Edutainment Upcoming Guests

Navajo Code Talkers of World War II

Thomas H. Begay

Thomas Begay is one of the original Navajo Code Talkers who played a crucial role during World War II by using the Navajo language to develop an unbreakable military code. Born in 1924 on the Navajo Nation, Begay joined the U.S. Marine Corps at a young age and trained as both a Marine and a code talker.

During the war, he served in the Pacific Theater, where the code talkers transmitted vital battlefield messages at lightning speed. Their work remained a classified secret for decades, but it is now recognized as one of the key factors that contributed to the Allied victory.

After his service, Begay continued to share his story with younger generations, emphasizing the importance of courage, resilience, and cultural pride. His life stands as a reminder of how tradition and language can be powerful tools for unity and strength.

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September 04, 2025
@ 12:20 pm ET

K-12

September 11, 2001

Dan Holdridge

Author and motivational speaker, Dan Holdridge survived the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Join us, as we connect with Dan to hear about his story of survival and the valuable lessons he learned on this infamous day in World History. Learn more about Dan's story HERE.

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September 08, 2025
@ 12:23 pm ET

Middle School/High School

September 11, 2001

William Raff

September 11, 2001, was a day that will forever be etched in American and World history. Senior Vice President of Fuji Bank, William Raff, was on the 82nd floor of the South Tower. Join us, as William discusses his eyewitness account of the attacks along with his survival and the aftermath of the attacks.

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September 09, 2025
@ 11:00 am ET

Middle School/High School

September 11, 2001

Brian Branco

September 11, 2001, was a day that will forever be etched in American and World history. That morning, Brian Branco was working on the 78th floor of the South Tower. Join us, as Brian discusses his eyewitness account of the attacks along with his survival and the aftermath.

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September 09, 2025
@ 12:23 pm ET

Middle School/High School

September 11, 2001

Stanley Praimnath

Working as an Executive at Fuji Bank on the 82nd Floor of World Trade Center II, Stanley Praimnath survived the attacks from the top of the tower, being one of only 18 survivors to do so. He is now a motivational speaker sharing his story of perseverance around the world.

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September 10, 2025
@ 12:23 pm ET

Middle School/High School

Working with Elvis

Steve Binder

Steve Binder is an American producer and director. He found success behind the camera on television shows showcasing music, when he was only in his early 20s. He was also influential in creating music programs with racially and ethnically diverse casts, featuring a variety of musical styles. Steve is an Emmy and ACE award-winning producer, director, writer, educator, and Golden Globe nominee. In 1968, Steve conceived, directed, and produced ELVIS, The ‘68 Comeback Special. TV Guide called this landmark event “the second greatest musical moment in television history next to the Beatles' debut on the Ed Sullivan Show.” Steve also proudly served in the U.S. Army in Europe as an announcer for the Armed Forces Radio network. He is currently an active member of the Directors and Producers Guilds of America and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California.

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September 16, 2025
@ 1:00 pm ET

K-12

Careers in Secret Shopping

Rich Bradley

Rich Bradley has played a prominent role in the mystery shopping industry, contributing decades of leadership and expertise through his involvement with MSPA Americas (Mystery Shopping Professionals Association).

He served as President of MSPA North America in 2015, where he worked to strengthen industry standards, promote best practices, and provide guidance to both businesses and consumers. In addition, Bradley has acted as a media contact for MSPA Americas, representing the organization in public discussions on the value and credibility of mystery shopping. Most recently, in 2023, he was listed as an Ex Officio Governor on the MSPA Americas Board of Directors, continuing to lend his insights to the association’s strategic direction.

Bradley is widely recognized for his emphasis on scam prevention and consumer education. He has cautioned prospective shoppers to avoid fraudulent offers, noting that legitimate mystery shopping firms never send advance checks or solicit individuals who have not signed up with their agency. His expertise has also guided businesses in selecting the right mystery shopping partners by encouraging them to seek companies with proven experience in their industries and to request tailored proposals.

Through his leadership, Rich Bradley has advanced MSPA’s mission to support ethical practices, enhance the customer experience profession, and promote the integrity of the mystery shopping industry.

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September 18, 2025
@ 1:00 pm ET

K-12

Careers in eSports

Megan Van Petten

Megan Van Petten is a purpose-driven leader who has spent over 20 years helping to transform nonprofit associations, foundations and societies while serving as CEO of Van Petten Group, an association management company. VPG helps organizations in transition by providing educational resources, bolstering national city tourism, event services and guidance to become self-managed. Megan coaches high-level executives and creates custom development opportunities to give organizations the research, tools and technology to bring their mission and vision to life.

During her time serving as the Fantasy Sports Trade Association (FSTA) Association Director, Megan was instrumental in scaling the association into one of the top 10 fastest growing industries in the country. She was also named by HuffPost as the Top 5 Most Influential Women in Fantasy Sports. This experience with sports and technology spurred Megan to launch a new association, the Esports Trade Association (ESTA), in 2017. ESTA is a nonprofit for the business of esports and video gaming industry based in Chicago, with Chapters positioned throughout the world. She actively oversees and contributes to the growth and development of this organization, with dedication and passion and is proud to have had a hand in launching the #LeadGenerously Leadership Program for ESTA Chapter leaders. She recently honored to be nominated for the WISE (Woman in Sports & Events) Women of Inspiration Awards.

Megan is an expert panelist, event speaker, and a host to two ESTA dedicated podcasts, EsportsConnected and EsportsNext, designed to showcase member stories, create personal and business connections within the esports community and highlight the annual EsportsNext conference.

She serves the esports community by being on the various advisory boards, including Stockton University and Beyond Sports Initiative. She also is a member of the National Speakers Association. Megan holds a Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and is pursuing Post Graduate work in Pastoral Studies to learn more about ways towards global peace. During her off time, she studies the global healing arts and is a volunteer lector for Holy Name Cathedral Parish.

Favorite motto/quote: The mind is everything; what you think, you become.
When you’re not at VPG, you’re: Engaging with fitness, spiritual development, and volunteering or exploring Chicago with friends.
One person you’d like to meet (dead or alive): My brother, John who passed before his time.
What do you want to be when you grow up: I want to do what I can to thank everyone who has shared my road and been part of this fantastic journey we call life.
Greatest achievement: Building my company from the ground up with a truly special group of people I respect and love.

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September 23, 2025
@ 12:00 pm ET

K-12

Careers in Exploration

Niccolo Banfi

Nicolo Banfi is an Italian explorer and photographer dedicated to capturing the beauty and resilience of the world’s most remote and secluded corners. Through his ongoing project, “Remoteness – Eyes to the Edge,” he documents the landscapes, cultures, and stories of places few have ever set foot, sharing a vision of the planet’s most isolated regions.

In 2022, Banfi embarked on a remarkable 52-day sailing expedition across the South Atlantic, beginning in Argentina and concluding in South Africa. The journey spanned 5,600 nautical miles and included awe-inspiring destinations such as Antarctica, South Georgia, and Tristan da Cunha.

His exploration continued in 2023 with over 30 days spent in the northern archipelago of the Cook Islands, highlighted by in-depth visits to the remote islands of Manihiki and Rakahanga.

Most recently, in 2024, Banfi set sail aboard an early 1900s ship to traverse the South Pacific. Over the course of 90 days and 6,500 nautical miles, he explored the Pitcairn Islands, the Marquesas, the Society Archipelago, and Tonga.

With each journey, Nicolo Banfi reaffirms his commitment to exploration, using his lens to reveal the raw beauty and cultural richness of the world’s farthest frontiers.

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September 25, 2025
@ 2:00 pm ET

K-12

Careers in Storm Chasing

Edgar O'Neal

Edgar the Storm Chaser is a fearless storm chaser, weather journalist, and media personality with Team Dominator, one of the most well-known storm-chasing teams in the world. With a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Business, Edgar has expertly combined his passion for extreme weather with his media expertise, bringing captivating storm coverage to audiences worldwide. From intercepting violent tornadoes to navigating extreme weather conditions, Edgar’s on-the-ground reports provide critical real-time updates, helping to educate and inform the public about severe weather threats. His adrenaline-fueled adventures have made him a standout figure in storm-chasing media, where he blends science, storytelling, and high-impact visuals to deliver compelling coverage.Whether braving the heart of a supercell or documenting the raw power of nature, Edgar’s dedication to storm chasing and weather journalism continues to inspire and inform audiences, solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in the field.

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September 30, 2025
@ 3:00 pm ET

Middle School/High School

Careers in Athletics

Coach Skipper Kelp

Fight Capital Gym owner Skipper Kelp began his journey in combat sports as a child with black belts in Taekwondo and Japanese Karate. Kelp began boxing at the age of 12 and won several nation championships including the 1987 Olympic Sports Festival, 1987 and 1988 National Golden Gloves and had the privilege of representing the U.S. in several international competitions. Kelp turned pro in 1991 and had an entertaining career with "Tuesday Night Fights" Fight of the Year honors and retired 24-4-1 with 16 Ko's. After boxing Kelp formed the UNLV boxing team and produced over 20 National Collegiate Champions. In 2006 Kelp led the UNLV boxing team to a National Collegiate Title becoming the first non military academy in over 20 years to accomplish that feat. Kelp now devotes his time and energy to the amazing members of the Fight Capital Gym and the Fight Capital Youth Foundation.

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November 03, 2025
@ 1:00 pm ET

K-12

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