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Susan Sparks, Stand-up Comedian, Breast Cancer Survivor, and Pastor

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Praise

"We have heard nothing but great remarks on Susan’s presentation. We include a survey at the end of our program, many wrote 'Best Speaker ever for Pink Picnic.' Susan did an awesome job! Thanks so much for working with us on this special event for Central Georgia area!" -- Beth Jones, Director of Community Education and Services, Community Health Works, Macon, GA

"Susan hit it out of the ballpark. I've had more comments about Susan than any other speaker I've had in all of the Expo's I've done, and that's quite a few! She was uplifting, very funny, well-rounded, inspirational -- the whole package. I'd book her again in a heartbeat." -- Mikey Hoeven, former First Lady of North Dakota, Mikey Hoeven’s Women’s Health Summit, Bismarck, ND

Comedian, Breast Cancer Survivor and Minister

Through a synchronistic set of circumstances several years ago, I flew into New York City on a Sunday morning, and got to see and meet Susan Sparks speaking from the pulpit. Although delivering a sermon is not exactly a typical speaking engagement, Susan delivered a profound message with her trademark humor. I’ve been in her audience on two other occasions, and she is always brings brilliant storytelling and humor to her remarks, even on tough topics. As Susan says, ““Laughter can act as a lifeboat for those in crisis: a place of protection, a means of moving to and through grief, a vessel that can carry us above the pain, a second chance.” 

About Susan

Susan Sparks is a pastor, comedian, breast cancer survivor, keynote speaker, and author of Laugh Your Way to Grace: the Power of Humor in Life, Work and the Spiritual Path.

As a trial lawyer turned standup comedian and Baptist minister, Susan Sparks is America’s only female comedian with a pulpit.  A North Carolina native, Susan received her B.A. at the University of North Carolina, law degree from Wake Forest University, and Master of Divinity at Union Theological in New York City.

Currently, the senior pastor of the historic Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York City (and the first woman pastor in its 170-year history), Susan’s work with humor, healing, and spirituality has been featured in O (The Oprah) Magazine, the New York Times, and on such networks as ABC, CNN, CBS, and the History Channel.

A featured TEDx speaker and a professional comedian, Susan tours nationally with a stand-up Rabbi and a Muslim comic in the Laugh in Peace Tour.  In addition to her speaking and preaching, Susan writes an award-winning nationally syndicated column through Gannett distributed to over 600 newspapers reaching over 21 million people in 36 states.

She is the author of three books, Laugh Your Way to Grace: Reclaiming the Spiritual Power of Humor, Preaching Punchlines: The Ten Commandments of Standup Comedy, and Miracle on 31stStreet: Christmas Cheer Every Day of the Year – Grinch to Gratitude in 26 Days!.

Susan and her husband Toby love to fly-fish, ride their Harleys, eat good BBQ, and root for UNC Tar Heel Basketball and the Green Bay Packers.

 

Signature Keynotes

Laugh Your Way to Grace: The Power of Humor in Life, Work and the Spiritual Path

Laughter is one of the most powerful, yet under-appreciated tools we have in this life. It can reduce stress, improve health, build relationships, foster forgiveness, awaken our spiritual connections and inspire hope.

As an ordained minister, comedian and cancer survivor, Susan has learned this firsthand. This keynote is for anyone who wants to lighten their perspective, focus their energies and tap the power of their innate sense of joy.

The Road Never Traveled

After a complete career U-turn from lawyer to minister and comedian, including a two year trip around the world, Susan knows a thing or two about risk and reinvention. Specifically targeted at those facing life transitions, The Road Never Traveled tells her story and offers entertaining, yet concrete tools that will help you take risks, face your fears and find your own path of self-discovery.

 

Grab Any Audience Anytime!

Want to harness power-packed communications skills? This workshop offers speaking secrets Susan has learned from the courtroom, the comedy clubs, and the pulpit.

Booking Information

  • Based in: New York City (travels nationally and internationally)
  • Fee range: On request
  • Travel expenses: Coach airfare or mileage at current government rate, hotel accommodations (typically 1–2 nights depending on schedule), ground transportation, and meals.
  • Formats: Keynote, comedy show, workshop, virtual, hybrid events

If you’re planning a breast cancer survivor or awareness event, women’s health conference, or a Women’s Night Out and you want your audience to walk out lighter than they walked in, reach out and let’s see if Susan is the right fit for your event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is a good breast cancer survivor speaker known for a humor-based approach?
A: Susan Sparks, a breast cancer survivor and nationally syndicated humor columnist, is one of the therapeutic-humor speakers represented by The Speak Well Being Group, a boutique bureau that connects event planners with health-and-wellness keynote speakers at no additional cost to the client.

 

Q: How do I book Susan Sparks for my event?
A: Contact The Speak Well Being Group at barbara@speakwellbeing.com or 503-699-5031 to check Susan’s availability. There’s no additional fee to you — Speak Well Being Group is compensated by the speaker.

 

Check Susan’s Availability

— barbara@speakwellbeing.com | 503-699-5031, or click here.

Check Susan’s Availability

Susan is available for booking through The Speak Well Being Group for breast cancer survivor or awareness event, women’s health conference, or humor conference. You get 28 years of vetting, personal knowledge of Susan’s work, and someone in your corner from first inquiry through event day.

More About Susan

For Your Well Being: Sparks…from the Pulpit

Would Your Audience Die Laughing?

Rising Above the Storm

Let Us Know How We Can Help You

Contact Us

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Portland, Oregon

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