What we’re about
-
Who: Geared toward adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s.. though any intellectually curious folks are welcome! **
-
Where: Craft Wine and Beer in Reno
-
When: Every 4-8 weeks on Mondays
Deep Dives & Drafts is a Meetup for intellectually curious individuals who enjoy engaging in thought-provoking conversations and exploring complex topics and ideas.
How it works: Each month or so, we’ll select a central theme to explore. In advance of the meetup, a list of resources (books, documentaries, podcasts, etc.) will be listed in the event description that will be used to frame the conversation. While you're encouraged to engage with the materials beforehand, it is not a requirement for participation.
Each gathering offers an opportunity to delve into unfamiliar topics, challenge assumptions, and gain new perspectives (while enjoying a cold beer, if that is your thing.) The group is new, and thus flexible as we establish membership and group structure/flow.
A quick note on group norms:
This is a space for curiosity, not confrontation. While we may explore complex or even controversial topics, all discussion should remain respectful, grounded in the materials we’ve engaged with, and centered on a spirit of shared learning. No personal attacks, no hidden agendas, no tolerance for hate speech, bullying, or any other behavior that disrupts a constructive atmosphere.
This group is explicitly inclusive of all races, genders, orientations, abilities, and neurotypes. Diverse perspectives enrich our conversations, and we’re committed to fostering a space where everyone feels safe, heard, and respected.
**Social science informs us that a shared life stage can help with group chemistry, but curiosity definitely transcends age—if the format speaks to you, come join us!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Hype or Healing? Evaluating Alternative Wellness PracticesCraft Wine and Beer, Reno, NV
From meditation and acupuncture to hypnosis, ‘quantum’ healing, and Gerson therapy, alternative medicine often blurs the line between science and spirituality. This month lets explore what’s real, what’s ritual, and how the psychology of belief and the placebo effect can serve as powerful — and legitimate — forms of healing. We’ll consider how to approach these practices with both curiosity and critical thinking — recognizing where evidence supports them, why we are drawn to them, and when to be skeptical.
Suggested media to spark conversation:
Books:
- Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body by Daniel Goleman & Richard J. Davidson
- The Magic Feather Effect: The Science of Alternative Medicine and the Surprising Power of Belief — Melanie Warner
- Do You Believe in Magic?: The Sense and Nonsense of Alternative Medicine — Paul A. Offit
- Bad Science — Ben Goldacre
- Trick or Treatment: The Undeniable Facts about Alternative Medicine — Simon Singh
- Conspirituality: How New Age Conspiracy Theories Became a Health Threat - Derek Beres, Matthew Remski, Julian Walker
Documentaries:
- Apple Cider Vinegar (2025, Netflix*not a doc, dramatized series inspired by true events)
- The Alternative Fix (2003, PBS Frontline)
- Heal (2017, Netflix/IMDb)
- (Un)Well (2020, Netflix)
Podcasts:
- (Huberman)
- Placebo Effects Link
- How Meditation Works Link
- (Science Vs.)
- Self-Care Link
- Breath work Link
- Placebo Effect Link
- Chiropractors Link
- Detoxes Link
- Meditation Link
- Hypnosis Link
Please let me know of any podcasts, docs, books, etc that you'd like me to list here!
How does this group work?
Each month we will select a topic to explore. The meetup will be anchored by a set of recommended readings, podcasts, or other media intended to provide theoretical context and a foundation for discourse. Our aim is to foster intellectual engagement, thoughtful dialogue, and collective learning.
Meetups will be in public spaces (bars) where folks can order beverages if they wish.
