Intellectual Discussions

This group was originally started by Chad Keith who created and hosts a podcast by the same name in Charlotte, NC. I am hoping to continue his legacy here in NoVa as I recently moved to this area. This group is all about finding community around self-improvement and exchanging ideas on how to be your best self and get the most out of life. This group is for anyone who is interested in overcoming average in all areas - career, ambitions, relationships, hobbies, health, everything. I am so excited to meet driven individuals in the NoVa area so please reach out if you have any questions at all. EVERYONE is welcome so please sign up for an upcoming meetup!

**Join the IANDS of Columbia MD Near-Death & Spiritual Discussion Group at the Columbia Central Library 10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy Columbia, MD 21044** **in the CEN Studio Room on 2nd Floor** for an enlightening discussion on spiritual experiences and divine guidance. This event will delve into the realms of metaphysics, consciousness, and spirituality, exploring topics such as mediumship, out-of-body experiences, and inner wisdom. Participants will have the opportunity to share insights on near-death experiences and the transformative power of spiritual growth. Whether you are intrigued by the concept of reincarnation or interested in the principles of spiritualism, this event promises to deepen your understanding of the spiritual journey. Embrace the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and embark on a path of personal transformation and enlightenment.

**Tired of surface-level conversations?** Join us for *Ditch the Small Talk*—an evening of deep, real connection with strangers who are down to go there. We’ll meet at the church (we are a secular group), break into small groups, and draw questions from a deck of cards designed to spark vulnerable, honest conversations. ***Rules:*** 1. Don't debate politics. 2. Keep what is shared in the group within the group. 3. If you need to use your phone, step away from your group first. \*\*If you show up late, please hop into a group and don't interrupt the speaker. Just sit down in a group of your choice, and they'll bring you up to speed when whoever is talking finishes. Community of Christ church: 3526 Massachusetts Ave.

**Join us for the APP mid-week training ride at Anacostia Park.** **This is a structured paceline workout designed to build fitness and group riding skills.** **📍 Meet: Anacostia Park – Skating Pavilion** **🕖 Roll Out: Wednesdays at 7:00 AM** **Ride Format** **• Starts around 18 mph** **• Speed increases every 4-mile loop** **• Ride as many laps as you can hold** **Bring lights, good energy, and be ready to roll at 7:00 sharp.** **See you at the park 🚴‍♂️**

At this event you'll discover how to better understand and control your subconscious mind, helping you overcome doubts and fears. If you have anger issues, depressions and anxieties. this event will show you how to overcome them.

No Fooling. Agricultural Research Center Toastmasters is holding a meeting on April 1, 2026 at 5:00-6:30 pm. Come join us as we get a little silly. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ARE YOU READY FOR A LIFE-CHANGING, CAREER-ENHANCING EXPERIENCE? The Agricultural Research Center Toastmasters in Beltsville, Maryland meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month to practice our communication and leadership skills. We follow the educational program of Toastmasters International. We have great success individually and as a group. Our members are from different cultures and backgrounds. Several of us are scientists for the US Department of Agriculture. Others work at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Our members also are tax preparers, translators, and teachers. Each year in the spring we hold a beginners class. The next class will be in March 2026. Visit our webpage at http://arc.toastmastersclubs.org/ .

Details Location: Crimson Whiskey Bar (Either the downstairs whiskey bar, or main floor bar, TBD) The purpose of Thinkers and Drinkers is to facilitate casual but meaningful and interesting conversations with other people in a face-to-face setting. The topics cover a wide variety of issues and are different for every meeting. While conversations may get heated at times, we ask that all members be respectful of each other and refrain from personal insults. \*\*\* **Contemporary True Crime & Storytelling Most Often Spotlights the Villains:** ***Is there a meaningful difference between understanding a killer and being fascinated by one? Where's the line?*** True crime has always been with us — penny dreadfuls, tabloids, In Cold Blood — but has something shifted in the recent decades. Podcasts like Serial and My Favorite Murder, docuseries like Netflix's Making a Murderer, and entire cable channels dedicated to murder-as-entertainment have turned real suffering into a booming content industry. Is that something to celebrate, scrutinize, or just sit with uncomfortably? Is this part of a larger trend of glorifying the villain? **Some angles worth sitting with:** * The content boom has made this a business — and families are often the last to know. Crime Junkie, Netflix docuseries, Patreon true crime pods — someone is profiting every time a family's worst chapter gets a new season, and several have spoken publicly about learning a docuseries existed the same day the trailer dropped. * The killer gets the marquee, the victim gets a footnote. Dennis Rader (BTK), Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, Edmund Kemper — household names, all of them. The people they killed, largely not. * Villains prominent in other entertainment: Sports, movies, videogames etc. * Today's media villains are yesterday's killers. You, Dexter, (some other villain). The world is seen through their eyes and psychology, giving the viewer a sympathetic lense. * Who gets covered is not random. Missing white woman syndrome is documented and measurable; the cases that become cultural touchstones say a lot about whose suffering we've decided is worth dramatizing. * Not every famous case even has a killer to blame. JonBenét Ramsey has been a media fixture for nearly 30 years with no one ever charged — which raises the question of what we're actually chasing when there's no monster to pin it on. **Questions to Consider:** * Does true crime content actually make people safer, or is "awareness" mostly a guilt-free justification for what is really just entertainment? * How many serial killers can you name? Can you name that many victims? * Should producers and platforms be required to involve victims' families — or at minimum, notify them — before releasing content? * Why do you think women make up the majority of true crime consumers, given that women are disproportionately the victims in these stories? * Is the JonBenét phenomenon different in kind — or does an unsolved case just reveal more honestly what's driving the interest all along? * Dahmer merch. Kemper fan accounts. At what point does documenting a killer's story tip into something more troubling? **Major Survey’s include:** **[https://www.edisonresearch.com/the-true-crime-consumer-report-by-edison-research-and-audiochuck/](https://www.edisonresearch.com/the-true-crime-consumer-report-by-edison-research-and-audiochuck/)** **[https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/06/20/true-crime-podcasts-are-popular-in-the-us-particularly-among-women-and-those-with-less-formal-education/](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/06/20/true-crime-podcasts-are-popular-in-the-us-particularly-among-women-and-those-with-less-formal-education/)** **[https://www.bw.edu/academics/bios/cv/article-brian-monahan-timeless-kills.pdf](https://www.bw.edu/academics/bios/cv/article-brian-monahan-timeless-kills.pdf)**

Socrates Café meets on the first Saturday of each month. Though this may be considered a "philosophical" group, there are no rules as to what is discussed. Usually, the topics revolve around social concerns, morality, and the first principles of things. Prior to each meeting we vote online for the questions we will discuss. That way, we will have enough time to ruminate on them and have more in-depth conversations. If you RSVP to a meeting, you may post your question in the event comments section below. I'll send out a survey for voting a few days prior to the meetup. We discuss two questions each night. So you will get to cast two votes in the survey. When we meet, we break into smaller groups of five to seven to discuss the top two vote-getters. Each group discusses one question for around 45-50 minutes, and we then take a short break. After reconvening, each group moves on to its second question. Hope to see you there! -Brian

Let’s catch *Project Hail Mary* together and actually talk about it after. No pressure, no film degree required—just show up, watch, and hang out and philosophize. Plan: * We’ll meet in the lobby 10–15 minutes before showtime * Watch the film together * Afterward, we’ll grab a spot in the bar/lounge area for a relaxed discussion * Let’s see if it lives up to the hype.

🎉 **Puzzle Palooza: PUZZLES OF ALL KINDS WELCOME at the Board Room! 🧩** Join us for **Puzzle Palooza** in our puzzle swap series! Whether you're into jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, sudoku, logic puzzles, or brain teasers, this event is for you. Bring any type of puzzle—whether it’s a challenging 1000-piece jigsaw, a captivating 3D puzzle, a fun puzzle book, or a unique brain-bending game—and swap it with fellow puzzle lovers. Let’s share the joy of solving and discover new puzzles to enjoy! 📅 **Date:** Sunday April 5, 2026 🕒 **Time:** 3:00 PM 📍 **Location:** [Board Room DC](https://boardroomdc.com/), 1737 Connecticut Avenue NW, WDC 20009, in the mezzanine. **Event Highlights:** 🌐 **Networking:** Connect with fellow puzzle enthusiasts over a game and some delicious drinks. It's a perfect blend of puzzles, games, and great company. 🧩 **Puzzle Swap Extravaganza:** Immerse yourself in a sea of puzzles as we transform the Board Room into a Puzzle Paradise. Bring your puzzles to trade, and discover hidden gems for your collection. 🎲 **Board Game Delights:** Enjoy the fantastic selection of board games available at the Board Room. Take a break from puzzles and explore a world of strategic challenges and social fun. **Agenda:** * 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm - check in and chat! * 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm - introductions and swap * 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - social puzzling **How to Join:** 1. **Save the Date:** This is your ticket to Puzzle Paradise. Mark your calendar and get ready for an afternoon of puzzling delight. 2. **Location:** Board Room DC, known for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive game collection. [1737 Connecticut Avenue NW, WDC 20009](https://boardroomdc.com/) 3. **Spread the Word:** Invite your friends and fellow puzzle lovers. Let's make this Puzzle Paradise an unforgettable experience! \*\*\*Please note that if your puzzle is not swapped, you are still responsible for taking it home. **This is not a swap where you will be able to drop off puzzles and leave**\*\*\* For all of our Swap Series, please prioritize community safety. Ensure you're vaccinated before joining us. Your commitment creates a secure space for our shared love of cooking and good times. See you responsibly at the meetup!

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Higher Grounds – Arlington is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you you (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Arlington who are also seeking deeper conversations. Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions * What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? * When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? * What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles * Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? * What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? * How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human * What human experiences will AI never truly understand? * If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? * What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning * What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? * How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? * What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche * What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? * Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? * What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose * When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? * What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? * How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection * What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? * When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? * What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality * What are you running out of time to say or do? * How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? * What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? Suggested Questions: Society & Culture * What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? * Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? * What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy * What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? * When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? * What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

In *City Lights*, Chaplin's Little Tramp meets a blind girl selling flowers who mistakes him for a wealthy man. When he learns that an operation may restore her sight, he sets off to earn the money she needs to have the surgery. He also befriends an alcoholic millionaire who only recognizes him when he is drunk. When the blind girl and her grandmother fall behind in the rent and face eviction, he tries working and even enters a boxing competition to raise the money they need. Regarded as Chaplin's masterpiece, *City Lights* has been ranked on more than seventeen "100 greatest movies of all time" lists. Orson Welles cited it as his favorite picture. *City Lights* is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBOMax, Tubi and PlutoTV. The Columbus Library lists three copies on blu-ray and eight copies on DVD. Watch the movie on your own, then join us upstairs at East Market to discuss the film.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. We will be hearing from Becca Powell, Director of Advocacy and Outreach at Unchained At Last, an organization whose mission is dedication to ending forced and child marriage in the United States through direct services and systems change. Unchained At Last's mission clearly meshes and addresses several of our Humanist Ten Commitments. Becca will educate us about an issue many of us may not be familiar with--but should be. 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

Let’s meet and wander the galleries and enjoy a spring evening out downtown! Meeting place and approx route, tba. *Feature photo by Chalk Goblin

...and speaking of breakthrough roles: who can forget the first time we saw Tom Cruise singing Bob Seeger in his underwear? Often considered an updated 1983 version of The Graduate, the movie sparkles with memorable lines and original music. I only regret that I was never told that "Princeton could use someone like Bob..." See the movie first and join us for some "Cruisin'"

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!