What we’re about
PROVOCATEURS AND PEACEMAKERS - Science • Philosophy • History • Psychology • Current Affairs • Spirituality • Christianity • Atheism —> Provocative Discussion
* Want to hear differing viewpoints in rational dialogue?
* Want deep discussion on issues that matter?
* Want to make friends across the aisle?
Come exploring with us at our next meeting of The Provocateurs. We meet every 2nd an 4th Friday of the month (2nd Friday for our Topic Night, 4th Friday for our Lazy Readers Night). We have no trouble being provocative — our main rule is that we give everyone a chance to talk and hear them with respect. Come to learn — and to give us a piece of your mind.
Also, for online discussion during the week, jump on our P&P Discord server:
If you’re new to Discord, go to discord.com to open an account.
If you’re new to our P&P Discord group, join us at: https://discord.gg/tS3ejMqmsh
If you joined us on Discord earlier, find Provocateurs & Peacemakers at: discord.com
Upcoming events (3)
See all- LAZY READERS - AUGUSTMcKeever's Price Chopper, Lenexa, KS
For those who like lively conversations, and for nosy people who don't have time to read it all, but want to know it all:
LAZY READERS — AUGUST!
Join us to tell us about whatever you've been reading — we'll discuss that and what everyone else is reading too.
RSVP on this page.
Subjects can include just about anything: fiction or non-fiction, history, science, philosophy, psychology, the arts, humor, religion or atheism, etc. Books or blogs or articles or editorials.
Come to talk or come to listen. No pressure, just friendly fun.
We'll give everyone who wants a few minutes to explain what they've been reading, and another few minutes for everyone to ask questions and discuss. We always learn a ton. Come make new friends and learn something new about what they’ve been reading.See you Friday!
Debbie SmithAfterwards: We'll continue our conversations over drinks and food at the Blue Moose.
***
Come early between 6:45 and 6:55 p.m. to chat and make new friends before we get started.
All attendees are expected to follow the P&P Code of Conduct, so all can feel safe while we have a great time.
WANT MORE DISCUSSION, DURING THE WEEK?: Just a reminder that we can continue our discussion of this event (or anything else) on our P&P Discord server. Here's how to use it:
If you’re new to Discord, go to discord.com to open an account.
If you’re new to our P&P Discord group, join us at: https://discord.gg/tS3ejMqmsh
If you joined us on Discord earlier, find Provocateurs & Peacemakers at: discord.com. - LAZY READERS - SEPTEMBERMcKeever's Price Chopper, Lenexa, KS
For those who like lively conversations, and for nosy people who don't have time to read it all, but want to know it all:
LAZY READERS — SEPTEMBER!
Join us to tell us about whatever you've been reading — we'll discuss that and what everyone else is reading too.
RSVP on this page.
Subjects can include just about anything: fiction or non-fiction, history, science, philosophy, psychology, the arts, humor, religion or atheism, etc. Books or blogs or articles or editorials.
Come to talk or come to listen. No pressure, just friendly fun.
We'll give everyone who wants a few minutes to explain what they've been reading, and another few minutes for everyone to ask questions and discuss. We always learn a ton. Come make new friends and learn something new about what they’ve been reading.See you Friday!
Debbie SmithAfterwards: We'll continue our conversations over drinks and food at the Blue Moose.
***
Come early between 6:45 and 6:55 p.m. to chat and make new friends before we get started.
All attendees are expected to follow the P&P Code of Conduct, so all can feel safe while we have a great time.
WANT MORE DISCUSSION, DURING THE WEEK?: Just a reminder that we can continue our discussion of this event (or anything else) on our P&P Discord server. Here's how to use it:
If you’re new to Discord, go to discord.com to open an account.
If you’re new to our P&P Discord group, join us at: https://discord.gg/tS3ejMqmsh
If you joined us on Discord earlier, find Provocateurs & Peacemakers at: discord.com. - Free WillMcKeever's Price Chopper, Lenexa, KS
Free Will
What affects the decisions we make?
presented by our very own Kelly George- Do we have free will?
- If so, how often do we exercise it?
- If not, what is making our decisions for us?
When does free will come into play in decision-making? Is it "turtles all the way down" as the saying goes, or is there a certain point where extenuating circumstances aren't taken into account and free will takes over? This is a challenging question that much has been written about.
The concept of free will is ingrained in us as Americans; we believe we absolutely have free will. In order to broaden that notion of free will, I'll take you on an experiential journey within the walls of an imaginary ice cream shop. During our time in the shop, I will provide a number of chance encounters in order to contribute to our discussion of the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of free will thinking.
In the meantime, I have some questions for you. What resources do you bring to a decision about what type of ice cream to choose? How does biology, psychology, and sociology impact your skillset, experience, health, availability, finances, sensations, proximity, relevance, time, social contact, or perception of that decision? Vary one of those aspects, and how does that impact your decision? Would you choose a different venue? Flavor? Bowl or cone? Would you get two scoops instead of one or maybe opt out entirely? Our ice cream shop will have a lot going on that may impact any one of those aspects.
I invite you to join me on this experiential journey of free will.
Here is a video to check out before session:
TedTalk: The Biology of our best and worst selves: Robert SapolskyEnjoy! Looking forward to our adventure in our Ice Cream Shop.
When and Where = 7:00PM Fri. 10 October 2025 - Price Chopper, Lenexa, Kansas.
________
Kelly George- ice cream connoisseur
- literal generalist with a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS-sadly no longer offered) from Wichita State University (three minors in History, Psychology, and Sociology)
- Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health
- extensive reading in all things related to being human
See you Friday!
Christopher (Captain Joy) - Debbie Smith - Fred (Crash)
Afterwards: We'll continue our conversations over drinks and food at the Blue Moose.
* * *
Come early between 6:45 and 6:55 p.m. to chat and make new friends before we get started. But be sure to join us by 6:55, if you can, so we can start right at 7:00.
All attendees are expected to follow the P&P Code of Conduct, so all can feel safe while we have a great time.WANT MORE DISCUSSION, DURING THE WEEK?: Just a reminder that we can continue our discussion of this event (or anything else) on our P&P Discord server. Here's how to use it:
If you’re new to Discord, go to discord.com to open an account.
If you’re new to our P&P Discord group, join us at: https://discord.gg/tS3ejMqmsh
If you joined us on Discord earlier, find Provocateurs & Peacemakers at: discord.com.
