Marty Essen at Eastern Illinois University
Photo by Audrey Sawyer of the Daily Eastern News

Marty Essen would love to bring
Around the World in 90 Minutes
to your college, museum, or zoo!

Marty Essen's high-energy, seven continents, digital slide show is full of laughs, surprises, and interesting facts. If you are interested in booking Marty, please call (406) 642-3333, or send an email to Marty@CoolCreaturesHotPlanet.com

Click here for Marty Essen's hilarious 7/10/09 interview on KKPT-FM in Little Rock, Arkansas. Hear Marty discuss Around the World in 90 Minutes, the famed hippo attack, and a little Amazon fish that is famous for lodging itself in human urethras—ouch!

Here's what others have to say about
Around the World in 90 Minutes:

Marty Essen is a classy professional from start to finish. His advertising materials are great. He discusses his costs up front and it is a pleasure to work with him. He knows how to support his visually stunning show technically so I knew what to request on our end. Marty entertained a standing room only crowd, wowing them with his pictures and humor. Students enjoyed the show and continued to talk about it for days following his presentation. I highly recommend Marty Essen and Around the World in 90 Minutes.
—Paula L. Wilmot PhD, Director of Co-Curricular Education and Programming, Clarkson University

“Marty Essen’s dynamic presentation, Around the World in 90 Minutes, fascinated and entertained students and community members alike. Not only was the experience exciting and engaging, it was educational in the best sense of the word. For days, students would stop to talk to me about Marty’s presentation. Whether they wanted to agree with him or argue against him, they were always animated and engaged. Even more gratifying were the spontaneous conversations between students that I overheard in the halls they talked about the show. In my memory, no other event in our Visiting Writers Series has been as well-attended or sparked as much thoughtful discussion—an excellent presentation.”
—Ken Raines, Coordinator for the Visiting Writers Series, Eastern Arizona College

“Thank you, Marty, for your presentation here at Radford University. Your program was awesome, and everyone I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed it and were in awe of your stories. Multiple of my peers are asking to borrow your book from me. They are that excited and curious of your travels. Once again I can't thank you enough for being so gracious and kind. I was absolutely hooked during your program. I hope I will be able to bring guest speakers that are as engaging, informative, and all around interesting as you.”
—Stephen Bingham, (Student) Director of Educational and Multicultural Events, Radford University

“Marty's presentation of wildlife and his travels to the seven continents was amazing! His energetic and enthusiastic character brought each picture to life and there was always a fascinating story behind each photo! This has been one of the best lectures we have had at the college and I would bring him back in a heartbeat!”
—Katie Leao, Coordinator of Student Life, Western Nevada College

“Marty Essen’s presentation Around the World in 90 Minutes was excellent! From the moment he began speaking, he had the entire audience engaged as we viewed his stunning photos, listened to his humorous stories and learned little-known facts on various creatures and wildlife. There’s so much to be seen in our beautiful world! I highly recommend this presentation to everyone. We look forward to having him on our campus again!”
—Cheryl Budd, Student Activities Coordinator, Gloucester County College

“Marty Essen’s show was a magic carpet ride. It was simply outstanding!”
—Yih Tsao, Co-Chair InterCulture Committee, University of Alabama at Birmingham

“You are the best ever at helping people promote your event!”
—Maryann Urick, Director of Recreation & Student Activities, College of the Mainland

“A week ago (11/3/09), Marty performed two slightly different shows for our community college Cook Series—one on campus and the other held at the Brown Grand Theatre, a city-owned historic opera house. Both shows were dynamite. Being a member of the audience IS like being a world traveler while sitting in your auditorium seat. The photography accompanying Marty’s descriptive narrative brings all the elements of global exploring together. Marty uses gentle persuasion when it comes to respecting our planet. Also, the responsibility a traveler like himself must fulfill reading and carefully researching before setting off on any travel experience. Physical and photographic evidence of glacial melt and close-ups of beautiful creatures that are endangered in the wild can be very powerful for participants to see. Marty’s presentation gives viewers the luxury of safety while he comes face-to-face with monitor lizards, poisonous reptiles and amphibians, and treacherous environmental elements. I admire Marty’s courage, confronting challenging, spur-of-the-moment opportunities most of us would run from. Everyone in the audience loved Marty’s presentation—community members, college students and young people alike. In fact, our college is already in the process of bringing Marty back for a show next season at which he will discuss his unique writing experiences.”
—Sue Sutton, Director of the Cook Lecture Series, Cloud County Community College

“The time flew by with Marty! From the first photo to the last photo, we were in awe. The stories of his journeys coupled with the magnificent photography are a feast for the senses!”
—Shannon McCasland, Coordinator of Student Activities, Aims Community College

“We are still reeling in excitement after watching the presentation of Marty Essen. We walked away from the presentation determined to promote conservation in our world. Breathtaking photographs took us to places we’ve never been before. Marty’s photography puts you so close to nature.”
—Jackie B. Williams, Earth Day Chair, Southeastern Community College

“Marty is one of those rare, passionate individuals able to blend stunning photography, adventure travel, and a powerful conservation message into 1½ hours of pure enjoyment. His audiences come away having deeply experienced some of the most intriguing, out of the way places in the world, and we are much the wiser for our experience.”
—Kristin Fletcher, Program Manager, Idaho Museum of Natural History at Idaho State University

“Marty Essen’s Around the World in 90 Minutes presentation was awesome! He was a delightful speaker and the time flew. He really knew his subject matter and the humor was nice. It was so very informative.”
—Dot Lukens, Dual Enrollment Program Assistant, Chattahoochee Technical College

“Marty has a great message to share, and his lecture was both educational and entertaining. He was a delight to have on our campus.”
—Shelly Loomer, President of Campus Activities Board, Johnson & Wales University - Denver

“Marty was great to work with! Every slide had a fascinating story. Marty developed a great relationship with the audience. His trip to all seven continents was so moving. We all wanted to jump in a plane and go. It was a pleasure to have him!”
—Marly Greeley, Student Life Coordinator, Penn State Dubois

“If you are looking for an event that is exciting, fun and educational while stretching your entertainment dollar to the max—the world of Marty Essen accomplishes that and then some! This event supports academic efforts of science, lifelong learning, and international studies as well as campus clubs and activities. Marty presents the world as few will ever experience!”
—Julie Moss, Campus Activities/Conference Services Coordinator, Yavapai College

“Marty’s passion for wildlife, photography and international travel blended wonderfully into a presentation that had our campus community laughing and cringing at the same time! We look forward to having him back next fall.”
—Thomas Sheridan, Assistant Director for Student Activities, University of Colorado - Denver

“Everyone enjoyed Marty’s presentation from the children to adults. The stunning photographs beckon us all to explore, appreciate, and preserve our world!”
—Professor Patricia Strobl, Neumann College

“Marty puts on a wonderful show! Every minute is jam packed with exciting and entertaining stories and wonderful photos. I highly recommend this program. Your entire campus is guaranteed to love it!"
—Shannon Mewborn, Director of Student Life, University of South Carolina Sumter

“Thank you so much for coming to Thomas More College Marty! Your show was very inspiring! We really enjoyed your presentation and learned a lot about animals, environment and travel.”
—Petra Van Meter, Coordinator of Student Activities, Thomas More College

“Marty Essen, of Cool Creatures, Hot Planet fame, arrived in the Bitterroot Valley to entertain and educate us with a unique and exclusive view of our planet through his eyes. A packed house listened with rapt attention, broken only by the echoes of amazed reactions, as the larger than life images swept across the screen. His lively storytelling engages his spectators throughout a dynamic and thought provoking presentation. This is a Must See event!”
—Tamar Stanley, Executive Director, Ravalli County Museum

“Marty truly takes you ‘around the world.’ His presentation is extremely impressive as he blends humor, knowledge, and beautiful photography to educate and entertain. Marty has a passion for his subject and he communicates a powerful message.”
—Eddie Waddell, Director of Student Activities, Forsyth Technical Community College

“Marty delivered a wonderful lecture which was educational, fun and of interest to many. We had photography students as well as Sociology and Zoology students in the audience. Thanks!”
—Megan E. Boyle, Coordinator of Student Activities, Pikes Peak Community College

“Marty grabbed the attention of every single person in the audience with his amazing presentation. I felt that I was traveling with Marty in real time to those exotic places. We will love to have Marty to perform again on our campus.”
—Xue Qin Wang, Programming Coordinator, Florida Gulf Coast University

“Marty Essen puts so much passion and intensity into his show that it radiates through the crowd. His photographs are just as amazing as his story telling ability. I would recommend his show to everyone regardless of age. It was truly an experience I'll never forget.”
—Ashley Collins, Education Chair, Colorado State University-Pueblo

“Marty Essen is a true adventurer, not only has he traveled the world encountering interesting creatures and people, he braved a blizzard to come to our campus to share his stories with us. Our students came out on that snowy night are were rewarded with an entertaining and eye opening presentation. This program was a great addition our line-up of campus activities, and we would certainly consider inviting him back. In addition to bringing a really great program, Marty is a pleasure to work with. He is nice, considerate, friendly, well organized and even has his own promotional materials that he shares with the University. If you want to bring an event that is very little work but a big reward, book Marty Essen!”
—Shelley Stoltenberg, Student Engagement & Programming Coordinator, Black Hills State University

“I eagerly awaited Marty’s performance and it was well worth the wait. Marty covers a lot of ground (literally) in 90 minutes and does so in a way that makes the time fly by. He is a true professional to work with and our audience, which included students, faculty, community members and children, all thoroughly enjoyed the show. His excitement and enthusiasm really make the presentation come to life and his ability to present environmental concerns in a non-partisan manner was appreciated.”
—Mike Van Dyke, Dean of the College, Vermont Technical College

“Sorry I'm just now getting a moment to send you this reply of how great it was to have you at our campus this month for our Environmental Fair. Your presentation was not only very professional but was very engaging with your visual re-enactment of situations with the creatures you encountered. I have heard nothing but positive feedback from all that attended as they were very impressed with your expertise on the subject matter and blown away with your experiences across the seven continents, while being pleasantly amazed by your photography. From students, faculty, and staff we all thoroughly enjoyed your presentation and your kindness of answering the many questions that were asked of you. I personally want to thank you for going the extra mile and talking to two of our English classes that so enjoyed your interaction with them. This is really what allows our students to experience real life learning that can ultimately change a student’s life path. Thank you again and also for doing the T.V. show segment.”
—John Byers, Coordinator of Student Activities, Owens Community College

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