2/2/2025, Oxford-style scholars programs – jack delaney ’26 and tessa giardi ’25

This discussion provided a deep dive into the nature of Oxford-style scholars programs like McKelvy. It was about the history, prestige, benefits, and challenges of intentional scholarly communities.

2/9/2025, Sports Gambling – Anthony Malshyti ’26 and Colin O’Shea ’25

This discussion addressed the growing trend around sports gambling, serious questions about the long-term impact of gambling on young minds, and the responsibility of universities and society to address its harmful effects.

2/16/2025, Your Inner Child – Olivia Combs ’26 and Katherine jaimes ’27

How are phases of childhood changing? Why do we judge people for embracing their “inner child”? How has media exposure at a young age sped up the growing-up phase in children? This week’s discussion asked and addressed all of this and more.

2/23/2025, Overstimulation – Barbara Odae ’27, Dashawn Sheffield ’27, and Edna Sam ’26

In an age of endless scrolling and instant gratification, how does overstimulation shape the way we engage with ourselves, others, and the world at large? This discussion explored attention, presence, and the consequences of living in a hyper-connected world.

3/2/2025, Incels and modern misogny – Camsey Noonan ’26 and Ben Risley ’26

This week’s discussion was about the rise of the incel community and the formation of their men’s rights movement. We discussed origins, causes, harms, public views, and how to gauge possible solutions.

3/30/2025, Separating Art From the Artist – Ronnie Ward ’25 and Bryan Kibet ’27

When a problematic artist produces content you may have listened to or watched,  is it okay to still support their art? Or if they don’t align with your morals should you stop supporting them all together? That and more in this week’s discussion about art, creativity, entertainment consumption, and morality.

4/6/2025, the relationship between people and domesticated animals – Nicole Lenkiewicz ’27 and Ava Oliphant ’27

We love the animals in our lives, like our pets, but often overlook the oddity of such a relationship with other species. Sometimes we mourn the loss of an animal more than that of a human. How did we come to build relationships with animals that can weigh heavier on our hearts than fellow people? This and other questions drove the week’s discussion.

4/13/2025, the power of protests – Shreya Suresh ’25 and jack Delaney ’26

What is protest? Why do people engage in it? Is protest a human right? Amidst the need for more political presence by a citizenry under attack (at home and abroad), this discussion centered on the power, efficacy, and forms of protests.

4/20/2025, authenticity – Carter brand ’25 and carson belaire ’27

In many areas of life—whether in friendships, family, school, or work—we’re often faced with a choice: adjust ourselves to fit in, or risk rejection by staying true to who we really are. While it’s easy to admire authenticity, it’s worth asking a deeper question: Are we truly willing to be real, even if it means losing connection or acceptance?