Booking the perfect speaker often comes down to one thing: timing. We keep track of exciting speaker updates so that you can anticipate the latest trends, topics, and rising stars to bring to your next event.
Whether starring in major film releases, launching new shows, or releasing new books, these notable names are currently making headlines. Here’s a look at seven speakers who are currently in the news and bringing fresh stories, perspectives, and energy to audiences everywhere.
1. John Daly steals the show in Happy Gilmore 2
John Daly is back in the pop culture spotlight thanks to a scene-stealing role in “Happy Gilmore 2.” Known for his long drives, colorful style, and two major championship wins (the 1991 PGA Championship and the 1995 Open Championship), Daly has built a career that blends elite golf with an unmistakable personality. Off the course, he runs JD Designs, creates golf courses, and remains active in philanthropy. With his latest movie appearance, Daly is showing once again he’s as much an entertainer as he is an athlete.
2. Leanne Morgan stars in her own Netflix sitcom
Leanne Morgan is bringing her signature Southern humor to scripted television with “Leanne,” a new Netflix sitcom inspired by her own life. Known for her relatable storytelling and down-to-earth charm, Morgan first reached a global audience with her hit Netflix special “I’m Every Woman.” Since then, she’s sold out theaters and arenas nationwide and appeared alongside Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon in the 2025 Amazon Prime comedy “You’re Cordially Invited.” With a career spanning 25 years, Morgan has built a devoted following by finding humor in the everyday moments of family, friendship, and small-town life.
3. Josh Johnson debuts as a rotating host of The Daily Show
Josh Johnson has gone from writing punchlines to delivering them in the spotlight as a rotating host of “The Daily Show.” Since joining the show as a staff writer in 2017, Johnson’s sharp wit and thoughtful humor have taken him from the writers’ room to a correspondent role in 2024, and now to the host’s chair in 2025. Before “The Daily Show,” he was a writer and performer on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” and he continues to be a standout on the stand-up stage. Johnson has toured with Trevor Noah, earned the title of New York’s Funniest Stand Up, and released two acclaimed comedy specials, “# (Hashtag)” and “Up Here Killing Myself.”
4. Gregory Vetter promotes his new book “Undressed”
Gregory Vetter is making headlines with the release of his new book, “Undressed: The Unfiltered Story of My Failed American Dream and How It Led to Success.” Best known for founding Tessemae’s All Natural and scaling it to over $300 million, Vetter doesn’t shy away from sharing the missteps that shaped his success. In “Undressed,” he challenges aspiring founders to embrace setbacks as stepping stones, drawing on lessons from leading multiple companies and navigating the inevitable challenges of growth. An inspiring voice on leadership, innovation, and resilience, Vetter has been featured in major outlets and continues to motivate audiences to commit fully to their vision until they achieve it.
5. Kelli Finglass’ Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders get second season with Netflix
Kelli Finglass is at the center of Netflix’s hit docuseries “America’s Sweethearts,” which debuted its second season this year, offering viewers a closer look at the world’s most famous cheerleading squad. As Director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders for more than three decades, Finglass has shaped the team into a global brand while preserving its traditions. A former DCC herself, she made history as the only cheerleader invited to a fifth season without auditioning. Taking the reins at just 27, she expanded the team’s reach with memorable halftime shows, youth programs, branded merchandise, and major media appearances.
6. Ted Danson will receive the 2025 Bob Hope Humanitarian Award
Ted Danson is the recipient of the 2025 Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, honoring his decades of philanthropy, activism, and commitment to global causes. Best known for his role as Sam Malone on “Cheers,” Danson has had a diverse career spanning sitcoms like “Becker” and “The Good Place,” dramas including “Damages” and “Fargo,” and recurring roles on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” He also stars in Netflix’s “A Man on the Inside,” a comedy series that earned him a Golden Globe nomination. Beyond acting, Danson is a passionate ocean conservation advocate, authoring the book Oceana and co-founding the environmental organization Oceana.
7. Salena Zito promotes her upcoming book “Butler”
Political reporter Salena Zito is turning attention to her upcoming book, “Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America’s Heartland,” slated for release in 2026. Known for her unconventional reporting style, Zito has built a career on capturing the perspectives often overlooked by national media. A national political reporter for the Washington Examiner and contributor to the Wall Street Journal, she has also written for The Atlantic, New York Post, and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and taught journalism at Harvard, Washington and Lee, and Hillsdale College.
If you’re interested in learning more about booking one of these speakers or exploring other ideas, AAE Speakers is here to help. Contact us today to get started.
