EXPERTS & AFICIONADOS
INSPIRATION FROM AROUND THE CORNER AND ACROSS THE GLOBE
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APRIL 12, 2026 | CYBERSECURITY FOR HUMANS | KYLE ORIS
Most cybersecurity advice focuses on dramatic threats or outdated myths. This session takes a practical, human-level approach to protecting your devices and personal information. We’ll cover what truly reduces risk in everyday life, challenge common misconceptions, and explore lesser-known threats. You’ll leave with a realistic, manageable set of practices that actually make a difference. Kyle is a cybersecurity analyst specializing in risk for a large healthcare organization, where he assesses digital threats and helps leaders make practical security decisions. He holds a degree in Cybersecurity from Maryville University and has spent the past eight years working in IT and security. Kyle focuses on separating real risk from cybersecurity hype, taking a calm, practical approach to digital safety. He’s passionate about helping people understand technology without fear and is often the go-to tech support for friends and family. Outside of work, he enjoys reading and oil painting; creative outlets that balance his analytical work in cybersecurity. |
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APRIL 5, 2026 | DAY OF ETHICAL ACTION | LIGHTS FOR HOSPICE or SLEEP MATS FOR AAHHSTL
We created colorful mod podge jars with tea lights and tissue paper flowers to be donated to Hospice patients. Or choose to weave plastic sleeping mats for donation to Athiest Alliance Helping the Homeless- Saint Louis. |
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MARCH 28, 2026 | HOW TO BE FOOLPROOF IN TODAY’S NEWS ENVIRONMENT: BIAS, MISINFORMATION, AI – WHAT CAN YOU TRUST? | ALL-SOCIETIES PLATFORM with ERIC SCHURENBERG
The founder of The Alliance For Trust in Media, veteran journalist and media executive Eric Schurenberg will take you through a crash course in navigating today’s chaotic news environment to uncover information you can trust. He’ll explain the economic reasons that news gets delivered the way it does, the effects of the growing seepage of AI into the information ecosystem, and some quick, non-partisan rules that you can deploy to avoid being misled online. Eric is the former editor in chief of the publications Inc., Money, CBS MoneyWatch and BNET and the former CEO of Inc. and Fast Company. He’s now a distinguished instructor of journalism at University of Chicago and the host of the podcast In Reality. |
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MARCH 22, 2026 | THE ILLUSION OF FREE WILL AND ITS RAMIFICATIONS | AUGUST BERKSHIRE
Although non-theists agree on many things, one thing they often disagree about is whether or not we have free will. They can’t help it. Why would we have evolved to believe free will exists if it doesn’t? Are there different kinds of free will? Is life meaningless if we don’t have free will? What about the concepts of praise, blame, and justice? In his talk, August will explain why free will is an illusion, and how we can use that knowledge to improve our lives. August Berkshire is currently the Chair of Minnesota Atheists and the Vice President of Atheist Alliance International. He has been a guest speaker on the topic of atheism at high schools and universities for 40 years. He has also studied the subject of free will. For the past 25 years, he has been the owner of the ATHEIST car license plate for Minnesota. His story about becoming an atheist is featured in the anthology Atheist Voices of Minnesota. He is proud to be listed in the reference book Who’s Who in Hell. |
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MARCH 8, 2026 | A PATH TOWARD REALITY | GARY ELDON RICKERD
Gary is a seasoned leader with a 25-year career in the contracting industry. He rose from an entry-level employee to a 50% owner of a 100-person firm, ultimately navigating a successful merger that secured the long-term future of his entire team. Following this professional milestone, he pivoted from the corporate world to a deeper calling: advocating for a science-based understanding of our existence. Transitioning from a youth spent distributing religious texts to a life dedicated to "Nature’s Mission," he now uses his business acumen and philosophical insights to champion the findings of great scientists. As a father and a dedicated student of the natural world, he is committed to helping humanity align its purpose with the reality of the planet we call home. |
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MARCH 1, 2026 | DARWIN DAY CELEBRATION | SCIENCE, EDUCATION, AND HUMAN WELL-BEING
We will enjoy a fun day of interactive learning and celebration of science. It will be a great time for humans 1 to 100! International Darwin Da y is celebrated on February 12th to inspire people throughout the globe to reflect and act on the principles of intellectual bravery, perpetual curiosity and learning, scientific exploration, and hunger for truth. Darwin Day is a day of celebration, activism, and international cooperation for the advancement of science, education, and human well-being. |
To learn more about Charles Darwin, his involvement in the abolitionist movement, and understand what he risked by publishing On the Origin of Species, we recommend the following, well-researched book, Darwin's Sacred Cause: Race, Slavery and the Quest for Human Origins by renowned Darwin scholars, Adrian Desmond and James Moore. Darwin's belief in human unity was in direct contrast to many of his contemporaries. You can also watch the author, James Moore speak on the book here.
Louise Jett (she/her), Ethical Culture Leader
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FEBRUARY 22, 2026 | HUMANISM IN ACTION: HOPE AGAINST FASCISM | LOUISE JETT
At a time when fear and division threaten democracy, Humanism offers a different path, one rooted in dignity, truth, and solidarity. This Platform will explore how Humanist values can inspire hope and guide us to resist authoritarianism, defend human rights, and strengthen our communities with courage and compassion. Let’s reflect on how “Humanism in Action” can be our most powerful response to rising fascism. Curious and compassionate, Louise Jett (she/her) is an Ethical Humanist, media specialist, graphic designer, writer, and artist. In short, she is an educator, community organizer and storyteller who strives to approach challenges with optimism and enthusiasm. |
An American Ethical Union certified Leader, Louise is truly inspired by people who are dedicated to empowering and caring for others. She worked as a professor for 12 years and has experience facilitating conversations and Restorative Justice Community Circles. She earned her Associate of Applied Science and Associate of Arts from Lewis and Clark Community College; her Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership from Greenville University where she received a full scholarship; and her Master of Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in education policy, organization and leadership with a specialization in new learning design and leadership. At her full-time job, she currently serves as the statewide branding manager for the State of Illinois. Louise loves connecting with others and having fun!
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FEBRUARY 8, 2026 | 10:30 AM | MEMBER PRESENTATIONS
Our many members have experienced all kinds of interesting things throughout their lives that may surprise you. Join us this week as some of them speak for 10 minutes each, to share their wide range of interests and passions. Get ready for an interesting view while you learn something that you didn’t expect! |
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FEBRUARY 1, 2026 | PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM FINANCIAL FRAUD | KIMBERLY BERZACK
In this session Kimberly Berzack from West Community Credit Union deconstructed the psychology and tactics of financial fraud. Current thieves use everything from AI-driven voice cloning to sophisticated phishing schemes. Learn to identify the "red flags" of emotional manipulation and artificial urgency used by fraudsters to bypass rational judgment. Harden your digital defenses and gain confidence in how to handle unexpected solicitations.
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Samantha White
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JANUARY 4, 2026 | THE POWER OF US: SUPPORTING HUMANIST EDUCATION IN UGANDA | SAMANTHA WHITE
The Ethical Society of St. Louis has partnered with the Uganda Humanist Schools Trust. (UHST) for over a decade. Samantha will provide an overview of their history of support, as well as updates on the progress and challenges at the schools during the past year. Samantha White (she/her) has been a member of the Ethical Society of St. Louis (ESSL) for 10+ years, is a current member of the ESSL Board of Trustees, and a volunteer with the Society's fundraising efforts for the humanist schools in Uganda. Samantha is a humanist and a passionate believer in the transformational power of education, science, and reason to improve peoples' lives. She is immensely grateful for her own education, including a Bachelor's of Arts in Anthropology/Sociology and History from Centre College which was achieved with significant financial support from her parents, governmental assistance, and personal loans. |
HOW TO DONATE: The cost for a full year-long scholarship at Isaac Newton Secondary School is $650 per student, which covers tuition, room, board, exams, Afripads, and school supplies. Ways to donate: Bring cash on January 4th; write checks to the Ethical Society of St. Louis, noting “UHST” in the memo line and give to Samantha on January 4th or mail to ESSL (9001 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63117); or donate online with credit card, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Google Pay by using this LINK. Thank you in advance for your generosity and interest in this life-changing effort!rting Humanist Education in Uganda