Speaking
Kean has given talks in three dozen states and ten different countries, and his unique take on science has made him a consistently popular speaker at museums, colleges, libraries, science conferences, literary festivals, and other events – even a “science cabaret.”
Like his books, the talks use funny, strange, and poignant stories to enliven science and science history for the audience. He makes the talks accessible to everyone, and never strays into anything technical. (No equations, promise!) In fact, the talks are a great fit for both a general audience who want to approach science through colorful characters and narrative history, as well as scientific groups who want to learn more about the history of their field or need some lighter fare. The talks usually run for 45 minutes (though they can be shortened if need be), and he’s happy to stick around afterward to answer questions or chat.
To arrange a speaking engagement, please email Christie Hinrichs at Authors Unbound.
You can view my speaking profile here.
Upcoming talks:
Petoskey, Michigan, July 30th, 2026, Bay View Association annual talk, for my new book, Dinner with King Tut!, 7:30pm (venue TBD)
Wilmington, Delaware, October 6th, 2026, either at the Natural History Museum or the New Castle Library (exact venue and time TBD)
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, November 9th, 2026, Wake Forest University (exact venue and time TBD)
Birmingham, Alabama, December 3rd, 2026, University of Alabama-Birmingham (exact venue and time TBD)
If you have any questions, or want to know what dates I’m available, please get in touch.
Subjects for the talks include:
Dinner with King Tut, about the rogue archaeologists recreating the foods, tools, weapons, and technologies of lost civilizations
The Icepick Surgeon, about scientific/medical ethics and crimes committed in the name of science
The Bastard Brigade, about the madcap plot to stop the Nazi atomic bomb
Caesar’s Last Breath, about the wilds of our atmosphere
The Dueling Neurosurgeons, about the most astounding patients in neuroscience history
The Violinist’s Thumb, on hidden stories buried in our genes and DNA
The Disappearing Spoon, on the wonders of the periodic table
Life as a writer, and popularizing science