Colin Woodard is one of the most respected authorities on North American regionalism, the sociology of United States nationhood, and how our colonial past shapes and explains the present. Compelling, dynamic and thought provoking, he offers a fascinating look at where America has come from, how we ended up as we are, and how we might shape our future. His American Nations transformed the way many Americans think about their country’s origins, divisions, and vulnerabilities. His riveting talks give unparalleled insights into where America has been, how we got where we are, and how to navigate the path ahead.

Mark Jenkins is a field staff writer for National Geographic Magazine and writer-in-residence at the University of Wyoming. In 2009 he won the National Magazine Award for photojournalism, along with his colleague Brint Stirton, for their National Geographic story “Who Murdered The Mountain Gorillas.” Jenkins was “The Hard Way” columnist for Outside magazine for eight years. He is the author of three books: The Hard Way (Simon and Schuster, 2002), To Timbuktu (William Morrow, 1997), and Off the Map (William Morrow, 1992). He resides in Laramie, Wyoming, with his wife and two daughters.