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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out founders events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the founders events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find founders events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Founders Events Today
Join in-person Founders events happening right now
đ Business Networking (Speed Networking)
â Business Speed Networking Vienna
Make connections. Find opportunities. Meet inspiring people.
Looking to expand your professional circle and actually enjoy the process?
This business speed networking event in Vienna is designed for people who value real conversations, not superficial small talk.
đParticipation fee is 10⏠and order a drink.
đ Limited spots. Please register if you are really come and unregister if your circumstances changed. If you are registered and wonât come you can loose the possibility to join next time.
đź What to expect:
Structured speed networking with short one-to-one conversations.
Each round lasts about 10 minutes, then you meet a new person.
Clear format, easy flow, and a professional office-style environment.
đ¤ Who itâs for:
Entrepreneurs, freelancers, startup founders, managers, and professionals from different industries who want to connect, exchange ideas, and explore collaboration opportunities.
âď¸ The atmosphere:
Focused, respectful, and business-oriented.
Come for the networking.
Stay for the conversations.
Leave with new contacts â and new opportunities đŹâ¨
Codex Community Build Meetup
Hello everyone!
We're excited to announce **Vienna's first official** **Codex Community Build Meetup**, co-hosted with **Vienna AI Engineering** on Saturday, June 20!
It's a full-day, hands-on event for learning to build with Codex (OpenAI's coding agent) and with AI agents in general. This isn't a lecture: bring your laptop, pick the track that fits your level, and spend the day building alongside mentors and Codex experts. Come with an idea or just show up ready to learn. The goal is to leave with something you made, a clearer sense of how AI agents fit into real software work, and new people in Vienna's builder community.
Whether you're already using Codex or simply curious about coding agents, this is your chance to connect with peers and see how AI is transforming the way we build software.
âââââââââââââââââââââââââââââ
â ď¸ IMPORTANT: [Register on Luma](https://luma.com/9dmqcdn0), not here!
To avoid double-bookings, RSVPs on Meetup are limited to the Organizer Team only. The 170 spots are all on Luma, and that's the only place to sign up.
đ Register here: [https://luma.com/9dmqcdn0](https://luma.com/9dmqcdn0)
Check-in at the door uses the Luma guest list, so please make sure you're registered there.
When you register, you'll pick the track that fits you best:
đ˘ AI Beginner: a guided path from first setup to a small working project
đĄ AI Intermediate: practical Codex workflows for prototyping, testing, and shipping faster
đ´ AI Advanced: bring your own project and push a more ambitious build
Each group has a suggested track and mentors on hand throughout the day.
âââââââââââââââââââââââââââââ
đĄ Why Luma? Some of our partners, like OpenAI, use Luma to coordinate events worldwide, so we use it for branded events like this one. To hear about future events first, subscribe to our Luma calendar: [https://luma.com/vienna-ai-engineering](https://luma.com/vienna-ai-engineering)
đ Venue
WU Wien, Library & Learning Center (LC)
Welthandelspl. 1, 1020 Wien
đď¸ Schedule
09:30 - Coffee & networking
10:00 - Kickoff, Codex intro & mentor introductions
11:00 - Build session 1
12:30 - Lunch
13:00 - Build session 2
15:00 - Project presentations
16:30 - Networking
17:30 - Close
đ What to bring
Just your laptop and charger. A project idea helps but is optional. Food, coffee, and drinks are on us.
See you on Saturday, June 20 at WU! đ
Belvedere-Klimt-Walk: Klimt und Wien um 1900
Wir begeben uns auf eine Reise in das Goldenen Zeitalter Wiens um 1900. Wir sehen Bilder Klimts aus seiner "Goldenen Phase", den "Kuss", Bilder von Monet, van Gogh, Munch und vielennanderen und lernen ßber die Zeit um 1900. Du erfährst ßber Zusammenhänge, Einflßsse, Bedeutungen und bekommst ein noch besseres Gefßhl fßr diese fßrbWien so wichtige Zeit. Zusammen werden wir Fragen aufwerfen und gemeinsam diesen begegnen und auch einfach zusammen uns an den vielen so hochwertigen Bildern im Oberen Belvedere erfreuen. es wird sehr nett.
Walk geleitet von: Dr. Kolja Kramer, Kunsthistoriker
Open Dialogue â Discovering Together in Vienna
We will meet in a calm and friendly place ( Parc, CafĂŠ, Restaurant) to explore together some of Jiddu Krishnamurtiâs key questions about awareness, relationship, and freedom.
There will be no teaching, no authority â only open dialogue and attentive listening.
Everyone is welcome, whether you are familiar with Jiddu Krishnamurti or simply curious about life and self-understanding.
Weâll start with an open conversation around a theme such as âListening without judgmentâ or âCan thought bring clarity?â
Please bring openness, curiosity, and a readiness to listen â no books or notes needed.
The spirit is not to discuss âwhat should be,â but to observe together âwhat is.â
Run+B-fast
Hi Running fellows,
Whether youâre a walker, new to running, a semi-pro, a marathonist or a sprint star - if you want to start your weekend in an active way and enjoy the outdoors in lovely surroundings with a fun, international and multilingual group of people, you are welcome to join us!
Every Saturday at 9:30 am, we meet, we run, in the magnificent SchĂśnbrunn park, and then we go for breakfast.
Want to discuss politics or the best recipes for banana pancakes? Not a problem. Not feeling social? Tune out with your earbuds - we can talk over breakfast. We are casual. You can be too.
What to expect: Start by meeting Adrian, Ali, Liz, Paul and Sonia on-time at 9:30am outside the SchĂśnbrunn U-Bahn stop (exit GrĂźnbergstraĂe). (Coordinates: 48.1858130, 16.3200640) From there, we walk to the side park entrance where the ârunningâ part begins. The important thing is that you run at your own pace. Typically, small groups of people will run at the same pace as you, so you never have to walk/run alone :)
We finish one hour later, at about 10:40am, reconvening just inside the Hietzinger Tor exit. (Coordinates: 48.1858825, 16.3032647). From there, weâre off to breakfast!
Breakfast Details: Anker bakery opposite the U4 Hietzing station and depending on the weather, grab something for a picnic in SchĂśnbrunn park, or hang out in the bakery. If you missed us earlier, you can always go there around 10:45.
We are a fun group of runners who donât take things too seriously. We meet, chat, RUN, stretch, chat, EAT and we hang out over a beer every now and then. It's that easy. Please join us for breakfast after the run! The more the merrier.
Typically we are 10-30 people, as not everyone who comes signs up on meetup.
Important disclaimer: Please only run as much as you feel you can, considering the temperature, weather conditions, your own fitness etc... run and walk at your own pace as the organizers do not assume any liability for any injuries or health issues. Sonia, Adrian, Ali, Paul and Liz
Deutsches Stand Up Comedy Open Mic "Na Servus" mit John Smile
**[đď¸ Sichern Sie sich noch heute Ihre Tickets fĂźr dieses einzigartige Comedy-Erlebnis in Wien! Entdecken Sie die dynamische Welt der deutschen Comedy und seien Sie Teil unserer humorvollen Gemeinschaft.](https://www.universe.com/events/na-servus-wiens-lustigstes-deutsches-open-mic-the-comedy-pub-tickets-ZXNFPG?ref=MeetUp)**
đ¤ Tauchen Sie ein in die vielfältige Welt der deutschen Comedy bei unserem wĂśchentlichen Open Mic mit John Smile!
Willkommen zu **Na Servus!**, dem lustigsten deutschen Open Mic in Wien! Hier treffen sich die besten lokalen Talente, angehende Comedians und vielleicht auch der nächste Comedy-Star, um neue Jokes zu testen und das Publikum zum Lachen zu bringen. Egal, ob du schon seit Jahren auf der BĂźhne stehst oder zum ersten Mal das Mikro in die Hand nimmst â hier ist Platz fĂźr dich und deine Stories!
### đ¤ **Was ist ein Open Mic?**
Ein Open Mic ist die Geburtsstätte der Stand-up-Comedy. Hier probieren Comedians ihre neuesten Gags aus, testen frische Ideen und improvisieren spontan mit dem Publikum. Manchmal funktioniert es groĂartig, manchmal nicht â und genau das macht den SpaĂ aus! Das Publikum erlebt hautnah, wie Comedy entsteht â ungeschĂśnt, unzensiert und immer authentisch.
### đť **The Comedy Pub â Dein Wohnzimmer fĂźr Stand-up Comedy**
Unser gemĂźtlicher Irish Pub im Herzen Wiens bietet die perfekte Atmosphäre fĂźr einen unvergesslichen Comedy-Abend. GenieĂe kĂźhle Drinks, leckeres Pub-Essen und groĂartige Unterhaltung in Wiens erstem und einzigem Stand-up Comedy Club.
### đĄ **Warum ist der Eintritt frei? (Spenden willkommen!)**
Comedy lebt vom Publikum! Lachen, Klatschen und manchmal auch Schweigen â jede Reaktion hilft den Comedians, ihre Jokes zu verbessern. Deshalb ist der Eintritt kostenlos, aber Spenden sind immer willkommen. Wenn du gelacht hast, zeig ein bisschen Liebe. Und wenn nicht⌠naja, vielleicht beim nächsten Mal! đ
### đď¸ **Regeln fĂźr das Publikum:**
Um die Show fĂźr alle angenehm zu gestalten, bitten wir um Folgendes:
* Sei pĂźnktlich â Comedy wartet nicht!
* HĂśre zu und respektiere die BĂźhne.
* Lachen ist erwĂźnscht â und zwar laut!
* Spenden sind willkommen, wenn du SpaĂ hattest.
* Kein Gerede während der Show â lass die Comedians glänzen.
* Kein Heckling â das wird nie gut enden.
* Wenn du die Show stĂśrst, wirst du rausgeworfen â ohne RĂźckerstattung.
đ **Komm vorbei, lache mit uns und erlebe die besten deutschen Comedians Wiens live auf der BĂźhne!**
#NaServus #OpenMicVienna #StandUpComedy #ComedyNight #WienLacht #DeutscheComedy #TheComedyPub #LachenIstGesund #HumorHochZehn #ViennaEvents #Lachgarantie #FunnyVienna #GermanComedy #Spendenbasis #OpenMicNight #WienEvents #ViennaLaughs #ComedyLovers #LiveComedy #LachenIstDieBesteMedizin #ViennaNightlife #StandUpShowcase #ComedyCommunity #LocalComedy #Lachkrampf #WienerHumor #HumorVerbindet #OpenStage #SpontanLachen #ComedyInWien
Founders Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Founders Running Club :: Vienna
**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacerâpets, friends, family, are welcome.
đď¸ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022
đ Now in 35+ cities
đ
Running + Networking events + Community
**Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats)
You can drop your layers, bags & whatever else at CafĂŠ Brenner before the run.
đ Meeting point:
09:55 at CafĂŠ Brenner (https://share.google/YQ03QVDuYaga5AFRm) â drop your stuff, say hi.
đ 10:00 warm-up starts outside of the building (Superbude)
âĄď¸ Then we head off on the \~5K Prater loop.
â Post-run: coffee back at CafĂŠ Brenner.
âď¸đ The storage room at CafĂŠ Brenner will be locked during the run â but please note: Neither Founders Running Club nor CafĂŠ Brenner does assume any liability.
**Stay updated**:
Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/)
Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/)
LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/)
Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC)
Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)
Healing Heart Meditation
**Reconnect with your heart. Reset your emotions.**
During this practice, you will **experience**:
â˘â â A guided meditation flow for heart activation
â˘â â The âBig Treeâ exercise to collect energy
â˘â â Cleaning Heart channels
â˘â â Regeneration of the heart
â˘â â Sound meditation
â˘â â Simple happiness practices you can bring into everyday life
â˘â â Deep sound healing with a special crystal bowl created for the heart
The heart is not only an organ in our body, and it also has **energy** and **Informational** parts. When our heart is in balance, we make decisions more easily, feel more happiness, and naturally know what is right for us.
**After this practice, youâll have**:
â˘â â Better sleep quality
â˘â â Clearer thinking
â˘â â More ease in speaking and expressing yourself
â˘â â Emotional calm
â˘â â Stronger intuition and better decisions
â˘â â Clarity about people and projects that truly resonate with you
â˘â â A deeper sense of happiness
In this session, I will share my personal story about the heart and how you can become a happy person, no matter what is happening in your life.
If it resonates with you, join the meditation practice.
Send me a direct message in Chat or click "Attend".
**About the teacher:** **Tetiana** is a certified ZYQ 1 Level instructor. In personal meditation practice for more than 20 years. I'm leading sound healing and meditation group classes and individual lessons, online and offline, in Vienna.
**Location:**
Sangita yoga studio
Fleischmarkt 16/Stiege 1, Top 25a, 1010 Wien
**Group:** There are only 10 spots available.
**Date:** 21 June, 17:30 - 19:20
**Price:** 42âŹ
**Click here to reserve your spot:** [eversport](https://www.eversports.at/activity/b855bfab-5d32-49e6-8dce-5ac6f157fd49)
*\* If you want to join with your partner or family member, please text me. I have a special offer for you.*
***\* Not recommended to join***\*: pregnant women, people with serious heart disease, people within half a year after a stroke, and people with clinical depression.\*
Social Book Club - Historical and Sociopolitical Circle
Welcome to the *Historical and Sociopolitical Circle* part of the Social Book Club! Each month we meet to talk about a book chosen by you!
This monthâs book is: **Mindf\*ck** by *Christopher Wylie*
(\~260 pages). To join, you should have read the book. It's okay if you didn't have the time to finish :)
How to get: thalia/amazon/morawa
We meet at Hotel Schani Salon in MariahilferstraĂe on the 2nd floor (ring the Hotel if the entrance is locked). To support the hotel, you can get drinks there.
Book description:
*The Cambridge Analytica whistleblower tells the inside story of the data mining and psychological manipulation behind the election of Donald Trump and the Brexit referendum, connecting Facebook, WikiLeaks, Russian intelligence, and international hackers.*
Froth on the daydream - Boris Vian
L'Ecume des jours (Foam of the Daze) is a jazz fueled Science Fiction story that is both romantic and nihilistic! Vian's novel is an assortment of bittersweet romance, absurdity and the frailty of life. Foam of the Daze is a nimble-fingered masterpiece that is both witty and incredibly moving. It is a story of a wealthy young man Colin and the love of his life Chloe, who develops a water lily in her lung.
The supporting cast includes Chick, an obsessive collector of noted philosopher Jean-Sol Partre's books and stained pants, and Nicolas who is a combination of P.G. Wodehouse's fictional butler Jeeves and the Green Hornet's Kato. The soul of the book is about the nature of life disappearing and loving things intensely as if one was making love on a live grenade!
Please note that there are several translations of this book, first of them was Froth on the daydream, later came Mood indigo (by movie title), and there is also Foam of the Daze.
source: goodreads
Noam Shuster-Eliassi Live in Vienna | English Stand-Up Comedy
**[GET TICKETS HERE!!!](https://www.eventbrite.at/e/noam-shuster-eliassi-live-in-vienna-english-stand-up-comedy-tickets-1990449073761?aff=MeetUp)**
Noam Shuster-Eliassi returns to stand-up after motherhood with sharp comedy on identity, politics and living together.
NOAM SHUSTER-ELIASSI LIVE IN VIENNA
Vienna, youâre the first stop.
After a brief hiatus to face her toughest audience yet â a newborn baby â comedian Noam Shuster-Eliassi returns to the stage with a brand-new comedy show.
Known for her razor-sharp wit, troublemaking in the Middle East and unapologetic takes on identity, politics and cultural divides, Noam is back to question everything we think we know about living together.
This time, sheâs slightly sleep-deprived, fiercely functioning as an all-you-can-drink milk bar, and ready to tell it like it is.
What to Expect
A sharp, fearless and deeply personal stand-up comedy night about:
identity and belonging
politics and cultural tension
motherhood and chaos
living together when nobody agrees on anything
the absurdity of trying to stay sane in todayâs world
Noamâs comedy is smart, bold and honest â mixing personal storytelling with political insight and punchlines that hit hard.
About Noam Shuster-Eliassi
Noam Shuster-Eliassi is a comedian known for her sharp political comedy, fearless perspective and unique voice on culture, identity and conflict.
Her work challenges assumptions, crosses borders and finds comedy in places most people are too nervous to touch.
Now she returns to the stage with new material, new perspective and significantly less sleep.
Who Should Attend?
This show is perfect for fans of intelligent stand-up, political comedy, international comedy, English-language comedy in Vienna, expats, locals and anyone who enjoys comedy that is both hilarious and meaningful.
Event Details
Event: Noam Shuster-Eliassi Live in Vienna
Date: June 21, 2026
Doors: 20:00
Show: 20:30
Venue: The Comedy Pub Vienna
Language: English
Get Your Tickets
This is a rare chance to see Noam Shuster-Eliassi live in Vienna â raw, sharp, funny and fresh from surviving newborn life.
Seats are limited.
Grab your tickets now.
#NoamShusterEliassi #EnglishComedyVienna #StandUpComedyVienna #ComedyVienna #LiveComedyVienna #PoliticalComedy #InternationalComedy #ComedyShowVienna #ViennaEvents #ExpatsVienna #TheComedyPub #ComedyNightVienna #SmartComedy #StorytellingComedy #WomenInComedy #MiddleEastComedy #ViennaNightlife #ThingsToDoVienna
Business Walk & Talk
Wir gehen - nach einer langen Pause - wieder spazieren! đśââď¸đź
Bei einem kleinen Spaziergang spricht es sich ja oft leichter.
Keiner sitzt verkrampft oder bleibt auf dem Sessel kleben.
Hier sollen sich alle miteinander austauschen und Netzwerken - Selbständige und auch Grßnder\*innen.
Wann: 21. Juni - 10.00 Uhr âąď¸
Wo: Prater đŠ(Treffpunkt siehe Anmeldelink)
Wie: mit guter Laune đ
Melde dich bitte an!
https://katja-oeller.com/anmeldung-business-walk-talk/
Nehmt ausreichend Visitenkarten mit!!
Bis bald
Eure Katja
Shut Up & Write!ÂŽ - Sundays at CafĂŠ Pierre
Come write with us at Cafe Pierre every Sunday at 18:00-20:00!
A message from Shut Up & Write: "Shut Up & Write hosts free, in-person and online writing events for writers all over the world. Our goal is to ensure that every writerâregardless of genre or skill levelâhas access to the resources, community, and accountability that they need to be successful in their personal writing goals."
And what this looks like at our event: We chat and give short introductions to what we are working on at 18:00, then start writing at 18:15. Though we try to start on dot, being late isn't a problemâjust find a spot and get to work! We write until 20:00 and then discuss how our writing went. From fiction to non-fiction, academic papers to poetry, applications to work-related writingâanything goes! Nothing is needed except for you to bring whatever is need to get stuff done, i.e. laptop, headphones, pen and paper, and so on.
Optional socialising may happen before 18:00 and after 20:00, or you may choose to use this time to get some more done! Please do order something from the cafĂŠ (drink, meal, dessert, etc.) so as to keep us in their good graces!
Founders Events Near You
Connect with your local Founders community
Join Biggest Community | Investors Founders | Online
Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link :
**Reserve**
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-columbus-online-tickets-1988563717610?aff=meetup
**QUESTIONS ?**
Pls Reach out to;
Ridhi - +971504724873 ( WhatsApp Only)
General Business Networking - Columbus
**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.**
Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join.
Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started.
**\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\***
**There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!**
Pack some business cards and come with an open mind!
Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future.
We will have a space for our event to check-in.
The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe).
Name tags will be provided.
Business casual dress code. Job fair attire.
**Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!**
We look forward to meeting you at the event!
Sincerely,
Strive Networking Team
*Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.*
*Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*
Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry | Design Your Own Custom Candle
## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle
**SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free!
Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **youâll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether youâre coming solo or with friends, itâs designed to be simple, creative, and a good time.
Weâll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and weâll handle the rest.
While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for.
Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/)
***
### What to Expect:
* Guided candle making experience
* Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance
* 100% soy wax candles
* Optional drinks and snacks
* Time to relax while your candle cools
***
### Important Notes:
* Please arrive on time so we can start together
* Candles will need time to set before taking home
* This is a beginner-friendly event
***
### RSVP Required
Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat.
**Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids)
5oz Glass Jars $15
8oz Candle Tins $25
12oz Glass Candles $35
12oz Amber Jars $40
16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!)
**All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).**
**Payments accepted:**
* Credit Card
* Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee
* Cashapp: $DaclaudL
June: The Necromancerâs Awakening | Free Undead Mini Event
### **June Necromancerâs Awakening \| Free Undead Mini Event**
Step into the grave this June with Necromancerâs Awakening at The Arcane Foundry. Join us for a paint and sip experience where youâll receive a free undead miniature and explore the dark forces of necromancy in Warhammer Fantasy and The Old World.
Whether youâre new to the hobby or a seasoned painter, this event invites you to raise something from the dead and make it your own.
Learn techniques for painting bone, decay, ghostly effects, and weathered armor while diving into the lore and battlefield role of undead factions. From shambling skeletons to cursed revenants, youâll bring a lifeless model to unholy existence. All supplies are provided, space is limited, and the dead are waiting to rise.
Drunken Philosophy: Where Is Everybody? The Fermi Paradox and the Great Filter
Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle.
**Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?**
In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox.
One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread.
Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for.
**Questions to wrestle with:**
* Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving?
* Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why?
* If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming?
* Two principles pull opposite ways here. The principle of mediocrity (the Copernican principle, Sagan's "no privileged place in the universe") says we are ordinary, so what happened on Earth probably happened everywhere, which makes the silence scream louder. The anthropic principle says of course we find ourselves somewhere life was possible, since we could not observe anything else, so our being here may say almost nothing about how common life is. Which lens do you trust, and does the silence still demand an answer once you account for observer selection?
* And if we did confirm life out there and had to accept we are not special, what would that do to belief in a higher power, and would shedding (or keeping) that belief help or hurt our odds of pulling together as one species?
* Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now?
As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.
AI Improv: letâs build a game together with Claude Code, Codex, and Gemini and b
We are going to build together with all the CLIs! E will be doing it at Columbus Code and Coffee
Agenda
---
Hosted By
James Power, Organizer
Pete Gordon, Organizer
Just a Software Guy in the age of the Internet.
Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-columbus-presents-ai-improv-lets-build-a-game-together-with-claude-code-codex-and-gemini-and-be-the-judge/.






















