David Ahearn: Comedian, Speaker, and Author
For more than three decades, I made my living on stage. I co-founded the improv comedy show Four Day Weekend and hosted it for 23 years, more than 7,000 shows, and I still teach the transformative power of “Yes, And” at work and in life.
Somewhere along the way the questions got bigger, and the stories started finding their way onto the page. Today I’m the author of twelve books, including Quietude: The Wisdom of Rumi, 12 Universal Laws, and my new novel, I’Eternal, arriving November 25, 2026.
I write the weekly newsletter Memoirs of a Renaissance Man, founded the kindness project Secret Blue Butterfly, and split my time between Galveston Island and Sovereignty Ranch in the Texas Hill Country.
From the Mississippi to the Gulf
Born on the Fourth of JulyBorn in Iowa on July 4, 1969, and raised near the Mississippi River. Like Mark Twain, I never got the river out of my heart.
The first time on stageLeft Iowa in January to chase stand-up comedy. My first time on stage was May 6, 1989. I was terrified.
Four Day Weekend is bornOn February 28, 1997, we performed the very first Four Day Weekend show. It became the longest-running improv show in the Southwest.
A command performancePerformed with Four Day Weekend for members of the U.S. Congress, with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in attendance.
The first novelWrote my first novel, Pura Vida, and started a writing journey that hasn’t stopped since.
Twenty years and a bestsellerFour Day Weekend celebrated 20 years with a show at Bass Performance Hall, and I co-wrote Happy Accidents: The Transformative Power of “Yes, And”.
Entrepreneur in ResidenceNamed Entrepreneur in Residence at TCU’s Neeley School of Business and received a lifetime achievement award for entrepreneurship.
A new chapterAfter 23 years, I stepped away from Four Day Weekend to write and speak full-time.
QuietudePublished Quietude: The Wisdom of Rumi, the story of a young girl, her Little Red Book, and a quest to Sintra.
From the Gulf to the Hill CountryLaunched Galveston Dispatch on YouTube and began writing Memoirs of a Renaissance Man from Galveston Island and Sovereignty Ranch.
I’EternalMy new novel: four lifetimes, four cities, one question older than all of them. Arriving November 25, 2026.
“Think of these stories as notes from one traveler to another, wondering what it means to live well, love well, and stay awake to the strange and beautiful mystery of being here at all.”
David Ahearn
What I’m Up To Now
Books
Twelve books and counting, from the inspirational novel Quietude to the beginner-friendly 12 Universal Laws, travel memoirs, and the new novel I’Eternal.
Browse the books →Memoirs of a Renaissance Man
A weekly letter of stories, reflections, and small revelations from Galveston Island and the Texas Hill Country.
Read on Substack →Galveston Dispatch
Short films and long-form videos about Galveston’s history, its characters, and everyday life on the island.
Watch on YouTube →Speaking
Keynotes and workshops on storytelling, connection, and the power of “Yes, And,” built on 35 years of making rooms laugh.
Speaking topics →Secret Blue Butterfly
A kindness project that has sent blue butterflies, and small acts of love, to more than 90 countries.
Visit Secret Blue Butterfly →Free 12 Laws Guide
Start with the free beginner’s guide to the 12 Universal Laws, with simple ways to practice each one.
Read the guide →Adi & David
My wife, Adi Bachan, is my creative partner in nearly everything you’ll find on this site: the travels, the ranch, and more than a few of the stories. She’s also the voice behind our Health Hacks.
Together we split our time between the beaches of Galveston Island and the quiet of Sovereignty Ranch, and we write about all of it.
I’Eternal
Four lifetimes. Four cities. One question older than all of them. From ancient Egypt to Renaissance Florence, occupied Paris, and present-day Newport, one soul is trying to remember. Arriving November 25, 2026.
A Photo, a Thought, a Story
Get my Photo of the Day, a daily inspirational quote, and longer reflections from Galveston Island and the Texas Hill Country, delivered free.
Follow David
Stories, reflections, and behind-the-scenes moments from the writing life, on Instagram and YouTube.
