Speaker Programs Available
Signals from the Future
In today’s world of radical change, preparing for the future is no longer enough. We must work to create our future with intention or we will be overwhelmed. The strongest future visions are joined with a powerful narrative to create the motivation for teamwork and the audience engagement that achieves the impossible. The same leadership and communications principles that took the NASA to the Moon drove the record-setting success of the greatest science fiction franchise in the world. I draw on my experience with Apollo astronauts and writing for Star Wars to identify Signals from the Future, helping organizations shoot for the stars and succeed.
Live Your Hero's Journey
Each of us is the hero of our own life story, but only those who understand this are the unstoppable masters of their challenges, free from crippling anxiety, and living each day fully as an adventure with confidence and courage. Dr. David West Reynolds draws on the full breadth of his “Renaissance career” to offer this exciting transformational speaker program. No matter where you are in life, at a high point or at the lowest, Live Your Hero’s Journey delivers high-energy motivation and points the way ahead to new frontiers in personal growth.
Accomplishing the Impossible: The Apollo Moon Landings
The Moon used to be a byword for "impossible" but the 1960s Apollo program changed that forever. NASA accepted President Kennedy's challenge to land an astronaut on the moon by 1970 and delivered the impossible on schedule. Along the way 400,000 Americans worked together to build the greatest engineering works the world has ever seen. Dr. David West Reynolds worked with Apollo astronauts and was granted full access to NASA facilities so that he could present a vivid, hands-on account in his book "Apollo: The Epic Journey to the Moon." This educational motivational speaker program explains the great adventure—and illuminates the leadership principles that made Apollo successful despite its risky and unprecedented goals.
The Archaeology of Star Wars
When he was finishing his Ph.D in archaeology in 1995, David West Reynolds learned that the desert filming locations of the original Star Wars movie had become lost. Not even the producers of the movie knew where they were anymore! Reynolds decided to use archaeological techniques to track them down. He became the first person to revisit all those sites since the movie was made, and even discovered props abandoned in the Sahara desert. This speaker program is the exciting and entertaining story of a treasure hunt adventure across Tunisia that succeeded beyond a Star Wars fan's wildest dreams. This is Dr. Reynolds' most popular presentation and has been delivered at major museums and many other venues across the United States and Canada.
The Archaeology of Indiana Jones
Take a globe-trotting adventure and track down the incredible real history and archaeology behind the classic film "Raiders of the Lost Ark." We don't usually go to Hollywood for good history, or to Indiana Jones for good archaeology... but "Raiders" is a special case. This movie serves as an excellent popular gateway into surprising and exciting history. Dr. Reynolds spent years following in the footsteps of Indiana Jones, from Cairo to Peru, and in this speaker program he shares the educational and motivational story of his adventures and discoveries. (Bullwhip demonstration available where space permits.)
Testimonials
What Clients Are Saying...
Students raved about his storytelling, his unique experiences, and how personable Dr. David West Reynolds is.
In an age of cynicism, students of all backgrounds showed how thirsty they are for the optimism Dr. Reynolds conveyed. He inspired them, encouraged them, made them laugh, and embodied how to find joy in exploring the world.
I recommend his speaker programs for students of any age, but particularly for students in the early years of college who often are pressured to conform to others’ expectations rather than believe in, and work for, a journey that is right for them.
—Prof. Pedar W. Foss, Depauw University
"From the moment he entered the room, the audience was captivated. David West Reynolds' enthusiasm, passion, and humor were infectious to adults and kids alike. I cannot recommend his speaker programs enough and look forward to working with him in the future."
—Abby Cyrus, Adult Programs Manager, Charlestown-Clark Library
He enthralled our audiences with his captivating tales of adventure and scientific exploration. Over the course of five unique educational motivational speaker programs, Dr. Reynolds was informative, engaging and entertaining as he not only delivered the real history behind Raiders of the Lost Ark but also relayed an uplifting message to learners of all ages to never give up on their dreams. Dr. Reynolds possesses a unique ability to connect with audiences across a varied spectrum of age groups and education levels. He poured himself, mentally and physically, into each performance to create an exceptionally high quality presentation that few could achieve. I would highly recommend Dr. Reynolds and hope that I am fortunate enough to work with him again.
—Michael Weeks, Roper Mountain Science Center, South Carolina
I can't begin to express the positive impact the event with Dr. David West Reynolds had on me. From time to time I get to read about scholars and other amazing people in the news, but to be able to sit down and talk to a "Renaissance Man" like Dr. Reynolds was just a fabulous experience. This was clearly one of the highlights of my year."
—Morgan C., Drake High School Student, California
I wanted to reach out to thank you for being an advocate, that one voice to express the urgency of following your passions and not falling into the trap of complacency. Your presentations were truly inspiring. You have emboldened me and given me courage to explore and find out where my interests lie while still remaining grounded. Thank you.
—Eric L., University Student, Indiana
