The salon is an opportunity to engage with big ideas and interesting people in the comfort and ease of an informal gathering. I host salons monthly in my living room, with a different speaker each time. Since 2020, the salons have been held virtually.
Each salon has a focus topic determined by me and the presenter. We lead with curiosity, and the emphasis is on civil and substantive discussion. Rational, intelligent people can disagree and still respect each other, and we can all stand to learn more. The salon is a chance to explore deep and occasionally challenging topics in an environment of trust and openness with people you might not meet otherwise.
I'm not interested in political hot topics, grandstanding, or hollow debating points. These conversations push for insight, the context from history, philosophy, etc., that provides the why and how beyond the what.
Attendees represent an evolving group of new faces and “salon selectives” (regulars) -- since 2018, nearly a thousand people have participated. If you want to join us, feel free to get in touch.
Upcoming salons
Spring salon details coming soon.
Past salons
We've had an eclectic and absorbing array of topics and featured speakers over the years, from both the academic and non-academic worlds. The full list is available here:
More information for the curious among you
Why are you doing this?
Today I feel more urgently than ever the benefit of meaningful local connections with other curious and open-minded individuals.
I operate on the premise that exploring difference is not a luxury, but essential for the health of society, and our health as individuals.
We are a welcoming group and open to suggestions for speakers or attendees.
Also: it's fun! 🤓
When and where do salons take place?
The salons occur on weekends: Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons to accommodate different schedules.
They are currently virtual and take place over zoom every 4-6 weeks throughout the year.
Who attends?
It is a diverse group of curious people, representing a range of ages, professions, and backgrounds. Over the years it has grown organically, with friends inviting friends and neighbours, who then invite their friends and colleagues, and so on.
Each salon tends to have somewhere between 15-25 people (20-50 online), with new faces every time and a friendly group of card-carrying regulars affectionately known as "salon selectives."
Attendees are open-minded, willing to be uncomfortable/intellectually challenged at times by others who don’t necessarily agree with them, and respectful of the opinions of others.
Adults only, please -- adolescents are welcome, but we've found that the salon topics and format do not make for a suitable environment for children. Thank you for understanding.
Who are your speakers?
They are eclectic! Roughly half have been academics from various fields, many of whom have published widely in scholarly and popular press.
We've also hosted everyone from urban planners to police officers to journalists to directors of waste processing facilities. The guiding principle is that they enjoy substantive discussion about their topic with a group that comes at it with varying levels of knowledge.
Do I have to RSVP?
Yes please! Out of consideration for our speakers (and me) and to allow us to get a sense of the group, kindly RSVP -- and let us know if you can no longer attend so someone else can take your spot.
Do I have to talk in the discussion?
No. Feel free to contribute wherever you feel comfortable, or just listen. This being said, we learn by hearing from different people and this is meant to be a space where every voice can join in without judgment -- don’t feel as if you need to be an expert to join in the conversation.
Will you make a recording that I can access afterward?
No. I don't make recordings of the salons for two main reasons:
1) the gatherings are meant to be places to explore what we don't know and say things that might challenge orthodoxy. When people self-edit for fear of being misquoted or taken out of context later, the conversation is less rich.
2) a conversation follows a very different course if one thinks it is being saved for posterity. Life is ephemeral, local, context-dependent. So are salons.
What attendees say...
"...the conversation went in fascinating and unpredictable directions."
"What an interesting group of people!"
"...fun and vibrant...they’re always good!"
"An excellent speaker, stimulating conversation..."
What speakers say...
"I had a wonderful time, and I'm so thankful you invited me."
"I thoroughly enjoyed myself and loved all the intense, probing, insightful, and inquisitive questions from your group."
"...a fantastic group ... it was such an enjoyable evening. It’s not often that folks have an opportunity to spend an evening geeking out on the subject of their passion, especially outside the world of academia."
"...an engrossing and thought-provoking conversation...I was sorry when I had to leave!"
