KEYNOTES, COMEDY & STORYTELLING

“Susan hit it out of the ballpark . . . I’d book her again in a heartbeat.”
Mikey Hoeven, Women’s Health Summit

“Susan Sparks’ heartfelt message totally delighted the audience.”
Linda Lee Walker, Chief Compliance Officer, Prudential Insurance Company

“WOW!!! Susan was incredible! . . . a standing ovation!”
Jennifer Lambert, Development Officer, High Point Regional Health Foundation

“In the words of one of our lovely guests . . .’She’s a keeper!’ ”
Samantha Talora, Canyon Ranch, Corporate Resorts Experience Development Manager

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY OF THE TOPICS BELOW

CAN BE OFFERED LIVE OR VIRTUAL

Topics:

LAUGH YOUR WAY TO GRACE

Laughter is one of the most powerful, yet under-appreciated tools we have in this life. It can reduce stress, improve health, defuse conflict, empower creative thinking, build bridges, awaken our spiritual connections, and inspire hope. I’ve learned this firsthand as a minister, a comedian, and  a cancer survivor. This popular keynote is for anyone who wants to lighten their perspective, focus their energies and tap the power of their innate sense of joy. It can be offered as a keynote, a comedy show, or a 1/2 day or full day interactive workshop.

Clients include Prudential Insurance, the American Heart Association, Vidant Health, Chautauqua Institution, and the biennial gathering of the American Baptist Churches USA.

THE LAUGH IN PEACE COMEDY TOUR

Join me, Rabbi Bob Alper and Muslim Comic Gibran Saleem for a fun-filled evening of interfaith comedy that highlights our commonalities. You will think, laugh and leave with a little different view of the world.

Clients include the World Bank, the Clinton Presidential Center, and Habitat for Humanity.

“… Your voices offer powerful lessons of reconciliation and understanding through the language of laughter and joy. I can’t think of a more timely message for our world.-Juliana Oyegun, Chief Diversity Officer, The World Bank Group

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF COMEDY FOR BUSINESS AND LAW

Drawing on my experience as a ten-year litigator, corporate attorney, standup comedian, and ordained minister, this one-of-a-kind workshop shares how the tools of comedy can transform your communication, client relations, negotiation skills, and health/wellness. A perfect “Lunch and Learn” opportunity, lessons include grabbing and keeping an audience’s attention, discovering your creative voice, resolving conflicts by finding common ground, dealing with the hecklers in your head, showing up with full authenticity, and infusing joy into your daily grind. Click HERE for a sample.

“Susan has a keen way of meeting people where they are; sharing her varied expertise in a clear and concise way. Comedy in law and business? How? Susan’s ’10 Commandments’ break down important and easy to implement ways to do just that.”  Megan Ratley, Associate Director for Law Alumni Engagement, Wake Forest University School of Law

Clients include the Alumni Association of Wake Forest University School of Law and the prestigious Chautauqua Institution.

THE ROAD NEVER TRAVELED:                           Nine Steps to Take Action and Make a Change

After a complete career U-turn from lawyer to minister and comedian, including a two year trip around the world, I learned a thing or two about change and transitions. The Road Never Traveled uses my experience to offer entertaining, yet concrete tools that will help you take risks, face your fears, and make the changes you need to move forward.

Featured by Canyon Ranch and Hyster-Yale Group.

PREACHING PUNCHLINES

This engaging presentation full of practical takeaways is targeted at clergy and religious lay leaders. Offered as either an hour-long presentation, half-day or full-day workshop, “Preaching Punchlines” shares how lessons from standup comedy can transform preaching, pastoral care and self-care.

Featured by Union Theological Seminary, Chautauqua Institution, Yale Divinity School, the Lester Randall Preaching Fellowship, and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of NC.

FULL DAY or MULTI-DAY GATHERINGS

Create a unique experience for your company, congregation, denominational gathering, or retreat group through any combination of my keynotes, workshops, comedy shows or sermons. Contact me to design a one of a kind gathering full of joy and inspiration!

Clients Include:

February 6, 2023 I New York, NY

The Laugh in Peace Comedy Show at Triad Theater

Feb 15, 2023 I Washington, DC

Private Event

February 20, 2023 I New York, NY

The Laugh in Peace Comedy Show at Triad Theater

February 27, 2023 I New York, NY

The Laugh in Peace Comedy Show at Triad Theater

March 7, 2023 I Atlanta, GA

Filming interview and sermon broadcast with Day1.org

March 19, 2023 I Wake Forest University (VIRTUAL)

Opening keynote for Wake Women’s Week

March 23-24, 2023 I Lenox, MA

Offering two workshops at Canyon Ranch, Lenox, MA: Laugh Your Way to Grace and The Road Never Traveled: How to Make a Change in Nine Easy Steps

April 20 - 21, 2023 I Front Royal, VA

Dinner and luncheon keynotes for breast cancer survivor group through the Winchester Medical Foundation

May 6, 2023 I Litchfield, CT

Keynote speaker for Marble Collegiate Church Women’s Retreat

May 16, 2023 I New York, NY

Featured storyteller at “Generation Women” hosted at the historic Joe’s Pub in Greenwich Village.

May 18, 2023 I NY, NY

Virtual workshop on the spirituality of laughter for the global members of the Belizean Grove.

June 23-24, 2023 I Puerto Rico

Featured preacher for the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptist at the American Baptist Church Biennial

July 13, 2023 I VIRTUAL Durham, NC

Guest teaching – Duke University preaching class.

July 23, 2023 I Martha's Vineyard, MA

Featured preacher at the historic Union Chapel in Martha’s Vineyard

July 23, 2023 I VIRTUAL Charlotte, NC

Virtual pre-recorded broadcast for St. Stephen United Methodist Church‘s Summer Study Series in Charlotte, NC.

August 6, 2023 I Grand Rapids, MI

Guest preaching at Central Reform Church of Grand Rapids

September 25, 2023 I Salisbury, MD

Featured preacher and workshop leader at the Dunkle Mackey Preaching Conference

September 26-27, 2023 I Wilmington, DE

Featured preacher and workshop leader at the Dunkle Mackey Preaching Conference

October 12, 2023 I Watertown, SD

Keynote for Prairie Lakes Healthcare breast cancer survivor event

October 22-24, 2023 I Toronto, Canada

Preaching workshop for the 2023 Lester Randall Preaching Fellowship

November 2, 2023 I Jacksonville, FL

Keynote for Baptist Health

January 7, 2024 I Del Ray Beach, FL

Featured preacher in Distinguished Preacher Series, First Presbyterian Church of Del Ray Beach, FL

April 21-22, 2024 I Stone Mountain, GA

Sermon and dinner keynote at Smoke Rise Baptist Church.

National Speakers Association