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:
Washington, DC, July 8th, 2025, Politics & Prose, kickoff event for my new book, Dinner with King Tut!, 7pm
New York, New York, July 9th, 2025, The Strand bookstore, 3rd floor Rare Book Room, for my new book, Dinner with King Tut!, 7pm
The World Wide Interwebs, July 28th, 2025, The Ashland library system in Massachusetts, for my new book, Dinner with King Tut!, 6:30pm EST
The World Wide Interwebs, August 14th, 2025, The Smithsonian Institution, for my new book, Dinner with King Tut!, 6:30pm EST
Hudson, Ohio, August 21st, 2025, Hudson Library & Historical Society , for my new book, Dinner with King Tut!, 6:30pm
Bangalore, India, September 19th-21st, 2025, Neev Literature Festival, for my new book, Dinner with King Tut! (exact time and place TBD)
Lewes, Delaware, September 26-28th, 2025, History Book Festival, for my new book, Dinner with King Tut! (exact time and place TBD)
New Haven, Connecticut, October 7th, 2025, Yale University, for my new book, Dinner with King Tut! (time and venue TBD)
Nashville, Tennessee, October 18th-19th, 2025, Southern Festival of Books, for my new book, Dinner with King Tut! (exact time and date TBD)
Sarasota, Florida, November 10th, 2025, Off the Page literary festival, for my new book, Dinner with King Tut!, 6pm
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, December 18th, 2025, Siouxland Library downtown branch, for my new book, Dinner with King Tut! (time TBD)
Palm Springs, California, February 17th, 2026, Literary Society of the Desert, for my new book, Dinner with King Tut!, circa 1pm
Detroit, Michigan, March 17th-18th, 2026, Detroit Country Day School, (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:
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