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Platform addresses on ethical topics and issues recorded live from the Ethical Society of St. Louis. These lectures cover a number of areas including ethics, religion, values, and humanism. To discuss our podcasts please visit us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EthicalSocietySTL

Ethical Society of St. Louis


    • Dec 11, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 28m AVG DURATION
    • 188 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from EthicalStL.org

    Rekindling Communally-Bonded Schools to Improve Black Students' Educational Experiences; Jerome Morris, PhD; 11-Dec-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2022 25:56


    This talk unveils the historical and theoretical background of powerful African-American school communities, illustrates how social and educational policies weakened these relationships, and provides strategies that rebuild the relationships that contemporary Black students have with their schools and communities.

    The Future of Ugandan Humanist Education; Educator and Member Krystal White; 4-Dec-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2022 34:11


    The Ugandan students and schools the Ethical Society supports are full of strength, resilience, and hope, and member Krystal White experienced that positive energy firsthand this summer on her month-long journey visiting the students and teaching at their schools. Come learn about the recent developments at the Uganda Humanist Schools and leave inspired by the schools' promising future. The Ethical Society community currently supports 33 female high-school students with full boarding scholarships ($500/yr) and provides reusable menstrual supplies for all menstruating students in the primary and secondary schools. If you would like to make a donation to benefit the schools and you cannot attend the platform, please contact Krystal White at krystalsnowhite@gmail. com or Nancy Jelinek at njelinek@ethicalstl.org.

    Entangled Empathy – Exploring our Relationships with Animals; Lori Gruen, PhD; 27-Nov-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2022 19:29


    How should we think about our relationships with other animals? Entangled Empathy is one way to both motivate and improve those relationships. This presentation by Leading Scholar in Animal Studies and Feminist Philosophy Lori Gruen will describe what entangled empathy is and why it is a valuable perspective.

    Live Long and Prosper; James Croft, EdD, Leader; 20-Nov-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2022 30:12


    James has spent eight years at the Ethical Society of St. Louis: one year as an Ethical Culture leader-in-training; four years as the Society's outreach director and second leader; and three years as senior leader. In this, his final Platform address, he will offer his reflections on eight years of service, thank the Society's members and friends for the welcome they extended, and think about the future of Humanism.

    The Virtue of Vulnerability; Nadya Dutchin, American Humanist Association Executive Director; 13-Nov-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2022 21:42


    In this digital age, the world seems smaller and more accessible, but we seem to be more distant from one another on a personal level. Add to this the required isolation from COVID times and we are left with a pained awkwardness as we try to re-engage with society and one another. This leaves us with a unique opportunity to reset and create genuine connections. But this requires us to be vulnerable with one another as a reminder of our full humanity. Nadya Dutchin is the executive director of the American Humanist Association with more than 10 years of community engagement, strategic partnership, youth program development, multi-method fundraising, and change management experience. She is new to the humanist movement and is working to transform the AHA and humanist movement into one that focuses on protecting civil rights and building a more youthful and vibrant humanist community. She currently serves as the Board president of Our Climate for Education. Nadya is of Guyanese descent and a proud alumna of Florida A&M University where she studied Molecular and Cellular Biology.

    Cosmic Skeptic; Alex O'Connor; 6-Nov-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2022 27:32


    Alex J. O'Connor is the founder of the Cosmic Skeptic YouTube channel, podcast and blog, platforms dedicated to the publication of philosophical ideas and debates in an accessible format. A recent graduate of philosophy and theology from St. John's College, Oxford University, Alex is an international public speaker and debater, having delivered addresses across multiple continents at conferences, universities, and local drinking groups, as well as debated ethics, religion, and politics with a number of high-profile opponents before college audiences, on radio talk shows and on national television.

    Solidarity over Hostility; Rev Jim Poinsett, Interfaith Partnership; 30-Oct-22

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2022 27:37


    Jim came to IPSTL after serving 12 years as a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) with congregations in New York, Philadelphia, and St. Louis. Prior to entering the ministry, Jim spent 11 years working in politics, primarily as a lobbyist to state legislatures and Congress. Jim's previous ecumenical and interfaith work includes serving as the Vice President of the New York State Council of Churches, and serving on Religious Leaders Council of Interfaith Philadelphia. Jim holds a Master of Divinity degree from Yale University Divinity School. He received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Ball State University. Jim is a widower, losing his wife Robin to cancer in 2009.

    Give Peace a Chance; Leader James Croft, EdD; 23-Oct-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2022 37:09


    Our culture seems obsessed with war – hundreds of TV shows, movies, video games, and books are written about it. By contrast, peace seems deeply uninteresting to us. We queue up to watch violence enacted, but hardly have any mental image of what peace looks like. Why is this? Why do we celebrate war but ignore peace? Why won't we give peace a chance? In this Platform James Croft will examine peace's image problem, and think of ways we could overcome it.

    Refugees In St. Louis; Ariel Burgess, International Institute; 16-Oct-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2022 28:48


    As the only resettlement agency in St. Louis, the International Institute of St. Louis welcomes and provides services to refugees coming to St. Louis. Working with the St. Louis community and other service providers, these new St. Louisans are given the building blocks for a productive and rewarding life in their new home. The presentation will focus on how refugees come to the U.S and St. Louis, refugee populations in St. Louis and services provided. Since 2000 P. Ariel Burgess has been the resettlement director for the International Institute. In this capacity she and her team have resettled 1000 + refugees from throughout the world. Ms. Burgess is a licensed social worker, having received her MSW in 1991. Prior to working at the Institute Ms. Burgess co-founded an HIV/AIDS clinic specifically for women and children; and worked with the mentally ill.

    The Co-Pursuit of Dignity and the Role of Accompaniment in Asylum Seeking; Adriano Udani, PhD; 9-Oct-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2022 24:30


    How can the asylum seeking process inform U.S. citizens and public discussions about dignity, collaboration, and social change? Utilizing over three years of field work with a group of 48 Central American and Mexican asylum seekers (named Migrantes Unidos), who are committed to ending the use of ankle monitors and other forms of detention in immigration enforcement, Adriano Udani will discuss how the asylum seeking process impacts organizations, social service provision, and everyday life. In the U.S. immigration system that is intentionally designed to punish people through isolation, Adriano Udani argues that what is starkly missing and most needed are opportunities for accompaniment which provides opportunities for asylum seekers to co-pursue dignity, mutual support, opportunities for critical thinking, and collaboration for action. Adriano Udani specializes in the study of political attitudes toward immigrant groups and policy decisions that affect immigrant treatment in the United States. He also studies public misperceptions of immigration enforcement and its impact on immigrant communities. His research is published across various fields of public administration, public policy, public policy, ethics, and race and ethnic politics. Adriano's current work contributes to the emergence of "Civically Engaged Research" in political science, which aims to reciprocally collaborate with people and groups beyond the academy to co-produce, share, and apply knowledge related to power and politics. His current project involves partnering with immigrant service providers, attorneys, and asylum seekers to abolish detention of all forms. Adriano Udani received his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, and his M.P.A. from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.

    Modern International Conflicts and the Risk of Democratic Backsliding; Assistant Professor and Fellow Dani Belo, PhD; 2-Oct-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2022 28:37


    The presentation focuses on the ethical dimensions of modern international conflicts in which all aspects of society have become the battlefield. The modern format of international conflicts, called 'gray zone' conflicts, rarely involve direct military-to-military confrontation. Rather, contemporary conflicts can generally be characterized as low-intensity, perpetual hostilities that involve governments, civil society, and individuals. The media, cyberspace, educational institutions, and local organizations have become an inseparable part of the global great power competition. Illiberal regimes such as China and Russia have used these as platforms to proliferate their political interests into liberal democracies like the United States. This raises the question of how can the United States, and other democracies, counter these authoritarian influences without resorting to 'democratic backsliding,' for example through censorship.

    How to Have Conversations in a World Full of Misinformation; Matthew Facciani PhD; 25-Sep-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2022 26:33


    Misinformation continues to be a growing threat in our society. Why do we fall for misinformation and what can be done about it? In this lecture, I'll briefly describe some of the sociology that explains our susceptibility for believing false information. Then I will focus on 5 steps that can allow us to have more productive conversations with those who have developed misperceptions. Finally, I will share a few examples of when I applied these strategies in my own life. Matthew Facciani, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral researcher at University of Notre Dame Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and he previously served as a postdoctoral researcher at Vanderbilt University in the Medicine, Health, and Society. He received a B.A. in psychology from Westminster College and M.A. and Ph.D. in sociology from the University of South Carolina. His research areas include media literacy, misinformation, and political polarization. Facciani's forthcoming book, Misguided, describes the psychological and sociological processes that explain why we are susceptible to political and health misinformation. Facciani is also interested in evidence-based policy and works with the Research-to-Policy Collaboration at Pennsylvania State University.

    Ethics and Journalism; Tony Messenger, Post-Dispatch Metro Columnist; 18-Sep-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2022 30:00


    Post-Dispatch Metro Columnist Tony Messenger will share some of the daily ethical challenges he faces as a journalist, and will explore how the profession might change in the future.Tony Messenger is the Pulitzer Prize-winning metro columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. In 2019 he won the Pulitzer in commentary for his series of columns on debtors' prisons in Missouri. His first book: Profit and Punishment: How America Criminalizes the Poor in the Name of Justice, was published by St. Martin's Press in December. Tony lives with his wife and two teenagers in Wildwood. He has four grown children and 9 grandchildren.

    Our Ethical Future; Leader James Croft EdD; 11-Sep-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2022 22:33


    What future did you imagine growing up? Did you imagine we would have flying cars by now? Hoverboards, perhaps? Often, when we imagine the future, we focus on technology: the cool toys we will get to play with, the innovations which will make our lives easier. But what about our ethical future? What innovations in living together will we develop? And, more important, what are we doing now, which we shouldn't be? Join James Croft for an inspirational exploration of the future of ethics!

    Casteism – What Is It, and Why Does It Matter?; Raji Laxman; 28-Aug-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2022 21:58


    Raji Laxman will offer an objective view of casteism, its origins and its societal impacts in India, drawing parallels to the similar “-ism”s and their impacts in the West. Born and raised in South India in a traditional and religious family, Raji moved to the United States in the mid 90s after her marriage. She has been a member of the Ethical Society for the past two years and has been working for Washington University in St. Louis for the past 16 years.

    Racism in Healthcare: Recognizing and Combating Implicit Bias; Dr. Nikki Nienhaus, DC; 21-Aug-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2022 26:59


    Nikki Nienhaus will offer a brief history of racism in American medicine, how it has evolved and changed, and what the outlook is moving forward. She will include practical ways that individuals can recognize their own biases as well as those of the healthcare workers they encounter, and begin to change them. And lastly, she will offer actions that can be taken to create change on the global level. Dr. Nikki Nienhaus has been practicing as a chiropractor since 2016, both in private practice and as the chiropractor at Jamaa Birth Village, St. Louis' first Blackowned midwifery clinic. Nikki and her husband Kyle have been members at the Ethical Society since 2013. They have one daughter, Lorelai.

    Fishes, Forests, and Indigenous Amazonian Peoples; Jonathan Hill, PhD; 14-Aug-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2022 25:53


    Jonathan describes his start with the Ethical Society, his current situation, and anthropology.

    Abortions Post-Roe; Allison Hile, MA; 7-Aug-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2022 29:07


    No Roe in MO! Allison Hile, an expert in the fields of abortion care and sexual health education, will answer your burning questions: How could this have happened? What are people doing now? What can I do? And a few positive things on the horizon! Allison Hile has a master's degree in counseling psychology with an emphasis in human sexuality. She is the retired executive director of a statewide organization training adults to be better sexuality educators. She has worked in the fields of abortion care and sexual health education for over 30 years. She is a founding board member of the Missouri Abortion Fund and their current board secretary. Allison and her husband are longtime members of the Ethical Society of St. Louis.

    How Can We Live Our Values When Others Won't?; Leader James Croft, EdD; 31-Jul-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2022 29:01


    We live in a world, and a nation, beset by enormous challenges. Rising extremism, political dysfunction, and social polarization have created an increasingly mean and rancorous public square. Events like the overturning of Roe v. Wade suggest that American society is moving further from the progressive ideals the Ethical Society represents, while the attack on the Capitol showed how sick American democracy is. In such a challenging climate, how can Ethical Humanists live their values? Should we fight fire with fire, or should we be peacemakers?

    Putting Away Childish Things – Author Dave Warnock; 24-Jul-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2022 36:29


    Dave Warnock, author of the memoir "Childish Things," argues that moving away from childish thinking means embracing the complexity and nuance in the world. Fundamentalist thinking keeps individuals and societies in an infantile state of mind. We must move away from that if we are to progress.

    Refuse to Be Silent - Stand Up & Fight For Democracy; Hon. Stacey Newman; 17-Jul-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2022 26:01


    How Missourians of all stripes must be vocal and involved in protecting our democracy and not wait for anyone else to save it, including real-world tips on putting yourself in the activist and legislative arena. Stacey Newman condenses ProgressWomen's popular long-running statewide #GOV101 series into urgent doable actions, compelling you to get off the couch and do something while you still can.

    Lessons of Hope from the Teaching Profession; James Young; 10-Jul-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2022 25:07


    Life doesn't always turn out the way we expect, for better or for worse. However, through it all there is always hope- and a reason to look ahead. Persevering through challenges and finding purpose and meaning in serving others becomes the true measure of success. Teaching has been a journey of finding the joy in fulfilling the calling of a lifetime while learning my own invaluable lessons.

    The Neuroscience of Criminal Behavior; Carissa Philippi, PhD; 26-Jun-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2022 28:57


    Carissa L. Philippi will present evidence from individuals with brain injury as well as brain imaging research in prison inmates which demonstrate the role of the frontal and temporal lobes in criminal behavior. In the context of this neuroscientific research, she will discuss legal and ethical considerations regarding concepts of individual responsibility and the limitations of neuroimaging.

    Are My Choices My Choices? Reflections on Free Will; Leader James Croft, EdD; 19-Jun-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2022 35:22


    If our minds are the product of matter and if matter simply obeys strict natural laws, how can we have free will at all? This is one of the greatest philosophical questions of all, and a problem which is frequently used to attack materialistic Humanism. “Of course we have free will,” critics of materialism often say, “and materialism cannot account for that, so materialism must be wrong!” Is this correct? What is the evidence that we have free will, and what are the implications if we don't? Are our choices truly our own? Find out in this lightning-fast tour through one of the most difficult philosophical terrains of all.

    Striving to Live Our Values; Leader-in-Training Louise Jett, 12-Jun-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2022 28:02


    As Ethical Humanists, we strive to live our values. we are committed to ethical action and relationship building. Reciting our values and living them are two totally different things. How do we put our values into action? Which ones are hardest to implement in our daily lives? Does everyone deserve to be treated fairly and kindly? Join Leader-In-Training Louise Jett in exploring radical kindness, Humanist values and Ethical Culture.

    Free Speech 2022: It's Worse Than You Think; Professor of Law Greg Magarian; 22-May-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2022 35:06


    Americans have never had more opportunities to express their views or greater access to information. Even so, we face an unprecedented crisis of free speech. Resource disparities and identity discrimination create deep disparities in speakers' opportunities to reach audiences. Disinformation and the limits of human attention undermine our public discourse. Governments work overtime to suppress political protest and dissent. If the freedom of speech isn't making our society better, then it isn't the kind of freedom we need and deserve. To get that kind of freedom, we need to change the legal and political structures that keep failing us.

    Does Ethical Culture Have a Future?; Leader James Croft, EdD; 8-May-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2022 36:17


    Ethical Culture is a tradition with a proud history but an uncertain future. While some Ethical Societies are strong and growing, the movement as a whole is shrinking, and it may not be long until there are only a handful of Ethical Societies left. How can we avoid this future? What do we need to change, in our home Societies and in our movement, to make Ethical Culture radical, vibrant, and growing once again?

    What is Skepticon and Why Does It Matter?; Lauren Lane; 24-Apr-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2022 25:50


    Learn from the Founder and President of Skepticon Lauren Lane about how this unique conference came to be and how it continues to find success today. Lauren Lane is the Founder and Executive Director of Skepticon, a national conference located annually in St. Louis, MO that promotes skepticism, science education and community building. She earned her BFA in drawing from Missouri State University and her MFA in Interdisciplinary Studio from The Memphis College of Art. She currently makes art, things, and trouble in St. Louis, MO.

    The Ethics of Economic Sustainability: Earth Day Celebration; John Ikerd, PhD; 17-Apr-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2022 32:27


    How can we meet the economic needs of all in the present while leaving equal or better economic opportunities for those of the future? This is the question of economic sustainability, and economic sustainability is not possible without ecological and social sustainability. There is no economic incentive for a person to do anything for the sole benefit of anyone else, and certainly not for the benefit of those of future generations. Thus, the question of economic sustainability is ultimately a question of ethics.

    Freethinking: The Importance of Freedom of Thought; Leader James Croft, EdD; 10-Apr-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2022 34:01


    Article 18 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights states: "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion." Freedom of thought is thus considered a foundational liberty, one of the most important freedoms which must be protected by all governments and societies. But why is freedom of thought so important, and how can we honor it in our country, our city, and our lives?

    Stem Cells: Implications for Human Health and Animal Research; Anand Chandrasekhar, PhD; 3-Apr-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2022 29:53


    Professor Anand Chandrasekhar will discuss the discovery of stem cells and ethical issues associated with research using embryonic stem cells. He will explain how ethical concerns related to stem cell research have receded due to the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The impact of iPSCs and applications on personalized/precision medicine and research using model organisms will be discussed.

    Doubt as the Path to Happiness, Massimo Pigliucci, PhD, 27-Mar-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2022 29:38


    The word skeptic literally means inquirer. And to inquire into things is good, right? But skepticism has a complex and much misunderstood history, from the Pyrrhonists who abstained from holding any opinion to modern scientific skeptics focused on criticizing pseudoscience. In his talk, Pigliucci will argue that skepticism can and should be a philosophy of life and a path to happiness. And there is a lot more to life and happiness than just debunking nonsense. Massimo Pigliucci is an author, blogger, podcaster, as well as the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His academic work is in evolutionary biology, philosophy of science, the nature of pseudoscience, and practical philosophy. His books include How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life (Basic Books) and Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk (University of Chicago Press). His forthcoming book is The Quest for Character: What the Story of Socrates and Alcibiades Teaches Us about Our Search for Good Leaders (Basic Books).

    Mill Creek: An Erased Community, Vivian Gibson, 20-Mar-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2022 29:34


    Vivian Gibson will discuss her best-selling memoir The Last Children of Mill Creek that chronicles the triumphs and daily struggles of her large family. You'll hear about the friends, shop owners, church ladies and teachers who made Mill Creek into a tight-knit African American Community. In 1959, Mill Creek, a segregated working-class neighborhood in St. Louis was razed to build The Daniel Boone Expressway, an act of racism disguised as "urban renewal." Vivian Gibson was raised on Bernard Street in Mill Creek Valley and has lived in New York City and Liberia. She started writing short stories about her childhood memories after retiring at age sixty-six. Her work has been produced as part of 50in50: Writing Women into Existence, at the Billie Holliday Theater in Brooklyn, and published in The St. Louis Anthology (Belt Publishing, 2019). She is the 2020 winner of the Missouri Humanities Literary Achievement Award. Gibson lives in St. Louis.

    The Invasion of Ukraine: Lessons from History, Prof. Krister Knapp, 13-Mar-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2022 33:41


    The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has swiftly become the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War 2. Thousands of civilians have been killed, and more than a million refugees displaced. What can we learn from the history of armed conflict in Europe to determine how we might respond to this new crisis? In this special Platform, Ethical Society Leader James Croft will be joined by Prof. Krister Knapp of Washington University, a specialist in the history of crisis and conflict, for a discussion of the invasion of Ukraine and what it means for the US and for the world.

    The Rise of Global Authoritarianism, The Annual Pacino Lecture Fund, Sarah Kendzior, PhD; 20-Feb-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2022 33:54


    Local author Sarah Kendzior, the author of “Hiding in Plain Sight” and “The View from Flyover Country,” will explore the rise of autocracy, paying particular attention to Missouri as the bellwether of American decline. Her talk will examine the causes of rising autocracy – decades-long institutional rot, entrenched corruption, elite criminal impunity, digital media silos full of propaganda, and the embrace of groupthink and cults that tends to thrive in unstable times – and offer potential solutions to our ongoing crises. “Sarah Kendzior is a modern-day prophet,” said Ethical Society of St. Louis Leader James Croft. “Her writing on American politics and culture is searingly honest, deeply thoughtful, and profoundly wise. At a time when truly dangerous forces are twisting American politics, we need voices like Kendzior's to wake us up and get us to act.” Kendzior will illustrate how Missouri has served as a petri dish for the end of the American experiment, a place where dirty dark money operatives test out their worst ideas on an innocent populace. But because Missouri has borne the brunt of these tactics early, she believes it may be better prepared to fight for the American future. “While some might be put off by her diagnoses, we need to be honest about the challenges we face as a nation if we are to overcome them,” Croft said. “That honesty is what Sarah Kendzior offers, and that is why we are so delighted to have her join us for the Ethical Society of St. Louis' annual Pacino Lecture. The Pacino Lecture is offered in memory of Nick Pacino, a member of the Ethical Society who was passionate about thought-provoking and timely ideas, and Kendzior is a perfect speaker to honor his memory.”

    Facilitating Mixed-race Discussions, Tabari Coleman, 27-Feb-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2022 30:11


    An exploration into how our commutes and other daily decisions contribute to prejudice and marginalization of Black people throughout the St. Louis region. Tabari A. Coleman, MPA is a training consultant and social justice advocate known for his thoughtful but direct approach in facilitating dialogue sessions that focus on building empathy. With more than 19 years of experience in diversity and inclusion training and social justice work, he brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and expertise to his work. He worked for the Anti-Defamation League for 13 years as the education director and national director of Professional Development. He left in 2021 to start his own consulting company, The Coleman Group, LLC. He travels nationally and internationally delivering training programs, workshops and giving presentations. He is a doctoral candidate at the University of Missouri-St Louis where he is applying his practical knowledge and experiences in the Social Justice in Education, Ed.D program.

    The Great refriending, Casey Rosengren; 13-Feb-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2022 28:10


    Casey is an entrepreneur, community builder, and creator of Open Div Summit A 4-day "pod-conference" around spirituality, meaning, and connection in the secular world. focusing on spirituality for the secular world.

    Unprecedented Challenges, Unprecedented Opportunities, Leader James Croft EdD, 30-Jan-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2022 36:45


    In a typical year, this would be the announcement and reminder of the Pledge Luncheon, where we would gather for community and for the future of the Society. We had hoped to have a smaller version of that this year, but the Omicron spike is an unprecedented challenge that made doing so impossible. But despite these challenges, we as a Society have built new flexibility, enabling us to switch from in-person to hybrid to fully virtual on very short notice. It hasn't been ideal, but we have kept our congregation going, have kept our relationships alive, and have grown an audience outside of St. Louis. Whatever happens with the pandemic, our staff and our new technology have opened these opportunities that we didn't have before. We can emerge from the pandemic with a strong local congregation and a larger network and influence throughout the Humanist movement. Capitalizing on those opportunities takes creativity, time, staff effort, and… capital. Existing members, please review the pledge packet you received and give as you can to help us build in the future. Non-members, please consider joining us, to become a part of our community.

    Justice and Compassion–Responding to St. Louis' Own Crisis of Homelessness, Teka Childress, 6-Feb-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2022 22:22


    Teka Childress will share an overview of the particular situation of homelessness in St Louis and the great opportunities there are to address it. Teka Childress was part of the St Louis Catholic Worker community for 35 years and helped operate a house of hospitality and shelter. She also has worked as an outreach worker among unhoused persons for twenty years and has advocated for the rights of unhoused persons.

    Uganda Humanist Schools Trust Fundraiser, Leader James Croft EdD, 16-Jan-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2022 25:33


    Hear about our support of the Uganda Humanist Schools Trust (UHST) and providing scholarships to female high school students for the past decade. The schools and their surrounding communities have struggled mightily due to the COVID pandemic and the government-ordered school shut-downs; with significantly decreased tuition revenue but increased costs, the schools and the students relied heavily on funding provided by UHST.

    Feelings of Awe and Wonder – Helen De Cruz, PhD, 9-Jan-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2022 22:25


    Dr Helen De Cruz, the Danforth Chair in the Humanities in the Philosophy department of Saint Louis University, discusses the feelings of awe and wonder.

    Seeking My Karass: How Kurt Vonnegut Introduced Me to Humanism; Louise Jett, 2-Jan-2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2022 29:07


    Renowned author Kurt Vonnegut once said, “I am a Humanist, which means, in part, that I have tried to behave decently without expectations of rewards or punishment after I am dead.” This quote is only one example of how the late Vonnegut was an ambassador for Humanism. He was also an honorary president of the American Humanist Association and honored as Humanist of the Year by the organization in 1992. As a teenager, Leader-in-Training Louise Jett learned about Humanism via Vonnegut and his work, which reinforced values she held and introduced her to new perspectives. During this Platform, Louise will explore the relationship Vonnegut had with Humanism while illustrating the role the celebrated author has played in her life and personal beliefs.

    WildCare Park and the Evolution of Our Zoo, Jeffrey Bonner, 5-Dec-2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2021 29:07


    The Zoo is at a turning point in its 112-year history. It is preparing to embark on its biggest fundraising effort ever. The Zoo is in the midst of creating a whole institution in WildCare Park and for the first time in 20 years, the Zoo will have a new president. Finally, we know that we have much to do if we are to maintain the high standard of our Forest Park campus. This presentation will focus on this inflection point and will speculate on the Zoo's future. Jeffrey Bonner has led the Zoo for 20 years as the Dana Brown President and CEO. Prior to that he led the Indianapolis Zoo and prior to that he was part of the team that created the new St. Louis Science Center. He is a Burgess Fellow, a Traveling Fellow, a Fulbright Scholar, and the recipient of the National Research Service Award. He is a graduate of Fort Zumwalt High School in O'Fallon, Missouri, the University of Missouri, and Columbia University in the City of New York. He is the author of a book on zoos entitled Sailing With Noah.

    What IS Medical Business Ethics, and Why Does It Matter? Katherine Mathews, MD, MPH, MBA; 28-Nov-2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2021 26:51


    Katherine Mathews will tell the story behind the creation of the Bander Center for Medical Business Ethics at Saint Louis University. She will then discuss the Center’s innovative curriculum for training medical students to be positive change agents and leaders within the complex US healthcare industry. Through this curriculum students learn about financial drivers within healthcare where every dollar spent is someone else’s dollar of revenue or profit. Students also work in teams and use cases to practice foundational skills for professional development and ethical leadership. With a background in public health, research, healthcare administration, and direct patient care, Katherine Jahnige Mathews, M.D., MPH, MBA, is a Saint Louis University School of Medicine professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health. She also serves as director of education for the Bander Center for Medical Business Ethics. In 2020 she launched an innovative required curriculum for first- and second-year medical students called Leadership and the Business of Medicine. This curriculum has been developed with and for students and is grounded in explicit reflection about the values that inform our actions and sense of right and wrong.

    Carbon Pricing and Climate Change, Tim Ely; 14-Nov-2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2021 30:15


    Learning from Someone You Hate, Leader James Croft, EdD; 7-Nov-2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2021 27:30


    How do you learn from people you hate? Not just disagree with, not just have conflict with, but actively hate? James Croft has been there: in his first proper job he was paired with a mentor whom he hated – and who he is pretty sure hated him too. Yet somehow they were able to learn from each other. How can we learn to do this in our own lives – and should we?

    Self-censoring of teachers on topics related to power, oppression, and equity; Christina Grove, University City Schools Teacher of the Year; 17-Oct-2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2021 21:29


    Christina Grove is an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Brittany Woods Middle School, and this year became the District's Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Pedagogy Facilitator because of her unwavering passion and conviction for racial equity and justice. Earlier this year Christina was named “Teacher of the Year” for The School District of University City.

    Communicating Fairly and Kindly; Jim Reeves; 10-Oct-2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2021 22:51


    Jim Reeves is a professional mediator and facilitator with 29 years of experience helping people have conversations, finding root causes of conflict, and building solutions for productive working relationships. He holds a BS from the University of Central Missouri; a JD from St. Louis University; and an LLM in Conflict Management and Organizational Leadership from the University of Missouri. Jim is the principal and founder of ClearBridge Consulting, which helps people live and work together more effectively through mediation, facilitation, ombuds, and negotiation and conflict coaching services.

    The Ultimate Kindness; James Croft, Leader; 3-Oct-2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2021 22:53


    What is the greatest kindness you have ever received? How did it affect you and what did it mean to you? In this Platform James will talk about the greatest kindness he has ever received, and examine what this can tell us about kindness as a virtue.

    Stepping Out of Our Out-of-Step Lives; Adam Rosen and Rob Rosen; 26-Sep-2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2021 27:13


    What does it mean to face the world every single day, knowing it was not designed for you; how you process information, take in your environment, or cope with the demands of a society too face paced for you to keep up with. How is it possible to have a disability and not be in a wheelchair, to have a college degree but get turned down by every job interview, or to be able to compose an original musical but not be able to perform math above a six-grade level. In this program, presenters Rob and Adam Rosen are proud to discuss the joys and struggles of being neurodivergent and what it takes to step out of an out-of-step life. Adam Rosen is a St. Louis-based composer, performer, and published author. His essay, “Portrait of the Artist as a Young Faygelah” was published in the 2004 anthology Mentsh: On Being Jewish and Queer. Adam's first professionally produced show, Asperger's: A High-Functioning Musical debuted to critical acclaim at the 2013 St. Lou Fringe Festival. Adam was diagnosed with high-functioning autism (level one) at thirty-seven years old. In 2017 Adam co-organized the first Community Autism Expo in the history of the St. Louis County Library. He was most recently interviewed for the 2020 anthology, Our Autistic Lives the first anthology devoted exclusively to the lives of autistic adults across the life span. Rob Rosen is a graduate of Missouri Baptist University with a degree in Ministry and Leadership. He was diagnosed with ‘educational autism' at the age of sixteen. In the last three years, Rob met the love of his life, got married, and with the love and support from his his family, bought a house together with his husband. In the future Rob wants to use his degree to help the LGBTQ community understand the needs of those who are neurodivergent.

    The Playbook for Community Empowerment; Charli Cooksey; 19-Sep-2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2021 22:41


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