I can’t imagine a more fascinating LA conversation than the creation of LiveTalksLA. I have witnessed my favorite authors speak – from Malcolm Gladwell to Mitch Albom and Tuesday I will hear Gwyneth Paltrow in conversation with Chelsea Handler. Ariana Huffington will be the fourth time I get to be a fly on the wall and hear an interesting, inspirational dialogue live, up close and personal. The list of influential and inspiring people is endless thanks to creator and producer of the series, Ted Habte-Gabr.

Live Talks Los Angeles produces 40-45 events per year in various venues in Los Angeles featuring writers, actors, artists, musicians, chefs, humorists and thought leaders in business and science – presented in different LA venues. They even have a thoughtful morning business series that takes place in downtown Los Angeles at the regional headquarters of the Gensler architecture firm at 500 S. Figueroa Street Los Angeles CA 90071.

Live Talks LA just announced its spring lineup, for its evening series as well as its morning Live Talks Business Forums. Here is a taste on Youtube. Tickets are on sale now HERE. You can follow Live Talks LA on Facebook and Twitter. To hear past conversations with notables – from James Franco, Tim Robbins, Chef Suzanne Goin, Gloria Gaynor, Anna Quindlen, Oliver Sacks, Deepak Chopra, Wyclef Jean, to Molly Ringwald, and the list goes on, click HERE.

Jumpstarting the spring season is Chelsea Handler in conversation with Gwyneth Paltrow, coming this Tuesday, March 11. Handler, a superstar comedian, bestselling author and host of E!’s late night talk show, Chelsea Lately, will be discussing her new collection of travel essays, Uganda Be Kidding Me and a book signing will follow at the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91203 at 8 PM.

On April 10, Michael Lewis will be interviewed by Malcolm Gladwell, two best-selling non-fiction authors. The occasion is the release of the much anticipated Michael Lewis book on Wall Street, Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt, which offers a ringside seat to the ways of Wall Street.  His past works on the financial industry are game-changing examinations of the most important financial issues of our time. This dynamic duo will be at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, at 8 PM.

Creator and producer of the series, Ted Habte-Gabr says, “We’re presenting our most ambitious three months – both in number of events and stature of our line up.  We’re especially excited that some of the speakers will also be participating in our morning business series in addition to appearing at an evening event.”

Other series highlights this spring include: Biz Stone, Co-Founder of Twitter, Pulitzer Prize winning humorist, Dave Barry; novelists Amy Tan and Francine Prose; Arianna Huffington, ballerina Misty Copeland; Bob Saget; and Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner, authors of Freakonomics.

Biz Stone, Michael Lewis and Levitt and Dubner will appear at both the morning and evening series.

The videos of the events are made available to a wider global audience after the events. Since 2010, the videos have been seen in 156 countries. Through some of the events, Live TalksLA supports worthwhile literacy and educational causes that are making a difference in the lives of Angelenos. They hope to help raise awareness of the great work these organizations are doing in our communities and enhance their base of supporters, volunteers and donors.

Past guests have included Molly Ringwald. (Photo credit: http://www.greengalactic.com)

Live Talks Spring Evening Series Roster:

— March 13: Misty Copeland | Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina

— March 25: Annabelle Gurwitch in conversation with Jane Kaczmarek 

— April 9: Biz Stone, Co-founder of Twitter

—April 17: Bob Saget discussing his memoir, Dirty Daddy: The Chronicles of a Family Man Turned Filthy Comedian

— May 1: Dave Barry, discussing his collection of essays, You Can Date Boys When You’re Forty

— May 6: Amy Tan discussing her novel, The Valley of Amazement, with Lisa See

— May 7: Arianna Huffington

— May 15: Francine Prose, discussing her novel, Lovers at the Chameleon Club, Paris 1932

— May 21: Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner, bestselling authors of Freakonomics discussing Think Like a Freak

Live Talks Business Forum Morning Speakers Include:

— March 6: Seth Goldman, President & CEO, Honest Tea

Mission in a Bottle: The Honest Guide to Doing Business Differently—and Succeeding

— April 10: Biz Stone, Co-founder, Twitter and CEO, Jelly.

— April 11: Michael Lewis in conversation with WIRED’s Joanna Pearlstein discussing Flash Boys, A Wall Street Revolt.

— April 16: Ed Catmull, Co-founder, Pixar; President, Pixar and Disney Animation Studios

CREATIVITY, INC.:Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration

—May 22: Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner (Freakonomics) discussing Think Like a Freak