Future of Journalism

The **Free Cities Meetup London** is back, and we’re kicking off 2026 with a very special event **hosted by Próspera** — perhaps the world’s best-known Free City. With its flagship site located on the tropical island of Roatán, Honduras, Próspera is a special jurisdiction with unusually high levels of legal, regulatory, and economic freedom, allowing it to design its own laws, regulations, and tax system. At its core, Próspera represents an attempt to build a new system of governance from scratch — one that treats governance as a service rather than a monopoly. Joining us on the night will be **Lonis**, *Próspera resident and Head of Growth*, and **Andrea**, *Head of Experience at Próspera*, who will give an overview presentation and take questions from the audience. Our regular meetup host **Peter Young**, *Managing Director of the Free Cities Foundation*, will also join to share the Foundation’s exciting plans to host a **major conference in Próspera this September**. **We’ll cover:** * What Próspera is, how it works, and how it differs from traditional states * Recent developments on the ground and plans for the future * Why for-profit and competitive governance might outperform political monopoly * What Próspera's US Founders got right — and what they got wrong * The role of insurance companies as market regulators * How to get involved with Próspera itself, both in Roatán and across the wider Free Cities movement There will be **wraps and drinks available**, and plenty of time for discussion and informal conversation. **Important registration note** To attend this event, **click "attend" on meetup.com** and also **provide your details by clicking the “request to join” button via the link below**: 👉 https://luma.com/w2jap3yu Meetup RSVPs alone are not sufficient.

Art Journaling is a fun and simple way to incorporate creativity into everyday life. An art journal is a great place to experiment and try out different approaches to art without the pressure of creating a masterpiece. It is an artistic form of self-expression – instead of using words alone; you will be using various media and different art techniques to express your creativity. In a busy world, largely driven by technology, taking time to be creative can often seem frivolous and indulgent. But studies show that creative activities encourage positivity and significantly improve our wellbeing. Art journaling is an effective way to de-stress and practice self-care. Join us for these drop-in sessions in Art journaling with Sai, an experienced teaching artist, avid art journaler and professional calligrapher. From simple mark making to elaborate mixed media art you will learn a variety of new skills; gain confidence in your artistic ability and develop an amazing creative habit that is both enriching and nourishing. Whether you have five minutes or half an hour to spare, Art journaling will inspire you to be creative, practice self-care and reconnect with yourself. Each week we work with different media and techniques. Sai provides some resources, however please bring an art journal and some basic supplies with you. Contact Sai directly to book bluepaletteartstudio@gmail.com

**RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT..** **Welcome to Socialite Connections – Business Networking: AI, Digital, Tech & Fintech Professional** Join us for an exciting evening designed to connect with people in **AI, Digital, Tech & Fintech Industry**. This event brings together solution providers, **entrepreneurs, company directors, and professionals** eager to explore and make new connections. People in this industry gather together to discuss innovation and build connections. This is a dynamic event where visionary minds converge, ideas spark, and transformative connections are made. You must book a ticket via the link: https://fatso.ma/2Zhs Book here via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/8network-pitch-ai-digital-tech-fintech-professional-tickets-1976447778510?aff=ebdsoporgprofile **We start the event at 6.00pm with a warm welcome.** Having an open-minded approach is ideal, as it will enable you to establish new connections. We have hired the private room downstairs. **Mint Leaf Lounge -** Situated next to the iconic Bank of England, Mint Leaf Lounge serves innovative Indian cuisine in an elegant and stylish setting. Oozing luxury, Mint Leaf Lounge welcomes guests for lunch, dinner and drinks alike. While Indian cuisine is their most sought after fare, the cocktails are also to be admired. Take to their 16-meter cocktail bar for a high-end selection of handcrafted drinks in a contemporary and cool setting. **Event Schedule** **18:00 – 18:30 \| When you arrive\,** your name will be checked off the guest list, you will be given a name badge and you will be introduced to each other. **19:00 – 19:30 \| One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room to talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19.00pm sharp, please dont be late) **19:30 \- 20:30 \| Network & chill\,** It will be a free form event where guests can mingle amongst each other in a relaxed environment, when the pitches are finished. **Why Attend?** Socialite Connections is connecting the future of Innovation with **AI, Digital, Tech & Fintech Professionals.** It is a hub for visionary thinkers, innovators, and trailblazers to converge, collaborate, and shape the future of technology. Our events provide a relaxed and dynamic environment for building meaningful connections. **One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19:00pm sharp, please dont be late) **Who Should Attend** This event is the perfect opportunity to network, gain insights into the latest technological trends, and forge valuable partnerships. **Tech entrepreneurs, AI specialists, Transformation experts, Fintech innovators, Startup founders, AI and tech entrepreneurs, Digital innovators, Tech start-ups, Investors in the tech space, IT and Technology Professionals, Cybersecurity Experts, IT Managers and Leaders, Software Developers, Working Professionals.** **Tickets are limited to just 40 attendees.** We like to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to talk to each other. You must book a ticket via the link: https://fatso.ma/2Zhs Book here via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/8network-pitch-ai-digital-tech-fintech-professional-tickets-1976447778510?aff=ebdsoporgprofile You are invited to join the dedicated Whatsapp group for the event and start networking before the actual event. Register now to secure your spot and be part of this transformative networking experience! **Tickets need to be bought online in advance to attend this event. Tickets are not available at the door.** **Refund policy: There is no refund at this event. Your ticket can be reassigned to another person of your choice.**

✨ **Looking for something deeper than swipes and small talk?** Join a room full of open-minded, and genuinely relationship-oriented singles — all ready to connect through laughter, conversation, and meaningful chemistry. ### 💘 What Makes This Night Different Forget the awkward speed dating tables or random bar meetups. This event is built for **connection through play** — a carefully designed night where every activity helps you meet, talk, and spark attraction in a relaxed, natural way. We’ve blended **fun social games** and **flirty trivia challenges** to help you discover real compatibility — not just surface-level attraction. You’ll laugh, team up, share stories, and maybe find that spark that makes your heart race. ❤️ ### 🌍 A Multicultural Experience London is a global city — so is our guest list. We welcome singles from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, all in their **20s and 30s**, who share one goal: 💬 *building a genuine, lasting connection.* Expect an inclusive and respectful environment, full of inspiring people who value curiosity, kindness, and emotional intelligence. ### 🎲 What to Expect * 🧩 **Interactive games & connection challenges** designed to bring out chemistry * 🧠 **Playful trivia rounds** that reveal personality and spark laughter * 💬 Structured mingling — you’ll get to talk to everyone * 🍸 **Welcome icecreamm included** with your ticket * 🎁 Mini surprises throughout the evening * For recurring attendees, please note that we frequently refresh our game portfolio, so that you will always play something new each time. ### 💎 Why You’ll Love It This isn’t about flirting for attention — it’s about meeting people who are genuinely aligned with what you’re looking for. Our team carefully crafts the environment so you can be yourself — confident, relaxed, and open to real connection. Whether you leave with a new relationship or new friends, you’ll walk away smiling, knowing you’ve spent the night connecting meaningfully. \*1. Please note that we will be taking **photos and videos** throughout the event for promotional purpose. \*2. The ticket is **10 pounds** and it should be paid in the restaurant. \*3. Please add my **WhatsApp: +44 7487 832243** in case you cannot find me. I will put a toy on the table for you to spot me. \*4. People who come in two will have a **20% discount**. \*5. Please order something at the venue to support the venue. \*6. Free tickets will be given out to ladies until gender balance is achieved.

"1580 England. Impoverished Latin tutor William Shakespeare meets free-spirited Agnes, and the pair, captivated by one another, strike up a torrid affair that leads to marriage and three children. Yet as Will pursues a budding theatre career in far-away London, Agnes anchors the domestic sphere alone. When tragedy strikes, the couple’s once-unshakable bond is tested, but their shared experience sets the stage for the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, Hamlet." \>\> Book your own ticket \(£15 standard\, £12 members \- plus £2 fee\): https://bookings.thegardencinema.co.uk/TheGardenCinema.dll/TSelectItems.waSelectItemsPrompt.TcsWebMenuItem_0.TcsWebTab_0.TcsPerformance_4662396.TcsSection_971 If you're early you can meet me in the bar for a drink downstairs (the film is shown in Screen 2, at 18:15), or we'll chat after the film. The trailer looks amazing and it has great reviews. Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYcgQMxQwmk The £2 attendance fee goes toward site costs and helps us run the group.

Description: Join us for an enlightening lecture that delves into the intricate web of the past and its potential to cast a long shadow over our present lives. In this thought-provoking session, we will explore the profound ways in which the past can negatively impact our well-being, choices, and personal growth. Throughout history, human lives have been shaped by a multitude of experiences, both positive and negative. These experiences accumulate, leaving imprints on our memories and shaping our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. While the past holds valuable lessons and cherished memories, it can also harbor unresolved conflicts, traumas, and limitations that subtly influence our present reality. During this lecture, we will navigate the labyrinth of psychological and emotional baggage that may accumulate over time, inhibiting our personal development and impeding our ability to lead fulfilling lives. By examining the effects of the past on various aspects of our existence, we will gain a deeper understanding of how it can manifest in detrimental ways. Through engaging discussions, case studies, and real-life examples, we will explore the following topics: 1. The Power of Unresolved Trauma: We will delve into the profound impact of unresolved traumatic experiences and how they can subtly shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By shedding light on the intricate mechanisms behind these effects, we can begin to dismantle their hold on our lives. 2. Inherited Baggage: Examining the intergenerational transmission of pain, beliefs, and patterns of behavior, we will explore how our ancestors' experiences can unconsciously influence our lives. By recognizing and addressing this inherited baggage, we can break free from destructive cycles and chart our own path. 3. Limiting Beliefs and Self-Sabotage: Uncovering the deeply ingrained beliefs and narratives that stem from past experiences, we will explore how they can become self-fulfilling prophecies, stifling our potential and sabotaging our aspirations. By challenging these beliefs, we can reclaim our personal power and reshape our narratives. 4. Breaking Free: Strategies for Healing and Transformation: This segment will offer practical tools and techniques for healing past wounds, releasing emotional burdens, and cultivating resilience. We will explore approaches such as therapy, mindfulness, self-reflection, and forgiveness to facilitate the process of letting go and embracing personal growth. By the end of this lecture, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the profound influence the past can exert on their lives and how to break free from its negative impact. Armed with newfound knowledge and practical insights, they will be empowered to embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery, healing, and the creation of a brighter future. Note: This lecture is open to all individuals seeking personal growth and a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional factors that shape their lives. No prior knowledge or experience is required, only an open mind and a willingness to explore the depths of the past.

**ARTICLES WILL HAVE A THEME AROUND RENEWAL/NEW BEGINNINGS/WHAT THE FUTURE MAY LOOK LIKE** **Current affairs/articles discussion/open debate (2hr approx)** \- 3\-4 articles and a set of talking points from the article to structure discussions \- Attendees divide into small groups and choose the theme that interests them or discuss collectively as one group\, depending on numbers At the end of the meetup, we all come together and each share one thought from someone else that they found interesting. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **ATTENDEES MORE THAN WELCOME TO BRING THEIR OWN ARTICLES BUT PRIOR MODERATION IS REQUIRED**

Hello and welcome! 🙂 Join us for a relaxed, social walk through **Crossness Nature Reserve**, a hidden stretch of wetlands and open space along the Thames. With big skies, birdlife, and far-reaching views, it’s an ideal place to unwind, enjoy nature, and connect with others at an easy, unhurried pace. **🌟 What to Expect** * A gentle group walk through nature * An easy way to meet new people with friendly conversations in a low-pressure setting * Learn to spot birds, trees, and seasonal changes you might normally miss * Discover how noticing more in nature can make everyday walks more calming * Leave feeling refreshed — with new connections to both people and nature Even if you’ve never thought of yourself as a “nature person,” this is a welcoming, easy way to get started — and see just how good it can feel. **Agenda** * Meet at 11am at the footpath off Norman Road leading to Crossness Nature Reserve. The footpath is Opposite Morgan Pub, Belvedere, DA17, 6BG * Begin walk at 11:10am * Walk will end around 13:00pm back at the Footpath off Norman Road, opposite Morgan Pub To help encourage people to sign up early there are usually some free spaces. After that the usual price will apply. Charging means I can keep devoting time to organising more events. Thank you for your support! **👋 About Your Host – Matt** I work as a doctor in A&E and I’ve always found that time spent outdoors helps me recharge, especially with the pressures of city life and work. I grew up in rural Devon and have spent thousands of hours immersed in nature — and I love showing others how even a short walk in the city can shift your mindset, boost your mood, and help you feel more present. No need to be a wildlife expert — I’ll point out birds and other wildlife along the way, and you’ll leave with a few simple tips to help you enjoy your own walks even more in future. This is a welcoming group — whether you come solo or with a friend — and a great way to combine light exercise, real conversation, and a bit of calm in your week. Hope to see you there! – Matt

Time is precious. Here we value non-boring valuable chats and interactions that are fully engaging, soulfully enriching, inspiring, and leave you a bit wiser than when you arrived In that spirit (mind the pun!), today’s fully hosted laid back social coffee chat will offer a perfect haven for the inquisitive & curious - those drawn to the mysteries of the universe, life and everything in between. A tasty caffeine infused fun afternoon of thought-provoking causal chats exploring spirituality/consciousness and related interconnected topics spanning **philosophy,** **neuroscience**, **parapsychology,** **cosmology** and **noetic sciences** over a mug of sweet coffee. Hosted by me - a former Reuters journalist & published empirical researcher exploring spirituality topics in pursuant of the "truth" since a teenager, there'll be no strict structure - a relaxed friendly space to openly chat, exchange ideas & experiences without judgement, but I'll preside to promote inclusivity and zone in on specifics to avoid people digressing onto unrelated tangents to ensure like all of our events - particpants derive maximum utlity and insights from attending. We’ll touch on everything from the limits of scientific understanding to exploring the unexplained using practical fun exploratory divination practices drawing on elements of **psychology, metaphysics, epistemology** and **statistical** **probability** of rare events as we do so. Whether you're a practicing "spiritualist", a curious skeptic, or just someone who loves deep conversation on **life’s big questions**, you’ll hopefully walk away more enlightened with some practical tips you can start applying and inspired to explore more! **Sample of conversational threads** might include: Are we mere organisms pursuing biological survival or does consciousness exist beyond neurons firing in our brains? What explains peoples' paranormal experiences? What would reality look like If our brains were limitless? Declassified CIA files show that as as well as mind control experiments, the US govt employed mediums and remote viewers. If all mumbo jumbo then why? Is Nirvana just a fantasy of deluded people? Does everything happen for a reason? To clarify - we define spirituality here as an exploration of consciousness, Donald Rumsfeld's unknown unknowns and undiscovered aspects of reality, NOT religion. After all, as my philosophy professor once rightly postulated to me: "If God created Adam, who created God Lucas?" Yep - that inconvenient flaw **debunks every fairytale religion** out there including the oldest religion of them all - paganism - so why is witchcraft still practised outside of **Hogwarts** today? I may also share the latest peer reviewed empirical evidence surrounding **paranormal** and **consciousness** phenomena. As well as illuminating chats to guide self-reflection, there'll be FREE Tarot & I-Ching readings, demonstrations of meditation method to activate super powerful gamma brain waves, and pyschic tests for a bit of fun, laughter & intrigue! **=== POTENTIAL CONVERSATION STARTERS ===** 1. Does consciousness survive death or is Cambridge Astrophysics Professor Brian Cox right in asserting if **ghosts** existed then particle accelerators at CERN would have already detected ghost molecules making Ouija boards kids play? Are Poltergiests 100% hoax? Brain scans indicate thalamocortical circuits in our brain (pathways in the parietal cortex & central lateral thalamus) drive **consciousness -** so how can spirit/mind live on after **brain death**? 2. Is **synchronicity/coincidence** simply randomness disguised in the eye of the beholder or can what Einstein called “spooky action at a distance" (quantum entanglement) explain it? 3. Given **neuroscience**'s infancy with much yet undiscovered - could mediation help access functions outside of our BAU alpha & beta brain wave states? Can **Kundalini yoga** to boost natural **DMT** (dimethyltryptamine) vs drugs like ayahuasca, mushrooms, LSD etc and if so by what mechanism? Do the artifically created neural signatures using magnetic stimulation observed during mystical experiences debunk them? Is the Maharishi Effect real? 4. Are clairvoyants and mediums just good people readers or are they really able to access time and space in non-linear ways? Is Tyler Henry the real deal or just faking it? 5. The laws of statistical probability, Drake Equation & common sense tells us there is other non-microbial life out there. So what explains the Fermi Paradox? Was that 1976 WOW signal aliens? How about the recent strange bahaviour of Boyajian's star or Oumuamua/Atlas interstella object that has just entered our solar system? 6. Could metaverse explain deja vu & reincarnation vs theories from the **psychology** literature (Mandela Effect?) or do we just live in a **simulation** as **Elon Musk** proposes? 7. **Stephen Hawking** once said: "The past, like the future, is indefinite and exists only as a spectrum of possibilities" If matter only manifests when observed as the double slit experiments shows, does that mean everything is consciousness? Does the discovery of *quantum superposition /* disappearing neutrons imply **parallel universes**? 8. Do **NDEs** result from neurochemical changes in the brain close to death or something beyond physicality? 9. Can photons omitted by our bodies explain auras that people see? 10. Could limits in our understanding of quantum physics, space and time explain paranormal experiences? 11. What existed before the **big bang** \- how do you get something from "nothing"? I believe our reality is the product of a black hole\. What you reckon? ***So how do we get to the "truth"?*** Both in my journalism days and applying the most advanced empirical research techniques in my client consulting work - it becomes clear the truth is often elusive. No matter how much we triangulate evidence - we can only provide part answers. "All models are wrong, but some are useful" George Box What we think we know and reality diverge leading to that great **paradox of knowledge.** And as the boundary between knowns and unknown converge, we end up with cognitive dissonance and more questions. In that spirit - every credible philosopher & scientist acknowledges - we'll never get to the complete truth but could **experimental methods** get us closer to it? A balanced approach guided by Immanuel Kant's pragmatism and Aristotle's deductive reasoning seems the most rationale framework here but are there any other methodologies? How about the **"spirituality"** toolkit? **=== RENDEZVOUS POINT ===** We will meet in the Penderel's Oak. *283–288 High Holborn, Holborn WC1V 7HP* zone 1 central london so very easy to get to. I'll be wearing a **Starwars identifier** and will share mobile hotline just before event start and table number/location Lucas - The Unenlightened Desperately Seeking Answers

Happy New Year Rewinders! We are kicking off 2026 with the Death Disease and Fire Tour throughout January! On our tour, we will be witnessing executions, human experiments, torture, and escaping Newgate Prison! Our tour group meets outside Barbican Tube Station, and sets off at 2pm sharp! The tour lasts 90 minutes, finishing off outside St Pauls Cathedral! Afterwards you pay what you think the tour is worth! We accept cash or cards! So come and join us on this blood soaked walk through Londons dark history on our first tour of the year! *(Trigger warning: This tour contains extremely graphic descriptions of torture and execution, and may not be suitable for younger audiences.)*

Let's watch Hamnet from Academy Award® winning writer/director Chloé Zhao. Based on Maggie O' Farrell's novel, HAMNET tells the powerful love story that inspired the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, Hamlet. I will be at the upstairs cinema cafe from 4.45 and we will go for a drink and a discussion afterwards. I will go for a seat in row H but please feel free to choose the seat you prefer.

IF YOU FEEL LIKE DOING SOMETHING TRULY UNIQUE THIS SATURDAY, WHY NOT **COME** TO THE KNOWLEDGE BOOK REFLECTION FOCAL POINT? YOU WILL BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE AND RECEIVE THE BETA COSMIC ENERGY, THE FREQUENCY OF WHICH IS THE ACTIVATOR OF OUR GENETIC POTENTIAL AND THE CONNECTION WITH YOUR ESSENCE ARCHIVES. IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING YOU WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT, EXPERIENCE OR QUESTION, PLEASE **COME**. For more information call Milena 07808222959

**Write together with other writers. If you write more surrounded by others, I hope you'll join these brand new sessions.** **\*NEW FOR 2026\*** Starting up this monthly Saturday session where we writers will gather to write in the same space. There will be plenty of time for you to push forward your own individual projects, but I can provide a writing prompt, short exercise or challenge to anyone who needs them. You can book a spot for a guest with your ticket if you want to bring a writing friend with you. They don't have to be a member of our group. Timing: 12:30 arrival and set up (I'll stop your table to say hi) 12:45 intros and intentions 13:00 individual writing time 13:45 break 14:00 individual writing time 14:30 ends (but you don't have to stop then if you're mid-flow) I'm hosting this in the main upstairs area of the pub so you can come and go as you please. You can come to write for a short time or the whole thing. I will be going to each writer individually at their table to chat about their project and if they want a prompt, challenge or exercise from me to write in the session. I've allowed two hours for the session but you can easily stay on longer if you wish. Timing is 12:30pm to 2:30pm and some of us may stay on for a drink/tea afterward. I will be there for 12pm when the pub opens to grab us the horseshoe of tables (pictured above) so most of us can be sitting in the same vicinity together. That said, it's a spacious pub so if you want to spread out and choose your own spot, feel free. Manners suggest that you'll buy a drink and perhaps a snack or two from the pub as a part of using their table. Please don't bring your own drinks from elsewhere (water bottles included) as the pub will never let us back in. See their menu on the website for more info. Location: The Square Pig, 30-32 Procter St, London WC1V 6NX. Closest tube is Holborn. Timing: Doors open 12pm for a 12:30pm start and finish the main session by 2:30pm. Cost: £10 for hosting, venue arrangement, writing task prep etc. Please follow the steps to pay via PayPal when you RSVP. Refunds or credits will only be offered if the meetup is cancelled by admin. If you change your mind after booking, please change to RSVP to 'not going' as we often have people waiting. Download the Meetup app (check the app store) to manage your RSVPs on the go and be notified about new workshops. Questions or concerns? Please post a comment below and I'll respond. I'm looking forward to it already!

Happy New Year Colleagues, The next Columbus Futurists public forum will be **Thursday January 15 at 12:00 pm noon** (eastern) [https://osu.zoom.us/j/93451873651?pwd=RXIyZ2t5RjRqRG02UGQ1aEFVQ1NFZz09](https://osu.zoom.us/j/93451873651?pwd=RXIyZ2t5RjRqRG02UGQ1aEFVQ1NFZz09) Please come prepared to offer your **"What if?" questions for 2026**. (I will offer seven to begin our conversation.) I also would like to announce the publication of my latest book: *[Anticipatory Biographies: Personal Histories of the Future](https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-08912-0)*, the tenth volume in the “Anticipation Science” series. Grounded in design fiction, futures research, anticipation science, and scenario writing, *Anticipatory Biographies* envisions how the world will be reshaped by artificial intelligence, technological automation, climate change, political disintegration, and the decline of higher education. This work of creative non-fiction bridges literary and scholarly forms, blending biography and design fiction with research-based insights to offer a narrative-based method for exploring futures. Ed Finn, Director of the Center for Science and the Imagination at Arizona State University says: “In this book **David Staley has invented a delightful new genre: the future biography.** He invites us to step into gritty, thrilling, and inspiring futures elbow-to-elbow with the characters living those stories. *Anticipatory Biographies* beautifully synthesizes Staley’s training as a historian, his expertise as a futurist, and his desire to ignite the imagination of his readers.” Hope you'll be able to read it, and hope to see you all on the 15th. D. David J. Staley, Ph.D. President, Columbus Futurists 614.316.1348 [columbus.futurists@gmail.com](mailto:columbus.futurists@gmail.com) [http://columbusfuturists.org](http://columbusfuturists.org/) [https://davidjstaley.substack.com/](https://davidjstaley.substack.com/) 

Coming in January 2026: a warm, reflective gathering to close one chapter and open another. More details coming soon. Together, we look back at the moments, shifts, and practices that shaped the past year—what worked, what surprised us, and what we’re ready to release. Then we lean forward into who we want to become: the intentions, experiments, and stories we want next January’s version of ourselves to be telling. A gentle, inspiring circle that invites clarity, connection, and shared wisdom.Check us out on Meetup to learn more and rsvp #womeninagilecolumbus #womeninagile

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

The topic for January is "Chemistry" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.