December 9, 2024
Austin Hatch
Austin Hatch calls his story one of tragedy, incomprehensible loss, and triumph.
Tragedy struck for the first time in 2003. Austin and his dad survived a plane crash that took his mom, sister, and brother. Eight years later, just after being offered a full scholarship to play basketball for the University of Michigan, tragedy struck again. Austin, his father, and his “other mother” were involved in yet another plane crash. Austin was the only survivor, leaving him in a coma, battling severe injuries. With the help of his medical team, family, and friends, Austin made an impressive comeback and was able to fulfill his dream of going to Michigan. Although he was no longer a star player, Austin took great pride in his role and found ways to make a positive impact on the team.
Austin believes part of the reason he survived, endured tragic losses, and made a full recovery, is to help others. He will share his inspiring story about thriving in the midst of adversity.
September 8, 2025
Tara Lipinski
Tara Lipinski, an internationally acclaimed figure skater, catapulted onto the world’s stage when she won a Gold Medal at the1998 Olympics. At just 15 years old, Tara was the youngest individual Gold Medalist in the history of the winter games.
After the Olympics, Tara competed in professional competitions such as Ice Wars and toured with Stars on Ice. She then made history again by becoming the youngest person to win the World Professional Figure Skating Championship.
Tara was the primetime analyst for figure skating at the 2022 Winter Olympics and hosted coverage of the closing ceremony at the 2021 Summer Olympics. She has hosted numerous events for NBC and in 2022 released a three-part docuseries for NBC’s Peacock.
In 2023 Tara and her husband welcomed their daughter, Georgie Winter, choosing the middle name as a nod to figure skating. Enjoy an entertaining conversation between Tara and Detroit TV personality Chuck Gaidica.
Special Guest Host: Chuck Gaidica
Chuck Gaidica is a trusted media figure, frequent keynote speaker, podcast & radio host, and author. Many people may know Chuck from his national and local radio and television work in Michigan over four decades.
October 13, 2025
Ben Nemtin
What Do You Want to Do Before You Die? This is the title of Ben Nemtin’s #1 New York Times Bestselling book. After being forced to drop out of university when hit with severe depression, Ben needed to feel alive again. He and his best friends created a bucket list of 100 of their wildest dreams. They borrowed a rickety old RV and crisscrossed North America achieving the unthinkable. For each accomplished dream of their own, they helped a stranger accomplish their dream too, including reuniting a father and son after 17 years. The ripple effect of their mission was astounding.
Ben is ranked among the top motivational speakers in the world. He starred on MTV’s The Buried Life and has appeared on The Today Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, FOX, and NBC News. Oprah declared their mission “truly inspiring.”
Ben Nemtin’s message of possibility has inspired millions to unlock their true potential.
November 10, 2025
Jonna Mendez
In the captivating world of intelligence, espionage, and covert operations, Jonna Mendez’s speeches immerse audiences into the adventures of an international spy.
Mendez lived undercover for several decades, specializing in training foreign assets in ways to gather high-priority intelligence using espionage technology. Later, Mendez added disguise and identity transformation to her extensive roster of skills. Mendez has fabricated lifesaving disguises in the most hostile cities around the world.
Currently, Mendez is a consultant / lecturer on intelligence matters. She is the author of several books and has been featured in numerous TV documentaries. She speaks around the world and was the keynote speaker at the 2022 Intelligence International Conference in Australia. Mendez also received the prestigious DAR Patriot Award for “lifelong service to America in the defense of freedom.”
On stage, Jonna will reveal her riveting, courageous story of being a female international spy at the CIA during the height of the Cold War.
December 8, 2025
Devin Scillian
Town Hall is delighted to welcome Devin Scillian and Arizona Son for the closing performance of the 2025 season. Devin is truly multi-talented – Television viewers in Michigan and Ontario know him as a former evening news anchor on WDIV-TV / NBC in Detroit. Children, teachers, and parents know him as the gifted writer of 20+ children’s books. Music lovers recognize him as the winner of the prestigious Detroit Music Award for Best Country Performer. Devin has said, “…. Whether it’s as a reporter, an author or a songwriter, I just love a good story.”
An accomplished musician and songwriter, Devin has released four albums of original songs. He and Arizona Son make frequent appearances on the local concert circuit, and have also opened for the likes of Toby Keith, Reba McEntire, and LeAnn Rimes.
This performance is sure to leave you with a smile on your face, joy in your heart and a tap in your toes!