About my speech
My speech/talk is a personal account of my life with insight into the brain of struggling teen; as well as insight from other family members. My speech is tailored for the audience I’m serving whether I’m in front of a group made up of youth, parents, people who serve youth, or a combination of any those audiences. To help youth understand their not the only ones who’ve struggled, to help parents understand their struggling youth, and those trying to mediate how to help explain both sides to each other. I have been a guest lecturer at the University of Iowa for a psychology of trauma and loss course, as well as countless residential treatment center across the Midwest both non-religious and religious based, and for church youth and parent groups looking to understand the pull of depression and suicide on teens. Check out the media page to see a clip of my speech.

I also make myself available after speeches to talk with any in more depth about my experiences and answer questions about the speech or the book. "Defending a Ghost" is for sale at the speeches as well. If you are interested in having me join your community for a talk please do not hesitate to contact me.

If you are interested in reading what others have to say about their experiences with my book and speech here is a complete list of letters of recommendations and fans. You can also download the outline of the talk or a complete list of past speaking dates.


Some Comments
"Anyone who has had the pleasure of watching John Derryberry lead a group of children will recognize immediately that he has a gift; a special way of connecting with the kids and encouraging them to bring out their best."
-Rachel Scott, YWCA Youth Director; President, Iowa Afterschool Association

"There's no doubt the John has lived more life that his years might reveal. But his journey is one that serves as a fine lesson for both young people and adults. It's a story the contrasts both the darker human emotions and experience with the thankfulness and growth that show themselves when we mae it through those tough times."
- Ken Sundet Jones, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Grand View University

"Many of the participants were moved by talk, his presentation style, and his genuine desire to help others. I highly encourage other organizations to invite John to work with students, families or groups who are coping with tragedy. His story is a reality check for some and a ray of hope that no matter how low life’s blows pull you down, there can be a happier ending."
- Charlene “Charlie” Kiesling, Executive Director of Amanda the Panda Family Grief Center

"Each and everyone of them learned a great deal from experiences and the method in which you taught the boys to deal with their anger. I like how you came well prepared to talk with them and to take time and answer their every question. I look forward to being able to work with you again doing another group with the boys in the future. Thanks again for your willingness to come and spend time teaching others from your experiences."
-Jeremy DeBattista, Dover Unit, Four Oaks

Upcoming events

August 11, 2011
Class room two hour work shop on the emotions of growing up, Jane Boyd Middle School.

August 19, 2011
Youth Workshop,(Keynote) Independance Iowa

August 26, 2011
Amanda the Panda radio-a-thon,
Des Moines, Iowa

August 28, 2011
Youth Retreat for Scared Heart Catholic Church, Staceyville, Iowa

September 13, 2011
Prairie Point Middle School, 9th grade teacher team, Cedar Rapids, IA

September 17 & 18, 2011
Camp Amanda the Panda grief camp, Indianola, Iowa

September 24 & 25, 2011
Camping embracing memories for St. Lukes Hospice, Coggon, Iowa

November 14, 2011
St. Luke's hopsice staff training on working with kids who are greiving

December 4, 2011
Junior High, High school, and Parents
Two hour work shop: The emotions of faith and more. St. Mary Catholic Church, Waverly, Iowa

Please contact me to schedule a talk

REcent events

May 2011
Columbus High School 8th grade retreat, Waterloo, Iowa

June 2011
Camp Wapsie Summer Staff Training, Coggon, Iowa

July 26, 2011
"Helping Children and Teens Cope with the Death of a Loved One"
St. Lukes Hospice, Cedar Rapids Iowa

Complete list of past speaking dates.