9/8/2024, Self-worth and self-esteem– jack delaney ’26 and tessa giardi ’25

This discussion explored the roots of our self-esteem, how and why we compare ourselves to others, and the qualities or traits we value.

9/15/2024, Ontology of Offensiveness – Ava Oliphant ’27 and Eva Vogt ’25

This discussion centered on the conceptualization of offensiveness, including what we find offensive, why we find it offensive, and the moral or social norms behind these perceptions.

9/22/2024, Punishment or Progress? – Carter Brand ’25 and Carson belaire ’27

This discussion was centered on the question of whether incarceration is still the most effective form of punishment today, and if not, what is? It explored the complex themes of recidivism, rehabilitation, and reform.

9/29/2024, Food and Race – Chris Byrnes ’26, Audrey Weisenberger ’27, and Sammie nativadad ’25 (from LaFFCo)

This discussion was a collaboration with the Lafayette Food and Farm Cooperative (LaFFCo) about the ways race impacts who has access to food and what food people have access to.

10/5/2024, Lies, Lies, Lies… – Bryan Kibet ’27, Barb Odae ’27, and Nate Rashkind ’26

Why are we compelled to lie everyday – to each other, to ourselves, and to the world? This discussion explored all things lying from self-delusion to curated deception to white lies and more.

10/26/2024, public transportation – Olivia Combs ’26 and Anthony Malshyti ’26

This discussion delved into the complexities of America’s public transportation system and examined the reasons behind America’s heavy reliance on cars. It ended with attendees designing their own Easton public transportation plan.

11/3/2024, Time – Nicole Lenkiewicz ’27 and Shreya Suresh ’25

Why did humans develop the construct of time? How do we differentiate between time management and attention management? How do we optimize our time or think about the differences between “quality time” or “quantity time”? This week’s discussion took time to task and asked how it all adds up.

11/10/2024, Is Your Sky Falling or Is It Mine? – Ari Ismail ’26 and Katherine jaimes ’25

This week’s discussion was about concepts of apocalypticism. It’s a concept originating in ancient Judaism during the Hellenistic period that, to this day, encompasses not just fear and doom but also hope and renewal.

11/17/2024, The Rhythm of Our Lives – Dashawn Sheffield ’27 and Ronnie Ward ’25

From ancient rituals and classical symphonies to protest songs and viral TikTok hits, music has always been more than entertainment—it’s been a tool for expression, a source of comfort, and a catalyst for change. This discussion was about music’s multifaceted influence on our lives, at both the personal and political levels.