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 my books, the talks use funny, strange, and poignant stories to enliven science and science history for the audience. I’ve made the talks accessible to everyone, and never stray into anything technical. (No equations, I 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 a little lighter fare. I usually speak for 45 minutes (though I can shorten the talk if need be), and I’m always happy to stick around afterward to answer questions or chat, too.

Upcoming talks:

Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, February 25th, 2025, Mt. Lebanon Public Library, 7pm

Columbus, Georgia, April 25th, 2025, undergraduate/graduate research conference, Columbus State University (time and place TBD)

Northfield, Illinois, April 29th, 2025, Sunset Ridge 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