Appearances
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.
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.
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.
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 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 Highland Library
Will be lecturing on community, addiction, & local history at Highland Library
Discussion at four corners Coffee
Will be leading a convo at Four Corners Coffee with John Scaramucci.
Addiction Discussion at Adrian Library
Will be talking recovery with members of the local community. This event will be custom to Adrian residents.
Roast of Detroit at the independent in Hamtramck, MI
Will be hosting the Roast of Detroit with some of the funniest comics in all of the Midwest at the Independent Comedy Club in Hamtramck, MI
NO DATE SET: Reading at Detroit Library
Will be reading from Honolulu Blues at the Main Branch of the Detroit Library. Syncing event with the home schedule so stay tuned!
No Date Yet: 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.
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