What we’re about
Madrid Salons are about creating a safe space where you can meet new people, express your opinions freely, and engage in deep, meaningful conversation. It’s like a deep tissue massage—not for your muscles, but for the very centres of your brain responsible for communication, belonging, and attachment.
Technically speaking, every month, at my house (or the home of a friend), I organise a salon for up to six people. A topic is always chosen in advance, and I moderate the debate to keep it engaging. The event is open to everyone—every generation, gender, nationality, profession. Salons are held typically in English, but perhaps a Spanish version will be coming soon.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Salon: (De)globalisation – State Of the ArtMadrid, Madrid€20.00
€20.00
# Salon (moderated discussion): (De)globalisation – State Of the Art
When: September 20, 2025 (Saturday), 18:30 - 22:30
Where: Madrid, Spain (concrete venue will be shared with you once you subscribe via the link below)Globalisation—at its core—represents the growing interconnectedness of societies, economies, and cultures across the globe. This process has not only accelerated the flow of goods, services, and technology, but has also influenced migration patterns, reshaped political relationships, and fostered cultural exchange on an unprecedented scale. Yet, is there further to go, or has globalisation reached its end? According to the latest book by Elisabeth Braw, Swedish security expert and former journalist, “Goodbye Globalisation: The Return of a Divided World,” we may be witnessing a shift in the globalisation developments of recent decades. Braw traces how mounting geopolitical tensions, pandemic-related disruptions, and national security concerns are prompting nations to rethink—and even reverse—the decades-long trend toward ever-closer global ties.
During our discussion, we will delve into the economic dimensions of globalisation, including international trade, global supply chains, and the influence of multinational corporations. What has this interconnected world brought to ordinary people, and what has it taken from them in return? Did all involved parties play by the rules? As globalisation is indeed a multifaceted phenomenon, I have no doubt that each of us has experienced it in better or worse ways—and we all have stories to tell.Join on: Salon at Karolina's
IG: salon.at.karolina - Salon: Algorithms—Good Servant but a Bad Master?Needs location€20.00
€20.00
# Salon (moderated discussion): Algorithms—Good Servant but a Bad Master?
When: October 18, 2025 (Saturday), 18:30-22:30
Where: Madrid, Spain (concrete venue will be shared with you after you subscribe on the link below)
They make decisions on our behalf. They simplify and streamline our daily lives. Yet we might not even notice we heavily rely on them. This speech is about algorithms.
At the heart of today’s digital world, algorithms guide decisions in healthcare, transportation, finance, and even personal entertainment. They streamline processes, boost efficiency, and personalise our experiences, making life more convenient in countless ways.
Yet, as algorithms become increasingly influential, concerns arise about their potential dangers. As highlighted in Cathy O’Neil’s book: “Weapons of Math Destruction”, unchecked algorithms can reinforce biases, threaten data privacy, and make opaque decisions that deeply impact individuals and societies. O’Neil presents several striking real-world examples, such as teacher evaluations, college admissions, credit scoring, and algorithms used to predict the likelihood of reoffending in the criminal justice system—all drawn from the United States.
However, I suspect Europe is not immune to the revolution of algorithms. Are there similar cases here? Join me for this salon, and let’s find out.Join on: Salon at Karolina's
IG: salon.at.karolina - Salon: Challenges of Modern RelationshipsNeeds location€20.00
€20.00
# Salon (moderated discussion): Challenges of Modern Relationships
When: November 15, 2025 (Saturday), 18:30-22:30
Where: Madrid, Spain (concrete venue will be shared with you once you subscribe via link below)Whether you are currently single or in a relationship, we all undoubtedly have something to say about them—romantic relationships.
Esther Perel, the renowned psychotherapist, explores the intricacies of relationships in the modern age in her work. “Sex was once meant for procreation; now it is about performance and outcome.” “Relationships used to be rooted in tradition and rules—there was a great deal of stability and certainty, but little freedom. Today, the opposite is true: zero certainty, infinite freedom. Relationships now rely on communication—everything must be negotiated.” These are just a few of her thought-provoking statements you might encounter during our salon.
Perel suggests that contemporary romantic relationships struggle with the paradox of maintaining desire while seeking stability. However, she also approaches the topic of relationships from a broader perspective—considering friends and family, community, and colleagues.
Join on: Salon at Karolina's
IG: salon.at.karolina
