Slouching Toward Florida: The Subtle Art of Not Giving Up
A keynote about grit, faith, and finding meaning in the long detours.
Talk Overview
What if success isn’t about going viral, crushing goals, or climbing faster?
What if it’s about staying kind when no one’s watching — and adapting when the map disappears?
In this funny, honest, and deeply human keynote, sports broadcaster and voiceover artist Donny Baarns shares his journey through near-misses, surprise pivots, and a cross-country move triggered by his wife’s chronic illness. From minor league baseball press boxes to international soccer finals — and plenty of Motel 6 parking lots in between — this is a story about quiet grit, meaningful choices, and the underrated power of not giving up.
Perfect for teams and organizations navigating uncertainty, burnout, or change — especially when the outcomes aren’t coming easy.
Ideal Audiences
-Leadership retreats
-Sales and service teams
-Creative professionals and freelancers
-Values-driven organizations
-Teams or individuals facing burnout or transition
Key Takeaways
A grounded, non-cliché perspective on resilience
Why kindness and humility still win in competitive industries
How to keep moving forward when success doesn’t look like you planned
The power of adapting without losing your integrity
Speaker Bio
Donny Baarns is a veteran sports broadcaster and voiceover artist whose work includes Copa America, Concacaf Champions Cup, FS1, and over 100 MLB Spring Training broadcasts. He’s built a six-figure voiceover business, called games for top clubs across North America, and survived the long road through minor league baseball.
His style blends sharp insight, gentle humor, and deep emotional honesty — helping audiences rediscover the value of persistence, character, and showing up.
Booking & Inquiries
Want to bring this talk to your team, conference, or retreat?
Email Donny (at) Donnyvoice.com