A Modern Day Pursuit of Love, Meaning & Happiness

A Modern Day Pursuit of Love, Meaning & Happiness

Join us for an intellectually charged evening that brings together debate, philosophy, and live podcasting to explore the tensions at the heart of modern relationships, purpose, and fulfilment.

The Night Includes

📢 2 V 2 Live Debate (15:00)

Motion: This house believes: Settling is an unavoidable part of long-term relationships.

Speakers: 

• Angelo Somers (Proposition)
• Elliot Bewick (Proposition)
• Felice Basboll (Opposition)
• Maeve Halligan (Opposition)

🎓 Live Lecture: Nihilism & Meaning with  Joe Folley (17:00)

A powerful philosophical lecture exploring:

• Nihilism in the modern age
• The collapse of traditional meaning systems
• How individuals construct purpose, values, and direction today

 Joe Folley (Speaker Bio) — Philosopher, Creator of Unsolicited Advice

Joe Folley is a philosopher, writer, and host of the rapidly-growing YouTube channel Unsolicited Advice, where he breaks down complex ideas into accessible philosophy for a broad online audience. A Cambridge University graduate with a Master’s in Philosophy, Joe blends rigorous thinking with a conversational style to explore purpose, meaning, morality, and the human condition. His work has earned him a dedicated following online  with Unsolicited Advice amassing over 800,000 subscribers and more than 10 million total views across YouTube.

Joe’s videos draw viewers from around the world into philosophical conversation from existential questions about meaning to practical reflections on how to live well making philosophy relevant and engaging for curious minds today.

🎙 Live Next Gen Philosophy Minis Podcast on Happiness with Elliot Bewick (19:00)

A live podcast session where Elliot Bewick and Jonny Thomson will unpack what happiness truly means in the modern day context.

Jonny Thomson  (Speaker Bio) — Author, Educator & Philosophy Communicator

Jonny Thomson is a UK-based writer, educator, and creator known for demystifying philosophy and making big ideas accessible to modern audiences. Through his Instagram platform @philosophyminis, Jonny distils complex philosophical concepts into clear, engaging posts and reels that spark curiosity and reflection. He reaches a highly engaged community of over ~770,000 followers on Instagram.

In addition to his social media work, Jonny teaches philosophy in the UK and writes for major platforms such as Big Think. His content bridges academic insight and everyday life, encouraging audiences to think deeply about ethics, purpose, happiness, and the ideas that shape how we live today.

🕰 Event Format

• Welcome & introduction
• 2 v 2 Debate on Modern Love
• Break
• Live lecture from Joe Folley on Nihilism with an audience Q&A
• Break
• Live Next Gen Philosophy Minis Podcast with Elliot Bewick and Jonny Thomson
• Audience Q&A & discussion

📍 Who Should Attend

• Anyone of any ability is welcome, if you are curious about life’s biggest questions, searching for an escape from loneliness or just want to make new lasting friends.

FAQs

Can I attend alone?

Absolutely. Many attendees come solo this is a discussion-led event designed for open thinkers, not groups. You’ll be very welcome.

Will food be provided?

Food will be available to purchase at the venue.

Will there be audience interaction?

Yes. There will be opportunities for audience questions during the debate, lecture and live podcast (all sessions), and space for discussion throughout the evening.

What’s the dress code?

Come comfortable, confident, and yourself.

What is the overall vibe?

Thought-provoking, respectful, challenging, and open. Expect strong opinions, sharp ideas, and meaningful conversation  not shouting matches.

We would like to thank the Ian Mactaggart Programme for its support. Administered by the Free Speech Union, the Ian Mactaggart Programme was established to foster a culture of open debate, independent thinking and free expression among young people in the UK, especially students.