Speaking
Powerful Talks That Inspire Change, Build Resilience & Strengthen Mental Fitness
Eric Hipple’s keynotes equip audiences with the tools to navigate change, stress, and mental health challenges, blending personal experience, scientific insights, and actionable strategies to drive real impact.
Topics & Keynotes
*speech length can be customized as needed
Photo by: US Army
When Your Inner Voice Won’t Quiet Down: Mental Fitness for Uncertain Times
The unknown is one of the most anxiety-inducing experiences a person can face
Even something as simple as waiting at the doctor’s office and finding that your appointment is running 20 minutes late. You might start wondering: Is there a problem? Have they forgotten you? Did you come on the wrong day? With no one at the reception window to clarify, the longer you wait, the greater your anxiety grows. Situations like these can activate the vagal nervous system. Learn how the five key elements for managing stress can protect us from spiraling thoughts of fear and anxiety.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Predictability, Controllability, Relationships, Trust, and Purpose form a powerful framework for managing stress.
IDEAL FOR
Parents, leaders, and caregivers responsible for the wellbeing of others.
LENGTH
30 Minutes*
MVP and Still Not Enough? Rewriting the Imposter Story
You’ve achieved success—hit the milestones, earned the title, and climbed the ranks. But now the pressure feels heavier, sleep is harder, and self-doubt creeps in. Sound familiar?
Even as a starting quarterback in the NFL and team MVP, Eric struggled with imposter syndrome. In this powerful keynote, Eric shares his deeply personal journey through mental health challenges, loss, and grief—including the tragic death of his 15-year-old son. That journey ultimately led him to a breakthrough: discovering the power of unconditional self-acceptance.
With honesty and vulnerability, Eric reveals how embracing our flaws and strengths creates the foundation for resilience, growth, and genuine success.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Unconditional self-acceptance is the key to shifting negative self-talk into self-trust.
When we stop judging ourselves and start recognizing mistakes and accomplishments as part of the human experience, we unlock growth, peace of mind, and new opportunities.
IDEAL FOR
High-performing professionals in high-pressure environments, executives, and first responders.
LENGTH
30 Minutes*
Photo by: Grand Rapids Rotary
Photo by: The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan
“I’m in Jail!” Owning the Outcome: Why Responsibility Is the First Step to Freedom
After a 10-year NFL career and the devastating loss of his son, Eric found himself sitting in jail after a DUI. At that moment, he asked himself: “Am I here because I lost my son—or because I stopped taking responsibility?”
This keynote dives deep into the power of personal responsibility. Eric shares how, surrounded by blame and excuses, he realized the role his own choices played—and how reclaiming responsibility became the turning point toward healing and purpose.
Through compelling storytelling, Eric challenges audiences to reflect on their own accountability and take ownership of the life they want to live.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Mental fitness begins with recognizing our power to choose—and how those choices impact our mindset, behaviors, and well-being.
A life grounded in acceptance leads to growth.
A life ruled by blame breeds anxiety and avoidance.
IDEAL FOR
Recovery communities, team leaders, and individuals committed to personal growth and accountability.
LENGTH
30 Minutes*
From Burnout to Buy-In: How Purpose Fuels Motivation
“It’s showtime—I’m pumped and ready!” We’ve all felt the buzz of external motivation before a big moment. But what happens when the moment passes?
External motivation is driven by fear, reward, or urgency—and while it works short-term, it’s unsustainable over time. Real, lasting motivation must come from within.
In this keynote, Eric explores the difference between fleeting motivation and intrinsic drive. He shares how a growth mindset, fueled by a passion for learning and self-awareness, creates lasting energy, purpose, and well-being—not just for peak moments but for everyday life.
KEY TAKEAWAY
When motivation is tied to personal growth, it becomes a daily experience—not a finish line.
Intrinsic motivation transforms goals into an ongoing, mindful journey.
IDEAL FOR
Educators, parents, and professionals in routine or high-demand roles seeking deeper purpose and renewed energy.
LENGTH
30 Minutes*
Photo by: Scott Smeltzer - Daily Pilot
Photo by: US Army
Suicide Prevention & Destructive Behavior
Understanding, Awareness & Action for Saving Lives
Suicidal behavior is complex, often driven by deep pain, mental illness, and crisis moments. In this powerful keynote, Eric provides essential training on suicide prevention, informed by both his personal journey and professional expertise. He breaks down the psychology of suicidal ideation, the signs to look for, and the steps individuals can take to intervene, support, and save lives.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Recognizing the warning signs of suicide and destructive behaviors
Understanding the role of depression and mental illness in suicide risk
Learning practical intervention strategies based on QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
IDEAL FOR
Schools, military groups, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, corporate wellness programs, and communities seeking life-saving mental health awareness and prevention tools.
LENGTH
60 minutes*
More Ways to Work with Eric
Click On Detroit | Local 4 | WDIV - Former Detroit Lion Eric Hipple Speaks About Son's Death by Suicide
Ready to Inspire Your Audience?
Eric’s keynotes offer more than inspiration—they deliver real, actionable change. Whether you’re looking to build resilience in your team or raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, Eric’s expertise will leave a lasting impact.