Storyteller and poet Rives is the star of the new special “Ironic Iconic America.” He’s a regular on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. Offstage, he designs and writes pop-up books, a little something he calls paper engineering.

Rives has had a tightly packed schedule since TED@Aspen last year, where he was also co-host. He performed at New York City’s 92Tribeca along with Patti Smith and Janeane Garofolo, and was featured in a commercial for telecom Orange.

Rives holds the record for the most TEDTalks on TED.com. His lightning-fast wit and big personality draw you in, but even after he leaves the stage this word artist/comic will keep you thinking.

Learn more about Rives on his website and blog where he asks that you look out for him — poolside.