Future Ideas

These are responses and suggestions we have received from participants for possible future topics. Let Kevin know if you have other ideas

  • TED Talk – My Road Trip Through the Whitest Towns in America (2015): Rich Benjamin shares his experiences embedding himself in “Whitopias” to understand the social and political implications of self-segregation in America.
  • TED Talk – You Have No Idea Where Camels Really Come From (2015): Latif Nasser reveals the surprising scientific discovery that the ancestors of modern camels actually originated in the high Arctic rather than the desert.
  • Artist David Popa Creates Mesmerising Ephemeral Art on Giant Floating Blocks of Ice in Finland: This piece showcases an artist using natural pigments to paint massive, hauntingly beautiful portraits on drifting ice floes that eventually melt back into the sea.
  • Doomscrolling’ can take toll on mental health — here’s how to stop: This brief video explains the psychological impact of obsessively consuming negative news and offers immediate, practical steps to break the habit.
  • How To Stop Doom Scrolling – 7 Tips To Break Free From Social Media: This guide provides a strategic framework for reclaiming your attention by setting digital boundaries and replacing mindless scrolling with intentional habits.
  • TED Talk – AI is Coming for Your Job. Now What? | Vlad Tenev: Vlad Tenev discusses the inevitable disruption of the labor market by AI and suggests that the future belongs to those who use these tools to become “one-person empires.”
  • TED Talk – My life started when they said it was over | Elin Kjos: Former elite swimmer Elin Kjos shares how a terminal cancer diagnosis paradoxically taught her how to truly live in the present moment.
  • TED Talk – This is what happens when you reply to spam email – James Veitch: Comedian James Veitch delivers a hilarious account of what happens when you actually engage with the “princes” and scammers who land in your inbox.
  • Book study for “Time Anxiety: The Illusion of Urgency and a Better Way to Live” by Chris Guillebeau: This study explores the deep-seated fear that we are running out of time and provides a roadmap for shifting from a state of constant urgency to one of purposeful living. (288 pages)
  • Overcoming Time Anxiety with Chris Guillebeau: (1 hour+) video – In this long-form discussion, Guillebeau expands on his research to provide actionable advice for those feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to maximize every second of their lives.
  • “My life started when they said it was over’ | Elin Kjos | TEDxKI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DClv5kj_TB8 Elin Kjos is a sport’s trainer who was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer two years ago. She was given less than a year to live and has yet defeated all odds.
  • Guest speaker: Foster & Adoption Program Director with The Settlement Home for Children
  • Re-watch the Kindness Diaries
  • “The Kindness Within” documentary
  • TEDx Talk: “The secret to feeling less alone” by Leon Logothesis
  • Chocolate pairing/tasting party with our friend Cinthya Romriell
  • Going to The Charlie Center and volunteering as a group
  • Occasional breakfast get-togethers
  • If the weather is nice, have a group picnic
    • Tim Minchin – Live To Learn Commencement Speech
    • Conan O’Brien Delivers Dartmouth’s Commencement Address
  • AI, strategies to identify and combat misinformation, kindness campaigns, travel tips, hidden gems close enough for hiking trips
  • Anything that engages us in discussion and learning and sharing and encourages everyone to help others in need or community service in some way
  • I have enjoyed all the past topics. I think a variety of topics is wonderful. 
  • The Science Behind Procrastination
  • Ted Talk on the art of procrastination
  • The Art of Time Management
  • The Benefits of Mindfulness
  • The Future of Education
  • Why Creativity Matters
  • The Influence of Social Media on Mental Well-Being
  • Climate Change Solutions
  • Topics of interest, speakers
  • Yes: Community, Mindfulness, Creativity, Spirituality, 
  • Anything related to personal growth and connection
  • Ted Talks; dinner gatherings; community service discussion & options;…
  • Anything, but likely will not be able to attend but would like to know what the group is doing.
  • I like the ted talks, I enjoy socialising with people who are not in my usual circle, I like hiking trails with the group.
  • We continue to enjoy the video and study format, a study of Revelation maybe, Class go to Charlie Center to volunteer, lunch at a nearby park. 
  • Speakers, activities, book clubs new ideas – app of it. 
  • Always interested in what the group is doing
  • I’m interested in it all. Will come if I am in town. 
  • Talk or share a book that made an impression on you, I love the TED talks we have done in the past, I enjoyed the hiking we have done in the past. 
  • Speakers, discussions: Open to anything. 
  • These ideas from our friend Josh:
  • The Butterfly Circus Short Film HD
    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbkTZ7Ii8Vs
    • This LEGO Artist Builds Masterpieces Using All Black Bricks | Obsessed | WIRED
      • https://youtu.be/wR-i-pqFqqE?si=MAbH0ngN1i-Aoo6v
    • This is the LGBTQ+ Holiday message everyone needs to see! 🏳️‍⚧️
      • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eghw31xdeSU
    • Brennan Manning Live At Woodcrest
      • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQi_IDV2bgM
    • The Expert (Short Comedy Sketch)
      • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg
    • The art of asking | Amanda Palmer
      • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMj_P_6H69g
    • Android The Making of Monotune
      • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsbPCws2Gz4
    • Ripple – To The Good Samaritans In Our Lives: Thank You. // Viddsee.com
      • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovj5dzMxzmc
    • Tear-Jerker Commercials Create Internet Challenge
      • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVrQqWIs6ZE