Keynote speaker. Media expert. The person your audience will still be quoting next month.
Dr. Erica Buchholz brings the science of play, connection, and the human nervous system to stages and screens across the country.
With a PhD in Applied Developmental Psychology and fifteen years translating complex research into immediately usable tools, Dr. Erica is the speaker who makes your audience feel like they finally have the answer they have been looking for. Not in theory. Not eventually. Before they leave the room.
Featured on and presented at
40-plus podcast, summit, and conference appearances · International academic conference presenter · Two published books · Published author and expert contributor
WHAT EVERY EVENT PLANNER NEEDS TO KNOW
The Speaker Promise
The biggest risk an event planner takes is booking a speaker who delivers a beautiful talk that dissolves the moment people walk out the door. Inspiring in the room. Gone by Monday.
That is not what happens when Dr. Erica speaks.
Every keynote, every panel contribution, every podcast conversation is built around one non-negotiable standard: the audience walks away with something concrete, something science-backed, and something they can apply to their real life immediately. Not a concept to think about. A tool to use.
This is not an accident.
It is the result of fifteen years of translating the most complex research in developmental psychology, neuroscience, and positive psychology into language and tools that land for real people in real circumstances.
Dr. Erica does not present research.
She makes research useful.
Immediately Applicable
Every talk ends with at least one concrete tool the audience can use the same day. No homework. No follow-up course required.
Science-backed Always
Everything Dr. Erica says on stage is grounded in peer-reviewed research. She cites her sources and makes the science feel like a conversation.
Audience-first
Every engagement is customized to the specific audience and what the event organizer most wants them to walk away with. No recycled content.
Signature speaking topics
-
![]()
The Science of Play and Human Connection
Why play is not optional. It is neurological. And what happens when we treat it that way.
Who it is for: Parent conferences, family-focused summits, educational organizations, wellness events, professional associations serving parents or educators.
What audiences walk away with: A clear understanding of why play works neurologically. Specific play-based connection strategies they can use at home or in the classroom. A shifted relationship with the concept of play itself.
Sample talk titles:
Make It Fun and It Will Get Done: The neuroscience of play and why it is the most underused tool in parenting, education, and workplace culture.
Five Minutes That Change Everything: The science of play-based connection and why it works when everything else has failed.
Why a Belly Laugh Might Be the Most Important Parenting Tool You Are Not Using.
Formats: 30, 45, or 60-minute keynote. Panel contribution. Workshop extension available.
-
![]()
Burnout, the Nervous System, and the Path Back to Yourself
Burnout is not a personal failure. It is a signal. Here is what it is actually saying and what to do about it.
Who it is for: Professional associations, corporate conferences, healthcare and helping professions, women's leadership summits, entrepreneur and founder conferences.
What audiences walk away with: A reframe of burnout as biological signal rather than personal weakness. Specific nervous system regulation tools they can use immediately. A clearer understanding of what sustainable performance actually looks like.
Sample talk titles:
Play Your Way Out of Burnout: How Laughter and the Science of Play Help Exhausted Professionals Recharge.
The Regulated Leader: How your nervous system sets the emotional temperature of everyone around you.
Sustainable Success Through Play and Laughter.
Formats: 30, 45, or 60-minute keynote. Panel contribution. Workshop extension available.
-
![]()
Laughter, Play, and Positive Psychology
The science of joy is real. Here is how to use it intentionally and what changes when you do.
Who it is for: Wellness summits, corporate events, coaching communities, mental health organizations, faith-based gatherings, women's conferences.
What audiences walk away with: An understanding of the neuroscience behind laughter and intentional play. Laughter Yoga tools they can use immediately in their personal and professional lives. Permission and practical tools to bring more joy into their daily experience.
Sample talk titles:
The Science of Laughter: How Playfulness Transforms Everything.
Finding Flow Through Laughter: A Playful Exploration of Positive Psychology.
Transformational Laughter: Feeling Amazing About Yourself.
Laughter and Play: Using Intentional Laughter for Health and Happiness.
Formats: 30, 45, or 60-minute keynote. Laughter Yoga experience format available. Panel contribution. Workshop extension available.
Speaking
30, 45, or 60-minute presentations for conferences, summits, and organizational events. In person and virtual. Slides provided. Tech requirements minimal.
Availability
Available for in-person events across the United States, Canada, and virtually worldwide.
International travel will absolutely be considered.
Travel arrangements handled professionally.
THE PRACTICAL DETAILS
Panel and Expert Commentary
Available as a panelist, moderator, or expert commentator. Dr. Erica is a skilled conversationalist who elevates every panel she joins. Recent panels include the Social Determinants of Health Global Summit, the Heal the World Panel, and multiple professional summits.
Lead Time
Dr. Erica books keynotes and major conference appearances a minimum of six weeks in advance. Podcast and media appearances can be arranged within two to four weeks. If you have an urgent turnaround, reach out and we will see what we can do.
Podcast and Media Appearances
Available as a guest expert on podcasts, radio shows, television segments, and digital media. Topics include parenting, burnout, play, positive psychology, workplace culture, and divorce and co-parenting.
40-plus appearances to date.
Speaking Fee
Keynote fees begin at $5,000. Fees vary based on event format, audience size, travel requirements, and scope of engagement.
Virtual appearances and podcast interviews are available at a separate rate.
Laughter Yoga Experiences
A unique offering that combines keynote content with a live, guided Laughter Yoga experience. Available as a standalone event or as an opening or closing experience for conferences and retreats.
Certified Laughter Yoga Leader since 2018.
What Is Provided
Full speaker bio in multiple lengths.
Professional headshot and action photos.
Customized talk title and description for your event program. Slide deck.
Post-event resource handout for attendees.
Formats
Logistics
Workshop Extensions
Many topics are available as extended workshop experiences.
Half-day and full-day formats available.
Includes hands-on activities and participant workbooks.
SELECTED APPEARANCES AND SPEAKING CREDITS
A snapshot of where Dr. Erica has shown up
(yes, that is Erica on a NY Times Square Billboard!)
Conferences and Academic Presentations
Attach 38th Annual Conference · Choosing Play: Why Playtime Is Important Across the Lifespan · 2026
Social Determinants of Health Global Summit · Psychological Safety Panel · 2026
US Play Coalition National Conference on the Value of Play · Finding Flow Through Laughter · 2025
US Play Coalition National Conference on the Value of Play · Laughter and Play: Using Intentional Laughter for Health and Happiness · 2024
American Psychological Association Annual Conference · Washington DC and Toronto, Canada · 2009 and 2011
Cognition Language Emotions Acquisitions Conference · Reims, France · 2009
Podcasts, Television, and Media
The Soulful Catalyst Podcast · Why a Belly Laugh Might Be the Most Important Parenting Tool You Are Not Using · 2026
Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs Podcast · Play Your Way Out of Burnout · 2025
The Weekly Parent with Kiyah Duffey · Become a Playful Parent · 2025
Mindful Mondays TV Show with Laura Cross · Playfulness Transforms Everything · 2024
The Dancing Negotiator with Dr. Cheryl Okoli · Childhood Experiences · 2024
Adventures in Learning Podcast · Unlocking Joy: The Healing Power of Laughter · 2024
Business Talk Radio · Helping Stressed-Out Parents · 2020
Summits and Speaker Events
Martha Beck Coach Spot, Wayfinder Life Coach Graduates · The Laughter Effect · 2025
Positive Shift Summit with Kimberly Crowe · The Science of Laughter: How Playfulness Transforms Everything · 2024
Holistic Fertility with Ashley Holmes · Laughter Yoga with a Developmental Psychologist · 2024
Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia · Becoming Playful: A Workshop for Parents and Children · 2025
Heal the World Panel Podcast with Permilia Parham · Psychological Safety Panel · 2026
The Alignment Sessions with Elizabeth Plancon · The Power of Playful Living: Finding Joy and Overcoming Burnout · 2025
New Culture, Inner Inquiry and Delight · Transformational Laughter: Feeling Amazing About Yourself · 2026
Two published books.
A third on the way.
Yes I Can, and I Did! A Story of Perseverance
Year: 2025
Real Stories. Bold Voices. Life-Changing Inspiration.
Have you ever been told you’re not enough? That your dreams are too big, your voice too loud, or your goals impossible?
If so, this book is for you.
Yes, I Can, and I Did! is a powerful collection of 21 true stories from everyday people who rose above the noise. They share stories of courage, transformation, and unapologetic action. These authors have faced fear, failure, rejection, trauma, and doubt… and they chose to rise anyway.
Inside these pages, you’ll discover stories of:
Overcoming fear and self-doubt
Breaking cycles of trauma and silence
Defying societal expectations
Finding faith, healing, and self-worth
Turning pain into purpose and purpose into impact
Each chapter is raw, honest, and deeply personal. Whether you’re standing at a crossroads, starting over, or searching for your voice, these stories will meet you where you are and remind you of what’s possible.
If you’re ready to break through your own limitations and step into your power, this book will show you the way.
Say it with us:
Yes, I Can. And I Did.
Midlife Reimagined: Making Big Changes at Any Age
Year 2025
Midlife isn’t a slowdown; it’s a time for awakening.
Midlife Reimagined brings together 19 inspiring women who faced crossroads, challenges, reinventions, and rebirths… and chose transformation over hesitation.
These stories will move you, empower you, and remind you that it’s never too late to become the most aligned, joyful, purpose-driven version of yourself.
Inside this book, you’ll find Erica’s personal journey:
Don’t Get Too Excited
A humorous, heartfelt look at navigating expectations, identity, and joy in midlife.
Each chapter delivers a message of courage, self-discovery, resilience, and renewal.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, purpose, or simply proof that the best is still ahead, this book will meet you right where you are and walk with you to where you want to go.
Midlife isn’t the beginning of the end.
It’s the beginning of you.
FOR EVENT PLANNERS AND PRODUCERS
Everything you need to make the case for booking Dr. Erica.
The Dr. Erica Buchholz speaker sheet includes high resolution photos, signature topic descriptions, speaking credits, testimonials, and booking contact information. Everything your events team needs in one clean, shareable document.
PDF format. Immediate download. No email required.
BEYOND THE STAGE
Dr. Erica is also available to create content for your organization, platform, or event.
Custom Video Content
Short-form educational videos on parenting, burnout, play, and workplace culture for your platform, member library, or event portal. Available as a single video or a series.
Written Content and Articles
Expert articles, blog posts, and resource guides on Dr. Erica's signature topics for your publication, website, or member communications. Research-backed, immediately readable, and written in the same warm and direct voice your audience will recognize from her speaking.
Workshop Curriculum and Facilitation Guides
Custom workshop curriculum for organizations who want to facilitate Dr. Erica's frameworks with their own teams or communities. Includes facilitator guides, participant workbooks, and a licensing agreement for organizational use.
Laughter Yoga Group Experiences
Available as an expert facilitator for organizational wellness days, retreats, and group experiences. Brings the full Certified Laughter Yoga Leader experience to groups of any size, in person or virtually.
HOW IT WORKS
Let's start a conversation.
Tell Dr. Erica a little about your event or opportunity. She responds personally within 48 hours.
Dr. Erica responds personally within 48 hours. No automated sequences.
Your audience deserves a speaker who changes something for them. Not just one who fills the slot.
Dr. Erica Buchholz has spent fifteen years making the most important research in developmental psychology, neuroscience, and positive psychology land for real people in real rooms. She brings expertise, warmth, preparation, and the particular gift of making an audience feel seen and equipped at the same time.
She is ready when you are.