Hear firsthand insights from decades of reporting on ten U.S. presidents, built on unmatched access, interviews, and original source material.
Gain clarity beyond headlines as Bob Woodward explains how decisions are made behind closed doors, and why leadership succeeds or fails.
Experience compelling storytelling drawn from bestselling books, exclusive recordings, and real moments that shaped modern political history.

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Investigative journalism’s defining voice on presidents, power, and truth

Bob Woodward is one of the most respected investigative journalists of the modern era. Known worldwide for uncovering the Watergate scandal alongside Carl Bernstein, he has spent more than five decades revealing how power operates at the highest levels of government. As associate editor at The Washington Post and author of 23 bestselling books, Woodward has documented the presidencies of ten U.S. presidents with precision, independence, and relentless curiosity. His speaking engagements pull audiences inside the corridors of Washington, offering rare perspective grounded in facts, original documents, and direct conversations with those in command.

Bob Woodward and the pursuit of facts

“Everyone has their own version of the truth, but there are facts.” This belief has guided Bob Woodward’s work since he emerged as a central figure in investigative journalism. His reporting is known for its discipline, balance, and insistence on primary sources. Across administrations and political parties, Woodward has pursued the same goal: uncovering what actually happened, how decisions were made, and who influenced them. His work is non-partisan in approach and uncompromising in depth, giving audiences an unfiltered understanding of leadership under pressure.

From Watergate to the modern White House

Bob Woodward first gained international recognition in 1973 when his reporting with Carl Bernstein exposed the Watergate scandal, reshaping journalism and public accountability. That work earned The Washington Post the Pulitzer Prize and set a new standard for investigative reporting. Since then, Woodward has continued to chronicle the inner workings of Washington, writing in detail about wars, intelligence agencies, national security, economic policy, and presidential leadership. His reporting spans administrations from Richard Nixon to Joe Biden, offering historical continuity few journalists can match.

Access, trust, and unmatched reporting

What sets Bob Woodward apart is his extraordinary ability to earn trust from the most powerful people in the world. Former CIA Director and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates once remarked on Woodward’s unique capacity to get senior officials to speak openly. Woodward’s books are built on hundreds of hours of recorded interviews, internal memos, classified documents, and contemporaneous notes. This method allows him to present events as they unfolded, capturing both the private doubts and public decisions that define leadership at the highest level.

Bestselling books that shape public understanding

Bob Woodward is the author or co-author of 23 bestselling books, 17 of which reached number one, more than any contemporary nonfiction writer. His body of work includes All the President’s Men, The Final Days, The Brethren, Bush at War, Obama’s Wars, Fear, Rage, Peril, The Trump Tapes, and War. Several of these books have broken sales records, been adapted into feature films, and dominated public debate. His work is frequently excerpted by major publications and featured on leading broadcast programs, underscoring its impact on global audiences.

The Trump Tapes and historical record

In 2022, Woodward released The Trump Tapes, an audiobook containing the complete recordings of his 20 interviews with Donald Trump. For the first time, listeners could hear raw, unedited conversations alongside Woodward’s contextual commentary. The project was widely regarded as a significant historical record, offering direct access to a presidency through the president’s own words. It exemplifies Woodward’s commitment to preserving original source material and letting facts speak for themselves.

Bob Woodward as a keynote speaker

When audiences book Bob Woodward for their event, they gain more than a lecture; they gain perspective shaped by decades of reporting at the center of power. His talks pull back the curtain on Washington, blending timely analysis with historical context. Woodward explains how leaders think, how crises unfold, and how information is shaped in an age of constant news and political noise. His stories are detailed, often surprising, and always grounded in firsthand reporting.

Journalism, teaching, and legacy

Beyond reporting and writing, Bob Woodward has shared his craft with new generations. In 2017, MasterClass released Bob Woodward Teaches Investigative Journalism, where he outlines how to uncover truth, build sources, and construct stories that matter. Professionally, he remains associate editor at The Washington Post, a role he has held since joining the paper in 1971. His career has been recognized with nearly every major American journalism award, including two Pulitzer Prizes.

Book Bob Woodward for your event

Booking Bob Woodward brings audiences face to face with modern history as it was written. His insights help leaders, organizations, and institutions understand power, accountability, and decision-making in complex environments. With unmatched experience and credibility, Bob Woodward delivers clarity in a world often clouded by spin, opinion, and speculation.

Customer Reviews

“Maybe the single greatest reporting effort of all time.”

Gene Roberts Former managing editor of The New York Times

“He has an extraordinary ability to get otherwise responsible adults to spill [their] guts to him…his ability to get people to talk about stuff they shouldn’t be talking about is just extraordinary and may be unique.”

Robert Gates Former director of the CIA and Secretary of Defense

“Woodward has established himself as the best reporter of our time. He may be the best reporter of all time.”

Bob Schieffer CBS News

“The most celebrated journalist of our age.”

Albert Hunt The Wall Street Journal

“The best pure reporter of his generation, perhaps ever.”

The Weekly Standard

“Bob Woodward was a big hit both on the stage and at dinner. He is a warm and engaging guy and and a perfect fit for our audience.”

National Grocers Association

“Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein were marvelous, individually and as a team. Their joint presentation was smooth, well-prepared, and not only riveted our audience, but also demonstrated the complementary differences between them that made them a successful working duo.”

Society of the Four Arts

“Bob Woodward’s presentation made the evening a success!”

Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies

“Bob Woodward was great! He was fascinating and he provided an interactive discussion. We were all thrilled!”

New York Bankers Association

“Bob Woodward was so gracious with his time with our donors and guests and was a delight to be around. His remarks were smart, insightful, thought-provoking, witty, hilarious and portrayed the essences of our past presidents in his unique way. We've been fortunate to bring some influential, bright minds to Santa Barbara and Mr. Woodward definitely put us on the map for hosting quality conversations about things that matter.”

Westmont College

“Bob Woodward’s format was perfect for engaging the audience. We filled the venue to its capacity!”

Duke University

“Yesterday was great! I think most people here appreciated the opportunity to spend a day with arguably the greatest investigative journalist of all time. Bob Woodward was very good with the kids, and his sense of humor kept the adults relaxed as well. We were all amazed at just how much Bob knows about the last few Presidents. My students had seen All the President's Men the night before so they had fun comparing Bob with a young Robert Redford.”

Choate Rosemary Hall

“Bob Woodward was gracious, powerful, pithy, kind, fascinating, funny and just so wonderful.”

Finance Compliance

“The evening was a resounding success, and Bob was just outstanding. What a nice and humble guy, too!”

President Public Policy Forum

“Bob Woodward was awwwwwsome. He spoke for 30 minutes and then sat down and we did a Q&A with our VP of Federal Affairs. He signed about 30 books for us and we had purchased some to sell as well. After his speech people lined up to say hello, get their photo taken and have books signed. I bet he was there for another 30 minutes. I really enjoyed him as I know others did, too.”

Meetings & Events Planner CMP Canadian Real Estate Association

“Thank you for joining us at the CoBank Board Dinner. Your perspective on the changing nature of the Presidency was very well received. To a person, every comment about the dinner, and your remarks in particular, was glowing. I am grateful for your contribution making it a wonderful evening. Your remarks were educational, timely and entertaining. In short, it was a perfect message for our dinner.”

President and CEO CoBank

“Bob did an excellent job, he was absolutely outstanding! Many have commented that his keynote was the best they have experienced.”

Assistant Manager Integrated Academic Content, American Marketing Association

“As for Mr. Woodward’s performance, it was simply stellar. He held the sold-out crowd of 1,200 in his hand, hit all his press marks with grace, and handled the post-show meet and greet like a master.”

Marketing Director Zeiterion Performing Arts Center

“The student session and lecture were phenomenal. If Mr. Woodward had been a professor when I was in college, I think I would have changed my area of interest to journalism. He's awesome.”

Kent State University

“Bob Woodward was terrific. He was extremely well received and had the audience hanging on his every word. We really appreciated his insights.”

Vice President Public Affairs, Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU)

“Your presentation was outstanding. Your content was thoughtful, riveting and provocative. You deftly touched on the critical topics most on our investor’s minds.”

Robert W. Baird & Co.

"What (Theodore) White did for presidential campaigns, Post Associate Editor Bob Woodward has done for multiple West Wing administrations---in addition to the Supreme Court, the Pentagon, the CIA and the Federal Reserve."

David Von Drehle

“It was a huge success -- we filled the auditorium and all three overflow spaces -- over 1400 people accommodated and we had to turn folks away. Bob was really great and handled some smart questions very well. He's a lovely man.”

Humanities Research Center Virginia Commonwealth University

“Mr. Woodward was wonderful. The group loved him. I knew he was an icon but I didn't realize how enchanted everyone would become with him. It was like Mick Jagger was at our event or a President.”

Stable Value Investment Association

“Standing ovations are a rarity at our meetings. You were terrific. Keep up the great work!”

Human Resource Policy Association

“I wanted to let you know that the events yesterday with Bob and Carl were phenomenal. If arts administrators had a highlight reel these two would be on mine. They were gracious and enjoyable to work with and have heard nothing but compliments from attendees and the college administration for having them.”

Director of Cultural Affairs and Community Engagement Macomb Community College

“Over the moon! One of our founding members at the banquet the last night said, ‘I’ve been attending these meetings for 30 years. This was by far the best ever. None of the others even come close.’ Survey results are already coming in and the results are off the charts. Woodward and Bernstein – together – absolutely stole the show. We couldn’t be more pleased.”

SCG Legal

“Bob Woodward KILLED IT yesterday. Most popular speaker we’ve ever had at this event. Thanks for a great suggestion! Now … how are we going to top it next year?!?”

National Automobile Dealers Association

“Bob Woodward was absolutely amazing. The event was well attended. He and the students enjoyed the master class as well.”

University of Texas/Arlington

“Bob’s demeanor and spirit was engaging, winsome, and informative. He held the 1,100 person convention center room; he provided our sponsor reception guests some terrific nuggets of interviews past; and with our students as well, they felt a connection with Mr. Woodward, which was due, at least in part, to the warmth and humor he displayed.”

Whitworth University

“…clients enjoyed [Mr. Woodward’s] talk very much last night. His remarks were extremely insightful. It will help our clients with their analysis of the 2020 election. They will use these insights in managing multi-million-dollar investments which they make on behalf of their global client bases.”

Citigroup Global Markets

“We had a wonderful evening with Mr. Woodward. One of our best events yet. It all went very smoothly and he was wonderful and pleasant to work with and posed and chatted with each person in the VIP reception Photo line. We had about 750 total including our sponsors. He signed over 600 books and was well organized with disinfectant wipes and gloves. Everyone was very appreciative of the precautions.”

Palm Springs Cultural Center

“I was going to email you this morning – you beat me to it! Last night’s interview was incredible. Our members were over the moon with the whole experience. They were smiling the entire time. Bob couldn’t have been more gracious and welcoming to the group. Please extend our deep appreciation to Bob and everyone involved.”

The Health Management Academy (VIRTUAL EVENT)

“The event went incredibly well! Our student media reporters loved interacting with Mr. Woodward and he was really curious about their publications so they really enjoyed the back and forth. Students also had a great time hearing from him and we’ve gotten some messages on our social media already about how much people loved the conversation and hearing all the stories Mr. Woodward has.”

American University (VIRTUAL EVENT)

“Woodward was amazing! We had board and 35 special guests on the call. He is so personable and insightful. Home run!”

Consumer Healthcare Products Association (VIRTUAL EVENT)

“The audience was happy and Bob was in good spirits and eager to have a really robust conversation. Everyone enjoyed hearing what he had to say, and Bob couldn’t have been more gracious before and after the event with all his individual interactions. Everyone was delighted with the evening…”

UCLA

“The community feedback has been phenomenal. He [Bob] was a pleasure to meet and listen to.”

Brewster Ladies Library

“What an INCREDIBLE event last night. Bob was on point and so charming- he is truly a national treasure!”

Associate Director Event Management/University Events, Ohio University

“It’s not easy these jobs we do. But put that aside for a moment and today – these moments – is really what it’s all about. Little opportunities we have to, maybe in small and big ways, affect students’ lives. Because we don’t know what today will mean to them. (Although, talking to them afterward, I have a pretty good idea!) And the chance to be in someone like that’s presence, or to ask a question. Like Hannah, who graduated in December. Someone who is immensely talented, but wondering when the right job opportunity is going to come her way. To hear, from someone like Woodward, don’t quit. Push. Go out and take it. Fight for it. What that could mean to a young grad like her, or anyone else in that room … Oh, man. Isn’t that what this whole experience is all about?!?”

Professor Flagler College

The evening was a resounding success, and Bob was just outstanding. What a nice and humble guy, too!

President Public Policy Forum

Bob Woodward was awwwwwsome. He spoke for 30 minutes and then sat down and we did a Q&A with our VP of Federal Affairs. He signed about 30 books for us and we had purchased some to sell as well. After his speech people lined up to say hello, get their photo taken and have books signed.

Meetings & Events Planner CMP Canadian Real Estate Association

Bob did an excellent job, he was absolutely outstanding! Many have commented that his keynote was the best they have experienced.

Assistant Manager American Marketing Association

It was a huge success — we filled the auditorium and all three overflow spaces — over 1400 people accommodated and we had to turn folks away. Bob was really great and handled some smart questions very well. He’s a lovely man.

Humanities Research Center Virginia Commonwealth University

Keynotes

Keynote by speaker Bob Woodward:

Bob Woodward: Reporting on Power

In the time since he uncovered the Watergate scandal with Carl Bernstein in 1973, Bob Woodward has worked to shine a light on the inner-workings of secret government. Reporting on his tenth American president, Woodward looks at the current state of America through the lens of history to help audiences understand how the country got where it is now.

His is an in-depth, non-partisan, fact-driven analysis of the inner workings of Washington, the expanding powers of the American presidency, the role and future of the media, and much more. Woodward’s perspective and insights are unmatched and tailored to the interests of the audience. Bob Woodward is best presented in conversation with a moderator.

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Keynote by speaker Bob Woodward:

How We Got Here-Lessons From Ten Presidents

Now reporting on his tenth American president, Bob Woodward’s remarkable perspective is unmatched in journalism. The two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter takes audiences on a journey as only he can. From Nixon to the present, Woodward provides firsthand insights from having penetrated the White House, the Supreme Court, the CIA, the Pentagon, the Congress.

Audience takeaways:

He analyzes the successes and messes of the presidents he’s covered and offers important lessons - about governing, about presidential leadership during economic, military, and national crises
Talks about the expanding powers of the presidency, and about the role of the media.

Woodward’s content is tailored to the interests of the audience and is an in-depth, non-partisan, fact-driven analysis of America’s current state through the lens of history.

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Keynote by speaker Bob Woodward:

The State of the American Presidency

Everywhere legendary journalist and speaker Bob Woodward goes, he says people ask to know what’s really going on in Washington. Their questions fall into four categories:

The presidency: How is President Trump doing and surviving? How does Trump compare with the eight presidents – Nixon to Obama – that Woodward has reported on for The Washington Post and in his bestselling books?
The investigation of special counsel Robert Mueller: is it like Watergate or will it fade away like Reagan's Iran-Contra scandal?
Conflict: What is the likelihood of a new war? What are the goals with North Korea, in the Middle East, with the Islamic state, and on terrorism? Will there likely be a major escalation in one of the current conflicts?
The economy: Is the American/global economy sound or are we headed for trouble? How is Trump’s America First agenda playing out with our allies and enemies around the globe?

In Woodward’s speeches, the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning associate editor of the Post offers some well-reported answers to these questions that audiences won't learn from any other source. As he reported on previous presidents, for 46 years Woodward has immersed himself in their decision-making, scandals, wars, and economic policy like no other reporter.

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Keynote by speaker Bob Woodward:

A Conversation with Bob Woodward

Now reporting on his tenth American president, Bob Woodward’s remarkable perspective is unmatched in journalism. The two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter takes audiences on a journey as only he can and shines in this moderated conversation format.

From Nixon to the present, Woodward provides firsthand insights from having penetrated the White House, the Supreme Court, the CIA, the Pentagon, and the Congress. He analyzes the successes and messes of the presidents he’s covered and offers important lessons – about governing, about presidential leadership during economic, military, and national crises, about the expanding powers of the presidency, and about the role of the media.

Woodward’s content is tailored to the interests of the audience and is an in-depth, non-partisan, fact-driven analysis of America’s current state through the lens of history. In the time since he uncovered the Watergate scandal with Carl Bernstein in 1973, Woodward has worked to shine a light on the inner-workings of secret government. In all, he has written 23 nonfiction bestsellers – 17 of which went on to become #1; more than any modern-day author.

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