Hire as a Speaker
Inspire Your Audience with Real Stories of Adventure, Friendship, and Community
Hey, I'm Josh. I'm not your typical speaker—I’m the kind of guy who’s chased wild dreams around the globe and built heartfelt connections right in my own backyard. I’ve completed the New 7 Wonders of the World, dug through ancient ruins in Israel, surveyed wildlife in South Africa, and created a local community group from scratch that now reaches tens of thousands. My talks don’t come from textbooks—they come from muddy boots, solo hostel stays, community potlucks, and hard-won personal growth.
What Makes Me Different
Authenticity, action, and a dash of wild. I’ve hosted nearly 500 group hikes, dozens of paint nights, game shows, and even techno-themed hide-and-seek in my own home. I’ve created pirate-themed escape rooms, cooked for strangers, cleaned city parks, and helped others launch their own initiatives. Every single one of these moments taught me something valuable—and those lessons are what I bring to your stage.
Stories I Share
- Why Machu Picchu at sunrise broke me down in the best way
- The real reason I ran for city council—and why I walked away
- Hosting dinner for 15 strangers with nothing in common (and what happened after)
- How losing love and finding wine in my mid-20s led to building something far greater than myself
- The day I covered someone’s insulin pump just because it felt right
- Trying to migrate to Ireland, only to realize Canada was already home
- The solo trip that changed how I see humanity forever
These aren’t sanitized or sugarcoated. They’re raw, human, and relatable. I’m not on stage to sell perfection—I’m there to remind people that growth comes from showing up, stumbling, and connecting anyway.
Topics I Speak On
- Friendship & Community in a Lonely World: How to create genuine connections in our hyper-connected, isolated era.
- Lessons from the Seven Wonders: What world travel taught me about purpose, people, and the smallness of our problems.
- Finding Yourself Abroad: Humbling stories of transformation from solo travel and the open road.
- Purpose-Driven Community: The DIY secrets to building meaningful gatherings, events, and a movement from scratch.
- From Introvert to Instigator: How I went from lonely to leading a vibrant, in-person social network—and how others can too.
Who Hires Me
I'm a great fit for:
- Community organizations and nonprofits that value connection, impact, and inclusivity
- Schools and universities looking for inspiring, real-world life lessons
- Corporate teams aiming to reconnect as humans, not just coworkers
- Conferences on travel, mental health, leadership, or social innovation
- Retreats or events where story and soul matter more than buzzwords
What You'll Get
When I speak, I don’t just present—I connect. My talks are:
- Backed by real-life experience (and the occasional mishap)
- Grounded, funny, and engaging (expect audience participation)
- Filled with stories that stick with people long after the event
- Custom-tailored to your group, tone, and desired takeaways
- Backed by optional Q&A, workshops, or casual hangouts after
Let's Make It Happen
If you're tired of surface-level inspiration and want to offer your audience something real—let’s talk. Whether you're planning a cozy fireside gathering or a full-scale event, I’m ready to bring stories, heart, and a fresh perspective.
Reach out now to chat dates, format, and fees. I’m based in Calgary but happy to travel.