Previous Speakers
Michael Martin Murphey 2010
"A Night of Music and Memories"
Western music legend Michael Martin Murphey kicked off the season with a private concert of not just his timeless music, but Michael's reflections on his life in the music business.
Michael Martin Murphey, "singing cowboy poet," is not only the best-selling singer/ songwriter of American Cowboy Music He's one of the world's most respected in the Pop and Country-Western field.
Originally from Texas, in 1970 he moved back to Texas, this time settling in Austin, where he founded a "Texas music scene" that became world famous. Others like Willie Nelson and Jerry Jeff Walker followed in his footsteps, but Murphey was the first singer/songwriter of this Austin scene to be signed to major record label while operating out of Austin.
As Lyle Lovett put it, "Michael Martin Murphey is one the main influences on my career. He is among America's best songwriters".
Murphey’s awards are too numerous to mention, but the ones from the Cowboy Hall of Fame and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum are his most treasured. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and recorded multiple gold albums.
Murphey is perhaps best known as the man behind the pop and country hit "Wildfire." Other well-known songs he has written and recorded include "Geronimo's Cadillac," and "Carolina In The Pines." "What's Forever For" was a big hit for Murphey, and one of the few written by someone else.
Murphey is now in the Western Music Hall of Fame. He's won numerous awards and honors from such organizations as the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, Academy of Country Music, "The Golden Smokey Award for Outstanding Service in Conservation from the U.S. Department of the Interior, The Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, "The King of the Cowboys" Award for Western Entertainment, The Academy of Western Artists and Performers, Texas Music Awards, Charlie Russell Red Sash Award for Western Heritage, National Day of the Cowboy Keeper Award, and given a rare Lifetime Honorary Member of the American Quarter Horse Association. BMI has confirmed that his song "Wildfire" is one of the most played songs in the history of radio,in all formats.
Michael Martin Murphey, "singing cowboy poet," is not only the best-selling singer/ songwriter of American Cowboy Music He's one of the world's most respected in the Pop and Country-Western field.
Originally from Texas, in 1970 he moved back to Texas, this time settling in Austin, where he founded a "Texas music scene" that became world famous. Others like Willie Nelson and Jerry Jeff Walker followed in his footsteps, but Murphey was the first singer/songwriter of this Austin scene to be signed to major record label while operating out of Austin.
As Lyle Lovett put it, "Michael Martin Murphey is one the main influences on my career. He is among America's best songwriters".
Murphey’s awards are too numerous to mention, but the ones from the Cowboy Hall of Fame and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum are his most treasured. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and recorded multiple gold albums.
Murphey is perhaps best known as the man behind the pop and country hit "Wildfire." Other well-known songs he has written and recorded include "Geronimo's Cadillac," and "Carolina In The Pines." "What's Forever For" was a big hit for Murphey, and one of the few written by someone else.
Murphey is now in the Western Music Hall of Fame. He's won numerous awards and honors from such organizations as the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, Academy of Country Music, "The Golden Smokey Award for Outstanding Service in Conservation from the U.S. Department of the Interior, The Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, "The King of the Cowboys" Award for Western Entertainment, The Academy of Western Artists and Performers, Texas Music Awards, Charlie Russell Red Sash Award for Western Heritage, National Day of the Cowboy Keeper Award, and given a rare Lifetime Honorary Member of the American Quarter Horse Association. BMI has confirmed that his song "Wildfire" is one of the most played songs in the history of radio,in all formats.
Lt. Col. Ed Rau (retired) 2010
"The Mysteries of Afghanistan"
Once the military attache to the U. S. Embassy in Afghanistan, Lt. Col. (retired) Ed Rau has had a lifelong interest in the nation.
He has the depth that comes from nearly 50 years of service and study, as well as continued correspondence with his many friends and contacts in Afghanistan.
A complicated country, both politically and geographically, Rau is knowledgeable about all aspects of a nation that has been a major part of American foreign policy for the past nine years.
With current events in Afghanistan, Rau’s presentation is particularly timely. His program will help everyone better understand the issues at play in a very dangerous country.
He has the depth that comes from nearly 50 years of service and study, as well as continued correspondence with his many friends and contacts in Afghanistan.
A complicated country, both politically and geographically, Rau is knowledgeable about all aspects of a nation that has been a major part of American foreign policy for the past nine years.
With current events in Afghanistan, Rau’s presentation is particularly timely. His program will help everyone better understand the issues at play in a very dangerous country.
Dr. Jep Hostetler 2011
"The Joy Factor"
Dr. Jep Hostetler offers quite a unique combination… university teacher/professor for 25 years, highly uplifting and knowledgeable speaker on stress and world class magician.
He is the author and creator of a very useful tool, The Humor Index, which evaluates one’s background in humor awareness, participation and preparation.
He recently authored, The Joy Factor. In the speaking “arena”, he is best known for his humorous, uplifting, educational and enjoyable presentations dealing with stress and getting the most out of life.
He is a former President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and has received their International First Place Award for best “close-up magician.” He has spoken to over 1000 audiences, in addition to thousands of classes. Each of Jep’s following presentations include a “touch of magic”
He is the author and creator of a very useful tool, The Humor Index, which evaluates one’s background in humor awareness, participation and preparation.
He recently authored, The Joy Factor. In the speaking “arena”, he is best known for his humorous, uplifting, educational and enjoyable presentations dealing with stress and getting the most out of life.
He is a former President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and has received their International First Place Award for best “close-up magician.” He has spoken to over 1000 audiences, in addition to thousands of classes. Each of Jep’s following presentations include a “touch of magic”
Bob Welsh 2011
"Values to Live By"
With a lump in your throat and tear in your eye, be inspired as you learn and laugh until you cry. Uncanny storyteller and author, Bob has mesmerized listeners all over the nation. His gripping stories, one-liners and unique delivery will keep you alert and laughing.
Bob’s life experiences in the U. S. Navy, Ohio Highway Patrol (29 years) and graduate of the FBI National Academy, inspire equally unique stories and accounts of survival, labor and love that you may have never heard of but will never forget. He is a classic outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, hunting and camping.
His book, "Embers From a Storyteller’s Mind," is filled with the kind of stories that make Bob’s heartwarming, humorous and educational presentation so popular.
Bob’s life experiences in the U. S. Navy, Ohio Highway Patrol (29 years) and graduate of the FBI National Academy, inspire equally unique stories and accounts of survival, labor and love that you may have never heard of but will never forget. He is a classic outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, hunting and camping.
His book, "Embers From a Storyteller’s Mind," is filled with the kind of stories that make Bob’s heartwarming, humorous and educational presentation so popular.
Ralph Hood 2011
"It's Clear On Top"
Oprah Winfrey herself said it best, after Ralph was on her show - “Ralph is a funny man!”
Oprah is right. Ralph is a funny man, and also an award-winning writer, member of the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame (he used to sell airplanes), and motivator/trainer.
He has spoken from Hawaii to Spain and from Northern Alaska to Puerto Rico. Ralph writes regular columns for three magazines and occasional stories for others. He is the author of three successful books and some of his writings have been reprinted even behind the old Iron Curtain.
“It’s Clear on Top” refers to his experience as a pilot, and flying above bad weather. It’s an analogy to rising above one’s problems.
Oprah is right. Ralph is a funny man, and also an award-winning writer, member of the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame (he used to sell airplanes), and motivator/trainer.
He has spoken from Hawaii to Spain and from Northern Alaska to Puerto Rico. Ralph writes regular columns for three magazines and occasional stories for others. He is the author of three successful books and some of his writings have been reprinted even behind the old Iron Curtain.
“It’s Clear on Top” refers to his experience as a pilot, and flying above bad weather. It’s an analogy to rising above one’s problems.
Chef Roland Mesnier 2011
"Behind the Scenes at the White House"
One of nine children, Roland Mesnier grew up in a tiny village in France. He began his career in the kitchen at the age of 14 as an apprentice.
He worked in many kitchens throughout Europe, then Bermuda, and finally a resort in Virginia when First Lady Rosalynn Carter hired him to become the sole pastry chef at the White House in 1979. 25 years later, after five president, he retired.
Mesnier made every dessert personally for Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush 41, Clinton and Bush 43. He prepared hundres of desserts for State Dinners over the years, and never made the same dish twice.
An accomplished culinary instructor as well as master chef, Mesnier still enjoys teaching others to create light and easy desserts.
He worked in many kitchens throughout Europe, then Bermuda, and finally a resort in Virginia when First Lady Rosalynn Carter hired him to become the sole pastry chef at the White House in 1979. 25 years later, after five president, he retired.
Mesnier made every dessert personally for Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush 41, Clinton and Bush 43. He prepared hundres of desserts for State Dinners over the years, and never made the same dish twice.
An accomplished culinary instructor as well as master chef, Mesnier still enjoys teaching others to create light and easy desserts.