Randy Cohen

Randy Cohen is an American writer and humorist known for his diverse contributions to both print and television media. He authored "The Ethicist" column in The New York Times Magazine from 1999 to 2011, a role that significantly shaped public discourse on ethics. This column was widely syndicated throughout the U.S. and Canada. Cohen has also penned several books that delve into ethical quandaries and their broader societal implications, including "The Good, the Bad and the Difference" and "Be Good: How to Navigate the Ethics of Everything."

Cohen's initial foray into professional writing included crafting humor pieces, essays, and stories for prominent publications such as The New Yorker, Harper's, The Atlantic, and Young Love Comics. His television career is equally notable, beginning with his work on "Late Night with David Letterman," where he earned three Emmy Awards. He achieved a fourth Emmy for his contributions to Michael Moore's "TV Nation" and humorously received a fifth Emmy due to a clerical error, which he decided to keep. Cohen also served as the original head writer for "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," where he co-wrote the theme music. In 2010, he ventured into theater with his first play, "The Punishing Blow," which was staged at New York’s Clurman Theater.

Currently, Cohen continues to influence public perspectives on ethics through his work in broadcasting. He is the creator and host of "Person Place Thing," a public radio program that explores the intricate relationships people have with the places and things in their lives. Additionally, he is developing "A Question of Ethics," a new show poised to engage audiences on public radio.

Born in Charleston, South Carolina, and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania, Cohen attended the State University of New York at Albany, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2011. He holds an MFA in music composition from the California Institute of the Arts. In his highly engaging and entertaining keynotes, Cohen tackles a wide array of ethical dilemmas, from personal conduct in everyday situations to the ethical challenges in modern leadership and organizational practices, providing audiences with insightful perspectives on navigating ethical decisions in a complex world.