We Talk

The Anxious Generation

EVENT RECORDING

Join us for a virtual conversation and Q & A with NYT bestselling author, Jonathan Haidt, about his recent book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.

Event Details

• Wed. March 12, 2025
• 4:15 to 6 p.m.
• Room 1920 Sangren Hall
• Learn more
   

John Tomasi Lecture Event: "A University that the World has Never Seen."   

EVENT RECORDING--YOUTUBE

Join us for a talk and conversation on heterodox values and building trust in higher education!
John Tomasi - Heterodox Academy President

Event Details:

• Date: February 6, 2025
• Time: 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. 
• Venue: Sangren Hall RM 1910, WMU Main Campus 

Register:

WMU Experience Link (WMU Staff and Students)

Community Registration Link

Protecting Democracy (October 1, 2024)

We brought together former U.S. Congressman Fred Upton (R), former U.S. Congressman Mark Schauer (D), and former Michigan Elections Director Chris Thomas. Moderated by Jeff Breneman, Western Michigan University’s Vice President for Government Relations, this panel will explore the critical issue of election integrity amid a broader erosion of trust in institutions such as elected bodies, higher education, and the media.

With their extensive experience in public service and election oversight, the speakers addressed key threats to our voting system from both foreign and domestic sources, the rise of misinformation, and what citizens can do to help restore confidence in the democratic process. The conversation also focused on finding bipartisan solutions to ensure the integrity of U.S. elections for future generations.

Event Details:

• Date: October 1, 2024
• Time: 1 PM - 3 PM
• Venue: WMU Student Center Ballroom A

Event Video 

Mississippi Turning (October 22, 2024)

An engaging and thought-provoking event featuring Mississippi-born artist and activist Genesis Be, alongside Assistant Chief Victor Green from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. This special event included an advanced screening of the powerful documentary "Mississippi Turning," which follows Genesis Be and her former high school classmate from Mississippi as they seek common ground over the deeply divisive symbol of the Confederate flag on the state’s flag.

Through their journey of dialogue and understanding, "Mississippi Turning" captures the complexities of heritage, identity, and progress, making this a timely and compelling conversation. Following the screening, Genesis Be and Assistant Chief Green led an interactive discussion on reconciliation, activism, and bridging divides in our communities.

Event Details:

• Date: October 22, 2024
• Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
• Venue: WMU Student Center Ballroom B

Event Video

Moral Courage for Messy Times: Palestine, Israel, and the Truths In-Between (November 12, 2024)

 An in-depth discussion on the ongoing conflict between Gaza and Israel, led by Irshad Manji, acclaimed author, educator, and founder of the Moral Courage Project. Manji was joined by Abdullah Antepli, Associate Professor of the Practice of Interfaith Relations at Duke University, exploring the human dimensions of the conflict and the search for peace amidst deep-seated divisions.

This event was a thought-provoking dialogue on the complex realities of the Gaza-Israel conflict, featuring diverse perspectives on interfaith relations, moral courage, and the possibility of peaceful coexistence.

Event Video