A comprehensive list of the top 100 frequently asked questions (FAQs) that associations typically have when they are interested in booking a public speaker specializing in suicide prevention or mental health in the workplace. The goal is to understand the common concerns, logistical inquiries, and content-related questions these organizations raise during the booking process. Please focus on questions that cover topics such as speaker qualifications, presentation content, customization options, audience engagement, technical requirements, pricing, scheduling, and expected outcomes. Structure the output as a numbered list, with each FAQ clearly stated as a question.

Speaker Qualifications & Expertise
Q: What are your qualifications in mental health or suicide prevention?
A: I’m a 13-time TEDx Speaker specializing in mental health and suicide prevention, a suicide prevention speaker for 39 years, and a former writer for The Tonight Show. My approach combines lived experience, education, and evidence-based best practices.
Q: Do you have clinical experience or credentials?
A: While I’m not a clinician, I’m QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) certified in suicide prevention and trained in trauma-informed communication. My expertise lies in translating clinical concepts into engaging, relatable language for real-world audiences.
Q: Have you worked with other associations or professional organizations?
A: Yes—hundreds, including the American Association of Suicidology, National Safety Council, ACI, AGC, NBAA, and ASAE-member associations nationwide.
Q: How long have you been speaking on this topic?
A: Over 39 years in stand-up comedy, and more than 25 years focused specifically on workplace mental health and suicide prevention.
Q: Are you affiliated with any mental health organizations?
A: I collaborate regularly with NAMI, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and multiple industry-specific mental health initiatives.
Q: What is your lived experience, if any, with mental health or suicide?
A: I live with two mental illnesses—Major Depressive Disorder and Chronic Suicidality—and came close enough to ending my life that I can tell you what the barrel of my gun tastes like. I use that lived experience to save lives with humor and honesty.
Q: Can you provide references from past clients?
A: Absolutely. I have dozens of testimonials from associations, corporations, and safety organizations across industries.
Q: Have you written any books or articles on this topic?
A: Yes, including Mental with Benefits and numerous articles on workplace mental health and suicide prevention for trade associations and professional outlets.
Q: What is your background (academic/professional) in psychology or mental health?
A: My professional expertise is communication and humor; I collaborate with licensed clinicians to ensure my presentations align with current mental health standards.
Q: Are you certified in any trauma-informed or crisis-intervention methodologies?
A: Yes—QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Certified and trained in trauma-informed communication for high-stress industries.

Presentation Content
Q: What topics do you typically cover?
A: Mental health, suicide prevention, burnout, resilience, and self-care in the workplace.
Q: Do you include suicide prevention specifically?
A: Always. It’s the foundation of my work—taught with compassion, lived experience, and a touch of humor to make tough topics accessible.
Q: Can your presentation be tailored to our industry or audience?
A: Every presentation is fully customized using your industry’s language, stressors, and case studies.
Q: How do you approach sensitive topics like suicide in the workplace?
A: With humor, hope, and honesty—never shock value. I open difficult conversations safely and productively.
Q: What statistics or research do you include?
A: Data from CDC, NIMH, and industry-specific studies on suicide risk, burnout, and mental health.
Q: Do you provide actionable steps for audience members?
A: Yes—attendees leave with simple, evidence-based steps to identify warning signs and start life-saving conversations.
Q: Do you include stories or case studies?
A: Yes, including personal stories and real examples from clients in construction, aviation, dentistry, and more.
Q: How do you address stigma and workplace culture?
A: By using humor and vulnerability to normalize the conversation and encourage peer support.
Q: Can your talk focus on burnout, resilience, or self-care?
A: Absolutely. Those are frequent requests from HR and association audiences.
Q: Do you include interactive components?
A: Yes—live Q&A, polls, humor exercises, and guided dialogue are all part of the experience.

Customization & Relevance
Q: Can the talk be customized for our specific audience?
A: 100%. I customize every keynote for your role groups—HR, leadership, employees, or members.
Q: Are you able to address high-stress professions?
A: Yes—especially construction, aviation, first responders, and healthcare professionals.
Q: Can you speak to remote or hybrid challenges?
A: Definitely. I address isolation, Zoom fatigue, and maintaining connection virtually.
Q: Are you familiar with our industry?
A: Very. I research each client and integrate your culture, stressors, and goals.
Q: Can you incorporate our internal initiatives?
A: Yes—your EAP, wellness program, or DEI goals can be woven into the talk.
Q: Do you conduct a needs assessment before the event?
A: Yes—through a short pre-event questionnaire and planning call.
Q: Are you open to pre-event planning meetings?
A: Always. Collaboration ensures I hit your outcomes and tone perfectly.
Q: Do you offer keynote and workshop formats?
A: Yes—45- to 90-minute keynotes, half-day workshops, and breakout sessions.
Q: Can you incorporate DEI or cultural sensitivity?
A: Absolutely. I emphasize inclusive language and mental health across diverse audiences.

Engagement & Delivery Style
Q: How do you keep your audience engaged?
A: Humor, storytelling, and interaction—no death-by-PowerPoint here.
Q: Do you use multimedia?
A: Yes—slides, short clips, polls, and personal anecdotes.
Q: Is it lecture-style or conversational?
A: Conversational, fast-paced, and funny—like a TED Talk meets stand-up.
Q: Do you offer Q&A?
A: Yes, I always close with a Q&A for safe discussion.
Q: Can you lead breakout sessions?
A: Absolutely—I facilitate smaller discussions and exercises as needed.
Q: How do you handle triggering questions?
A: With empathy, grounding, and referral to resources if needed.
Q: Do you provide follow-up materials?
A: Yes—handouts, guides, and resource lists are included.
Q: Can you incorporate mindfulness or guided exercises?
A: Yes—short, safe breathing or reflection moments to reset the room.

Format & Logistics
Q: Do you speak in person or virtually?
A: Both—virtual, hybrid, and live events nationwide and internationally.
Q: How long is your standard presentation?
A: 45–60 minutes, adjustable from 20-minute keynotes to full workshops.
Q: What technology do you need?
A: A projector, mic, and screen—or just Zoom/Teams access for virtual.
Q: Do you bring your own laptop?
A: Yes, but I can also use yours if preferred.
Q: Are you comfortable with hybrid events?
A: Yes—I’ve done dozens successfully.
Q: Do you require a tech check?
A: Always—it ensures a smooth, stress-free event.
Q: Can you present at conferences, retreats, or annual meetings?
A: Yes—and I’ve done all three for national associations.

Scheduling & Availability
Q: How far in advance should we book?
A: Ideally 3–6 months out, but I can sometimes accommodate short notice.
Q: Are you available for weekends or evenings?
A: Yes—my schedule is flexible.
Q: Can we book multiple sessions or days?
A: Definitely. I offer discounts for multi-session contracts.
Q: Are you willing to travel?
A: Yes, anywhere in the U.S. and internationally.
Q: What is your travel policy?
A: Standard travel reimbursement; all logistics are handled smoothly.
Q: Do you charge extra during Mental Health Awareness Month?
A: No, but that month books up fast—early scheduling recommended.

Pricing & Contracts
Q: What is your speaking fee?
A: Keynotes start at $7,500 plus travel, with variations based on format and audience size.
Q: Do you offer discounts?
A: Yes—for nonprofits, associations, and repeat clients.
Q: What’s included in your fee?
A: Full customization, planning calls, travel coordination, and follow-up materials.
Q: Do you require a deposit?
A: Yes, 50% to secure the date.
Q: What’s your cancellation policy?
A: Flexible with rebooking options.
Q: Are there additional fees?
A: Only travel and lodging, if applicable.
Q: Can we set up a payment plan?
A: Yes—especially for multi-event contracts.
Q: Do you provide invoices or accept POs?
A: Absolutely.

Legal & Ethical Considerations
Q: Are you insured for public speaking?
A: Yes—liability insured.
Q: How do you handle disclosures of suicidal ideation?
A: With compassion, privacy, and connection to immediate crisis resources.
Q: Do you offer disclaimers?
A: Yes—my talk complements, not replaces, professional mental health care.
Q: Are you HIPAA compliant?
A: Yes—no personal data is collected or shared.
Q: Can we review your content beforehand?
A: Absolutely—I welcome review for HR or compliance purposes.
Q: Do you provide crisis resources?
A: Always. Attendees leave with national and local resource lists.
Q: Do you have an emergency protocol?
A: Yes, including immediate referral pathways and resource awareness.

Audience Outcomes & Impact
Q: What outcomes should we expect?
A: Reduced stigma, improved peer support, and actionable strategies for prevention.
Q: Do you measure impact?
A: Yes—through surveys, testimonials, and follow-up feedback.
Q: Can your presentation contribute to wellness initiatives?
A: Absolutely—it often kicks off or enhances ongoing programs.
Q: How do you inspire long-term change?
A: Through humor, vulnerability, and clear next steps.

Post-Event & Ongoing Support
Q: Do you offer follow-up webinars or check-ins?
A: Yes—many clients schedule quarterly refreshers.
Q: Can we schedule a debrief?
A: Definitely—I value partnership and impact tracking.
Q: Do you provide a recording?
A: Available upon request, depending on contract terms.
Q: Are you available for consulting or strategy sessions?
A: Yes—I help organizations build ongoing mental health engagement plans.
Q: Can we work with you annually or long-term?
A: Absolutely—many associations retain me as their annual wellness keynote speaker.Do you have a newsletter or ongoing resources we can share?

Can we work with you annually or as part of an ongoing initiative?