Available for Lectures, Book Clubs

& Private Events

My lectures explore a rich tapestry of themes that extend beyond the pages of my books. I share insights from my personal experiences, such as how spending time with primates helped me manage my anxiety, illustrating the therapeutic benefits of nature and animal interaction.

My talks also delve into historical figures, such as how curiosity and determination enabled a young Theodore Roosevelt to overcome physical frailty or what made Everett Ruess unique. Additionally, I bring to light lesser-known stories, like that of an unsung Australian hero, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse narratives in history.

Give me a call. Chances are, I have a talk that would suit your needs.

Featured lectures

How Students Can Overcome Anxiety Through Animal Encounters

The difference between our brain and those of primates can unlock ways to move away from stress. Discover how time spent in the wilderness can help you better deal with the modern world. Understand why happiness is always attainable once you learn to step back and merge with nature.

How Curiosity Helped Young Explorers Thrive

Theodore Roosevelt, Everett Ruess and Michael Fomenko are three young explorers who excelled because they embraced their challenges. Learn how curiosity pulled them forward and opened doors that were closed to others. Explore how the world is different for those who embrace the unknown.

Schedule a call

TEstimonials

"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)

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

Katahdin Public Library

Patten Lumberman's Museum

Presquile High School

Caribou High School

Veteren's Memorial Library

Dreamtime Guest House

The Explorers Club

Hollis Area High School

Hollis Social Library

Lull Farm Orchard

Nashua Public Library

Tewksbury Public Library

Everett Ruess Festival

Toadstool Book Store

Barnes and Noble

Sedona Public Library

Sedona Red Rock High School

Beaver Brook Association

Book clubs

Below are two of my novels that are popular with Book Clubs.

The Legend of Everett Ruess is a historical fiction account of a vagabond who roamed the Southwest in the early thirties. I imagine Everett as a cross between a young Indiana Jones and a young Walt Whitman. He painted landscapes and wrote beautiful letters—eighty of which his parents collected after he disappeared. He came to the Southwest in the early thirties when he was sixteen and traveled for four years, living with Hopi and Navajo while

exploring the Southwest. Edward Abbey wrote about Everett in Desert Solitaire and Jon Krakauer in Into the Wild.

The Sirens of Oak Creek is a historical mystery that takes place over a 1,200-year period. There are Sinaguans and Mayans, Apaches and Spaniards, Pioneers and modern Sedonans in this mix of history and mythology told by eight women. It won four national awards, including one for female empowerment. Visiting West Fork or Indian Gardens isn’t the

same after reading it.