Emmy-Nominated Host & Bestselling Author
Baratunde Thurston: Biography at a Glance
- Through his work on Life with Machines, Baratunde Thurston helps audiences navigate the AI revolution, offering practical frameworks for how people and organizations can adapt to a future shaped by intelligent technology.
- Baratunde cuts through the fear and hype surrounding AI, helping audiences understand how to use emerging technologies responsibly, productively, and in ways that enhance human creativity and connection.
- As the creator of How To Citizen, he helps audiences tackle today's biggest challenges—from technological disruption and climate change to civic engagement and community building—with clarity and actionable insight.
- Baratunde connects technology, leadership, racial equity, and environmental stewardship into a compelling vision for how individuals and organizations can thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
- Combining humor, intellect, and practical wisdom, Baratunde equips audiences with the tools and confidence to navigate change and lead with greater purpose in uncertain times.
Videos
Biography
Baratunde Thurston is an Emmy-nominated storyteller, producer, and thought leader weaving stories of interdependence across our relationships with nature, humans, and technology. As the host of PBS's America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston and the creator of the acclaimed How To Citizen podcast, Baratunde has redefined citizenship as a practice of active participation, responsibility, and community building. His newest show, Life with Machines, explores how we can live well with technology, not just endure it.
As a keynote speaker, Baratunde is transformative, blending humor, intellect, and actionable insights that resonate deeply with audiences across industries. With a focus on the power of "citizen as a verb," he invites audiences to explore how they can contribute meaningfully to their workplaces, communities, and society. Baratunde unpacks complex societal issues with empathy and a call to action. From the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and the rising importance of environmental stewardship to the significance of racial equity and inclusive leadership, his talks inspire audiences to think critically, act responsibly, and lead purposefully. By offering practical tools and frameworks, Baratunde equips audiences to build a future where technology enhances humanity, diversity drives progress, and democracy becomes an active, collective pursuit.
A New York Times best-selling author of How To Be Black and a TED speaker praised by journalist Brian Williams as "one of the greatest of all time," Baratunde connects dots between culture, climate, politics, and technology in ways that empower and enlighten. A board member of Civics Unplugged, he continues to inspire through his work and commitment to a more connected, compassionate world.
Topics
Life with Machines — AI and the Future of Everything
AI is everywhere. How real is it? Can we control it? What even is it? Is your toaster planning a coup? Baratunde Thurston doesn't have all the answers, but in realizing that the new rules for this new world are still being written, he sees incredible opportunity. In this talk, Baratunde shares his long personal history with tech (his mother was a coder in the early 1980s) and offers helpful frameworks for deciding if and how to use this new wave of AI tools. He also shares useful, specific, and entertaining examples of how he's used AI to enhance his writing, grow his brand, boost productivity, improve collaboration, and even become a better mixologist and husband. Rather than simple fear or dismissal, he shares ways of thoughtfully and responsibly engaging with these technologies. We can prompt AI to do all sorts of things for us, but if engaged responsibly, it can also prompt us to be more human.
From Me to We, A Story of Interdependence
There are too many crises: climatological, technological, democratilogical? Even the use of the word crisis has reached crisis levels. While there are policies and investments and direct actions needed in response, there is also a story. What we tell ourselves about ourselves shapes how we show up in these times. Baratunde has been finding stories across our relationships with the natural world, with our fellow humans, and even with the machines that provide strong hints of where we need to go and how to get there. From traditional indigenous worldviews to A.I., a new story is being born based on values of interdependence, which is actually the oldest story of them all.
How To Citizen With Nature
In this uplifting and eye-opening talk, Baratunde Thurston takes you on a journey across America’s outdoor spaces, sharing powerful stories from his PBS series America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston as well as his projects with the National Forest Foundation and outdoor-friendly brands. Through humor, heart, and lived experience, he explores how nature can serve as common ground in a divided nation, offering a path to connection, economic opportunity, and healing.
More than just an environmental issue, our relationship with nature shapes our democracy, our communities, and our future. Baratunde challenges us to see ourselves as part of nature, not apart from it, and reveals why conservation is not only a moral imperative but also an economic powerhouse. Whether it’s climate justice, access to green spaces, or the untapped potential of sustainable industries, this talk will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to step outside—with purpose.
Let's Deconstruct Racism and Write A Better Future for Us All
As we discuss America’s racial reckoning alongside issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, we shouldn't just think in terms of quotas or grievances. Instead, we should think about stories — the ones we tell ourselves about “us” and the ones we tell ourselves about “them.” Baratunde sees an opportunity to tell a story of “we” instead. This talk is inspired by his TED talk, but goes much further, offering a State of the Union from Baratunde’s perspective and prescriptions for a better future. Through his own story, examples from the real world, and the strategic integration of humor, Baratunde invites audiences to build businesses, organizations, and societies that recognize the value of us all.
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FAQs
How do I book Baratunde Thurston for my event?
Contact CAA Speakers at (424) 288-2898 or speakers@caa.com to book Baratunde Thurston to speak at corporate or private events, keynote speeches, speaking engagements, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances.
Quick booking process- Email CAA Speakers with event details
- Get availability confirmation within 24 hours
- Review speaking fee and contract terms
- Sign agreement and finalize logistics
As one of the most influential talent agencies in the world, CAA handles all speaking engagements from contract to event day coordination.
Who is Baratunde Thurston's booking agent?
CAA Speakers is the preferred booking agency to contact for Baratunde Thurston’s speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com for all Baratunde Thurston in-person appearances and keynote speaking requests.
Contact Baratunde Thurston's agent- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: caa.com/caaspeakers
- Response: Within 24 hours
CAA Speakers can check Baratunde Thurston's speaking calendar with direct access to availability and official pricing. While many websites may list Baratunde Thurston, CAA Speakers is the direct source for authentic information about availability and pricing.
What is Baratunde Thurston's speaking fee?
Baratunde Thurston's speaking fee varies by event type, location, and requirements. As a top keynote speaker, Baratunde Thurston's fee reflects their expertise and market demand.
Speaking fee factors:- Event type and audience size
- Travel distance and logistics
- Presentation length and customization
- Virtual vs. in-person delivery
Additional costs: Travel, accommodation, A/V requirements, and optional meet-and-greets.
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for Baratunde Thurston's current speaking fee and detailed cost breakdown.
How much does it cost to book Baratunde Thurston as a keynote speaker?
The cost to book Baratunde Thurston as keynote speaker includes their speaking fee plus travel and logistics expenses.
Total booking cost includes:- Baratunde Thurston's keynote speaking fee
- Travel and accommodation
- Technical requirements and A/V setup
- Optional add-ons like book signing and meet & greets
- Virtual presentations
- Local/regional events
- Off-peak booking periods
- Flexible event dates
Email speakers@caa.com for Baratunde Thurston's exact booking cost and customized pricing proposal.
How to contact Baratunde Thurston for speaking engagements?
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for all Baratunde Thurston speaking engagements.
Official contact for Baratunde Thurston bookings:- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: https://www.caa.com/caaspeakers/baratunde-thurston
- Response time: 24 hours
Include your event date, location, audience size, and budget when contacting CAA about booking Baratunde Thurston.
Is Baratunde Thurston available for virtual speaking events?
Yes, Baratunde Thurston speaks at virtual events with professional-grade equipment and interactive presentation style.
Baratunde Thurston's virtual event options:- Live virtual keynotes with Q&A
- Interactive workshops and breakouts
- Hybrid events (in-person + virtual)
- Pre-recorded presentations
Virtual events offer global reach, flexible scheduling, and reduced travel costs while maintaining Baratunde Thurston's engaging presentation quality.
Contact CAA Speakers for Baratunde Thurston's virtual event availability and technical specifications.
What events can I book Baratunde Thurston for?
Book Baratunde Thurston for corporate conferences, industry events, private functions, and virtual presentations. Baratunde Thurston customizes content for any audience size or event type.
Event types:- Corporate meetings and conferences
- Industry summits and trade shows
- Private executive retreats
- Educational institution events
- Virtual and hybrid conferences
Baratunde Thurston engages audiences from private executive meetings to large conferences with thousands of attendees.
Contact CAA Speakers to discuss how Baratunde Thurston can customize their presentation for your specific event.
Baratunde Thurston booking information and availability
Check Baratunde Thurston's speaking availability through CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com. Book 3-6 months in advance for best date selection during peak seasons (September-November, March-May).
Availability factors:- Event date and location
- Speaking fee and budget
- Lead time for booking
- Peak conference seasons
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Contact CAA early in your planning process to secure Baratunde Thurston for your preferred event date.
Book Baratunde Thurston keynote speaker through CAA
Book Baratunde Thurston through CAA Speakers for guaranteed authentic representation and professional event coordination. CAA is the preferred booking agent for Baratunde Thurston, with direct access to their speaking availability and decades of experience representing the world’s top keynote speakers.
CAA booking advantages:- Direct access to Baratunde Thurston's calendar
- 24-hour availability confirmations
- Professional contract negotiation
- Full logistics coordination
- Industry-leading client service
Trusted by Fortune 500 companies for their most important speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com to book Baratunde Thurston for your next event.
Will Baratunde Thurston speak at private events?
Yes, Baratunde Thurston speaks at private corporate events, executive retreats, board meetings, and exclusive functions.
Private event types:- Executive retreats and board presentations
- Client entertainment and VIP gatherings
- Corporate celebrations and award ceremonies
- Private dinners and exclusive functions
Private event benefits: Customized content, enhanced interaction, complete confidentiality, and flexible scheduling.
Contact CAA Speakers for Baratunde Thurston's private event availability and confidential pricing proposals.
How quickly will I get a response about booking Baratunde Thurston?
CAA Speakers responds to Baratunde Thurston booking inquiries within 24 hours during business days. Complex requests or international events may take up to 48 hours for detailed proposals.
Response timeline:- Initial acknowledgment: Within 24 hours
- Availability confirmation: 24-48 hours
- Detailed pricing proposal: 48-72 hours
- Urgent requests: Same-day priority response
Include complete event details (date, location, audience size, budget) for fastest response times.
How far in advance should I book Baratunde Thurston?
Book Baratunde Thurston 3-6 months in advance for best availability, especially during peak speaking seasons. Early booking ensures better date selection and rate negotiations.
Recommended booking timeline:- 3-6 months: Optimal availability and pricing
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Peak seasons: September-November and March-May book fastest. Contact CAA Speakers early for priority consideration.
How do I get Baratunde Thurston pricing information?
Get Baratunde Thurston pricing information by contacting CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com with your event details. Receive detailed cost breakdown within 24-48 hours with no obligation to book.
For accurate pricing, include:- Event date and location
- Audience size and type
- Event format and duration
- Budget parameters
CAA provides transparent pricing with all costs included - speaking fee, travel, accommodation, and technical requirements.
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