Motivational Speaking

Book Chef Turtle 420—Neil McAlister—for transformative motivational speaking and expert canna education. Combining personal growth with real-world knowledge, Chef Turtle inspires and educates audiences through authentic storytelling, humor, and years of experience. Connect, learn, and book your event today.

Homepage: Brief Introduction

Empowering Minds, One Story and One Edible at a Time

From overcoming the hardships of a broken home and life on the streets, to becoming a published author, educator, and sought-after speaker — my mission is to inspire change and share knowledge that transforms lives. Through powerful motivational talks, I help audiences break through personal barriers, find resilience, and take bold steps toward their goals.


As the author of Edibles Made Easy: Chef Turtle’s Infusion Guide – 2nd Edition and founder of Chef Turtle’s Infusion Consulting LLC, I also deliver engaging, hands-on cannabis education presentations that combine safety, creativity, and expertise. Whether speaking about mental health, overcoming adversity, or unlocking the potential of cannabis, my talks leave audiences informed, inspired, and ready to take action.

Motivation Speaking: In-Depth + Backstory

From Rock Bottom to Rising Above

I grew up in a broken home, raised by my grandmother and my mother, who worked long hours to provide for me. By my teens, I was in trouble, kicked out of schools, and running with the wrong crowd. By 16, I was hustling and making all the wrong choices just to be accepted. Arrests, toxic relationships, and struggles with addiction followed me into my late 20s.


But 2014 became my turning point. I left behind harmful prescriptions after my knee surgeries and transitioned to cannabis for wellness. I fought through setbacks, rebuilt my life, and found purpose. Today, I share my story to prove that where you start doesn’t define where you finish. My motivational talks are raw, honest, and designed to give people the hope and tools they need to overcome their own challenges — because if I can rise above, so can they.

 Canna Education: In-Depth

Cannabis Knowledge, Without the Confusion

After decades in the culinary industry, I brought my passion for food into the cannabis world — but my journey wasn’t without obstacles. In 2019, I entered the Arizona cannabis industry, only to be banned from working in it due to state restrictions. Instead of giving up, I built my own path, founding Chef Turtle’s Infusion Consulting LLC, launching my cooking show, and publishing my first book just two years later.


Today, as the author of Edibles Made Easy: Chef Turtle’s Infusion Guide – 2nd Edition, I deliver presentations that take the mystery out of cannabis infusion, dosing, and cultivation. My approach blends culinary expertise with clear, evidence-based cannabis education — empowering audiences to create safe, effective, and personalized cannabis experiences. Whether for a conference, classroom, or community event, I bring both passion and practical knowledge to the table.

Shell-ibrate Success; Bring Chef Turtle to Inspire Your Crowd! 🐢🎉