For nearly three decades, the Distinguished Speakers Series of Southern California has brought thought-provoking voices to the region, offering audiences insights on topics ranging from technology to culinary arts to global affairs.
Founded by sisters Kathy Swan Winterhalder and Sue Swan, the Pasadena based operation has series hosts events Redondo Beach, Newport Beach, and Thousand Oaks. Long Beach’s Terrace Theater is the newest city on their lineup.
Now in its fourth year in Long Beach, the series continues to draw attention with past speakers like Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai and former President George W. Bush.
This season kicks off with comedian and former “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah on October 14.
Winterhalder says these shows feel like community gatherings, where attendees reconnect in the lobby, creating a buzz before the speakers take the stage.
“There’s so much excitement, we often have to flash the house lights to get everyone seated,” Winterhalder shared with a laugh.
The Distinguished Speakers Series offers an alternative to the typical night out, inviting audiences to explore new ideas and perspectives. For the speakers, it’s a chance to engage intimately, as though they were part of a living room conversation, rather than delivering a formal lecture.
The selection process for these speakers is driven by community input, with residents voting from a list of 400 potential guests to help create a lineup that is as diverse as the communities they serve.
“These shows are such a wonderful mix of community members,” Winterhalder said. “You don’t see many places today that are so intergenerational.”
Tickets for the series are available only as season passes, with one speaker featured each month from October to May. Get yours at Speakersla.com. Check out the lineup for the 2024 season:
Trevor Noah, October 14
Photo via Speakersla.com
Emmy Award-winning comedian and former host of The Daily Show, will bring his signature humor and insight to the Distinguished Speaker Series this fall. Noah, known for transforming The Daily Show into a multimedia sensation, has captivated global audiences with his stand-up performances and bestselling memoir Born a Crime. His latest tour, “Off the Record,” spans 28 U.S. cities, while his forthcoming book, Into the Uncut Grass, is set for release this month. Noah’s work extends beyond entertainment, with his Trevor Noah Foundation supporting education initiatives for underserved youth in South Africa.
Malcolm Gladwell, November 21
Photo via Speakersla.com
Malcolm Gladwell, bestselling author and one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people, is known for his unique ability to make complex ideas accessible through engaging storytelling. His books, including The Tipping Point, Talking to Strangers, and Outliers, have reshaped how we understand decision-making, success, and human behavior. As co-founder of Pushkin Industries, Gladwell hosts the popular podcast Revisionist History, where he revisits overlooked historical moments. A longtime staff writer for The New Yorker, Gladwell continues to captivate audiences with his thought-provoking insights into society and culture.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, January 16
Photo via Speakersla.com
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent and an Emmy Award-winning journalist, is renowned for his expert reporting on health and medicine. A practicing neurosurgeon, Gupta has reported from war zones and disaster areas worldwide, providing both medical assistance and trusted information. As a leading voice during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gupta authored World War C, which offers critical insights on the pandemic and future preparedness. His latest bestseller, Keep Sharp, focuses on maintaining brain health at any age.
Pete McBride & Kevin Fedarko, February 13
Photo via Speakersla.com
Photographer and filmmaker Pete McBride, alongside writer Kevin Fedarko, embarked on an extraordinary year-long adventure through the Grand Canyon, traversing 750 miles end to end—an endeavor accomplished by only a handful of adventurers. Their journey highlighted the challenges facing this natural wonder, including overdevelopment and pollution from nearby uranium mining, ultimately earning them the title of National Geographic’s “Adventurers of the Year.” McBride, a self-taught artist with two decades of experience, has documented over 75 countries for prestigious outlets, while Fedarko has dedicated his career to writing about adventure and conservation, authoring acclaimed works on the Grand Canyon. Together, their collaboration sheds light on the importance of preserving wild spaces for future generations.
Zanny Minton Beddoes, April 24
Photo via Speakersla.com
Zanny Minton Beddoes made history as the first female Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, a role she has held since 2015 after a distinguished 25-year career with the publication. Known for her incisive analysis of global economic affairs, she delivers compelling insights on issues ranging from emerging markets to U.S. politics, skillfully contextualizing developments like COVID-19 within the broader economic landscape. Minton Beddoes, recognized as one of Forbes’ “Most Powerful Women in the World,” has earned multiple Loeb Awards for her journalism and holds degrees from Oxford and Harvard. Her engaging presentations combine sharp wit with deep knowledge, captivating audiences while providing valuable perspectives on the future of the global economy.
Emily Chang, May 22
Photo via Speakersla.com
Emily Chang is an Emmy Award-winning journalist renowned for her expertise in global technology and business trends. After 12 years as the executive producer and host of Bloomberg Technology, she now creates compelling series for Bloomberg Originals that explore the intersection of technology, culture, and society. Chang is also the author of the bestselling book Brotopia, which addresses gender inequality in Silicon Valley, and she is a passionate advocate for diversity in the tech workforce. In her upcoming talk, she will provide valuable insights into the evolving tech landscape, particularly the implications of AI and emerging trends shaping our future.
