SOLD OUT INAUGURAL SEASON
A Season of Compelling Catholic Conversations
The inaugural Mater Media Speaker Series has officially sold out!
The Mater Media Speaker Series brings nationally recognized voices and remarkable life stories to the stage of the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts at Lindenwood University from September 2026 through March 2027.
More than 1,000 guests are gathering for a powerful series of live experiences exploring faith, purpose, and compelling conversations.
Presented by:
What an opening night!
John O’Leary opened the inaugural season with a night we will never forget!
Every seat was filled as John brought his extraordinary life story, infectious joy and life-changing message to the stage. He reminded us that our lives are precious, priceless gifts - to be used for good.
The evening included John playing the piano, the glow of candlelight, and an entire theater lifting their voices together. The beginning of the Speaker Series was everything it was created to be: inspiring, meaningful and faith-filled.
2026-2027 Speakers
John O’Leary
September 10, 2026
7:30 pmBill O’Reilly
October 15, 2026
7:30 pmDr. Ira DeWitt
November 5, 2026
7:30 pmEric Genuis
December 6, 2026
3 pmProfessor, music label founder, jewelry designer, Host of Beyond SAINT podcast, Founder and CEO of SAINT Candle and the SAINT Catholic Lifestyle App.
Prolific composer, virtuoso pianist, powerful storyteller, performer of 1,500+ concerts in prisons around the globe.
March 3, 2027
7:30 pmMarch 31, 2027
7:30 pm
Legendary TV Commentator, Author of 21 New York Times #1 Bestsellers, Host of The No Spin Zone.
International Speaker, Bestselling Author, Podcast Host, Real-life Hero of the Soul on Fire movie.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan
Leo Severino
Archbishop Emeritus of New York, Former Rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Author, Catholic Radio Show Host.
Author, Actor, Hollywood Producer of Sound of Freedom, Cabrini, Zero A.D., Little Boy, and Bella.
The vision behind this Speaker Series
Each Speaker Series event is hosted by Zip Rzeppa, Founder of Mater Media.
A former award-winning television sportscaster and inductee into the St. Louis Media Hall of Fame, Zip brings decades of on-stage presence, energy, and storytelling to every event.
Today, Zip leads Mater Media with a mission to evangelize the faith through media.
Our Visionary Partner
Our Media Partner
Made Possible by an Extraordinary Community
With gratitude to the people and organizations who believed in this vision.
The inaugural Mater Media Speaker Series would not be possible without the generosity of our Founders Circle, sponsors, media partners and volunteers.
Their belief in this mission helped bring six nationally recognized voices - and a new kind of live Catholic experience - to St. Louis.
Be a Part of
What Comes Next
The inaugural season may be sold out, but the conversation is just beginning.
Sign up to receive Speaker Series highlights, behind-the-scenes stories, Mater Media news and advance notice of future live events.
Frequently Asked Questions
About The Speaker Series
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This series is for anyone seeking inspiration, deeper meaning, and connection. These events feature remarkable speakers who share stories of faith, leadership, perseverance, and purpose.
Each event is designed to inspire, challenge, and bring our community together in a meaningful way.
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Yes. Our speakers will share how their Catholic faith has shaped their life and work. While rooted in these values, the Speaker Series welcomes people of all backgrounds.
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The Speaker Series is a wonderful experience for adults, young adults, and families; however, the live speaker format may not be well suited for young children.
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At this time, the Speaker Series is designed as a live, in-person experience. It will not be live-streamed.
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Yes! We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals who want to align with this mission and gain meaningful visibility in the community.
We’d love to share more details with you. Please contact us here.
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We’re so grateful you asked!
You can support by:
Introducing us to potential sponsors and donors for next year and beyond
Sharing next year’s Speaker Series with your personal and professional networks
Donating to Mater Media to help us continue our mission of making Jesus Christ more known and more loved by more people - through media.
Tickets & Experience
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The full Speaker Series includes six events throughout the season - from September 2026 - March 2027. Each features a different speaker and unique experience.
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Tickets are sold on a Series Pass basis.
If available, individual event tickets may be released closer to each event date.
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A Series Pass includes:
Access to all six Speaker Series events
Your choice of preferred seating options
Early access to event details and announcements
The opportunity to be part of a growing, mission-driven community
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The Founders Circle is a special group of supporters who help bring the Speaker Series to life in a meaningful way.
Founders Circle members receive:
Premium seating
Exclusive access to VIP receptions to meet & greet with the speakers
VIP parking
Recognition as founding supporters of this initiative
To join the Founders Circle, please contact us here.
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Yes! Founders Circle members and Sponsors will have access to exclusive pre-event VIP receptions where you can meet the speakers in a more personal setting.
Please contact us to learn more.
Event Details & Logistics
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The Speaker Series takes place at the beautiful J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts at the Lindenwood University.
Conveniently located at 2300 West Clay Street in St. Charles, Missouri, just off Interstate 70 at the Zumbehl Road exit, the venue is easy to access with ample, free on-site parking.
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Ample free parking is available on-site in convenient ground-level lots—no parking garage required.
It’s easy to access, well-lit, and just a short walk to the venue. A convenient drop-off area is also available at the main entrance.
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Doors will open approximately 60 minutes before the event begins.
We invite you to arrive early to enjoy fellowship and connect with others.
A cash bar and light refreshments will be available in the main concourse, along with a few fun touches—like a photo booth—to make the experience even more enjoyable.
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Yes. The venue is fully ADA accessible, including parking, entrances, seating, and restrooms.
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Yes. A cash bar and light refreshments will be available in the main concourse before the event begins.
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If you are unable to attend one or more of the events, you are able to gift your seat to another guest.
To help you with this, please contact the Box Office.
