Preventive Medicine Research Institute; Bestselling Author
Recognized by LIFE magazine as “one of the 50 most influential members of his generation,” Dr. Dean Ornish has spent the past 28 years demonstrating that comprehensive lifestyle changes can reverse the progression of severe health conditions, without drugs or surgery.
Mark Plotkin, Ph.D.
The Shaman’s Apprentice ; Time Magazine “Hero for the Planet”; The Skoll Foundation's 2008 "Social Entrepreneur of the Year"
World-renowned explorer and spell binding story-teller, Mark Plotkin is a Time magazine “Hero for the Planet,” and star of the Academy Award nominated IMAX documentary, Amazon. Respected and revered for his work in the Amazon Rainforests, Plotkin’s fascinating adventures inspire audiences to dream big, take risks, overcome adversity, and look beyond the obvious or expected, pushing the limits of commonly accepted concepts. Over the course of his 20 year journey deep in the jungles, Plotkin has endured some of the most bizarre encounters with nature. Whether sleeping in a tiny thatched hut, suffering from vampire-bat bites, eating delicacies like boiled rat, or nearly being electrocuted by a giant eel, Plotkin continues to race against time in saving the rainforest, the ancient knowledge of its shamans and its enchanted and endangered existence.
Diane Rehm
Host of Acclaimed Radio Show
With her nationally acclaimed radio show, Diane Rehm has developed a following of millions who appreciate her down-to-earth but sophisticated analysis and interviews for the day’s top news stories.
Betty Rollin
Correspondent, NBC News; Bestselling Author
Betty Rollin is a shining inspiration, having survived two difficult fights with breast cancer with the bravery to publicize and write about her experiences for public awareness.
Isabella Rossellini
Actress; Filmmaker; Model
Isabella Rossellini has stayed at the forefront of two of the most rigorous and unforgiving industries, having spent years as a successful model and actress. She was the face of Lancôme for more than a decade and continues to make thought-provoking films today.
Don Shula
Former Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins; Coached Dolphins to Only Perfect Season in NFL History; Won 2 Super Bowls
Don Shula is a football coach unmatched in NFL history. He won Super Bowl titles in 1972 and 1973, one of only five coaches in NFL history to win consecutive Super Bowls. His 1972 team went 17-0, recording the only undefeated season in NFL annals. He was elected to the Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
Bernie Siegel
Founder, Exceptional Cancer Patients
A pioneer in the concept of patient empowerment, Dr. Bernie Siegel stands at the forefront of the medical ethics issues our society grapples with today. Motivational, inspirational and down-to-earth, he is one of the world's foremost physicians, authors, speakers and advocates for individuals facing the challenges of all chronic illnesses.
Catherine Steiner-Adair
Clinical Psychologist; School Consultant; Author
Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair is an internationally recognized clinical psychologist specializing in education, speaking to all types of audiences about her latest research into child development and psychology. She also does public speaking at corporate retreats, for non-profit organizations, and fund raisers.
Joe Torre
Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers
One of the most successful coaches in baseball history, Joe Torre led one of the most fabled franchises in sports history, the New York Yankees, for 11 years, and now manages the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Doug Ulman
President & Chief Executive Officer, LIVESTRONG
Doug Ulman is a three-time cancer survivor and nationally recognized cancer advocate. In his role as President and Chief Executive Officer Doug is ultimately responsible for the strategic vision and direction of LIVESTRONG. Doug speaks frequently to corporations, civic organizations, schools and Universities.
Marcia Wallace
Emmy-Winning Actress; Comedian
Marcia Wallace is a dedicated and acclaimed actress, having won an Emmy for her role on The Simpsons. A 15-year survivor of breast cancer, Ms. Wallace speaks movingly on her difficult but uplifting story.
Paula Zahn
Former Host, Paula Zahn Now ; Emmy Award Winning Broadcast Journalist
Seven-time Emmy Award Winner and former CNN host, Paula Zahn is one of broadcast journalism’s most direct, insightful and intelligent figures.
Ethan Zohn
Co-founder, Grassroot Soccer; Public Speaker; Television Host
The winner of Survivor: Africa and professional international athlete, Ethan Zohn established himself as a champion for social change in Africa through his involvement with Grassroot Soccer, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to mobilize the global soccer community in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
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Following the release of his newest book, Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis, Vice President Gore appeared on MSNBC's Morning Joe for an in-depth interview addressing the climate crisis, economic issues surrounding "green" choices, and a look at the Obama administration (view clip).
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