The NYC Experience

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of our daily lives. It helps us write emails, organize information, answer questions, and even provide companionship. But what effect will AI have on one of the most important parts of being human: our relationships?

Will AI strengthen human connection by helping us stay in touch, remember important details, and become better friends, family members, and colleagues? Or will it gradually replace authentic human interaction, making relationships more superficial and dependent on technology?

In this Free Thinker Institute discussion, we'll explore both the opportunities and risks that AI presents for personal and professional relationships.

Together, we'll examine:

• How AI is already changing the way people communicate
• Whether AI can help people become more thoughtful, attentive, and supportive
• The risks of outsourcing too much emotional labor to technology
• AI companions, virtual friendships, and the future of human connection
• How AI may affect trust, authenticity, empathy, and social skills
• The ethical questions surrounding AI-assisted relationships
• Ways to use AI as a tool that strengthens human bonds rather than replacing them

We'll also discuss practical applications that aim to improve relationships through technology. One example is Veritas Life OS, including its Stay in Touch capabilities, which are designed to help people maintain meaningful connections by remembering important relationships, encouraging follow-up, and making it easier to consistently invest in the people who matter most.

The central question is not whether AI will influence relationships—it already does. The real question is how we can intentionally design and use these tools to increase genuine human connection rather than diminish it.

As always, the goal is not to advocate a predetermined answer, but to examine the evidence, challenge assumptions, and explore how emerging technologies can be aligned with human flourishing, stronger communities, and deeper relationships.

This event is brought to you by the Free Thinker Institute (FTI), a not-for-profit looking to support and empower personal development for its members - and for everyone interested. We organize an event every Tuesday to discuss ways to transform wisdom into practical applications that benefit our lives, covering topics widely ranging from professional subjects to spiritual ones.

Format:
Lecture and discussion

We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off.

Here’s our legal notice:

Recording and Media Release Notice

For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to record, use, reproduce, edit, modify, publish, distribute, display, transmit, and otherwise exploit any and all Zoom recordings, photographs, audio recordings, screenshots, and other media captured during the event, in whole or in part, for trade, advertising, educational, promotional, commercial, or any other lawful purpose, in any media now known or hereafter developed. I further grant Free Thinker Institute the right to alter, edit, combine, crop, or otherwise modify such recordings without restriction.

I hereby release and discharge Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to such recordings and uses.

Except as expressly authorized in writing by Free Thinker Institute, attendees may not record, copy, reproduce, distribute, rebroadcast, livestream, transmit, publish, display, excerpt, edit, create derivative works from, or commercially exploit any portion of the event or its recordings. Unauthorized recording, publication, posting, sharing, or redistribution of any portion of the event, including on YouTube, social media platforms, websites, podcasts, or other media channels, is strictly prohibited and may constitute copyright infringement and a violation of these event terms. Free Thinker Institute reserves all rights and remedies available under applicable law, including the right to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, statutory damages, attorneys' fees where permitted, and any other available legal or equitable remedies.

By attending the event, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.

Description:
Many people think of trauma as something that happens only after major events such as war, abuse, violence, or tragedy. Yet research increasingly suggests that trauma can take many forms, influencing our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and even physical health long after the original events have passed.

Some experts also believe that the effects of trauma can extend beyond a single individual, influencing future generations through family dynamics, learned behaviors, parenting patterns, and potentially even biological mechanisms. These ideas have sparked growing interest—and debate—around the concept of transgenerational trauma.

In this Free Thinker Institute discussion, we'll explore what trauma is, how it affects both the mind and body, and what the evidence suggests about the ways trauma may be passed from one generation to the next.

Together, we'll examine:

• What psychologists and neuroscientists mean by "trauma"
• The difference between acute trauma, chronic trauma, and complex trauma
• How trauma can manifest emotionally, mentally, physically, and socially
• The relationship between trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, and physical health
• The evidence for and against transgenerational trauma
• How family patterns and inherited beliefs can shape our lives without our awareness
• Common signs that unresolved trauma may be influencing behavior, relationships, or decision-making
• Practical approaches for healing, growth, and resilience

We'll also discuss important questions such as:

• How can we distinguish trauma-related patterns from ordinary life challenges?
• What role do personal responsibility and self-awareness play in healing?
• How much of our behavior is shaped by experiences we consciously remember versus influences we may not recognize?
• What does the scientific evidence support, and where does uncertainty remain?

Most importantly, we'll explore practical tools that can help people identify unhealthy patterns, build resilience, improve emotional well-being, and move toward greater freedom and flourishing.

As always, the goal is not to pathologize ourselves or others, but to better understand the forces that shape human behavior, evaluate the evidence critically, and discover approaches that help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

This event is brought to you by the Free Thinker Institute (FTI), a not-for-profit looking to support and empower personal development for its members - and for everyone interested. We organize an event every Tuesday to discuss ways to transform wisdom into practical applications that benefit our lives, covering topics widely ranging from professional subjects to spiritual ones.

Format:
Lecture and discussion

We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off.

Here’s our legal notice:

Recording and Media Release Notice

For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to record, use, reproduce, edit, modify, publish, distribute, display, transmit, and otherwise exploit any and all Zoom recordings, photographs, audio recordings, screenshots, and other media captured during the event, in whole or in part, for trade, advertising, educational, promotional, commercial, or any other lawful purpose, in any media now known or hereafter developed. I further grant Free Thinker Institute the right to alter, edit, combine, crop, or otherwise modify such recordings without restriction.

I hereby release and discharge Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to such recordings and uses.

Except as expressly authorized in writing by Free Thinker Institute, attendees may not record, copy, reproduce, distribute, rebroadcast, livestream, transmit, publish, display, excerpt, edit, create derivative works from, or commercially exploit any portion of the event or its recordings. Unauthorized recording, publication, posting, sharing, or redistribution of any portion of the event, including on YouTube, social media platforms, websites, podcasts, or other media channels, is strictly prohibited and may constitute copyright infringement and a violation of these event terms. Free Thinker Institute reserves all rights and remedies available under applicable law, including the right to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, statutory damages, attorneys' fees where permitted, and any other available legal or equitable remedies.

By attending the event, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.

The Second Amendment is one of the most debated—and often misunderstood—parts of the U.S. Constitution. What was its original purpose? Who does it protect? How have the courts interpreted it over time, and what questions remain unresolved today?

In this session, we'll take a nonpartisan, evidence-based approach to examining the history, text, and modern legal interpretation of the Second Amendment. We'll explore
questions such as:

• What did the framers intend when they wrote the amendment?
• Does the right belong to individuals, militias, or both?
• What have the courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, said about its meaning?
• How have gun laws evolved throughout American history?

We'll also discuss one of the most challenging questions in modern public policy: Are there "common sense" gun regulations that people across the political spectrum can support? We'll examine proposals from multiple perspectives, considering both public safety and constitutional rights while distinguishing evidence from opinion.

We'll conclude with Garrett's practical perspective: while reasonable people may disagree about many aspects of gun policy, expanding access to effective mental health care for those who need it may be one area where meaningful progress can reduce suffering regardless of where someone stands on the gun control debate.

As always, our goal is not to tell anyone what to think, but to provide the historical context, legal framework, and factual information needed for each participant to reach their own well-informed conclusions. Respectful disagreement is welcome, and curiosity is encouraged.

Format:
Lecture and discussion

We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off.

Here’s our legal notice:

Recording and Media Release Notice

For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to record, use, reproduce, edit, modify, publish, distribute, display, transmit, and otherwise exploit any and all Zoom recordings, photographs, audio recordings, screenshots, and other media captured during the event, in whole or in part, for trade, advertising, educational, promotional, commercial, or any other lawful purpose, in any media now known or hereafter developed. I further grant Free Thinker Institute the right to alter, edit, combine, crop, or otherwise modify such recordings without restriction.

I hereby release and discharge Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to such recordings and uses.

Except as expressly authorized in writing by Free Thinker Institute, attendees may not record, copy, reproduce, distribute, rebroadcast, livestream, transmit, publish, display, excerpt, edit, create derivative works from, or commercially exploit any portion of the event or its recordings. Unauthorized recording, publication, posting, sharing, or redistribution of any portion of the event, including on YouTube, social media platforms, websites, podcasts, or other media channels, is strictly prohibited and may constitute copyright infringement and a violation of these event terms. Free Thinker Institute reserves all rights and remedies available under applicable law, including the right to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, statutory damages, attorneys' fees where permitted, and any other available legal or equitable remedies.

By attending the event, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.