Nick Buettner is a dynamic speaker and the Director of Community and Corporate Programs for the Blue Zones Project, inspiring audiences worldwide to rethink their approach to health and longevity. With an impressive career that includes leading 17 global expeditions to identify and study Blue Zones—regions where people live significantly longer and healthier lives—Nick brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to his presentations. His work has positively impacted the well-being of over 5 million people by translating the longevity lessons from places like Ikaria, Greece, Nicoya, Costa Rica, and Okinawa, Japan, into actionable strategies for communities and organizations.
As a speaker, Nick combines compelling data with unforgettable stories, sharing insights into the habits and practices that contribute to extraordinary health and longevity. From the amusing confession of a 104-year-old woman who feels “sexier” now than at 103 to his personal conversations with individuals thriving in Blue Zones, Nick’s storytelling captivates and motivates. His approachable, conversational style ensures audiences leave inspired and equipped with practical tools to improve their own lives and the lives of those around them. Whether addressing professional conferences or community gatherings, Nick’s passion for creating healthier, happier lives is evident in every presentation.
Nick Buettner will be interviewed by the Executive Director of Blue Zone Petaluma, Nichole Warwick.
Anne Lamott writes and speaks about subjects that begin with capital letters: Alcoholism, Motherhood, Jesus. But armed with self-effacing humor – she is laugh-out-loud funny – and ruthless honesty, Lamott converts her subjects into enchant- ment. Actually,she writes about what most of us don’t like to think about. She wrote her first novel for her father, the writer Kenneth Lamott, when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. She has said that the book was “a present to someone I loved who was going to die.” In all her novels, she writes about loss – loss of loved ones and loss of personal control. She doesn’t try to sugarcoat the sadness, frustration and disappointment, but tells her stories with honesty, compassion and a pureness of voice. As she says,“I have a lot of hope and a lot of faith and I struggle to communicate that.” Anne Lamott does communicate her faith; in her books and in person, she lifts, comforts, and inspires, all the while keeping us laughing.
She has authored numerous best-selling books, including Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith, and Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son’s First Year. Her work often explores themes of faith, addiction, motherhood, and personal growth, blending raw honesty with wit and compassion.
Lamott has been honored with a Guggenheim Fellowship, and has taught at UC Davis, as well as at writing conferences across the country. Academy Award-winning film- maker Freida Mock has made a documentary on Lamott, entitled Bird by Bird with Annie (1999).Anne Lamott has also been inducted into the California Hall of Fame.
Lamott is a columnist for the Washington Post. Her next book, a collaboration with her husband Neal Allen, will be Good Writing (Avery Penguin Random House, 2026). She also has a new podcast series with Allen titled The Big Questions, available exclusively on the Ritual app.
Roy Tuscany is a self-motivated, adaptable, and transformational leader who creates dynamic work environments and develops innovative opportunities that further High Fives Foundation’s organizational goals. Originally from Vermont, he was raised by hard-working parents and follows the statement that “hard-working” people are successful.
Roy started the High Fives Foundation with a “pay-it-forward” mindset to make a difference in the community that supported him after his spinal cord injury, and he put the money raised right back into providing free resources for the life-changing-injury community, growing stronger together. He is uniquely qualified to lead High Fives, not only because of his personal experiences after sustaining a spinal cord injury, but also because of his crystal-clear vision, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Tuscany received the 2024 “Jimmie Heuga Award” from the Far West Ski Association in recognition of his demonstrated courage and skill on the ski slope and of his courageous heart. He gave a TED Talk at TEDx Reno in 2023 entitled, “Adapt and Destroy: A New Way to Look at Obstacles.” He was named one of four “One Outside” Community Leaders by Eddie Bauer in 2021. And he has also been recognized as an Outdoor Retailer “Inspiration Awards” finalist, a Polaris “Hero”, and Outside Magazine’s “Dispatch Hero.”
Alana Nichols is a world-class, multi-sport Paralympian and advocate, known for her resilience and passion for adaptive sports. After a spinal cord injury at 17, she transitioned to adaptive athletics, becoming the first American female to win gold medals at both the Summer (Wheelchair Basketball) and Winter (Alpine Skiing) Paralympic Games. A five-time Paralympian and six-time medalist, she also competed in Paracanoe at Rio 2016.
Beyond sports, Alana is an advocate for women in sports and disability inclusion, serving on the Women’s Sports Foundation board. She currently excels in adaptive surfing, securing multiple gold medals in the ISA World Para Surfing Championships.
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