Ariel Waldman
National Geographic Explorer; Filmmaker; Author; Former NASA Advisor
Ariel Waldman transports audiences from the icy realms of Antarctica, where she films otherworldly life beneath the surface, to the vast expanse of space, tapping into her insights and experiences with NASA. An Antarctic explorer and filmmaker, Ariel’s talks offer a captivating blend of visual wonder and science, leaving audiences inspired and informed. Her infectious enthusiasm for exploring the unknown – in her career and the edges of our world – gets audiences excited about how anyone can contribute to new areas, no matter their background.
Under $25,000
Imagine hosting a speaker who not only dives into the mysteries beneath the ice of Antarctica but also elevates your event into an awe-inspiring experience about exploring new horizons. Ariel Waldman, a celebrated Antarctic explorer, filmmaker, and National Geographic Explorer, brings the marvels of our planet and the wonders of space directly to you. Recognized by the Obama White House as a "Champion of Change", she embodies the fusion of creativity and scientific inquiry, making her the quintessential speaker to inspire your audience to push their boundaries.
With her vibrant storytelling and stunning visuals, Ariel doesn't just share her adventures — she demonstrates how to turn curiosity into action. Previously, she served as the chair to NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts advisory council and co-authored a congressionally-requested National Academy of Sciences report on the future of human spaceflight. As the driving force behind global initiatives like Science Hack Day, Ariel grew the event to span 30 countries and serve as the prime inspiration for the creation of NASA’s International Space Apps Challenge, the world’s largest hackathon. Ariel is the author of two books: Out There: The Science Behind Sci-Fi Film and TV and What’s It Like in Space?: Stories from Astronauts Who’ve Been There.
Featured Videos
Ariel Waldman
Collaboration
Ariel Waldman’s Speech Topics
Charting the Uncharted: How Embracing the Unknown Can Shape a Bold Career
Ariel Waldman’s career didn’t follow a straight line, and that’s exactly why it’s so inspiring. In this talk, Waldman shares how veering off the expected path led her from an art school background in Kansas to collaborating with NASA, chairing a council for advanced space concepts, and leading solo scientific expeditions in Antarctica. With humor and candor, she brings audiences into the world of unexpected opportunities and unorthodox collaborations—whether it's launching global science events or turning science fiction into scientific inquiry. Perfect for innovation summits, university audiences, and creative leadership forums, this talk empowers attendees to see uncertainty not as a setback, but as a launchpad for discovery. Her journey is proof that the unknown isn’t something to fear; it’s where the magic happens.
Exploration as a Mindset: Lessons from the Edge of the Earth
Join Ariel Waldman on a mesmerizing journey to Antarctica, where she set out alone to uncover and film life thriving beneath the ice. Blending storytelling, science, and cinematic visuals, Waldman’s talk offers an eye-opening look into a world that’s as alien as the surface of another planet, and it’s right here on Earth. With her trademark enthusiasm and vivid footage, Waldman transforms scientific exploration into a universal lesson in discovery offering tech leaders, creative teams, and business innovators a fresh perspective on how curiosity can drive groundbreaking insights. Perfect for innovation summits, company retreats, and conferences focused on vision and new frontiers, this talk entertains, inspires, and encourages audiences to look beyond the familiar to find big ideas in unexpected places.
What other organizations say about Ariel Waldman
We were so honored to have Ms. Waldman as a speaker at our global event this year. She was scheduled as a lead-in for our closing because so many people were excited to attend and hear from her, and quite honestly she gave our moderators a challenge ? simply because the audience was so engaged and the volume of questions came so fast that we barely kept up, even with 3 moderators. People from over 100 countries joined a lively discussion with Ariel and left inspired, entertained, and more educated. We highly recommend her as a speaker.
Open-ticketed
Featured News
Ali Ward
Antarcticology (ANTARCTIC RESEARCH) with Ariel Waldman
29 April, 2026
Works by Ariel Waldman
Ariel Waldman
Life Unearthed
Ariel Waldman Topics & Types
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