EXPERTS & AFICIONADOS
INSPIRATION FROM AROUND THE CORNER AND ACROSS THE GLOBE
Rebecca Harris
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AUGUST 9, 2026 | BUILDING RESILIENT MOVEMENTS FOR JUSTICE IN 2026 & BEYOND | REBECCA HARRIS
With every generation, movements for justice take a new shape. This conversation will invite you to reflect on your experience of Trump's first year in office, and how people are responding. You'll learn about the strategies that young leaders are using to confront fascism, war and climate chaos; restore ecology and biodiversity; and respond to the crises of this moment. Attendees will receive access to the forthcoming Climate Survival Guidebook, a new tool for building resilient movements in the face of climate chaos and authoritarianism. You'll also get a sneak preview of a new documentary sharing the stories and resilience strategies of young Black, Indigenous and People of Color climate leaders. |
Rebecca Harris is Resource Organizing Director and Co-Leader of Climate Mobilization Project, which works with Generation Z youth to advance resilience and survival initiatives as a movement-building strategy. Before working on climate change, she was involved in the peace movement of the early 2000s; tenant rights and housing justice organizing; and worked at Latino Union of Chicago, an immigrants and workers rights organization. Currently, she is learning from the movements against federal occupation that are taking root in Chicago and nationwide.
Anthony Barnhart, Ph.D
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AUGUST 2, 2026 | MAGIC IN THE LAB: PSYCHOLOGICAL INSIGHTS FROM MAGICIANS | ANTHONY BARNHART, Ph.D.
Recent years have seen widespread interest in a “science of magic” that learns from the psychological insights and methods of magicians, who are themselves informal cognitive scientists testing their hypotheses in the real world. In just the last decade, renowned magicians have authored papers meant to be read not by magicians, but by scientists who study attention and perception. In his presentation, Dr. Barnhart will discuss the long history of interaction between psychologists and magicians. Along the way, using live performance and video, he will introduce some of the techniques and theories from the world of magic that have inspired research in laboratories around the world (including his own). |
Cognitive scientist, Anthony Barnhart, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Psychological Science at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin and a part-time professional magician. He borrows hypotheses and techniques from magic to study attention and perception in the laboratory, and has authored both empirical and theoretical works on the interface of science and magic. A leader in this burgeoning field, he was a founding member of the Science of Magic Association and frequently appears in national and international media. Most recently, his work was featured on an episode of the CBC’s The Nature of Things with David Suzuki devoted to the science of magic. He regularly teaches a college course devoted to the cognitive science of magic.
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JULY 26, 2026 | WHAT'S THE BUZZ ON BEES? | BETHANY JANOVIC
From the tiniest mining bee to the large and adorably awkward bumblebee, the world of bees is full of wonder! They are intelligent and amazing pollinators, some working together seamlessly as a colony while others fend for themselves. With thousands of bee species around the world there is always more to discover! Join us in an ethical action day where we will learn from a hobby beekeeper about honey bees, beekeeping, ethical considerations of beekeeping, native bees and how you can help. Then you will have an opportunity to interact with beekeeping equipment, taste some honey and make a solitary bee nesting space to take home. |
Bethany is originally from Utah where she received her BA in Theatre Studies. After college she moved to Florida where she worked in entertainment at Walt Disney World. She was less than enthusiastic to leave Florida for Missouri but now has made it her home. Bethany has worked part time in the Childwatch at the YMCA for nearly 5 years and part time as a breastfeeding peer counselor with WIC for 11 years. She enjoys spending time with her husband of 19 years, her two amazing children and many (too many) pets. She also enjoys books, tv and movies, embroidery, crochet, archery, spending time in nature and of course beekeeping. This is her 5th year beekeeping and she is always learning more!
Kevin M. Folta
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JULY 12, 2026 | DISINFORMATION DOWN ON THE FARM - A THREAT TO FOOD AND NATIONAL SECURITY | KEVIN M. FOLTA
A small percentage of the population feeds the rest. At the same time agriculture and food have become prime targets for a thriving disinformation ecosystem. It is a perfect storm. We live in a time of unprecedented food abundance, safety and choice. The legitimate problems are access, food deserts, and poor diets. But social media is obsessed with trace pesticides, food dyes and seedless watermelons. How does the good news get traction in a sea of alarmist content? This presentation will discuss the disinformation networks, how they target human health and agriculture. Solutions will be presented. It is important to be aware and understand how to push back effectively. |
Kevin M. Folta is a Professor researching plant molecular biology and genomics at the University of Florida, with notable accomplishments in functional genomics and light contributions to controlled environments. He leads popular workshops in science communication for farmers, scientists and industry, with special emphasis on strategic communication around contentious issues. He has been recognized with several prestigious awards for research, communication, and public service, including the CAST Borlaug Award in Agricultural Communication and the NSF CAREER award. His family farms fruit, vegetables, turkeys and eggs for local markets in rural Florida. He has hosted the weekly Talking Biotech Podcast since 2015. Ph.D. 1998 University of Illinois at Chicago.
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JUNE 28, 2026 | TECHNIQUES & ADVANCES IN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY | GARY SUDIN
Photography has always lived at the intersection of art and science, but the last decade has fundamentally rewritten the rules of how we capture the world. Join veteran tech lecturer and photography enthusiast Gary Sudin for a dynamic, deep-dive journey through the revolutionary advancements shaping modern imaging. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a passionate hobbyist, this talk will unpack the powerful tools reshaping the craft. |
Gary Sudin lectures world-wide on numerous computer network and security issues and has 51 years of data communications experience. He has earned academic degrees in electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, and a Ph. D. in CMOS design. Gary's interests include acoustics, writing, recording, and playing music, collecting antique guitars, all aspects of photography, automobiles, and all things electronic. He takes all his hobbies to extremes. Gary and Trudy Sudin have three children and live in St. Louis, Mo.
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JUNE 14, 2026 | BREAKFAST IN THE PARK
We brought dishes to pass and met at Quail Ridge Park for a lovely morning of community at our annual potluck breakfast in the park. |
Louise Jett, American Ethical Union Certified Leader
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JUNE 7, 2026 | HISTORY IS TIRED OF REPEATING ITSELF | LOUISE JETT, ETHICAL CULTURE LEADER
Marx quipped that history repeats first as tragedy, then as farce. Nietzsche imagined the hypothetical eternal recurrence. But maybe history is simply… tired. What if Humanism is our invitation to stop the reruns and invent the sequel? Louise Jett (she/her) is an Ethical Humanist, educator, and storyteller who strives to bring curiosity and compassion to everything she does. An American Ethical Union certified Leader, she finds inspiration in people who dedicate themselves to empowering and caring for others. She loves connecting with people and having fun. So, please be sure to say hello before or after Platform! |
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MAY 31, 2026 | ALL-SOCIETIES PLATFORM: 150 YEARS OF ETHICAL CULTURE CELEBRATION | WHAT DOES ETHICAL CULTURE LOOK LIKE TODAY?
This All-Societies Platform explores how Ethical Humanism continues to evolve through community, justice, and shared responsibility. During this gathering we will be in conversation with watch parties at Ethical Culture societies around the country. Hundreds of Ethical Culture members and friends nationwide will celebrate the legacy we inherit and the future we’re building together. |
Dr. Emily Horowitz, St. Francis College
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MAY 3, 2026 | DO REGISTRIES REDUCE SEXUAL RECIDIVISM OR MAKE COMMUNITIES SAFER? | EMILY HOROWITZ (PH.D.)
Dr. Horowitz is Professor and Chair of Sociology & Criminal Justice at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, where she founded and co-directs a college degree program for those with criminal-legal involvement. At St. Francis College, Professor Horowitz teaches courses in sociology and criminal justice and founded and co-directs the Justice Initiative (a nationally recognized program that offers mentorship and scholarships to those directly impacted by the criminal-legal system during re-entry as well as those currently experiencing incarceration). Her scholarly research addresses the causes and consequences of mass incarceration, with a focus on the harms of conviction registries and banishment laws. |
Professor Horowitz frequently engages in advocacy efforts and public scholarship aimed at challenging myths and misinformation that lead to ineffective and draconian laws. Select recent news publications and media include The Real Monsters (a 2022 essay in Inquest: A Decarceral Brainstorm), a Reason article about the man wrongfully convicted of raping prominent author Alice Sebold (2021), a NY Daily News editorial about the Supreme Court hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson (2022), and participation in an Intelligence Squared podcast (2023) debating the sex offense registry.
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APRIL 26, 2026 | LAUGH YOGA: LAUGH FOR THE HEALTH OF IT! | EMMA KLUES
Emma Klues has been laughing ever since she can remember. She first officially tried laughter yoga on an island near Athens, Greece in 2008 with a bunch of seniors who didn’t speak English. It was great! She came home to St. Louis, found local meetups and eventually got certified as a laughter leader. She’s been leading a weekly group in Tower Grove Park in St. Louis since Spring 2012. But really, she does it because it’s incredibly good for her, it’s a universal language she loves to speak and it might just change the whole freaking world. Learn from her about the research behind this worldwide practice and then try for yourself! No equipment or ability necessary, come as you are and leave different. Emma can’t wait to laugh with you! Visit emmaklues.com or laughteryoga.org for more info |
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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