New York Interesting Conversations

[Tuesday] Discussion: Disagreements

Tue, Sep 1 · 7:00 PM EDT

Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St, New York, NY, US

Join our discord: https://discord.gg/sXmd8MRvmr

Disagreements are a natural part of being human. We have different experiences, values, needs, and ways of seeing the world, so conflict and differences of opinion are inevitable. A disagreement can create distance, but it can also lead to greater understanding when approached with curiosity and respect. In this discussion, we'll explore how we respond when we disagree, what makes disagreements productive or destructive, and how we can maintain connection even when we don't see things the same way.

1. How do you typically respond when you strongly disagree with someone?
2. What makes a disagreement feel productive rather than destructive?
3. Is it possible to have a meaningful disagreement without trying to change the other person's mind?
4. Why do some disagreements become much more emotional than others?
5. How do you balance standing up for your beliefs with remaining open to another perspective?
6. What makes you feel heard during a disagreement?
7. Is knowing when to compromise a strength or can it sometimes mean giving up too easily?
8. How do you decide which disagreements are worth engaging in?
9. Can disagreements actually strengthen a relationship? How?
10. What role do curiosity and empathy play when we disagree?
11. What have disagreements taught you about yourself or the way you relate to others?

These are just some of the questions we will discuss during our meetup. No preparation needed, just bring yourself and a willingness to listen and share your thoughts.

The meetup will be structured in a way to promote small group discussion so everyone has a chance to listen, be heard, and really dive into the discussion.

- - - - -

## How our discussions work

• Each meetup has a clear topic and guiding questions.
  We stay with them so everyone gets the conversation they came for.
• This is a reflective discussion, not a debate.
  The focus is understanding and exploration rather than persuasion or winning an argument.
• We speak from personal experience.
  Sharing is encouraged; judging, correcting, or speaking over others isn’t.
• We move one question at a time.
  Related thoughts are welcome when they support the question we’re exploring.
• We share the space.
  Everyone has a chance to speak, and no one is expected to dominate or perform.
• We listen generously.
  Curiosity, presence, and openness matter more than certainty.
• This is a non-political, non-outrage space.
  The emphasis is on reflection and connection, not debate or escalation.

We'll arrange tables of 6 participants each. When you arrive, please gather at the main atrium - we'll be at the tables between big windows and the palm trees. Once enough people are assembled, I'll escort each group of 6 to their table to begin the discussion, and continue doing this as more participants arrive.

Each table will receive a sheet containing the topic description and discussion questions. Feel free to take a photo or refer to the event page to have your own copy handy.

The official event time is from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, but some of us stay longer, transitioning into informal conversations beyond the topic. You're welcome to join any other ongoing discussions once your initial group wraps up and members start leaving.

[Tuesday] Discussion: Consent

Tue, Sep 15 · 7:00 PM EDT

Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St, New York, NY, US

Join our discord: https://discord.gg/sXmd8MRvmr

Consent is about respecting each person's right to make decisions about their own body, boundaries, time, and participation. While it is often discussed in the context of physical or sexual relationships, consent also plays an important role in everyday interactions—such as sharing personal information, offering advice, physical affection, or making decisions that affect others. It involves communication, mutual understanding, and the freedom to say yes or no without pressure. In this discussion, we'll explore how consent shows up in different parts of life, what makes it meaningful, and how we can better respect one another's boundaries.

1. What does consent mean to you beyond simply saying “yes” or “no”?
2. In what areas of everyday life do we often overlook the importance of consent?
3. What makes it easier—or harder—for someone to say no?
4. How can we tell the difference between genuine agreement and agreement influenced by pressure or expectations?
5. What role does communication play in creating meaningful consent?
6. Can consent be assumed in close relationships, or should it always be actively considered?
7. How do power dynamics affect a person's ability to freely give or refuse consent?
8. How should we respond when someone changes their mind after previously agreeing to something?
9. Have ideas about consent changed over time? If so, what has influenced that change?
10. How can we respect someone's boundaries without taking their boundaries personally?
11. What can we do to create environments where people feel comfortable expressing what they do and don't want?

These are just some of the questions we will discuss during our meetup. No preparation needed, just bring yourself and a willingness to listen and share your thoughts.

The meetup will be structured in a way to promote small group discussion so everyone has a chance to listen, be heard, and really dive into the discussion.

- - - - -

## How our discussions work

• Each meetup has a clear topic and guiding questions.
  We stay with them so everyone gets the conversation they came for.
• This is a reflective discussion, not a debate.
  The focus is understanding and exploration rather than persuasion or winning an argument.
• We speak from personal experience.
  Sharing is encouraged; judging, correcting, or speaking over others isn’t.
• We move one question at a time.
  Related thoughts are welcome when they support the question we’re exploring.
• We share the space.
  Everyone has a chance to speak, and no one is expected to dominate or perform.
• We listen generously.
  Curiosity, presence, and openness matter more than certainty.
• This is a non-political, non-outrage space.
  The emphasis is on reflection and connection, not debate or escalation.

We'll arrange tables of 6 participants each. When you arrive, please gather at the main atrium - we'll be at the tables between big windows and the palm trees. Once enough people are assembled, I'll escort each group of 6 to their table to begin the discussion, and continue doing this as more participants arrive.

Each table will receive a sheet containing the topic description and discussion questions. Feel free to take a photo or refer to the event page to have your own copy handy.

The official event time is from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, but some of us stay longer, transitioning into informal conversations beyond the topic. You're welcome to join any other ongoing discussions once your initial group wraps up and members start leaving.

[Tuesday] Discussion: TBD

Tue, Sep 29 · 7:00 PM EDT

Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St, New York, NY, US

Join our discord: https://discord.gg/sXmd8MRvmr

Join us as we explore themes that touch on our lives, relationships, and personal growth. Our discussions invite you to reflect on personal experiences, share insights, and engage in meaningful conversations about what drives us, how we connect with others, and how we navigate life’s complexities. These events are designed to foster connection, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

• What are some pivotal moments that have significantly influenced your life?
• How do you approach making decisions in your everyday life?
• What recent lesson have you learned that others might find valuable?
• How do you stay motivated when faced with challenges?
• What do you value most in your interactions with others?

These are just some of the questions we will discuss during our meetup. No preparation needed, just bring yourself and a willingness to listen and share your thoughts.

The meetup will be structured in a way to promote small group discussion so everyone has a chance to listen, be heard, and really dive into the discussion.

- - - - -

## How our discussions work

• Each meetup has a clear topic and guiding questions.
  We stay with them so everyone gets the conversation they came for.
• This is a reflective discussion, not a debate.
  The focus is understanding and exploration rather than persuasion or winning an argument.
• We speak from personal experience.
  Sharing is encouraged; judging, correcting, or speaking over others isn’t.
• We move one question at a time.
  Related thoughts are welcome when they support the question we’re exploring.
• We share the space.
  Everyone has a chance to speak, and no one is expected to dominate or perform.
• We listen generously.
  Curiosity, presence, and openness matter more than certainty.
• This is a non-political, non-outrage space.
  The emphasis is on reflection and connection, not debate or escalation.

We'll arrange tables of 6 participants each. When you arrive, please gather at the main atrium - we'll be at the tables between big windows and the palm trees. Once enough people are assembled, I'll escort each group of 6 to their table to begin the discussion, and continue doing this as more participants arrive.

Each table will receive a sheet containing the topic description and discussion questions. Feel free to take a photo or refer to the event page to have your own copy handy.

The official event time is from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, but some of us stay longer, transitioning into informal conversations beyond the topic. You're welcome to join any other ongoing discussions once your initial group wraps up and members start leaving.

[Tuesday] Discussion: TBD

Tue, Oct 13 · 7:00 PM EDT

Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St, New York, NY, US

Join our discord: https://discord.gg/sXmd8MRvmr

Join us as we explore themes that touch on our lives, relationships, and personal growth. Our discussions invite you to reflect on personal experiences, share insights, and engage in meaningful conversations about what drives us, how we connect with others, and how we navigate life’s complexities. These events are designed to foster connection, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

• What are some pivotal moments that have significantly influenced your life?
• How do you approach making decisions in your everyday life?
• What recent lesson have you learned that others might find valuable?
• How do you stay motivated when faced with challenges?
• What do you value most in your interactions with others?

These are just some of the questions we will discuss during our meetup. No preparation needed, just bring yourself and a willingness to listen and share your thoughts.

The meetup will be structured in a way to promote small group discussion so everyone has a chance to listen, be heard, and really dive into the discussion.

- - - - -

## How our discussions work

• Each meetup has a clear topic and guiding questions.
  We stay with them so everyone gets the conversation they came for.
• This is a reflective discussion, not a debate.
  The focus is understanding and exploration rather than persuasion or winning an argument.
• We speak from personal experience.
  Sharing is encouraged; judging, correcting, or speaking over others isn’t.
• We move one question at a time.
  Related thoughts are welcome when they support the question we’re exploring.
• We share the space.
  Everyone has a chance to speak, and no one is expected to dominate or perform.
• We listen generously.
  Curiosity, presence, and openness matter more than certainty.
• This is a non-political, non-outrage space.
  The emphasis is on reflection and connection, not debate or escalation.

We'll arrange tables of 6 participants each. When you arrive, please gather at the main atrium - we'll be at the tables between big windows and the palm trees. Once enough people are assembled, I'll escort each group of 6 to their table to begin the discussion, and continue doing this as more participants arrive.

Each table will receive a sheet containing the topic description and discussion questions. Feel free to take a photo or refer to the event page to have your own copy handy.

The official event time is from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, but some of us stay longer, transitioning into informal conversations beyond the topic. You're welcome to join any other ongoing discussions once your initial group wraps up and members start leaving.