The E Speaker Series is a nonprofit organization bringing world-class dynamic speakers to the Oakland County community, to engage, enrich, and entertain; to energize, enchant, and enlighten.

Each speaker will spark meaningful and thought-provoking conversations, bringing our community together as we learn.

The E Speaker Series is a nonprofit organization bringing world-class dynamic speakers to the Oakland County community, to engage, enrich, and entertain; to energize, enchant, and enlighten.

Each speaker will spark meaningful conversations that inspire and engage.

2025 Season:

Season tickets for all three 2025 E Speaker Series presentations can be purchased for $100 each by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre Box Office.

Individual tickets to each presentation are $40 apiece. 

Tuesday, May 13th, 7pm, Meadow Brook Theatre

Cady Coleman

Former NASA Astronaut and 

A true American success story, Cady Coleman is a former NASA astronaut and retired USAF Colonel with more than 180 days in space accumulated during 2 space shuttle missions and a 6-month expedition to The International Space Station.  

Cady Coleman is the author of “Sharing Space: An Astronaut’s Guide to Mission, Wonder, and Making Change.” She inspires anyone to overcome obstacles, having personally done so in a competitive, high-performance environment, in a role that wasn’t built with women in mind. Brave, thoughtful, and funny, Cady captures the human side of the astronaut experience and challenges us to question the impossible. Hers is not only a story about space exploration, it’s a roadmap for navigating life.

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com, or by calling the Box Office at Meadow Brook Theatre. 

Tuesday, September 9th, 7pm, Meadow Brook Theatre

John O’Leary

Author, Podcaster, and Speaker: Survivor 

Once expected to die, John O’Leary now teaches others how to live.  An accomplished speaker, author and podcaster, John shares his perspective to awaken you to life’s potential and energize you to live more thoughtfully, more boldly and more inspired.  

Having been burned on 100% of his body as a 9-yr old child, John has not only survived, but is personally committed to reminding us of the limitless potential within our lives when we say “yes” to being used for good.

His books can be purchased through his website, JohnOlearyInspires.com, or through any bookstore. We recommend Novel, our local independent bookshop in downtown Rochester.

Join us at Meadow Brook Theatre to hear John’s story, and be inspired to find your own. 

Tuesday, October 28th, 7pm, Meadow Brook Theatre

Rochelle Pennington

Author and Great Lakes Expert

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, the Great Lakes ship lost to the bottom of Lake Superior. Rochelle Pennington will take us through the story of this loss and see how it connects us to our history.  Rochelle Pennington has a talent for telling a spellbinding story, breathing life into the past and making it relevant to our lives today.

Those old enough remember the sinking of the Fitzgerald and the loss of the entire crew of 29 probably know it best through Gordon Lightfoot’s song. Rochelle Pennington will reveal the story within the event, and you’ll be moved by her superb presentation. The timing is perfect to honor an important piece of Great Lakes shipping history. 

Join us as we remember this moment in our Michgian history. To purchase Rochelle’s books on Great Lakes shipping history, visit Amazon.com or check with your local book seller. 

The 2025 Season of the E Speaker Series is sponsored by the following local businesses and community leaders.

We are grateful to our sponsors for believing in our vision for this new program in the Greater Rochester community, and we hope these events will create a sense of community and provide a vibrant space for all.

The 2025 Presenting Sponsor is