Bestselling Author; National Speaker on Marriage, Parenting, & Conflict Resolution

St. Charles, IL, USA
Live Event: $5,000 - $10,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Jay Payleitner Biography

Jay Payleitner spent a decade in major market advertising. Learning how people think and doing some fun work.

But God called him into Christian media. And he became an almost-too-busy freelance producer. For more than a decade, Payleitner scripted and produced Josh McDowell Radio, Today's Father, Jesus Freaks Radio with TobyMac and Michael Tait, Project Angel Tree with Chuck Colson, and thousands of hours of radio that aired across the country and beyond.

Payleitner is a long-time affiliate with the National Center for Fathering and nationally-known motivational speaker for Iron Sharpens Iron, marriage conferences, men's retreats, women's events, writers' conferences, and weekend services.

Payleitner has sold more than half million books including the bestselling "52 Things Kids Need from a Dad," "The Jesus Dare," and "What If God Wrote Your Bucket List?" His latest is "Happy Semiquincentennial, America! 250 Reasons Why America Is Still Worth Celebrating."

Payleitner's books have been translated into French, German, Spanish, Italian, Afrikaans, Indonesian, Slovenian, Polish, and Russian.

He has been a guest multiple times on "The Harvest Show," "100 Huntley Street," Moody Radio, "Building Relationships with Gary Chapman," Cornerstone TV, and "Focus on the Family."

Payleitner and his high school sweetheart, Rita, live in the Chicago area where they’ve raised five great kids, loved on ten foster babies, and are cherishing grandparenthood.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 01/28/2026.

Jay Payleitner Speaking Topics

  • Happy Semiquincentennial, America!

    Fall in love with America again. In this lively and warm presentation, Jay Payleitner shares readings and reflections inspired by his timely book, "Happy Semiquincentennial, America!" Topics and readings may include: Route 66, Slinkys, Teddy Bears, drive-in movies, Pearl Harbor, Gettysburg, Old Faithful, Mister Rogers, Johnny Appleseed, Gila monsters, dandelions, Mount Rushmore, Groundhog Day, Sharpies, Chicago-style hot dogs, red Solo cups, and JELL-O with weird stuff in it.

    The book—and talk—are equal parts travelogue, time capsule, trivia book, owner’s manual, and love letter. Chapters include America’s Soundtrack, Heroes Among Us, American Ingenuity, and Emerging Patriotism.

    Jay’s Final Word—a surprising reflection on our National Anthem—reminds the audience that we’ve all got work to do if America is going to remain the home of the free and the land of the brave.

    IDEAL AUDIENCES

    This presentation is a strong fit for:

    • Libraries & community reading programs
    • Historical societies & heritage organizations
    • Museums & cultural institutions
    • Civic & service clubs (VFW, American Legion, Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Chambers of Commerce)
    • Senior living communities & adult enrichment programs
    • Churches & faith-based groups
    • Schools, colleges & alumni associations
    • Corporate lunch-and-learns and employee appreciation events
    • City celebrations and America250 programming
    • Writers’ Groups

    FORMAT & DETAILS

    • Length: 45–60 minutes (flexible)
    • Includes: Live reading, storytelling, cultural reflection, a gentle personal challenge
    • Optional Q&A
    • Book sales & autographing available

  • 26 Things Kids Need from a Dad (based on Jay’s book)

    Laugh through true stories with lots of user-friendly takeaways. Jay never bashes dads. After all, God designed fatherhood to be a blessing and a blast. Includes video clips of classic movies.

Read More +

Jay Payleitner Videos

A Balanced Life - Jay Payleitner on LIFE Today Live - YouTube

A Balanced Life - Jay Payleitner on LIFE Today Live - YouTube

The author of "The Prayer of Agur" looks that the only prayer in the book of Proverbs for insight we need today.Interact live at noon (CST) ...

Jay Payleitner | The Prayer of Agur | Steve Brown, Etc. | Key Life ...

Jay Payleitner | The Prayer of Agur | Steve Brown, Etc. | Key Life ...

Book Trailer: Prayer Of Agur by Jay Payleitner

Book Trailer: Prayer Of Agur by Jay Payleitner

  • How do I book Jay Payleitner to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Jay Payleitner for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Jay Payleitner, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Jay Payleitner or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Jay Payleitner

    Speaking fees for Jay Payleitner, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Jay Payleitner are under $10,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Jay Payleitner, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Jay Payleitner speak about?

    Jay Payleitner is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Bestselling Authors, Children's Authors, Christian, Christian
  • Where does Jay Payleitner travel from?

    Jay Payleitner generally travels from St. Charles, IL, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Jay Payleitner’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Jay Payleitner for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Jay Payleitner for your next private or corporate function.
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Jay Payleitner is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Happy Semiquincentennial, America! , 26 Things Kids Need from a Dad (based on Jay’s book), Your Husband Has Secrets (for women, based on Jay’s book) , What Your Wife Needs from You (for men, based on Jay’s book) , Hooray for Grandparents! (from Jay’s book) and What If God Wrote Your Bucket List? (based on Jay’s book) . The estimated speaking fee range to book Jay Payleitner for your event is available upon request. Jay Payleitner generally travels from St. Charles, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are John R. Erickson, Scott LaPierre, Rachel Renée Russell and Nikki Russell, Eric Litwin and Laura Numeroff. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Jay Payleitner for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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