by David Borzo

It was an exceptional start to the 2012 SmartTalk Connected Conversations here in Des Moines. World renowned primatologist and icon Dr. Jane Goodall provided it all Thursday night at the Civic Center of Des Moines; insight, fortitude, humor and, ultimately, hope for humanity – all wrapped up with a charming deportment of elegance and quiet resolve. Through her gentle and authoritative personality, she shared her touching story of growing up in WWII England, knowing at an early age that she wanted to be a naturalist.  She was determined to discover and learn everything that interested her, often on her own. Her resolve was only strengthened when she was told she can’t do something. As a child she learned empathy for nature though her mother’s guidance, and became determined to travel to Africa and study animals. She fell in love with Dr. Doolittle and Tarzan books – mimicking Dr. Doolittle’s talents to communicate with animals, and lamenting that Tarzan took “…that stupid wimpy Jane” for his mate. 

Dr. Goodall epitomizes all that the SmartTalk series promises. A charmer throughout her well prepared talk, her accomplishments and story are truly captivating. She credits her success to the many people in her life that lifted her up on their wings, starting with her mother who never squelched her dreams of going to Africa. And of course there was the celebrated archaeologist and anthropologist, Dr. Louis Leakey who started Jane Goodall on her anthropological journey, by securing the funding to send her into the world of the Gombe chimpanzees. Her work at the time was not considered “serious” by many scientists and academics, but she soon fascinated the world with her discoveries. She turned the scientific world upside down with her observations of chimps altering sticks and reeds in order to use them as tools to “fish for termites for a snack.” This was nothing short of a revolution in the thinking about primates at the time; throughout recorded history man was believed to be separate from the animal kingdom in part because of his ability to create and use tools.

Her legendary work for nearly 50 years has been an inspiration to millions, and she continues her work today with projects and supportive organizations under the collective umbrella of the Jane Goodall Institute. She spoke most fondly of working with young people in her Roots & Shoots organization. Roots & Shoots is all about promoting and making positive changes happen in our world—for people, for animals and for the environment. There are tens of thousands of young people that participate in Roots and Shoots, in over 16,000 groups, spread across 130 countries. She told the SmartTalk audience that she looks to young people as her “greatest reason for hope” when she considers the human condition, and its future. Dr. Goodall also spoke of the resilience and indomitable spirit of the human race– even if we have been lead astray of nature with destructive and unsustainable practices of pollution from pesticides, phosphates and carbon Emissions. 

“It is easy to be overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness as we look around the world. We are losing species at a terrible rate, the balance of nature is disturbed, and we are destroying our beautiful planet. We have fear about water supplies, where future energy will come from – and most recently the developed world has been mired in an economic crisis. But in spite of all this I do have hope.”

Dr. Goodall promotes her urgent but positive message by speaking to audiences all over the world – for an amazing 300 days a year. Her stamina at 76 years old is a force –including recent forays on 60 minutes and on NPR’s wait wait…don’t tell me!  And Thursday, even after several interviews and receptions complete with photos and fans, plus her hour and half presentation, Dr. Goodall still stayed on at the Civic Center late, signing autographs and talking to enthusiasts. Her generous nature and delicate sensibilities brought new distinction to the SmartTalk family of Connected Conversations.

Next up for SmartTalk:  Arianna Huffington and her message of “Becoming Fearless in Love, Work and Life,” on Feb. 21^st. SmartTalk, take me away!

By David Borzo of In Mind Matters 01/10/2012

It’s getting pretty exciting – the 2012 SmartTalk Connected Conversations is finally upon us here in Des Moines! This year’s season begins Thursday, January 19th with celebrated scientist and primate researcher, Dr. Jane Goodall. Talk about a world class authority and life voyager! Jane Goodall is the opening guest speaker for this eighth year of the SmartTalk series – a season that promises to deliver through May with inspiring and poignant messages of strength, fortitude and courage.

The world is fascinated with Jane Goodall’s social integration in to the world of the Gombe chimpanzees, and her legendary work is an inspiration to millions. Dr. Goodall will share her story – one that started in 1960 when she traveled to what is today’s Tanzania, with nothing more than a notebook and a pair of binoculars. The rest as they say is history! It will be fascinating to hear her inspiring story and learn more about her work on behalf of endangered species, and helping many other’s efforts to make the world a better place.

SmartTalk is famous for presenting remarkable women who inspire audiences with their stories of triumphs and struggles. Don’t let this year be an opportunity missed! If you put health and well-being on your New Year’s Resolutions list – and need to break out of the daily hum-drum – why not raise the roof with some girlfriends at SmartTalk once a month! Take advantage of what Connected Conversations really means…after all, girlfriends get together to talk – connect – and catch up! Everyone craves a connection, and SmartTalk is your opportunity to re-boot your motivational hard drive with meaningful time – real quality time. Remember, your SmartTalk ticket also includes a pre-show reception of hors d’oeuvres, giveaways, drawings and presentations by local businesses, all at the beautiful Civic Center of Des Moines…so rock the house!

Dr. Goodall will not just kick off the series with her fascinating story, but by sharing her inner motivations and dreams, from her earliest experiences to the latest news from the Jane Goodall Institute. Her message of hope and empowerment promises to personify what SmartTalk Connected Conversations is all about: passionate and accomplished women who have made a major difference in our world. Be there – share in it – be a part of this fascinating presentation and connect!
Subscriber Renewal subscriptions are still on sale for the 2012 season. (Subscriber tickets are sold for the entire series and range in price from $99 to $309.) Remember that Des Moines is one of only five cities across the country that hosts the Smart Talk Connected Conversations!
After Jane Goodall’s appearance on January 19th, the 2012 lineup SmartTalk speakers continue:

Arianna Huffington “On Becoming Fearless in Love, Work and Life” 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21st

Frances Mayes: “Under the Tuscan Sun: Journeys of a Passionate Traveler” 7:30 p.m. March 28th

Melissa Stockwell: “Lived a Lifetime by 25: From Baghdad to Beijing and Beyond” 7:30 p.m. April 17th

Marie Osmond: “An Evening with Marie Osmond” 7:30 p.m. May 14

Here is your chance to see Garrison Keillor in Des Moines this week, all because of the generosity of Martin and Melva Bucksbaum.

• 7 pm on Tuesday, October 25, 2011
• open to the public without charge
• Knapp Center (42 on the campus map) at Drake University

Thanks to the Bucksbaum family Drake University has been able to offer 26 varied and significant Bucksbaum Lectures since 1997 with such notables as local hero Bill Bryson, the late Tim Russert, Ken Burns, Maya Angelou, Salmon Rushdie, and Thomas Friedman.

Tuesday we will be treated to Garrison Keillor who has been known to spin a yarn and maybe more than one, and sing, and sing, and sing some more, with occasional political commentary. Although he will continue to write, Keillor will be retiring from performance on A Prairie Home Companion in 2013.

Get there early. You don’t want to miss this one.

photo courtesy of jeff at picasa.

Powerful Performances and Personalities are Ready!

Des Moines will welcome five highly motivational speakers for the upcoming Smart Talk Connected Conversations Season, starting with world renowned primate researcher, Dr. Jane Goodall who kicks off the popular lecture series in January of 2012. The Smart Talk series is well known for presenting remarkable speakers who inspire audiences with their personal experiences, triumphs and struggles. Your Smart Talk ticket also includes a pre-show reception of hors d’oeuvres, giveaways, drawings and presentations by local businesses.

By presenting passionate and accomplished women who have made a major difference in our world, Smart Talk provides us not only with their fascinating presentation and question/answer period; the audience also receives powerful inspiration, motivation, and experiences true connectedness to the speaker as well as the community.  

Subscriber Renewal subscriptions are currently on sale for the 2012 season – the eighth year in the series! New season subscription buyers can get tickets starting October 11^th. (Subscriber tickets are sold for the entire series and range in price from $99 to $309.) Remember that Des Moines is one of only five cities across the country that hosts the Smart Talk Connected Conversations!

This season’s fascinating speakers are:

Dr. Jane Goodall   “Making a Difference”    7:30 p.m. Jan. 19

Goodall will relate some of her fascinating years of studying the world of the Gombe chimpanzees. She will share with the audience some of her adventures―from her early observations and experiences to the latest news and stories from the field. She is founder of the Jane Goodall Institute; a UN Messenger of Peace, Dame of the British Empire and the subject of countless articles and television programs around the world.  Dr. Jane Goodall will show us her reasons for hope in these complex times,

 Arianna Huffington “On Becoming Fearless in Love, Work and Life”  7:30 p.m. Feb. 21^st

In 2005 Arianna Huffington launched a widely read and cited online news site “The Huffington Post”.  She is also a nationally syndicated columnist and an author of 13 books, and regularly addresses and promotes community solutions to social problems. Time Magazine listed her as one of the top 100 most influential people not once but TWICE!

Frances Mayes:  “Under the Tuscan Sun: Journeys of a Passionate Traveler”  7:30 p.m. March 28.

Bestselling author of “Under the Tuscan Sun” which was made into a successful movie, Mayes also is a professor, poet, traveler and seasoned Italian cook. She is also the founder of The Tuscan Sun Festival in Italy, and she’ll debut a new cookbook next year. An inspiring figure and speaker, Mayes talks to that part of all of us that wants to reach out and stretch our horizons!

Melissa Stockwell: “Lived a Lifetime by 25: From Baghdad to Beijing and Beyond” 7:30 p.m. April 17

Stockwell was the first female to lose a limb in Iraq – she was a commissioned officer in the Army when in 2004 the Humvee in which she was riding was hit by a roadside bomb. Since her recovery she has participated in marathons and triathlons, and won the 2010 world championship in the Para triathlon competition. An extraordinary woman with an extraordinary story to share.

Marie Osmond:  “An Evening with Marie Osmond”    7:30 p.m. May 14

Marie Osmond has been performing since she was 3 years old, with her famous family The Osmond Brothers, and on her own. She was the youngest female artist to have her debut record go to No. 1, and was the youngest person to host a national television variety show. Marie has performed on Broadway, hosted radio shows, written books and started her own business.

Sigourney Weaver

Image from Smarttalk.com

By David Borzo

She’s a three-time Academy Award nominated actress who has starred in some of the biggest movies of all time – including the biggest film ever made, James Cameron’s Avatar. Sigourney Weaver has been in over 60 films, starting with a six second role in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall in 1977, to her starring debut in the blockbuster Alien. She later reprised that role in Aliens, garnering both Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress. The Alien(s) films (four in all) is just one of the franchise series Sigourney has been in – the Ghostbusters’ run have also been huge hits (with Ghostbusters III on the drawing board for 2012!)

As the final speaker for the 2011 SmartTalk Connected Conversation™ series, Sigourney Weaver certainly brought the star power to the Des Moines Civic Center. And she also served up a vigorous dose of her personal passion – protecting the environment; she spoke at length about the impact our modern world makes on our environment. This was the main thrust of Sigourney’s presentation, with a lot of facts and figures to digest, and a passionate call to arms.

Weaver in Avatar

as Dr. Grace Augustine in Avatar  

She may have been at her best with the SmartTalk crowd though, when she declared her love and dedication to the power of women. She said that while she knows that she has many male fans, she is really working for that woman; that Mom in the back of the theater who needs an escape from all her work…just a few hours of diversion. Sigourney also shared her thoughts on motherhood, saying that if you need things to get done – really taken care of – take it to a mom. Women are amazing task-masters and make good things happen, especially when the health of their children and grandchildren are concerned.

As a woman who has had her own struggles, first as a nearly six foot tall and gangly high school misfit, trying to fit in (as she shared recently on Jon Stewart’s Daily Show) to her challenges of balancing career and family. Sigourney compared her life to baking a cake; wondering for years if she was ready; always checking if she had reached that balance. “Am I ready yet?” She found the answer finally at the age of 50, and it was yes; she was ready, she had finally found the balance.

Now, at 61 she has the symmetry of family, fighting for the environment and for making movies. A lot of movies: after 35 years she is still one of the busiest actresses in Hollywood with no less than seven films out or due out in 2011 – and another five so far slated for 2012. And as for her ecologically minded work, she has just been awarded the prestigious Rachel Carson Award from The National Audubon Society, for her dedicated and vocal advocacy for the protection of our ecology. She’s putting her star power to work for all of us, actually.

Isabella Rossellini, evolving beautifully

By David Borzo

Isabella Rossellini is an international star with a remarkable range of talents and experiences. From the famed face of Lancôme Cosmetics for 14 years, to gracing 500 covers of the biggest fashion magazines over many years, Isabella has been hugely successful. Add to that impressive success as an actress, director, writer, environmentalist warrior and philanthropist. Call her the poster child for personal and professional evolution. She has made herself over, time and time again, and this was one of her most important message for the engaged crowd at the SmartTalk Connected Conversation™ series.

She knows about how some careers for women can close with age…what to do? You evolve. She talked about her career development from modeling into acting; how even as a continued international success with Lancôme, she was forced out because she turned 40. Crazy. But now Isabella welcomes getting older, maintaining as she said, “with age comes freedom” and motivation to do things she hadn’t done before. She’s in the driver’s seat now.

Isabella Rossellini for Lancome Cosmetics in 1991 ad

Ms. Rossellini started her presentation with stories of her famous parents; the legendary film and stage actress Ingrid Bergman and the great Italian director Roberto Rossellini one of the founders of neo-realism in film. (Today, Isabella still takes after her film iconic mother.) Her loving memories of her parents was fascinating and funny – as when she shared her mother’s confusion during the filming of the classic Casablanca – with constant script changes coming every day – who she was supposed to love? Was it Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) or French resistance leader Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid)? Funny, that confusion seemed to only help the complexity of the film.

As an accomplished actress in her own rights, Isabella has worked with some of the best known names in Hollywood in her 40 films, including the critical masterpiece Blue Velvet and the culinary masterpiece The Big Night. She stars in a new major release due out this fall, Late Bloomers, starring alongside William Hurt.

Isabella was just honored in 2010 by the National Audubon Society for highlighting the majesty and plights of wildlife. Her love for nature drove her to direct and star in her outrageous series of short films called Green Porno, featured on the Sundance Channel, about the mating habits of wildlife.  We saw a couple of these shorts during the question and answer piece of the SmartTalk presentation, and they are imaginative and delightful. She is a daring director and performer!

Isabella Rossellini graced the SmartTalk crowd’s evening with her positive and fun-loving take on life. She was so comfortable in her skin, her experiences and wisdom was shared with intelligence and grace. Isabella was a real gift to the appreciative SmartTalk crowd.

photo of Isabella Rosselini

photo of lancome ad featuring Isabella Rosselini

By David Borzo

ABC News National News Correspondent Ann Compton

A captivated crowd of over 2,100 eager listeners attended the second event of the 2011 SmartTalk Connected Conversation™ series. ABC News pioneer Ann Compton provided fascinating insight into the workings of the most powerful office in the world, the Presidency of the United States. The reporting ace also shared her perspective on the powerful impact that women reporters and protesters are making in the staggering events taking place in Egypt and Libya over the last months. A powerful message for National Women’s Month, 2011, and Compton is certainly a powerful spokesperson.

Her decades at ABC News parallels a fascinating period of American history, from the final days of Watergate through several wars, failed and successful presidencies, domestic and international terrorism, right up to today as Iowa ramps up for the 2012 caucuses.

She generously shared anecdotes from her colorful career covering seven presidents, first ladies, and even some presidential mothers. Raising a family is tough in her business and Compton said that being pregnant seemed to revolve around the political seasons in Iowa and New Hampshire and ABC assignments between the White House and U.S. House of Representatives. (She did note that President Reagan’s “abbreviated” weekly schedules did afford her more time for the family!)
Compton’s experiences during Sept. 11, 2001 were riveting, starting with White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card and his famous whisper to President Bush, saying that “‘A second plane has hit the World Trade Center. America is under attack.’” She was then the only broadcast reporter allowed to remain aboard Air Force One during those dramatic hours when the President remained in the air, unable to return to Washington D.C.

She was also witness to countless key political events like the famous potato misspelling incident in 1988 with Dan Quayle. His reputation never recovered. There were also personal messages and notes received from the presidents that she covered, showing a human side to the powerful office.

Ann Compton personifies “old school” journalism; knowledgeable, investigative and balanced. Reporting the news without bias is a rare commodity these days, and she even recognized that “we [the press] don’t always get it right).”  As a featured speaker for SmartTalk, Ann Compton personifies the power of intelligent query. Even as the whole news business is changing – she pointed out the expansive power and immediacy of Twitter and You Tube – investigative journalism will persevere.
Afterwards at the meet & greet, Ms. Compton went from table to table chatting and sharing, well after the obligatory photos were taken. Her professional example and graciousness made for a fascinating evening.  I’m certainly looking forward to the rest of the impressive lineup for the 2011 SmartTalk lineup! 

World Read Aloud Day events are occurring globally with a special celebration in the Des Moines area that is free for families to attend.

Please join us:
In support of WRAD, Iowa World Read Aloud Day Ambassador, Angela Maiers, is hosting a live event at the Johnston Public Library, (515) 278-5233, 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, Iowa, on March 9, 2011 from 5-7 pm.

The following Iowa authors will be reading aloud. Copies of the authors’ books will be on sale during the event.

• Rebecca Janni to read: Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse
• Wendy Delsol will share her new book, Stork
• Joan Klostermann-Ketels will present, PersonaliTrees

Van Meter students (see flyer at right) and Super Librarian, Shannon Miller, will be giving a special presentation of What Literacy Means.

Finish up the night with a visit from Iowa’s own fantastic storyteller, Dan Wardell.

By David Borzo

Best–selling author Jeanette Walls opened the 2011 SmartTalk Connected Conversation™ series in Des Moines with an impressive and moving talk. Her fascinating experiences of growing up in a nomadic childhood and abject poverty took center stage, as they are chronicled in her incredible book The Glass Castle. Her memoir is of a childhood full of profound contradictions; her intelligent but dysfunctional parents were ill equipped to raise children, and her childhood was spent in shacks and abandoned cars across a wasteland of their failed dreams. Jeanette Walls survived am alcoholic dreamer of a father, and a mother who believed that kids should be left alone to gain an education and build immunity to suffering. Life did manage to serve up plenty of painful lessons.

Today she remembers that “The worst thing about being homeless is the shame, the embarrassment and the humiliation.” Despite her experiences, Ms. Walls now shares that her parent’s legacy was, at least, to teach their children to always reach for dreams and have hope.

Jeanette Walls/Image via wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons

From that heartrending childhood to work as a successful journalist for media outlets including New York magazine, USA Today, Esquire, and MSNBC, Jeanette Walls has now found some inner peace with her memoir. But writing the book was a thorny proposition; “There was no doubt it my mind that once people knew the truth about me that I was going to be ostracized, that people were going to throw rocks at me.” The Glass Castle turned out to be hugely successful and was on The New York Times Best Seller list for 100 weeks. And it’s currently in development to be a major motion picture from Paramount.

Her journey represents a powerful testament of resilience to millions now, as Walls advocates for all of us. Her SmartTalk presentation was straightforward and touching. Through the process of coming to terms with her childhood, she found that her parents had taught her to face her fears: the biggest demon was facing down her past. She said that fears are like vampires: in the dark they will suck the life out of you, but if you shine the light on them they will vanish.

A extraordinary story and positive message to share with the enthusiastic Civic Center crowd here in Des Moines. This is what SmartTalk is all about; the story, the human resilience, the message. It’s the power of enlightenment, and Jeanette Walls has the stuff.

A great start to the season and we’re looking forward to the rest of the 2011 SmartTalk lineup.