SHANE DEAN

Tabloid Journalist | Accidental Vicar | Global Good News Pioneer | Ordinary Guy, Extraordinary Vision | Life Enthusiast | Inspirational Speaker

My story? Anything but ordinary. Hundreds of real-life lessons in hope, resilience, and joy packed into a life of chaos, laughs, and struggle.

I started out chasing Madonna, royalty, and prime ministers as a twice award-winning tabloid journalist and political correspondent on the road to The Washington Post. 

Then, over coffee and Guinness, I became a vicar by accident — burying bodies in graveyards with no training and even turning away pop stars at the vicarage - before burning out myself.

Next came the PR jungle Branson, Bear Grylls, Boris — surviving the spin world at the sharp end. 

I’ve been banned by an entire police force, faced breakdowns and mental health battles, and asked the questions we all do: 'what’s the point of it all?' 'is there hope?' and 'how can we be happy in a world gone mad?'

In my talks I answer these questions and more after my unique investigation into the secrets of happiness.

I have also founded a global good news network of hope, one story at a time, in memory of former BBC journalist Jill Dando, run by and for young people, to shine light in a world drowning in darkness.

As an inspirational speaker, I help people and organisations find hope, happiness, and meaning. 

My TONIC! talks and seminars cover everything from laughter yoga, to believing the impossible, to living enthusiastically every day — inspiring audiences not just to survive, but to live extraordinary lives on purpose.