Edmond Town Hall Launches New Speaker Series: "Newtown Talks: Conversations on Culture, Society, and Change"

Edmond Town Hall kicks off its new speaker series, Newtown Talks: Conversations on Culture, Society, and Change on Thursday, October 24.

This engaging series will bring some of today's most influential voices to Newtown for thought-provoking discussions on critical topics that shape our world. The series will be moderated by Newtown residents Suzy DeYoung and Lee Shull.

Both DeYoung and Shull have deep ties to the community, particularly in the wake of the 12/14 tragedy. DeYoung has been a prominent figure in Newtown's recovery efforts, serving as Community Outreach Director for Sandy Hook Promise, Care Coordinator for The Newtown Recovery and Resiliency Team, and Co-Founder of the Newtown Yoga Festival. She also produced and co-hosted The Avielle Foundation’s Brainstorm Experience Speaker Series, which addressed mental health issues.

Shull's advocacy work also began after 12/14. He co-founded Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), the first national nonprofit formed in response to a mass shooting, after taking a hiatus from his consulting career. He played a key role in lobbying for Connecticut’s landmark firearm safety legislation, CT Bill 1160, which became one of the strictest in the nation.

The inaugural Newtown Talks series will feature prominent speakers who have made significant contributions in their fields. The lineup includes authors, journalists, and advocates who will discuss everything from storytelling and survival to social justice and personal transformation.

Schedule and Speakers

Lectures will take place on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:00 PM. Tickets are priced at $40 for general admission and $55 for front-row seating, which includes a "skip the line" opportunity for book signings. Tickets are available at edmondtownhall.org.

Here’s the speaker lineup:

October 24: Sebastian Junger will kick off the series, exploring themes of community, survival, and the human spirit as discussed in his book In My Time of Dying. Junger, an acclaimed journalist and author of The Perfect Storm and Tribe, is known for his deep insights into human resilience.

November 21: Dani Shapiro will discuss identity, family, and the craft of writing through her bestselling books, including Inheritance and Devotion, as well as her popular podcast Family Secrets.

December 19: Brian Reed, the host and co-creator of the groundbreaking podcasts S-Town and The Trojan Horse Affair, will share his experiences with storytelling, investigative journalism, and the evolving role of audio media.

January 16: Anthony Edwards, actor, and Stephen Mills, author, will speak about their advocacy for survivors of sexual abuse. Both men will share personal stories and discuss their efforts to support survivors and bring awareness to this critical issue.

Meet the Authors

Each event will conclude with a book signing, giving attendees the chance to meet the speakers in person. Books by each featured author will be available for purchase on the night of the event, courtesy of Byrd’s Books in Bethel.

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit edmondtownhall.orgor contact the box office at (203) 270-4285.