Testimonials

Trish Deitch,
The New Yorker

Don Reed acts out story… playing all the characters with both ease and inexhaustible energy.

Robert Hurwitt,
The San Francisco Chronicle

He shape shifts his elastic features, flexible body, and voice to create strikingly different characters of every race, age, and gender.

Andy Webster,
The New York Times

Hard not to love Don Reed. Inhabiting a multitude of personalities.

THE BERKELEY PLANET

Sidestepping stereotypes… drawing laughter and cries of recognition.

Julie Smith David,
Chief Innovative Officer – American Accounting Association

The American Accounting Association asked Don Reed to speak at their Annual Conference, and we could not have been happier with the outcome! He shared his story with our members (accounting professors), with humility and humor. He made us laugh and cry. He led us to appreciate and understand the vulnerability of the personal story. He was available to our members, attended other sessions, and touched our lives. We couldn’t recommend him more – and hope that we can find ways to work with him in the future.” Thank you, Don, for making a HUGE difference at our conference!

Daniel Wolfe,
CREATIVE MORNINGS OAKLAND

His stories have a hilarious yet poignant delivery…

Rachel Louise Snyder,
Professor Literature / Author / American University Guggenheim Fellow 2021

Don Reed is a preternaturally-gifted artist, a storyteller using every tool at his disposal to inspire, to inflame, to challenge and to compel us to see what matters most. I have taught one of his NPR stories in every undergraduate and graduate class since I first heard it years ago. It never fails to move and shake us from our complacency. If it’s true that stories can save us – and I believe they can – Don Reed is both gift and prophet.

Jay Leno,
The Tonight Show

He’s great. Just great. His ability to entertain a crowd AND impart information is his real gift. Pulling people in with stories and taking them on a ride. He beat out a lot of people to get the gig at the Tonight Show. But, the second we saw him – our decision was made. We offered him the job on the spot. That turned into hundreds and hundreds of episodes.

Tony Dykes,
Co-Founder – current Board Member – previously CEO Enchroma

Don Reed is a great presenter with real charisma. He stepped up for us and on short notice helped us put together a broadcast event to mark our business’s 10 year anniversary. Don found a way to connect with a wide audience in our niche and somewhat complex market and really made the event come together. He really helped us put a face to the company for our core customers.

Prof. Thomas Miller,
Director of Forensics – Department of Communication 9-Time National Debate Champion Bruins

Reed is one of THE best speakers in my 40+ years of coaching Intercollegiate Speech & Debate. I knew he was going to be a National Champion from day one. He accomplished that. The fact that he went on to become a professional public speaker, comedian, and ad exec is all just icing on the cake. Plus he remained a good human being, returning to visit every few years to reminisce, say thanks and make me laugh/p>

Alix Sabin,
Host Committee Co-Chair TLC – Communications Manager – Kaiser Permanente – Medical Group Health Care Transgender Patients

Don Reed was the headline performer for the Transgender Law Center’s (TLC) 14th Anniversary Gala in San Francisco, CA. We’re still in awe of, and grateful for, Don’s inspirational presentation. The TLC changes law policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination, regardless of their gender identity or expression. The 500 attendees could not have been more diverse. Guests of all backgrounds and ethnicities expressed gender in infinite varieties. He shared his award winning story about growing up with his brave, dear brother who transitioned into his bold, beautiful sister. Several physicians and staff from Kaiser Permanente came to the event and learned so much. Don’s engagement with the guests at the reception, as well as his performance were incredibly well received. He connects with the audience in a very profound way. Don’s empathy and support meant so much then, as it does now. His talent and means of expression are extraordinary.

aNiece Jones,
CEO/LAJones & Associates Marketing/Public Relations – Event Producer 100 Black Men of the Bay Area

What can I say about this phenomenally talented man? With grace, charisma, humor, and skill Don spoke at the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area’s 31st Annual Scholarship Benefit and Awards Gala. With over 700 San Francisco elected officials, Mayor London Breed, celebrities, plus an array of corporate and community leaders, aspiring students and media. Don’s command of the stage exuded professionalism. Mr. Reed is a natural storyteller with style, ease and precision. I have seen him masterfully navigate and connect with a variety of demographics whether on or off stage. His profound talent to communicate and engage audiences is extraordinary.

Sam Herwitt,
KQED Arts & Culture

Solo theater artist/storyteller Don Reed has an amazing ability to transform himself into characters so memorable and hilarious that there’s no danger of confusing them with each other

San Fransico, Examiner 
Examiner Staff

“With humor, and ultimately respect, Reed impersonates the many folks who come into his life. These are just a few among the myriad of personalities he re-creates.”

Jason Hoffman, Co-Founder, Director
Elevate Oakland

As a Member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Reed is committed to the success of Elevate Oakland. Established in 2012, our vision is to ensure that art and music remain vibrant in Oakland Public Schools. Don impacted that deeply as one of our very first speakers to visit Oakland’s intrinsically diverse elementary and high school campuses. He was quick to integrate his personal stories into his presentation, which had lasting impact on the many young minds that face daily challenges.