Bipolar Grandpa - Motivational Speaker - Des Moines, IA - Hero Main
Bipolar Grandpa - Motivational Speaker - Des Moines, IA - Hero Gallery 1
Bipolar Grandpa - Motivational Speaker - Des Moines, IA - Hero Gallery 2
Bipolar Grandpa - Motivational Speaker - Des Moines, IA - Hero Gallery 3
Bipolar Grandpa - Motivational Speaker - Des Moines, IA - Hero Gallery 4

Bipolar Grandpa Motivational Speaker from Des Moines, IA

Will travel up to 1500 miles

  • Avg 4.5 | 4 Reviews
  • 6 Verified Bookings
  • Member Since 2016
  • 5 Awards & Badges
  • Virtual Services Offered
  • Accepts Online Payment
  • Starting at $500 per event

About Vendor 

Learn more about this vendor for your event.

Bipolar Grandpa, also known as Grandpa Sunshine, brings big-grandpa warmth with a punch of real-deal inspiration to audiences in Des Moines. James Stordahl is a retired military and U.S. Postal Service veteran with a talent for turning personal stories into unforgettable moments—equal parts laughter, honesty, and hope. As an Emcee, motivational speaker, keynote speaker, and public speaker, Bipolar Grandpa speaks with a playful spark while covering powerful topics like mental health, resilience, and overcoming adversity. He’s an ordained minister and educational speaker who weaves together military tales, heartfelt lessons, and practical encouragement to help audiences feel seen, understood, and ready to keep going. James draws from a lifetime of experience, including navigating Bipolar-2 personality disorder and the mental-health challenges faced within his own family. His story is not just “surviving,” it’s thriving—built on perseverance, growth, and a determination to help erase stigma around mental health, one conversation at a time. Expect an engaging, dynamic delivery and plenty of genuine conversation energy, from corporate gatherings to community events. Beyond the stage, Bipolar Grandpa is also a spoken word artist and storyteller who has authored eight books and produced additional creative work across podcasting, commercial acting, modeling, and officiating weddings—including a memorable ceremony inside a state prison. Whether you’re looking for a keynote, corporate address, educational talk, or a message that sticks long after the applause, this Des Moines gem delivers a memorable experience with warmth and meaning.

Reviews 

Check out these verified reviews from bookings on The Bash.

Avg 4.5 | 4 Reviews

See all 4 Reviews

Sort:

Review by Kiara B.

Community EventReviewed on February 24, 2026From Des Moines, IA

James was a pleasure to work with! He was so kind and made our clients here at the shelter feel so comfrotable! The essage he sent was curated to them which made it even more personable and special! The extra mile he took out the kidness of his heart will never be overlooked! I would love to have him back sometime! I 100% reccommend him for your event especially if those people need a little pick me up!

Review by Melissa H.

Community EventReviewed on May 9, 2025From Saint James, MN

Jim was very personable and great with the audience. He made everyone feel very relaxed and they all enjoyed his talk.

Review by Dan B.

EventReviewed on September 3, 2024From Butterfield, MN

Bipolar Grandpa:

A very good experience. Delightful reception as soon as I arrived. The Superintendent was courteous and he gave me a tour of the venue. He also coached me on what he was looking for in the rally. He basically turned all three hours over to me and allowed me the freedom to perform. I had some in depth conversations with some of the teachers and was invited for lunch following. I really felt I connected. It was a good event!

Awards & Badges 

See why this vendor is top rated on The Bash.

Booked Events 

: The Bash Verified Bookings

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events

Past Events

December 17, 2025 • Community Event
Wed1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Des Moines, IA
June 5, 2025 • Navy
Thu12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Millington, TN
May 8, 2025 • Community Event
Thu2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Saint James, MN
August 27, 2024 • Event
Tue8:30 AM - 11:30 AM Butterfield, MN
February 6, 2024 • Corporate Function
Tue12:30 PM - 1:15 PM Bloomington, MN
June 11, 2022 • Wedding Ceremony
Sat4:00 PM - 4:30 PM Indianola, IA
April 12, 2020 • Convention
Sun1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Johnston, IA

Explore this vendor's other profiles.

Share Bipolar Grandpa

Information displayed on this page is courtesy of Bipolar Grandpa

Plan, book, celebrate—with confidence

Find Motivational Speakers in Des Moines, IA to bring your event to life.

Badge with check mark

Trusted Vendors

With verified reviews and thousands of ratings, it's easy to book the perfect Motivational Speakers for all types of events in Des Moines, IA—no matter how big or small.

credit card protected by a shield

Money-Back Promise

You'll never lose a deposit or balance payment made through The Bash with our 100% money-back guarantee. Online payments are secure through Stripe.

envelope and phone with 5 stars

Top-Rated Service

Our Account Specialists are here to help every step of the way. Since 1997, we've connected planners with vendors for over half a million events.