Join the Conversation
Every Wednesday, neighbors of all ages gather at Bridge & Tunnel to explore one meaningful question together. A philosopher guides, but everyone's thinking matters.
Conversations are at the heart of our public philosophy. We provide a space and the seed of a conversation every week with a philosopher to guide.
What Happens
Each Wednesday starts with a question—sometimes big (What is technology for?), sometimes personal (What can costumes teach us about identity?).
Seth or Gad introduces why the question matters, then the group explores it together.
No lectures. No required reading. No right answers to find.
Just 90 minutes of careful thinking with people who actually listen.
Who Comes
8-10 people each week. Blacksmiths and biologists. Artists and accountants. Construction workers and costumers. People in their 20s and people in their 70s.
Some come every week. Some drop in monthly. Some are chatty, some quiet. All are thinking.
What they have in common: Curiosity about ideas and willingness to explore them together.
Where & When
Every Wednesday, 5:30–7:00pm
Bridge & Tunnel Bottle Shop
1390 Duane Street, Astoria
Parking: Street parking available on Duane and nearby streets
Accessibility: There are three shallow steps down into the back room
Noise: The back room is removed from the main area of the bottle shop, but some days it gets really busy or an amazing game is on up front. Occasionally it gets a little loud, but that’s not sustained.
Drink: Available for purchase (optional—not required to buy anything). Feel free to bring your own food
Cost: Always free
The Format
5:30pm — Arrive, grab a drink if you want, settle in. Casual chatting with others
5:45pm — Philosopher introduces the question (10 minutes)
5:55pm — Group explores it together—philosopher guides, asks follow-up questions, helps ideas connect
7:00pm — Wrap up (many people stay to keep chatting)
You can talk a lot, a little, or just listen. Talking and listening both work.
Your First Time?
Nervous? Most people are their first time. Here's what helps:
You don't need philosophy background. If you're curious about the question, you belong here.
You can just listen. Many first-timers do. Talk when you're ready, or don't. Both fine.
Questions are welcome. If you don't understand something, ask. Chances are others are wondering too.
Disagreement is okay. We're practicing thinking through differences, not avoiding them. The philosopher keeps it respectful.
Come and go as needed. Have to leave early? Late arrival? No problem.
Bring a friend or come alone. Whatever makes you comfortable.
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That's part of it. We're practicing exploring disagreement with curiosity, not defensiveness.
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Ask. Philosophy is about questioning, not pretending you know.
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Bridge and Tunnel is a 21+ venue. How old are your kids?
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Try once. If it doesn't click, no hard feelings. Many people feel unsure their first time, then realize they've been looking for this.
What People Say
"It's the intellectual companionship I didn't know I was missing."
"I've learned to listen better and think more carefully. It's changed how I talk to people—even my teenagers."
"For me, it has been a place of expansion and learning, making friends who appreciate my 'over-thinking.'"
"It means my brain gets lubed."
This Week's Question
Wednesday, October 22
Is thinking about utopia worthwhile?
Kickoff by Seth Tichenor
Wednesday, October 29
What can costumes teach us about identity?
Kickoff by Gad Perez Tichenor
Wednesday, November 5
Why do we play games?
Kickoff by Seth Tichenor
