Intellectual Discussions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out intellectual discussions events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the intellectual discussions events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
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Intellectual Discussions Events Today
Join in-person Intellectual Discussions events happening right now
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.
Walk & Talk About Life's Big Questions
[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations.
If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!).
**HOW IT WORKS**
**Step 1: Bring a topic**
Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event.
**Step 2: Circle up & share**
We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds.
**Step 3: Walk, talk & float**
We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!"
**Step 4: Feel more alive**
Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times.
*For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)*
**HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC**
A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about.
Recent topics include:
* "What are you passionate about right now?"
* "What makes a good friend?"
* "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?"
* "How do you want to be remembered?"
* "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?"
Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter.
**WHAT TO EXPECT**
This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.*
But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here.
**FAQ**
* Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk!
* We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space.
* We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space.
* Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know.
* Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic!
**LOGISTICS**
* If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event.
* This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs.
* Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details.
* If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋
**IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...**
[The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up.
* This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).
Recruiting Virtual Mental Health Group Leaders!
We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country.
Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply.
### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?**
Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being.
Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment.
## **Why Join?**
* **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance.
* **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space.
* **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection.
## **The Ideal Group Leader**
The ideal group leader
* Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community.
* Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us.
* Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind.
* An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection.
* An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms.
* Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus.
## **Our Impact**

Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported:
* A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being.
* An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging.
* Said they would return again.
We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself.
### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based**
Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission!
Every contribution helps us:
* **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization.
* **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year.
By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic.
## **Come Join Us!**
We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection.
🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside
🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application
🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind
Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831
Saturday Mornings @ East Market
Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating.
Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator.
Per what this group is about:
"Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."
HCCO at the Pride Parade
We will be marching again this summer at Pride. Come ready to show your Pride and stand-up for every human's right to love, respect, and family!
* **Step-off:** 10:30AM
* **Route:** High Street from the Capital to Goodale Park
Update: We are meeting at Bob Leonhard's house. You can park your car there and we will carpool to the parade. This will eliminate you finding parking in the city and excessive walking.
You SHOULD BE AT BOB'S HOUSE BY 8:45 a.m.! We will leave for the parade at 9:15 am sharp!
Bob's address: 2858 Thorndale Avenue, Columbus, OH 43207
If you have questions, his number is 614-301-7436
Lessons To Help the Introvert to Extrovert!
Do you feel introverted when you are in a group setting? Are you shy?
Do other people have more fun than you do? There are simple life hacks you can use to improve your connection to others and improve your social life.
Talking is one thing. Truly connecting is altogether another. It's the whole experience of connecting with people and forming relationships.
It includes the joy, understanding, and love formed among people.
* In our meetings, you will learn:
* A simple life hack to increase your liking and tolerance of other people, or even of yourself!
* How to become more interested and enjoy conversations with people.
* How to be comfortable in social settings.
* How to be yourself
* How to become more extroverted and,
* How to make connections with people.
Feeling lonely, isolated, or bored? This local meeting is exactly what you need! Come join us!
Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the local event. We look forward to seeing you there.
This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.
Lets Meet at "Jenny's Tex Mex"
We will be going to Jenny's Tex Mex after our English Chat at East Market.
Whether you're a language learner, ESL student, or simply passionate about exploring new cultures, this event is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a diverse and welcoming community. Come join us for an enlightening afternoon of language, culture, food, of course, and connections!
(Everyone will choose individually from the menu and pay for their meal.)
I was told about this place and told that the food was great. We haven't been there yet so don't exactly know where we will meet there. We will try to find tables for everyone and put ESL signs on the tables.
See you there!!
Intellectual Discussions Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Columbus Museum of Art, Free Admission Sundays
Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.
Sunday Afternoon Coffee at Grandview Grind
Who else is ready to sit outside?
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!
Sunday Brunch
Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!
COLUMBUS SPIRITUALITY MEETUP
We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !!
Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :)
Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson
Namaste, Frank Tennyson
http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg
Columbus Chess Club
This is a time where players of all ages, and skill levels can gather and enjoy a nice Sunday full of Chess!
Columbus Code & Coffee 87 @ Improving
Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you!
**What to Expect at the Intro Circle**
\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~
Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup:
* Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics
Round 1 - (7 secs max):
* Your name
* What you're working on
* What you can help others with
Round 2:
* Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too.
Round 3:
* Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool.
After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!
Microsoft Build - Columbus Edition!
We are bringing Microsoft Build sessions to Columbus Ohio!
The Central Ohio Azure Meetup and Central Ohio .NET Developer's Group (CONDG) are coming together to bring some of the labs and breakouts from Microsoft Build to your backyard. In this free, 1 day event, you are going to Build stuff with us!
And yes, there will be free food.
Please RSVP via [Microsoft Build //localhost:columbus | Microsoft Reactor](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/reactor/events/27247/).
Intellectual Discussions Events Near You
Connect with your local Intellectual Discussions community
Neurodivergent Women Navigating Midlife Changes - Sleep, Rest, and Connection
Sleep, Rest & Connection:
Building Our Community Together
Join us for the next gathering of The Pause Collective — a supportive meetup for neurodivergent women navigating perimenopause, menopause, burnout, overwhelm, and life transitions.
Since many of us haven't yet had the opportunity to meet, we'll begin by getting to know one another and sharing what brought us to this community.
We'll also explore one of the most common challenges many women experience during this season of life: sleep.
Whether you're navigating insomnia, waking up in the middle of the night, racing thoughts, night sweats, exhaustion, burnout, or simply not feeling rested, you're not alone.
This will be a relaxed, low-pressure coffee shop meetup focused on connection and conversation.
No need to prepare anything.
No pressure to share.
Come as you are.
Together we'll:
• Introduce ourselves and get to know one another
• Share what brought us to The Pause Collective
• Discuss sleep, rest, and energy during perimenopause and menopause
• Exchange ideas, experiences, and support
• Explore what topics we'd like to discuss in future gatherings
• Continue building the kind of community we'd like to create together
This space is neurodivergent-affirming, self-diagnosis-friendly, and supportive of different communication styles and energy levels.
Quiet participation is welcome. Listening is participating.
Whether you're looking for support, learning, friendship, or simply a place where you don't have to explain yourself, you are welcome here.
I look forward to meeting you.
— Dawn
Central Ohio Mens Group - Currently Accepting New Members
This is not an event, but an announcement that we are accepting new members. If you'd like to pursue joining our group, please read the "about us" section and then write us at columbusmensgroup@gmail.com with a few paragraphs about yourself, what you'd like to experience in the group, and the contribution that you'd like to make. Thank you!
Libera Animae - Freeing the Soul
Main Library, Meeting Room 2B
Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen).
Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection.
All backgrounds are welcome.
Stalker
Based on the novel Roadside Picnic, it is NO picnic, but rather one of the masterpieces of world cinema. Andrei Tarkovsky's 1979 Soviet sci-fi classic, recounts the expedition of a writer and professor led by a mysterious guide called "The Stalker." to a futuristic wasteland called "The Zone." Dripping with existential dread, it continually presents strange occurrences that will have us debating the meaning of what we've just viewed right through the ending.
*Stalker* (1979) can be streamed for free on HBOMax, the Criterion Channel or Kanopy. It's also available for rent on Amazon Prime and AppleTV. The Columbus Library has two copies on disc.
Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup
Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room.
This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us.
COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.
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)
Indianapolis Online Speed Dating
**🌻 Indianapolis Singles Online: Speed Dating, No Apps Required**
> Think of it as your social life, upgraded. Live Zoom rounds with Indianapolis singles hand-picked by age and personality — all from your living room.
**Here's your roadmap:**
🔹 Drop your details and zip through a quick personality quiz
🔹 Log into Zoom right at go-time
🔹 Cycle through short one-on-ones with Indianapolis singles
🔹 Check your inbox tomorrow — your matches will be waiting
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**Ready? Find your bracket and sign up:**
🔸 **Ages 18-32** → [Claim your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=574&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=german-conversation-circle-sparks-new-friendships&ar=18-32&face_v=9.0)
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🔸 **Ages 40-58** → [Claim your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=574&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=german-conversation-circle-sparks-new-friendships&ar=40-58&face_v=9.0)
🔸 **Ages 55+** → [Claim your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=574&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=german-conversation-circle-sparks-new-friendships&ar=55+&face_v=9.0)
_Fair warning: RSVP here is just a follow, not a registration. Your seat is only locked once you sign up and finish the quiz. Places are finite._
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No swiping. No ghosting. Just good conversation. 🪄


























