Meet people in Lakewood, WA around something worth discussing
Begin with a current story, public event, campus article, book, podcast, or thoughtful question. Then continue the conversation online or meet at a nearby Roundtable.
From Common Quandary Today
Current stories with more than one reasonable way to see them.
Australia is one of the world’s major exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Yet, there are mounting concerns about whether gas from the east coast gas market will remain available and affordable for ordinary Australians. The federal government’s proposed Domestic Gas Reservation Scheme aims to address these concerns. It will require LNG exporters to supply gas to domestic customers, helping ensure households,…
Halloween is one of the few holidays centered around children. When else can students come to school dressed like astronauts, monsters and witches, or ring strangers’ doorbells to ask for candy? But of course there’s a darker side to the holiday. Horror’s bloody images lurk in the shadows – from ghouls leering over people’s lawns to skeletons hanging from trees – whether invited or not. Thoughtful adults might…
With a stroke of a pen, President Donald Trump has officially created the United States’ 64th national park. Chiricahua, in southeastern Arizona, was established as a national monument in April 1924 to protect its towering rhyolite hoodoos – tall spires of rock – and diversity of wildlife. The mountainous landscape is commonly known as a “wonderland of rocks.” An act of Congress, signed by Trump, has now designated…
With control of Congress at stake, the 2026 midterm campaigns are on track to spend an all-time record sum on this election cycle. On this week’s On the Media, how political ads are resonating, and misfiring. Plus, a look at the changing relationships between public radio station
My guest today is Bill Gates, co-founder and former CEO of Microsoft and chairman of the Gates Foundation. You may have noticed Bill in the news more lately — he’s been on something of a tour for the past few months talking about AI risk, and how crucial it is that we start takin
What does it truly cost a human being to lead a nation through an existential war while the world watches from afar? President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reveals the psychological toll of continuous survival, the grim realities of geopolitical negotiation, and what keeps him still stand
Celia’s guffs, Richard’s gaffes, Claudia’s glorious knitwear – The Traitors has become the most successful show on the planet. The creators and the queen of the castle herself talk exploding pirate ships, becoming evil and Barry the owl
An outsider becomes famous cooking another culture's food. Appreciation or taking over?
A chef becomes known for food from a culture outside their own after years of study with respected cooks. The restaurant is successful, while small businesses run by people from that culture struggle for attention.
Your friend asks for an honest review after every date. Do their dates deserve privacy?
A close friend sends detailed post-date reports and expects your advice about every message, kiss, and awkward silence. One recent date is someone you know professionally, who would be embarrassed to learn how much you have heard.
