Ciis Public Programs & Performances

CIIS Professor Brian Swimme explores why trying to make sense of the universe is one of the oldest projects around and how these questions lead us to regularly reinvent what it means to be human. This talk is part of our Big Ideas at CIIS series.

Author, teacher, and ecophilosopher Joanna Macy is known the world over for her workshops for social and environmental activists. She's joined in conversation by ecophilosophy teacher Renée G. Soule to discuss her life and work.

The authors of Algorithms to Live By, Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths, are joined in conversation by CIIS President Joseph Subbiondo to explore how computer algorithms can be applied to our everyday lives. This conversation is part of our Technology and Consciousness Series.

CIIS Professor and author Carolyn Cooke explores reading and writing as important acts of consciousness. This talk is part of our Big Ideas at CIIS series.

Jerry Kaplan, a computer scientist and AI expert talks with Kal Spelletich, an artist who works with robotics about how humans might leverage this emerging technology creatively. This conversation is part of our Technology and Consciousness Series.

CIIS professor Craig Chalquist explores how myths jump out of the myth books and into our lives, inhabiting current events, our language, politics, and more.

The head of Wikipedia’s library, Jake Orlowitz, in conversation with Dr Matt Segall about how Wikipedia keeps it’s vast and complicated platform running.

American Buddhist scholar Reggie Ray on how trauma can be an opportunity for spiritual growth.

Author and hip hop journalist Jeff Chang in conversation with novelist and poet Adam Mansbach on the cultural history - and future - of race in America.

CIIS professor Michelle Glowa talks about how our food choices affect the world, and what we can do to cultivate more just and sustainable food systems.

Author and activist Sobonfu Somé on the importance of grieving and ritual.

Transgender activist and pioneer Theresa Sparks in conversation with transgender CIIS professor, Dr. Jamison Green.

Author Cheryl Strayed talks to Carolyn Cooke about her writing style, her work as Dear Sugar, and her best selling book, Wild.

The story of Jezebel Delilah X—a self professed "quirky, queer, black girl from South Central LA” and how literature and theatre saved her life. This episode includes explicit language.

Author and Professor of Psychology at CIIS, Dr. Brant Cortright, talks about his work at the cutting edge of neuroscience, clinical psychology, and brain health.

Psychologist and researcher at NYU, Doctor Tony Bossis, reviews his work as part of the recent renaissance of psychedelic research.

One of America's most provocative public intellectuals, Dr. Cornel West, whose writing weaves together the traditions of the Black Baptist Church, social justice, progressive politics, and jazz.

Physician and award winning author, Dr Gabor Mate, discusses his research at the intersection of addiction, science, psychology, and compassion