Tobacco Wars!
The Battle for a Smokefree Society motivates, educates and inspires college students, community members and health conference audiences. Interest in Mr. Reynolds' talk among students, faculty, the community and the local press has been strong.

This highly motivational speaker reaches into the hearts and minds of his audiences. Mr. Reynolds speaks vividly and movingly about his memories his father's and eldest brother's deaths from smoking. He then offers his insightful perspective on current tobacco issues, and connects them to some of the larger issues of our times, including the influence of the special interests over Congress.

Mr. Reynolds offers his overview on the best solutions to the global problem of tobacco use. He informs audiences that the tobaccofree movement has made its greatest progress at the local level of government, passing hundreds of 100% smoking bans, and also in the Judicial branch. But it has made almost no progress in Congress, and has had very mixed results in the 50 State Legislatures. He believes this has had much to do with the millions the tobacco industry donates each year to politicians' election campaigns, and advocates strong campaign finance reform.

Patrick tells the touching and powerful story of Sean Marsee, a young track star who died at 19 from chewing tobacco, illustrated with shocking before and after overheads. For comic relief, he shows hilarious overheads which make fun of Joe Camel, in a hospital bed, and present Malboro Country as a group of smokers huddled outside an office building's back door, getting their nicotine fix.

He briefly discusses the other major addictions prevalent in our society, such as drugs, alcohol, food, and more. "Looking at the big picture, these national addictions we have are a way of doing just one thing -- avoiding our pain, and changing our mood. It's better by far to deal with the problem at hand, instead of running away," he says.

Reviving an ancient tradition, near the close of his talk, he initiates the audience into life. The core message here is, "Most adults know that at times, life brings some pain. When the tough moments come, don't escape by using tobacco, drugs, alcohol, food, music, or work, like so many do. Instead, stay with the problem, talk to others about it, and take steps to solve it. Talk to someone, whether a trusted teacher, your parents, your friends or the school counselor. You can do it!"

Finally he offers a closing promise -- his inspiring vision of the coming smokefree society.

He offers a handout which empowers the audience with effective ways to help realize this goal. After, there is a Q & A session, and if time permits, an informal reception following the talk.

Mr. Reynolds combines educational aspects of his talk with highly motivational and inspiring sections. Always impassioned and full of feeling, the combination makes for an uplifting, educational and unique lecture experience.

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