Appearances
An Evening With Joel Walkowski & Jon Lampley
It is an honor to perform in Columbus, Ohio with the great Jon Lampley. I’ll read from the work, he’ll back me up with some music and conversation & we’ll chop it up on some relevant themes.
Reading at Morgernstern's with Rachel Kearney
Rachel was my first editor and it’s such an honor to work with her on this event. This was also my Dad’s favorite bookstore so this is a special event for me.
Human Potential Conference
Joel Walkowski is a stand-up comedian, author, and SMART Recovery facilitator whose debut book, Honolulu Blues: How Loving a Losing Football Team Created a Winning Man, explores the unlikely throughline between football fandom, addiction, and recovery. A lifelong Detroit Lions fan, Joel likens rooting for the Lions to being a musician on the Titanic — the ship may be sinking, but you show up and play anyway. He draws on decades of highs, lows, and magical thinking as a fan to illustrate the emotional patterns of addiction, and on his own recovery to show how disappointment can be felt without staying stuck in it. Joel's path has taken him from living in a van in Vallejo to stand-up comedy, celebrity roasts, and helping others through SMART Recovery. His set blends comedy, storytelling, and hard-won insight on resilience, humor, and what it means to keep showing up when life doesn't follow the script.
Reading at Detroit Library
Will be reading from Honolulu Blues at the Main Branch of the Detroit Library. Will be joined in conversation by Sydnee Little, host of Lit Club with Syd on Fox 2 News.
Reading at Midland Library
Going to read, do stand up, and take questions from the great people of Midland. My Mom’s friend Thaylia lives here so it’s gonna be litty.
Reading at Traverse City Library
Going to be in beautiful Traverse City reading from my book and doing select comedy bits.
Baker Book House in Grand Rapids
Will be at the Baker Book House in Grand Rapids sharing
Addiction Discussion at Adrian Library
Will be talking recovery with members of the local community. This event will be custom to Adrian residents.
Discussion at four corners Coffee
Will be leading a convo at Four Corners Coffee with John Scaramucci.
Lecture at Wayne State University
Will be speaking with humanities professor and Detroit royalty ML Lieber about the book, it’s themes, and it’s city.
Reading at Highland Library
Will be lecturing on community, addiction, & local history at Highland Library
Reading at Royal Oak Library
Reading and Lecture series. Books will be for sale via Side Track Books. Will be forging “Dan Orlovsky” as my signature if requested.
Reading at The Bookman in Grand haven, MI
1st reading on the West Side of the State. Gonna read the first chapter with a mouthful of cherries.
Reading at Sleepy Dog Books in Mt. Pleasant, MI
Giving a reading and hosting a discussion at Sleepy Dog Books in Mt. Pleasant. This is my cousin’s local bookstore so I’ll be going all out.
The Big Walkowski X
The world’s finest comedian 4-on-4 basketball tournament is back for its tenth edition and (as always) raising funds for organ donation through LiveOn New York.
DENVER Comedic Reading with Jack Comstock
I don’t think Jack knows how to read but I love him and don’t know many people in Denver so he’ll be doing a set and leading a conversation. I may even teach him how to read.
Winning the Long Game: A Roundtable on Health, Purpose & Life
On Saturday, August 1, 2026, Kintsugi Village will host “Winning the Long Game: A Roundtable on Health, Purpose & Life,” a community conversation featuring author Joel Walkowski, 1 Girl Revolution founder Kate Milligan, and former Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner, founder of Zion Performance. The event begins at 5:00 PM at Kintsugi Village, 2020 14th St, Detroit, MI 48216, and is open to the public.
The roundtable brings together three distinct journeys - professional sports, entrepreneurship, and storytelling - united by a shared belief that real winning has less to do with the scoreboard and more to do with how a person shows up for their own health, purpose, recovery, and life.
Walkowski's new book, Honolulu Blues: How Loving a Losing Football Team Created a Winning Man, chronicles a lifetime of loving the Detroit Lions alongside a raw, funny account of addiction, mental health, and what it actually takes to become a “winning” human being. Milligan and Walkowski have been partnering on multiple community events throughout Metro Detroit, and are excited to welcome Zenner into the discussion about health, wellness, and finding fulfillment and purpose. Zenner, who was a running back for the Detroit Lions before founding the athletic training and mindset company Zion Performance, brings a performance-and-wellness lens shaped by his own transition out of professional sports. Zenner will be in town to speak to The Detroit Lions during training and is coming in early to be a part of this inspiring community event.
The evening will include a moderated panel discussion, audience Q&A, a book signing, and autographs and photos with Zach Zenner. Attendance is free.
Schuler Books Ann Arbor
Appearing at Schuler Books in Ann Arbor. My cousin Kate Bryan from One Girl Revolution will be serving as conversation partner. A family reunion? How fun!
Reading at Troy Barnes and Noble
I’ll be reading sections about Barry Sanders and leading a convo on local interest
Reading/Discussion: Worst Ever Detroit Losses at BOOK SUEY in Hamtramck, MI
An in-depth celebration of Honolulu Blue’s release and a detailed discussion and reading with local sportswriter Elijah Sparkman at Book Suey Hamtramck.
Reading at Christ Episcopal Dearborn
Gonna do a reading and sign some books in my hometown of Dearborn, MI. All of my mom’s friends will be there but I asked her to be my conversation partner but she was noncommittal.
Road Less Traveled Books with Jenn McKee
Will be appearing at Road Less Traveled Books with wonderful Michigan Writer Jenn McKee.
Detroit Book Festival
I’ll be selling books to the public for the first time. Will it be a great public embarrassment or personal triumph? Let’s find out together.
Honolulu Blues Book Launch
Formal launch of Honolulu Blues at Word Bookstore in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. There will be a reading, a signing, & I’ll be throwing my friend John through a table. RSVP HERE