About
Live Talks Los Angeles

Our mission is simple: Hosting compelling, live conversations with writers, filmmakers, chefs, artists, humorists, comedians, musicians and thought leaders in business and science.

Since 2010, we have presented over 600 events which have attracted visitors from all over the world and sold over 75K books.  But our work is not limited to stages across southern California.  In fall 2026, we launched Live Talks New York with events at the historic Tarrytown Music Hall in Tarrytown, NY.

Our videos have been viewed over 24 million times in 160 countries.
Screen-Shot-2022-03-11-at-1.55.43-PM
Screenshot 2026-09-16 at 7.30.33 AM (1)

How We Began

Born and raised in Ethiopia, founder and producer Ted Habte-Gabr is the son of an Eritrean doctor and Palestinian nurse.

After emigrating to the U.S. in 1985, Ted earned a degree in engineering from the University of Iowa. He began his career in vertical transportation, where he worked in business development, skills he next applied in the early days of the online learning space.

While consulting with colleges and non-profits on the creation of live event experiences, he dreamt of launching his own business.

In 2010, he did. Live Talks Los Angeles is the culimination of Ted’s lifelong love of conversation, oratory and community.

In Ted’s spare time, he serves as the volunteer manager of the Rock Rottom Remainders, a musical group comprised of some of the best-selling authors of all time that plays music for charity events—badly.

Consulting Services

We help organizations design live events and speaker series, creating engaging experiences that connect and inspire audiences.

Contact Us

Media Requests

For press inquiries, interviews, or media coverage, get in touch.

Contact Us

Book Groups

Book groups are welcome to attend events. Contact us to arrange group participation and accommodations and group pricing.

Contact Us

ACCESSIBILITY

We want your experience at Live Talks Los Angeles to be a memorable one. Please contact us if you need any special assistance attending any of our events.  

Contact Us

All our venues are wheel chair accessible and meet ADA accessibility guidelines.  If you have questions about accessibility matters at any of our venues, please email us.

Contact Us Today

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Conversations that Inspire.

Since 2010, Live Talks Los Angeles has brought together storytellers for unforgettable conversations. With 600+ events and an audience spanning 162 countries, our talks reach millions worldwide through live events, virtual events and our videos.

+
LIVE events since 2010
K+
BOOKS sold since 2010
M+
VIDEO views online
COUNTRIES reached