David Roche | Media Kit

Reviews

Book

Publisher's Weekly (red-starred review)

The Church of 80% Sincerity by David Roche.
Perigee, $19.95 (160p) ISBN 978-0-399-53390-7

“‘The church of the title is not a formal organization but a concept – the church of choice for recovering perfectionists,’ Roche writes in a powerful little book that's part memoir, part inspirational handbook. ‘You can be 80 percent sincere 100 percent of the time, or 100 percent sincere 80 percent of the time. It's in that 20 percent area where you get some slack and you can be yourself.’ For Roche (now in his 60s), being himself has meant coming to terms with a face so severely disfigured by a benign congenital tumor that he's been spat at and called a monster. He was rejected from a seminary because, he was told, his appearance meant ‘people would not respect you as a priest.’ The loss of the fathers of the Holy Cross is the general public's gain. A performer and motivational speaker, Roche is frank and witty and incapable of resorting to sentimental pap. He's used to people staring at him, and he admits he's been tempted to respond to pestering, obnoxious boys by saying, ‘Well, my face is like this because when I was a little boy like you, I touched my wee-wee.’ He's well aware that people find him inspiring, but he doesn't try to hide his flaws, and that makes him more inspiring.”

Keynotes

“The 10th anniversary of our annual retreat was the most powerful we have ever had. People were inspired, brought to tears, and then back to laughter. We will never forget Dave’s message, and were re-inspired to do the good work they do every day. David is truly a wonderful human being, and someone you are fortunate to come across maybe once in your lifetime.”
Chris Pepin
Howard Community Services
Burlington, VT

“The standing ovation said it all! We want you back to keynote at our annual conference of the Western Association of Chamber Executives next year.”
Valerie Boyle, CEO
Fremont Chamber of Commerce (CA)

Performances

“When a person tells a story with tremendous honesty and humor, we all share in the delight of what great theatre is. David Roche can’t be missed!”
Anthony Edwards
Actor and Director

"Everyone watching gets happy because he's secretly giving instruction on how this could happen for them, too, this militant self-acceptance. He lost the great big outward thing, the good-looking package, and the real parts endured. They shine through like crazy, the brilliant mind and humor, the depth of generosity, the intense blue eyes, those beautiful hands. … There was thunderous applause, and he bowed shyly, ducking his head and then looking up, beaming at us all. He holds his palms up as if about to give a benediction. His hands caught the light like those of the youngest child there."
Anne Lamott
Plan B>

“In laughing at himself, David Roche tricks us into laughing at ourselves, and thus disarmed, we dare to challenge our fears and assumptions.”
Bonnie Sherr Klein
Award-winning documentary filmmaker and author

In schools

“We’ve had dozens of speakers here over the years, but none have sparked such overwhelmingly powerful responses from our students as did David and Marlena. Their message is joyous and uplifting – our kids (and faculty) loved them.”
Blair Fisher, Dean of Students, Middle School
The Walker School, Marietta, GA

“Well...you certainly helped me get my school year off to a great
start! You were wonderful...the best whole school speaker Drake has
seen in 15 years! And I get all the bonus points for finding you!”
Kendall Galli, Leadership teacher
Sir Francis Drake High School
San Anselmo, CA

Read more reviews> about David’s keynotes, performances and programs in schools.