Iowa History Journal - Public Speaking

Come see Mike at the Iowa State Fair and the National Cattle Congress

In the coming months, Mike will be appearing at the Iowa State Fair on August 12-22 and at the National Cattle Congress in Waterloo, September 16-19. You are invited to come meet Mike and his wife, Bev, and browse over the numerous books he has written (21 to date) and see the ten issues of Iowa History Journal that have been published so far. If you buy any of the books or magazines, Mike will be happy to sign them for you.

Both the books and the magazines make tremendous gifts for Iowans who live anywhere!

Date and Times

Iowa State Fair -- Ralph Deets Historical Building, 10 am to 4 pm - August 12-22

National Cattle Congress -- Estel Bulidng, 10 am to 8 pm - September 16-19

Mr. Chapman is a well-known public speaker on a variety of topics and is available for speeches at your events. He has appeared on over 200 radio talk shows, and has been featured on TV shows on networks such as A&E, ESPN, Fox & Friends and Iowa Public Television. He has met and/or interviewed a wide range of celebrities, including Ronald Reagan, Muhammad Ali, Robert Redford, numerous Olympic champions and former movie Tarzans Denny Miller and Bruce Bennett.

Mr. Chapman is available to give speeches on:

Achilles, the Trojan War and Greek Mythology
The speech discusses who was Achilles, what really caused the Trojan War (was it the abduction of the princess Helen?) and if the Greeks of that era really believed in centaurs (half man, half horse), and gods and goddesses—and if so, why. Mike is the author of a novel entitled Achilles: Son of Peleus, Scourge of Troy. In 2006, he visited the site of the ancient Trojan War, in Turkey. He is an expert on Achilles and the Trojan War era.
The Stories of Fred and Nile
Mike tells the inspiring stories of two great All-American football players from the University of Iowa who died in war serving their country: Fred Becker (World War I) and Nile Kinnick (World War II); a motivational story about athletics, academics and patriotism, sure to inspire young and old alike.
From Gotch to Gable: Why Iowa Has Such A strong wrestling tradition
How One Man—Frank Gotch—is largely responsible for Iowa's love affair with the sport of wrestling, and how another man—Dan Gable—helps to keep the flame burning.
Mankind's Oldest Sport
The history of Wrestling, going back 5000 years, as seen through a tour of the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Waterloo, where Mike is the executive director. The speech includes examples of wrestling from the Bible, the Iliad, The Epic of Gilgamesh (the oldest piece of extant literature in the world) and from the life of young Abe Lincoln.
How to prepare for an exciting career in journalism
Is the newspaper world dying? How about writing books and magazine articles? Or even movie screenplays? Mike uses the experience of his 35 years in journalism to "Tell it like it is..."

Testimonials

"Mike Chapman presented our club with a lively, laugh-filled, eye-opening review of famous Iowans, from Nile Kinnick to Dan Gable and everyone in between. Plus, he offered an unforgettable travelogue about his long-sought visit to the Plain of Troy. He is perfect for all kinds of organizations because his style and material are fresh, funny and a delight to hear!"

- Kathie Swift, President, The Friendship Force of Greater Des Moines

“Mike Chapman...is undoubtedly one of the best speakers I have heard for a long, long time. The whole group felt that way and lined up to visit with him after the meeting. His great wife Bev also came with him.”

- Nancy Johns, Program chair, Northwest Rotary, Urbandale, Iowa

“Mike Chapman has a real way with words. Combine that with enthusiasm, knowledge and experience and you get the best speaker I have ever listened to. He is the slap in the back you need when getting ready for competition.”

- Hesston Johnson, Wrestling Coach, Independence High School