Baratunde Thurston
Keynote Speaker: Emmy-Nominated Host, Writer & Podcaster; Author, "How To Be Black"
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Categories:Technology, Author, Marketing, Social Media, College, Black Heritage, Diversity & Inclusion, Creativity, Inspirational, Business, Business Leadership, Futurism, Social Activism, Social Justice, Civil Rights, Storytelling, Commencement, Innovation, TED, Anti-Racism, Black History Month, Culture, Economy, Finance, Political, Virtual, Overcoming Adversity, Real Estate, Entertainment, Podcast Host, Thought Leadership, Disruptive Thinking
Baratunde Thurston Biography
Baratunde Thurston is an Emmy-nominated host with a varied career that includes working for The Onion, where he served as the Director of Digital until May 2012, producing for The Daily Show, and advising the Obama White House. He is also an accomplished writer with his book "How to Be Black" hitting the New York Times bestseller list in 2012. He hosts two podcasts: "How To Citizen" and "Life With Machines."
His ancestry includes a great-grandfather who taught himself to read, a grandmother who was the first black employee at the U.S. Supreme Court building, a computer-programming mother who took over radio stations in the name of the black liberation struggle, and an older sister who teaches yoga at her donation-based studio in Lansing, Michigan. Raised in Washington, D.C., under Mayor Marion Barry, Thurston has a long history of questioning authority and forging his own path.
His voice has been heard through various platforms, including the pages of Fast Company and the New York Times, the screens of HBO, Comedy Central, CNN, MSNBC, BBC, and the sound waves of NPR and podcasts such as Pivot, WTF, and Hello, Monday. In August 2009, he began hosting Popular Science's "Future Of" television show on the Science Channel, and from July 2022, he started hosting and executive producing a travelogue series on PBS called "America Outdoors." He has also hosted shows and stories on NatGeo and Discovery’s Science Channel and earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for hosting the Spotify/Mic series "Clarify."
Thurston has also made significant contributions to the media landscape. In 2006, he co-founded Jack & Jill Politics, a black political blog that provided insightful coverage of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, which was subsequently archived by the Library of Congress. He also served as a supervising producer for the digital expansion of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, which started in 2015. Baratunde serves on the boards of Civics Unplugged and the Brooklyn Public Library.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Baratunde Thurston and other top speakers and celebrities.
Baratunde Thurston Speaking Topics
Generally, and democracy specifically. He is also regularly invited to speak on The Future of News / Media and to discuss race, politics, comedy/satire and the media.
In this technology and future-oriented talk, Baratunde goes behind the scenes of his television show as well as his past digital strategy work at The Onion and other companies to give a deeper analysis of the issues raised in his exploration of the future. From self-driving cars to creepy Japanese robots to a real, functioning orgasmatron, Baratunde will share anecdotes, images and a thoughtful, provocative and humorous analysis of what the future might hold. Ideal for audiences with an interest in: technology, science, the future, television, TV production, media
Comedian and Former Onion Director of Digital Baratunde Thurston pushes the envelope on the latest web platforms. Whether personifying The Swine Flu on Twitter, treating a Foursquare mayor battle as legitimate politics or live-blogging his experience clearing an exit ramp on Lakeshore Drive during Chicago's epic blizzard of 2011, he's found ways to do more than post photos and beg for followers. Far beyond delivering comedy and shock value, Baratunde has also delivered results and proven an ability to engage communities. Tune in for an entertaining and insightful journey that explores the limits of your favorite digital platforms and gets at the very heart of what it is to be human. Ideal for audiences with an interest in: marketing, social media, digital strategy, the future of media, future of news
Baratunde Thurston Videos
How do I book Baratunde Thurston to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Baratunde Thurston for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Baratunde Thurston, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Baratunde Thurston or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Baratunde Thurston for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Baratunde Thurston, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Baratunde Thurston, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Baratunde Thurston speak about?
Baratunde Thurston is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Technology, Author, Marketing, Social Media, College, Black Heritage, Diversity & Inclusion, Creativity, Inspirational, Business, Business Leadership, Futurism, Social Activism, Social Justice, Civil Rights, Storytelling, Commencement, Innovation, TED, Anti-Racism, Black History Month, Culture, Economy, Finance, Political, Virtual, Overcoming Adversity, Real Estate, Entertainment, Podcast Host, Thought Leadership and Disruptive Thinking.
Where does Baratunde Thurston travel from?
Baratunde Thurston generally travels from Brooklyn, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Baratunde Thurston?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Baratunde Thurston for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Baratunde Thurston for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Baratunde Thurston or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Baratunde Thurston is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Technology, Author and Marketing. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. Baratunde Thurston generally travels from Brooklyn, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Daymond John, Hill Harper and Van Jones. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Baratunde Thurston for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Baratunde Thurston Speaking Topics
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Digital Future & Storytelling
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The Role of Satire / Comedy in Politics
Generally, and democracy specifically. He is also regularly invited to speak on The Future of News / Media and to discuss race, politics, comedy/satire and the media.
-
Correspondent From The Future
In this technology and future-oriented talk, Baratunde goes behind the scenes of his television show as well as his past digital strategy work at The Onion and other companies to give a deeper analysis of the issues raised in his exploration of the future. From self-driving cars to creepy Japanese robots to a real, functioning orgasmatron, Baratunde will share anecdotes, images and a thoughtful, provocative and humorous analysis of what the future might hold. Ideal for audiences with an interest in: technology, science, the future, television, TV production, media
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Creative Digital Strategy That Works
Comedian and Former Onion Director of Digital Baratunde Thurston pushes the envelope on the latest web platforms. Whether personifying The Swine Flu on Twitter, treating a Foursquare mayor battle as legitimate politics or live-blogging his experience clearing an exit ramp on Lakeshore Drive during Chicago's epic blizzard of 2011, he's found ways to do more than post photos and beg for followers. Far beyond delivering comedy and shock value, Baratunde has also delivered results and proven an ability to engage communities. Tune in for an entertaining and insightful journey that explores the limits of your favorite digital platforms and gets at the very heart of what it is to be human. Ideal for audiences with an interest in: marketing, social media, digital strategy, the future of media, future of news
VIDEO
Baratunde Thurston Videos
BOOKS
REVIEWS
Baratunde Thurston Reviews
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The Predictive Index - Jun 01 2021
NEWS
Baratunde Thurston News
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Baratunde Thurston Gets His Own PBS Show (Exclusive) – The ...
Mar 24, 2021 ... The writer, activist and comedian will host a new, six-part PBS series, America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston. The show will follow him on an ...
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'The Daily Show With Trevor Noah' Hires Baratunde Thurston to ...
Fans will have access to more content across multiple platforms and devices.
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The Daily Show's Baratunde Thurston on comedy in the age of Trump
But in 2016, Jon Stewart isn't leading the way anymore. ... Baratunde Thurston was hired last year to join Noah as supervising producer in charge of digital ...
FAQS
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How do I book Baratunde Thurston to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Baratunde Thurston for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Baratunde Thurston, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Baratunde Thurston or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Baratunde Thurston for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Baratunde Thurston, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Baratunde Thurston, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Baratunde Thurston speak about?
Baratunde Thurston is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Technology, Author, Marketing, Social Media, College, Black Heritage, Diversity & Inclusion, Creativity, Inspirational, Business, Business Leadership, Futurism, Social Activism, Social Justice, Civil Rights, Storytelling, Commencement, Innovation, TED, Anti-Racism, Black History Month, Culture, Economy, Finance, Political, Virtual, Overcoming Adversity, Real Estate, Entertainment, Podcast Host, Thought Leadership and Disruptive Thinking. -
Where does Baratunde Thurston travel from?
Baratunde Thurston generally travels from Brooklyn, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Baratunde Thurston?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Baratunde Thurston for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Baratunde Thurston for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Baratunde Thurston or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
