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Psychiatrist & workplace wellbeing expert

Brendan Kelly

Transform workplace wellbeing with Brendan Kelly, speaker, psychiatrist and mental health expert. Brendan works with organisations to build resilience, enhance happiness, and navigate mental health challenges, delivering evidence-based strategies backed by 20+ books and Trinity College Dublin expertise.

Trusted by Trinity College Dublin, Tallaght University Hospital

Brendan Kelly, Speaker | Psychiatrist & Author on Mental Health
Brendan Kelly

Brendan Kelly

Dublin, Ireland

Typical fee range

€2k–5k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Dublin, Ireland

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€2k–5k

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Brendan Kelly's biography

At a glance

  • Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin
  • Bestselling Author of The Science of Happiness
  • Regular guest and presenter on TV and radio
Professor Brendan Kelly is a psychiatrist, professor, and author who translates complex mental health concepts into accessible insights for diverse audiences. His expertise bridges academic research and practical applications of happiness, resilience, and mindfulness. As Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin and Consultant Psychiatrist at Tallaght University Hospital, Brendan has authored over 20 books, including The Science of Happiness, Resilience, and The Modern Psychiatrist's Guide to Contemporary Practice. His work regularly appears in prestigious academic journals and mainstream media outlets. Brendan helps organisations navigate today's mental health challenges by combining historical perspective with cutting-edge research. His work, in addition, addresses anxiety surrounding technological change, workplace stress, and post-pandemic resilience. His background in medicine, law, history, and Buddhist studies provides multidimensional solutions to complex problems. Audiences leave Brendan's presentations with evidence-based strategies for building personal resilience, practical tools for enhancing workplace wellbeing, and fresh perspectives on happiness grounded in scientific research rather than trendy quick fixes. Book Brendan Kelly for an engaging keynote that delivers serious mental health insights with warmth, humour, and the rare ability to make complex ideas accessible to everyone.

Prof. Brendan's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

The Science of Happiness
Professor Brendan Kelly explores what modern science reveals about the pursuit of happiness, drawing from his bestselling book The Science of Happiness. Examining global trends and surprising insights, such as why 47 is the age of greatest unhappiness, he reveals practical, research-based principles and strategies that help foster a more fulfilling life. Blending psychology, philosophy and humour, Brendan offers a compelling framework for creating the conditions in which happiness can flourish, even amidst the challenges of modern living.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Based on his personal experiment detailed in The Doctor Who Sat For a Year, Brendan brings insight, warmth and wit to the realities of incorporating meditation into a busy life. He shares what happened when he, a psychiatrist and self-confessed ‘Zen failure’, attempted to sit quietly for 15 minutes each day over the course of a year. The result is a reflection on mindfulness, not as perfection but as presence, and how small changes in awareness can transform how we relate to ourselves and others.
Resilience
Through the lens of Ireland’s experience of Covid-19 and the historical legacy of pandemics, Brendan explores the paradox of human fragility and strength. Drawing from his book Resilience, he examines how societies remember, or forget, major traumas and what we can learn from figures such as Sir William Wilde. With clarity and compassion, Brendan outlines how hardship can be a catalyst for wisdom, adaptability and deeper connection, both individually and collectively.
Mental Health
With experience as both an academic and a frontline clinician, Brendan offers an accessible yet thorough overview of mental health. He demystifies key conditions, including depression, schizophrenia and anxiety, while exploring the evolution of psychiatry and mental health care systems. With deep empathy and a strong call for justice and reform, he equips audiences to better understand mental illness, challenge stigma and support those affected.
Tech Anxiety
Brendan addresses the psychological unease surrounding artificial intelligence and new technologies through a historical and human lens. Tracing the cyclical pattern of panic and adjustment that has followed innovations from steam engines to social media, he reveals how today’s anxieties about AI reflect deeper concerns about autonomy and control. Bridging history, ethics and mental health, Brendan offers a grounded approach to engaging with technology in a balanced and person-centred way.

Why we recommend booking Prof. Brendan

Brendan Kelly transforms complex mental health concepts into practical strategies for happiness and resilience, drawing from his extensive background as a psychiatrist, professor, and author of over 20 books. Book this multidisciplinary expert to give your team evidence-based tools for enhancing workplace wellbeing and personal resilience, delivered with warmth and accessibility.

Check Prof. Brendan's availability

Trusted by Trinity College Dublin, Tallaght University Hospital

Featured Projects

Brendan Kelly - Resilience book cover
Brendan Kelly - The Science of Happiness book cover
Brendan Kelly - The Doctor Who Sat for a Year book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Brendan Kelly for my next event?
Email brendan.kelly@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Prof. Brendan's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

What is Brendan Kelly's speaking style like?
Brendan Kelly structures his sessions around his own published research and personal experimentation, drawing directly from books such as The Science of Happiness and The Doctor Who Sat For a Year to ground each talk in documented evidence and first-person experience.

What topics does Brendan Kelly specialise in?
Brendan Kelly's sessions cover the science of happiness, mindfulness and meditation, and resilience in the context of pandemic and historical trauma. He is Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin and author of more than 20 books, including the bestselling The Science of Happiness.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a booking?

Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.