I speak regularly about the importance of connection and resilience, especially in a time of disconnection.  I also appear frequently in national media.

I spoke at the 2018 TED Idea Search in New York City. Check it out here.

In 2020, I spoke with Hoda Kotb and guest co-host Maria Shriver on the Today Show.

I spoke at Science on Tap in February of 2020.

Praise:

“Not only did Lydia’s lecture connect friends and community, her clear messaging and personal approach made scientific research relatable.”–David Wood, Pacific Science Center, Seattle

“Working with Lydia was a pleasure! She clearly has a deep knowledge of the science of friendship and her obvious enthusiasm for the topic led to a dynamic and engaging talk. She connected well with our audience of nearly 350 people and answered questions deftly and with humor. She was also easy to communicate with while planning for the event. I’m looking forward to another opportunity to work with Lydia again!”–Amanda Thomas, Science on Tap

“Lydia is an informative speaker who challenges conventional wisdom on teens and friendships. Both her presentations at EWA events received high praise from fellow journalists who appreciated the new lens she brings to reporting on these issues on the education beat.”–Stacia Cedillo, Education Writers Association

“Literally everyone connected with you as a speaker, with what you had to share, and the manner in which you communicated all that great information. The attendees sung your praises. You were a spectacular contributor to our day.” –Katie Aviv, AG Bell California

“Thank you for your superb talk.” –Dominic Bonfiglio, Einstein Forum, Germany

“I thoroughly enjoyed the way you meshed the scientific with the humanistic.” –Maribeth Lutz, Illinois State University

“The attendees thoroughly enjoyed [your presentation.] Some even remarked it was the best keynote the conference has had in years.” –Caitlin Nelms, University of Memphis, National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association

“The evaluations and comments show a very positive response to your topic. Participants not only welcomed but embraced [your ideas.]” –Clarke Schools Mainstream Services

Keynote or featured presentation audiences have included:

TED
Institute of Women’s Leadership of Marquette University
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Princeton Club of Chicago
Princeton Women’s Network
TinyCon
Fairbanks Wellness Coalition
Annual Innovators in Education Conference
Social Media Week
Pacific Science Center
Science on Tap
Science Writers in NY
AAAS (Moderator)
Education Writers Association
Einstein Forum, Potsdam, Germany
AG Bell Association
Clarke Schools
Illinois State University
The University of Memphis
CUNY Graduate Center
New York City Department of Education (Special Education)

Media appearances have included:

The Today Show
Armchair Expert
Call Your Girlfriend
All Things Considered
WNYC All of It with Alison Stewart
Good Day New York
KQED Forum
Radiolab
PBS The Open Mind (forthcoming)
KERA Think (NPR)
CBS This Morning
Radio Times (WHYY)
Cheddar
The Leonard Lopate Show
Soundcheck
Wisconsin Public Radio (NPR)
Role Models Podcast
Bullet Proof Radio
The Unmistakable Creative
KCRW Radio

Topics include:

On Friendship:

• The Science of Friendship: Why it matters for your career, your marriage and your health
• In Praise of Sleepovers and Sitting with Your Friends: What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Friendship

On Deafness:

• Language and Reading in the Brain
• Parenting a Child with a Disability

On Resiliency

• Recovery Technique: What matters most is what you do next (and your relationships)

For General Inquiries: