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.
Upcoming talks:
Palm Springs, California, February 17th, 2026, Literary Society of the Desert, for my new book, Dinner with King Tut!, circa 1pm
World Wide Web, March 5th, 2026, for Skeptical Inquirer Presents, 7pm EST (link and details to follows)
Tucson, Arizona, Saturday, March 14th, 2026, author panel for the Tucson Festival of Books, Science City Main Stage, 10am
Tucson, Arizona, Saturday, March 14th, 2026, author panel for the Tucson Festival of Books, Integrated Learning Center Room 120, 4pm
Detroit, Michigan, March 17th-18th, 2026, Detroit Country Day School (time TBD)
Williamsburg, Virginia, April 3rd, 2026, The College of William & Mary, biology department seminar, 3pm (location TBD)
Providence, Rhode Island, April 17th, 2026, Providence Athenæum, for my new book, Dinner with King Tut!, 5pm
World Wide Web, May 4th, 2026, Parthenon book club, 7pm EST (link and details to follows)
Petoskey, Michigan, July 30th, 2026, Bay View Association annual talk, for my new book, Dinner with King Tut!, 7:30pm (venue 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