Charles Wheelan

Charles Wheelan

Keynote Speaker: Yahoo Journalist and NPR Contributor; Author of Naked Economics and Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data

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Charles Wheelan Biography

Charles Wheelan is a senior lecturer and policy fellow at the Rockefeller Center at Dartmouth College. He joined the Dartmouth faculty fulltime in June of 2012.

Wheelans most recent book, Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data, was released by W.W. Norton in January of 2013. Three weeks later, it reached the New York Times bestseller list for hardback nonfiction. The San Francisco Chronicle called it a "brilliant, funny new book." The New York Times described Wheelan as the "Dave Barry of the coin-flipping set."

From 2004 to 2012, Wheelan was a senior lecturer in public policy at the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago. He taught several courses on understanding the policy process for Masters students. For the 2004-05 academic year, he was voted Professor of the Year in a Non-Core Course by the Harris School student body.

In March of 2009, Wheelan ran unsuccessfully for Congress as the representative from the Illinois 5th District in the special election to replace Rahm Emanuel. In its editorial assessing the race, the Chicago Sun-Times wrote, "Voters will find a ballot filled with impressive and thoughtful candidates . . . especially Charlie Wheelan, a University of Chicago lecturer who combines a razor-sharp mind with a boatload of charm and an impressive expertise in economics and foreign policy. We expect great things from Wheelan in the future."

Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Chicago, Wheelan was Director of Policy and Communications for Chicago Metropolis 2020, a business-backed civic group promoting healthy regional growth in the Chicago area.

From 1997 to 2002, Wheelan was the Midwest correspondent for The Economist. His story on Americas burgeoning ex-convict population was the August 10, 2002, cover story. He has written freelance articles for the Chicago Tribune, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and other publications.

Wheelans first book, Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science, was published by W.W. Norton & Company in 2002. The book, an accessible and entertaining introduction to economics for lay readers, was released in paperback in September 2003 and is now published in 13 languages, including Arabic and Hebrew. The Chicago Tribune described Naked Economics as "clear, concise, informative and (gasp) witty."

In 2007, Naked Economics was selected by 360 Degrees of Reading as one of the 360 books that every college bound student should read, alongside authors ranging from Sophocles to Malcolm X. Naked Economics was also selected as one of "The 100 Best Business Books of All Time" by 800-CEO-READ.

Wheelan is also the author of 10 Things No Commencement Speaker Has Ever Said andAn Introduction to Public Policy, a comprehensive textbook on public policy published by W.W. Norton in November of 2010.

Wheelan holds a Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Chicago, a Masters in Public Affairs from Princeton University, and a B.A. from Dartmouth College. He lives in Chicago with his wife and three children.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Charles Wheelan and other top speakers and celebrities.

Charles Wheelan Speaking Topics

What the Heck is Going On?

In this talk, Charles Wheelan reveals how a series of events led to the economic crisis we face today--and how to avoid them in the future. Also: now that we are in this mess, how, practically, can we get out of it? What, specifically, does your industry need to know to weather this financial crisis, and how do you come out the other side, robust and profitable once again?

Economic Priorities for the Country

We are facing a seismic shift in the economic future of the industrialized world, and U.S. leaders will have to blaze a near-perfect direction of economic oversight, including crucial moves with taxes, stimulus programs, regulation and increased government involvement in key financial industries. Find out what these moves are, how they affect your industry, and what the future holds in store, economically, in this fascinating talk.

Naked Statistics Meets Big Data: Stripping the Dread from the Data

"Data are to statistics what a good offensive line is to a star quarterback." Everyone’s talking about big data. But what we should focus on, instead, is statistics. Data is like a resource—a raw fuel that is abundant, but formless. It’s just there. Statistics are what allow us to turn data into intelligence, into pragmatic action in government, the corporate world, science, innovation, education. Without this interpretive filter, we are left asking bad questions, which leads to bigger bad answers. In this talk, Charles Wheelan turns data on its head, makes it comprehensible, and—with humor and real world examples—shows you how to turn this suddenly “sexy” concept into something actually, and endlessly, useful. His case studies are relatable and resonant: How does Netflix know which movies you’ll like? Why is autism on the rise? How can we catch schools that cheat on standardized testing? How can we become more effective marketers? These are just a handful of examples. He also customizes for various industries, pulling out the newest and most illuminating intelligence. In the end, you’ll come to see how you can exploit the valuable data all around you to solve your thorniest problems. Wheelan’s keynote is witty, fast-moving, and essential—it’s one of the most useful statistics and big data talk you’ll hear. Also, the most fun!

Charles Wheelan Videos

Naked Statistics - Stripping the Dread from the Data- Presentation by ...
TEDxDartmouth - Charlie Wheelan - Why You Should Love Government

How do I book Charles Wheelan to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Charles Wheelan 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 Charles Wheelan, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Charles Wheelan or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Charles Wheelan for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Charles Wheelan, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $20,000 - $30,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Charles Wheelan, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Charles Wheelan speak about?

Charles Wheelan is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Professors, Author, Culture, Leadership and Economy.

Where does Charles Wheelan travel from?

Charles Wheelan generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Charles Wheelan?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Charles Wheelan 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 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Charles Wheelan 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 Charles Wheelan 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.


Charles Wheelan is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Professors, Author and Culture. The estimated speaking fee range to book Charles Wheelan for live events is $20,000 - $30,000. Please contact us for virtual event fees. Charles Wheelan generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Tal Ben-Shahar, Paul Bloom and Charles Robertson. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Charles Wheelan for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 19/03/2025.

Charles Wheelan Speaking Topics

  • What the Heck is Going On?

    In this talk, Charles Wheelan reveals how a series of events led to the economic crisis we face today--and how to avoid them in the future. Also: now that we are in this mess, how, practically, can we get out of it? What, specifically, does your industry need to know to weather this financial crisis, and how do you come out the other side, robust and profitable once again?

  • Economic Priorities for the Country

    We are facing a seismic shift in the economic future of the industrialized world, and U.S. leaders will have to blaze a near-perfect direction of economic oversight, including crucial moves with taxes, stimulus programs, regulation and increased government involvement in key financial industries. Find out what these moves are, how they affect your industry, and what the future holds in store, economically, in this fascinating talk.

  • Naked Statistics Meets Big Data: Stripping the Dread from the Data

    "Data are to statistics what a good offensive line is to a star quarterback." Everyone’s talking about big data. But what we should focus on, instead, is statistics. Data is like a resource—a raw fuel that is abundant, but formless. It’s just there. Statistics are what allow us to turn data into intelligence, into pragmatic action in government, the corporate world, science, innovation, education. Without this interpretive filter, we are left asking bad questions, which leads to bigger bad answers. In this talk, Charles Wheelan turns data on its head, makes it comprehensible, and—with humor and real world examples—shows you how to turn this suddenly “sexy” concept into something actually, and endlessly, useful. His case studies are relatable and resonant: How does Netflix know which movies you’ll like? Why is autism on the rise? How can we catch schools that cheat on standardized testing? How can we become more effective marketers? These are just a handful of examples. He also customizes for various industries, pulling out the newest and most illuminating intelligence. In the end, you’ll come to see how you can exploit the valuable data all around you to solve your thorniest problems. Wheelan’s keynote is witty, fast-moving, and essential—it’s one of the most useful statistics and big data talk you’ll hear. Also, the most fun!

Charles Wheelan Videos

Naked Statistics - Stripping the Dread from the Data- Presentation by ...
TEDxDartmouth - Charlie Wheelan - Why You Should Love Government
  • How do I book Charles Wheelan to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Charles Wheelan 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 Charles Wheelan, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Charles Wheelan or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Charles Wheelan for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Charles Wheelan, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $20,000 - $30,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Charles Wheelan, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Charles Wheelan speak about?

    Charles Wheelan is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Professors, Author, Culture, Leadership and Economy.
  • Where does Charles Wheelan travel from?

    Charles Wheelan generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Charles Wheelan?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Charles Wheelan 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 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Charles Wheelan 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 Charles Wheelan 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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