Andie MacDowell

Andie MacDowell has established herself as an accomplished actress in a career that shows no signs of slowing down. Her undeniable charm and talent has resulted in worldwide recognition. She has acted in hits such as “Groundhog Day”, “St Elmo’s Fire”, and “Unstrung Heroes”.  She earned the title of #1 female box office draw worldwide with her performance in “Four Weddings and a Funeral” as well as receiving Los Angeles Film Critics Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe nomination for “Sex, Lies and Videotape”.  Along with acting you can find her dedicating her life to healthy heart awareness including teaming up with “Time to Talk Cardio” which helps you get the most out of your medical visits!

Arianna Huffington

If there ever has been a fearless woman it would be Arianna Huffington.  In 2005 she launched a widely read and cited online news site called “The Huffington Post”.  Along with this she is a nationally syndicated columnist and an author of 13 books. She has had numerous guest appearances on television as well as served on several boards promoting community solutions to social problems.  It’s no wonder Time Magazine listed her as one of the top 100 most influential people not once but TWICE!

Cathy Rigby

Born premature and sickly, Cathy Rigby turned to gymnastics as an escape from severe shyness and an alcoholic father. In 1968, she earning the highest U.S. gymnastic scores. At 15 Rigby turned to bingeing and purging, becoming both anorexic and bulimic. She was hospitalized twice, and nearly died. During this time period, she retired from gymnastics, married, gave birth to two sons, and became a commentator for ABC Sports. Rigby knew her winning spirit had waned so, like a true champion, she took a step into the unknown. She and her husband divorced, she sought medical assistance, and then began a new career as an actress and singer. Rigby conquered her disease and earned ecstatic reviews in her new career. She and her story of determination and achievement will prompt you to clap enthusiastically, not in the hope that Tinker Bell will live, but at the prospect of your own success. It will inspire you to soar higher than you ever thought possible.

Donna Brazile

Veteran Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile is an adjunct professor, author, syndicated columnist, television political commentator, Vice Chair of Voter Registration and Participation at the Democratic National Committee, and former chair of the DNC’s Voting Rights Institute. Last, but never least, she is a native of New Orleans. Aside from working for the full recovery of her beloved New Orleans, Ms. Brazile’s passion is encouraging young people to vote, to work within the system to strengthen it, and to run for public office. The Oprah Magazine chose Ms. Brazile as one of its 20 “remarkable visionaries” for the magazine’s first-ever O Power List – and why not Donna Brazile is quite remarkable!

Frances Mayes

Frances Mayes is not only the bestselling author of "Under the Tuscan Sun" and many other books but also a professor, poet, traveller and a seasoned Italian cook.  It all started with five overgrown acres and a 200 year old farmhouse but ended with an amazing series of stories that we have all grown to love.  Now Frances Mayes devotes herself to full time writing and her new furniture and accessory lines.  She is the founder of The Tuscan Sun Festival in Italy and is looking forward to her debut of her new cook book to be released in 2012.

Jane Goodall, PH.D

Dr. Jane Goodall will bring you into the world of the Gombe chimpanzees―from her early observations and experiences to the latest news and stories from the field.  Dr. Goodall will also provide insight into the person behind the globe-trotting international icon:  founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, a UN Messenger of Peace, Dame of the British Empire, and the subject of countless articles and television programs around the world.  Dr. Jane Goodall is serious about the current threats facing the planet and discusses her reasons for hope in these complex times, encouraging everyone to do their part to make a positive difference each and every day.

Previously spoken for SmartTalk in

Ottawa 1998, Milwaukee 2000, Minneapolis 2000 and Cincinnati 2011

Kara DioGuardi

Kara DioGuardi was introduced to America on seasons 8 and 9 of the hit FOX show “American Idol”, and was recently featured as the head judge on Bravo’s songwriting reality show competition, “Platinum Hit."  Kara is currently starring as the merry murderess, Roxie Hart, in the Tony Award-winning hit musical CHICAGO. As one of the most successful contemporary songwriters in the world, Kara’s songs have appeared on more than 159 million albums. She's had 315 songs released by major labels, 150 songs on platinum selling albums, and has enjoyed over 50 charting singles with artists such as Pink, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Gwen Stefani, and Celine Dion. Kara is also an established record producer, music publisher, Warner Brothers’ record executive, and author (HarperCollins book “A Helluva High Note: Surviving Life, Love and American Idol” was published in April 2011). Additionally, Kara is an active supporter and has built numerous recording studios at Phoenix House, one of the nation’s leading non-profits dedicated to helping individuals, families and communities affected by addiction.

Marie Osmond

Beginning with her national debut at age three, performing for almost five continuous decades is a rare accomplishment achieved by very few women in the entertainment business. From being the youngest female artist to have her debut record go to #1 on the charts to the youngest-ever host of a national television variety show, Marie has proven to be a resilient talent with a magnetic presence known across generations! She has performed in Broadway, hosted radio shows, written books, Danced with the Stars, lost weight with NutriSystem, and become a savvy businesswoman as one of the top doll designers in the world and expanded her business to craft products. All this and she still helps co-found the Children’s Miracle Network while being a mother to eight beautiful children who will always be her greatest treasures.

Previous Shows: Milwaukee 2002

Melissa Stockwell

In 2002 Melissa Stockwell was commissioned as an officer in the Army.  In 2004 her life changed forever as she was the first female to lose a limb in Iraq.  After retiring from the Army, athletics became a way of life for her.  This led Melissa from marathons to triathlons to competing in the 2008 Paralympics to winning the world championship in the 2010 Paratriathlon competition! Currently she is a paratriathlete as well as a certified prosthetist, certified triathlon coach and co-founder of "dare2tri" in Chicago.  All of this and she still finds time to serve on the board for Wounded Warrior Project and inspire others to overcome obstacles that come their way.  

Sigourney Weaver

Academy Award nominated actress Sigourney Weaver created a host of memorable characters, both dramatic and comedic. Over the years, she’s captivated audiences as one of the most esteemed actresses on both stage and screen. Ms. Weaver made her motion picture debut in Ridley Scott’s blockbuster Alien.  She later reprised the role of Warrant Officer Ripley in James Cameron’s Aliens, which earned her Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress.Recently she starred in Avatar, Paul and You Again. Come have an evening with Sigourney Weaver like you've never seen her before!

Tim Gunn

Tim Gunn of Project Runway fame and New York Times best selling author has been an intricate part of fashion for more than 25 years now.  Currently he is the Chief Creative Officer of Liz Claiborne, Inc. His latest project is “The Revolution”, a daily show about health and lifestyle transformations which is scheduled to premiere January 2012. Whether he’s working in fashion, running a fashion design school department, writing books and articles, appearing on television or even supporting his charities, Tim Gunn “makes it work” and does it all with style!

Vy Higginsen