Talks & Conversations
I’m holding talks, readings, and conversations with audiences all across America, both in-person and online via Zoom video.
Amid all the divisiveness, chaos, and loss of hope we see all around us, we are witnessing a profound, transformational shift at the deepest level of all our lives that is beginning to reshape the core and heart of America and of the world.
It is a shattering of identities.
Who are we?
The truth is something astounding, even unbelieveable. You are the prime point of the entire universe.
And America? It is something never before imagined.
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Contact me directly by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange talks, joint events, or for presentations at cafes, theaters, restaurants, libraries, bookstores, private homes, etc.
COMMENTS from past talks:
SOMOS - Society of the Muse of the Southwest, Taos, New Mexico:
"I was deeply moved by your talk. It resonated on many levels."
"It was inspiring and challenging. The author is a combination of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Bernie Sanders, Karl Marx, the Buddha, Ralph Nader, and Walt Whitman."
NAPA VALLEY ARTS ASSOCIATION, Napa, California:
"Thank you for your presence and words. Very inspiring." - Emily Freiman, President
"Thank you for your presentation at the Art Association. I especially love your writing! Very, very strong. Huge WOW. Thanks you for your dedication and talent. Loved your reading from the 'A New Myth for America' book. Poignant.”
SANTA BARBARA CHAPERS OF IANDS - the International Association for Near-Death Studies, Barbara Bartolome, Founder/Director:
"James Hilgendorf presented a one-hour talk tonight, titled 'Waking Up To Who You Really Are' to an audience of about 100 of our attendees. During the talk, he presented ideas from his own Buddhist background, as well as ideas and commentary from a wide array of famous people, including Arnold Toynbee, Joseph Campbell, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Leo Tolstoy, Friedrich Nietzsche, Henri Bergson, Kenneth Ring, Daisaku Ikeda, John Wheeler and others, in an attempt to stimulate reflection upon the nature of our lives and our relationship to the universe around us, and to provide insights into the nature of happiness and of life and death itself. After the talk, there were many interesting questions from the audience. I felt his talk gifted us all with deep insights, guidance, and light. Very simple. Very beautiful.”
SPRING LAKE VILLAGE SENIOR RESIDENCE, Santa Rosa, California:
“Our small group of Unitarian Universalists at Spring Lake Village (our lovely senior residence in Santa Rosa, CA) had the great pleasure of hosting James Hilgendorf to talk at one of our monthly speakers' series, offered to all the residents and their friends. Lots of people came and I received many, many compliments on the presentation, and requests that he return. As I was the one who arranged the meeting with Jim, I will take this opportunity to highly recommend him. His talk is clear, informative, and intelligent; his manner warm, friendly, and approachable.” - Lois Gilbert
4TH STREET FINE ART GALLERY, Berkeley, California:
"What a refreshing change to hear the measures of a song of hope and open questions, rather than a scowling critique which has become so common yet offers so little."
"What a wonderful event. The poems took on a beautiful life in reading. I was struck how they, along with each comment from the audience, struck beautiful chords that resonated deep. Thank you."