ROBERT
LOUIS
DEMAYO

 

Available for keynotes, speaking engagements &

Private Events

featured talks

 

 

Embracing the Unknown:

The Art of Curiosity

This unforgettable talk invites students and young explorers to rediscover one of humanity’s most vital instincts—the urge to ask, learn, and grow. Through gripping true stories set in Africa’s wilds, the jungles of Sumatra, and the wilderness of Alaska, author and explorer Robert Louis DeMayo reveals how curiosity shapes our ability to survive, connect, and innovate. Listeners journey with him from a lioness’s gaze in Botswana to a face-to-face encounter with a family of orangutans—all moments where curiosity triumphed over fear. Along the way, we meet thinkers like Theodore Roosevelt and Everett Ruess—dreamers who turned their questions into action—and discover how curiosity is linked to adventure, resilience, and empathy. With humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom, this talk challenges students to embrace the unknown, see learning as an act of courage, and recognize that asking the right questions can open doors no map could ever reveal.

Pithecophilia:
Exploring Ape Heritage, Conservation, and The Explorers Club

This evocative talk traces one explorer’s lifelong pursuit of connection with humankind’s closest relatives—the great apes—and the landscapes that shaped them. From a fateful photograph in a middle-school darkroom to harrowing travels through Africa during the Rwandan genocide, this journey spans decades of personal discovery, field experience, and historical reflection. Woven through encounters with mountain gorillas, a silverback named Oscar, and the legacies of pioneers such as Carl Akeley and Dian Fossey, the talk illuminates the profound intersections between adventure, science, and conservation. Guests will follow a narrative that links the early age of exploration to modern efforts championed by The Explorers Club—revealing how inspiration, courage, and curiosity continue to bridge the gap between the dioramas of the past and the living wilds that still define our planet.

Recent Events and

speaking engagements

Verde Valley School

"Today, our IB Theory of Knowledge class had the incredible privilege of welcoming Robert Louis DeMayo — best-selling author, speaker, and adventurer — to share his insights on how curiosity can be a powerful antidote to anxiety. Through the art of storytelling, Robert reminded us that curiosity transforms fear into wonder — that every unknown can become an adventure when approached with an open and questioning mind."

 

"Thank you, Robert Louis DeMayo, for inspiring our thinkers, writers, and dreamers at Verde Valley School!"

 

 

(Zane Dickey, teacher, Theory of Knowledge Class, VVS )

 

 

The Explorers Club

 

SW Chapter Lecture Series

Sedona, Oct. 4th

Mary Fischer Theater

I was proud to be part of the team that brought this series of scientific talks to Sedona.

An honor to stand behind one of the Explorers Club's Expedition Flags. This year will be my 25th with The Explorers Club,

and 7th as the Chair

of the Southwest Chapter.

 

Sedona Charter School

"We were lucky to have Robert DeMayo grace our classroom with his captivating stories from around the world. The children were engaged and their imaginations were on fire by his mesmerizing storytelling."

 

 

(Ms.Maija, teacher, SCS)

 

 

Immaculate Conception Catholic School

 

" I invited DeMayo to share storytelling with my fourth graders as they were learning how to write their own stories. The students were completely captivated by his vivid details and engaging style, and they're still talking about his stories even now."

 

(Ms. Workman, ICCS, Cottonwood)

teacher TEstimonials

 

 

"Our VVS IB students were captivated by his
experiences traveling the world and the way he connects knowledge, emotion, and imagination through narrative.

His message was clear: stay curious, stay courageous, and keep writing your own story.

 

(Zane Dickey, teacher, VVS)

 

 

 

"Thank you so much for taking the time to visit our classes at HAHS. Our students loved hearing your stories, adventures,

and travel rules. Some have already begun reading your novels.

 

(Katie Henderson, teacher, HAHS)

Favorite student comments

 

 

" Thank you so much for coming to the class to tell your amazing stories.

I learned so much from them. They really sparked my mind.

I have a love for animals, so it was purrrrfect.

I am so curious after that." (Greta)

 

 

"I learned a lot! I like how you add detail to your stories.

I loved the story of the lion. It was so cool that you got sniffed

by a lion because that is once in a lifetime. (Katelynn)

 

 

"You taught me and the class so much!." (Aiva)

 

 

"I liked how you managed to survive those deadly moments. I think it’s fascinating that you have been in life-threatening situations and yet

are still alive. It's incredible. (Xander)

 

 

"How do you still smile after all that?" (Alexa)

 

 

"I like how you survive danger." (Duncan)

 

 

When I left home at twenty, I set off on an 18-month journey through forty countries—long before the internet made travel easy. Out of money after three months, I learned to be resourceful and kept going, driven by a deep curiosity and a passion for observing wildlife, especially primates. Over the next decade, I completed ten six-month trips and visited nearly 100 countries.

 

Life-changing moments with mountain gorillas in Congo and orangutans in Sumatra shaped my perspective and helped me process challenging experiences. These encounters taught me to see the world in a different light—something I now share with students to inspire them to connect with nature and discover new possibilities.

 

I look forward to bringing this unique perspective to your next event.

 

 

A Few former hosts

Immaculate Conception

Catholic School

 

Katahdin Public Library

 

Patten Lumberman's Museum

 

Presquile High School

 

Caribou High School

 

Veteren's Memorial Library

 

Dreamtime Guest House

 

 

Sedona Chater School

 

The Explorers Club

 

Hollis Area High School

 

Hollis Social Library

 

Lull Farm Orchard

 

Nashua Public Library

 

Tewksbury Public Library

 

 

Verde Valley School

 

Everett Ruess Festival

 

Toadstool Book Store

 

Barnes and Noble

 

Sedona Public Library

 

Sedona Red Rock High School

 

Beaver Brook Association