Finding the right voice for your stage isn’t just about scanning a résumé. It’s about presence—the ability to read the room, deliver a message with impact, and make an audience feel seen. Some of Canada’s top journalists and media personalities have mastered this art. They’ve spent years in newsrooms, on live broadcasts, and in front of national audiences. Now, they’re bringing those same skills to conferences, summits, and corporate events—turning complex stories into clarity and creating unforgettable moments on stage.
In this blog, we’re spotlighting five of the most trusted and engaging voices in Canadian journalism and media.
5 Canadian Journalists and Media Personalities
Peter Mansbridge
Renowned Journalist, Former News Anchor
Peter Mansbridge is a name event planners know. For decades, he guided Canadians through complex stories on CBC’s The National. On stage, that trusted voice becomes a steady hand for audiences who want clarity in a noisy world.
What he speaks about: leadership in complex times, trust and media literacy, Canada’s story, and how to communicate under pressure. He also shines as a moderator or host for firesides and high-stakes panels.
Why audiences love him: Peter brings calm authority. He turns headline issues into plain language and leaves people with a clear plan for how to think and act.
Best fit: national associations, public sector forums, executive retreats, and conferences that need a credible opener or closer.
Explore Peter’s full profile – Bio, claim-to-fame, and speaking topics.
Leah Hextall
ESPN Commentator, Reporter
Leah Hextall has broken barriers as one of the first women to call play-by-play in the NHL. With years of experience in sports broadcasting, she brings authority, resilience, and authenticity to the stage.
What Leah speaks about: navigating adversity, women in leadership and sports, breaking barriers in male-dominated industries, and thriving under pressure.
Why audiences love her: Leah shares her personal story with candour and impact. Her talks inspire audiences to push through challenges while highlighting the importance of inclusion and representation.
Best fit: leadership conferences, diversity and inclusion events, sports organizations, education summits, and corporate programs focused on resilience and change.
Explore Leah’s full profile – Bio, claim-to-fame, and speaking topics.
Tod Maffin
Former Broadcaster, Viral Content Creator
Tod Maffin is a veteran Canadian broadcaster and technology journalist. He is known for his smart, funny, and moving analysis of Canadian identity and media, drawing from his extensive career, which includes time as a national CBC broadcaster and host of the popular “Today in Digital Marketing” podcast.
What Tod speaks about: Tod offers a powerful exploration of Canadian identity in a polarized world. He uses the lens of cultural touchstones like The Littlest Hobo to examine how Canada can find its unique voice. He provides a framework for principled engagement, reframing what it means to lead, belong, and care in a divided world.
Why audiences love him: Audiences are captivated by Tod’s signature blend of sharp political insight and heartfelt storytelling. His delivery is celebrated for its wit, warmth, and “touch of righteous mischief,” making complex topics accessible and deeply human.
Best fit: Any organization, association, or conference seeking a uniquely Canadian and inspiring call to action. He is ideal for events focused on leadership, national identity, and community engagement, or for any audience needing a renewed sense of purpose and mission.
Explore Tod’s full profile – Bio, claim-to-fame, and speaking topics.
Amanda Lindhout
Kidnapping Survivor, NYT Bestselling Author
Amanda Lindhout is an international bestselling author and humanitarian who survived 460 days as a hostage in Somalia. Her story of survival, resilience, and hope has inspired audiences around the world.
What Amanda speaks about: overcoming adversity, cultivating resilience, finding strength in crisis, and building compassion. Her talks are deeply moving, offering lessons on perseverance and perspective.
Why audiences love her: Amanda’s story is unforgettable. She transforms extreme personal hardship into universal lessons about courage and the human spirit.
Best fit: corporate leadership events, mental health and wellness programs, women’s conferences, association meetings, and keynotes focused on resilience and empathy.
Explore Amanda’s full profile – Bio, claim-to-fame, and speaking topics.
Devin Heroux
Canadian Sports Journalist, Veteran Olympics Reporter
Devin Heroux thrives in the moment. His Olympic and curling coverage has taught him how to find the human story fast and bring audiences into it.
What Devin speaks about: real-time storytelling, resilience and mindset, building community through sport, and leading under deadline. He’s also a natural interviewer for on-stage Q&As and post-game-style debriefs.
Why audiences love him: Devin connects. He brings heart, detail, and just the right speed. Your audience gets practical lessons on communication and pressure, told through stories they’ll remember.
Best fit: sports bodies and federations, municipal and community events, leadership conferences, and sessions that need an engaging host/interviewer. If your event needs energy and heart, book Devin Heroux.
Explore Devin’s full profile – Bio, claim-to-fame, and speaking topics.
How to Match the Right Canadian Journalism and Media Speakers to Your Event
Start with the job to be done. If you need credibility and clarity on complex issues, Mansbridge is your anchor. For resilience and breaking barriers, Hextall or Lindhout bring powerful perspectives. For practical change in digital and AI, Maffin delivers actionable insights. If the goal is connection and spark, Heroux brings live-host energy.
Next, choose the format: keynote (30–45 minutes + Q&A), fireside chat, panel moderation, MC/host, or virtual. Share your audience, goals, and a short list of the questions you want answered. That lets each speaker tailor stories and examples to your world.
Finally, plan the flow. Open with a strong keynote to frame the day. Use a hosted fireside after lunch to bring energy back. Close with a unifying message or a moderated panel that ties the theme together.
Ready to Shortlist?
Tell us your date, audience, and goals and we’ll recommend the best fit—and format—for your agenda. You can book Peter Mansbridge, Leah Hextall, Todd Maffin, Amanda Lindhout, or Devin Heroux and we’ll handle the details.
Explore more on our Journalism Speakers page or browse our full speaker types directory.
Visit our homepage or contact us directly to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Top Canadian Journalism and Media Speakers
Journalism and media speakers bring clarity, professionalism, and strong storytelling skills to the stage. Their experience with live broadcasts and high-pressure reporting translates into engaging keynotes, panels, and moderation that keep audiences informed and inspired.
Talent Bureau represents leading voices like Peter Mansbridge, Leah Hextall, Todd Maffin, Amanda Lindhout, and Devin Heroux. Each brings unique insights and expertise to events across Canada.
These speakers are a great fit for conferences, association meetings, corporate retreats, leadership forums, and events that need trusted moderators or MCs. They excel at helping audiences make sense of complex issues while keeping programs polished and professional.
It’s simple—start by browsing our Journalist Speakers page. Once you’ve identified your preferred speaker, visit our contact page and our team will help finalize details and ensure the speaker is a perfect match for your goals.
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