March 21, 2025

Mental health advocate, author and social media maven Frank Warren to speak at Ferris State on March 25

Billed as “The Most Trusted Stranger in America,” mega-blog creator and author Frank Warren will bring a message of hope to those in silent despair on Tuesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. in the ballrooms of the David L. Eisler Center.  

In 2004, Warren established PostSecret, which accepted anonymous secrets on a postcard display, where the variety of messages and themes presented became a hit with young users.  

Warren has authored six books on the success of PostSecret and now tours as a speaker advocate. The essence of his presentation is to convince the public to accept assistance when their mental health issues are mounting toward personal crisis.  

PostSecret remains the largest advertisement-free blog in the world. Warren delivered a “TED Talk” that has received nearly 3.3 million views and, with bestselling books, has 1.6 million volumes in print.  

Bernadette Swinkunas is a faculty member in Ferris State’s English, Literature, and World Languages department and serves on the Arts and Lectures Committee. Swinkunas taught English 150 courses with Warren’s philosophical presentations as a foundation for student assignments.  

“They offered many different stories, as Frank has developed videos over a range of subjects, always compelling for developing our writing assignments,” Swinkunas said. “The videos really got the students’ attention, and I remember specifically their silent and poignant reaction to a segment on veterans’ secrets.”  

Swinkunas said there is breadth and real meaning for anyone interested in attending this free event, with a watchword that subject matter may not be suitable for all ages.  

“Warren’s talk will be something special to behold and participate in,” Bernadette said. “Frank has said letters of audience reaction with personal messages of gratitude arrive regularly, often immediately after his presentation. This will be a program where simple humanity will shine through and Frank’s ability to share and direct that experience will be valuable for students and adults from the campus and greater community.”