Culture in the Round

Inside the U.S.-Iran War: History, Power, and Consequences

As tensions between the United States and Iran continued to reshape the Middle East and global politics, FOLCS went beyond the headlines with former Senior CIA Official Norman Roule to examine the deeper history behind the conflict, the strategic calculations driving both governments, and the far-reaching consequences for regional stability, global security, and American foreign policy. As a Headlines Series event, this Conversation provided historical context, analysis, and insight missing from the daily news cycle.

Humans and Machines: Navigating the AI Era

As artificial intelligence transforms industries and human connection, how do we redefine the meaning of creativity and intelligence itself? FOLCS was joined for a thought-provoking conversation exploring the evolving relationship between humans and machines in relationships, the workplace, and beyond. Renowned neuroscientist and prolific author David Eagleman and pioneering computer scientist and AI expert Jaron Lanier discussed how AI is reshaping the nature of human labor, creativity, and identity, from automation and innovation to ethics and empathy. Together, they considered whether and, if so, how technology can enhance, rather than replace, human potential. This event offered a rare opportunity to hear two of today's most original thinkers share insights on how we can thrive in an AI-driven world, balancing technological progress with the unique capabilities that make us human.

Check and Balances

Donald Trump reclaimed the White House and, on the first day of his second term, took out his Sharpie pen and signed 26 Executive Orders a record, with the total thus far exceeding 200. He's not the first president to exercise this privilege of the presidency with frequency, but he has generated more challenges to the reach of his constitutional authority than any president who preceded him. The military operation that led to the capture of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro is yet another example of what some might call an imperial presidency. The Supreme Court this Term will decide cases dealing with several unilateral actions Trump has undertaken involving a diverse range of governmental decision making: Birthright Citizenship, immigration, tariffs, and the firing of federal agency heads. Has President Trump overreached, or does the presidency receive a bonus when it comes to checks and balances? FOLCS and 92NY [https://www.92ny.org/event/checks-and-balances-what-limits-are-there-on-presidential-power] were joined by former Deputy Solicitor General of the United States, Neal Katyal; NYU legal scholar, Melissa Murray; and former Attorney General of the United States, Michael Mukasey on President Trump's expansion of executive authority.

A Conversation with The Wiggles

Educating young children responsibly and inspiring a love of learning in an entertaining way has never been more urgent. For three decades, The Wiggles, the world's most popular producer of entertainment for children, have enriched the lives of generations of fans – children and parents alike. Live shows annually sell out in three continents and their content is broadcast in over 190 countries, generating billions of YouTube views and music streams. But behind their incredible success is an enduring commitment to the mission that started it all in 1991: to inspire and educate children through the power of music and movement. On September 29, FOLCS hosted a virtual Conversation featuring five of The Wiggles: founding member Anthony Field, Simon Pryce, Lachlan Gillespie, Tsehay Hawkins, and Lucia Field. Check out The Wiggles' parenting podcast [https://thewiggles.com/podcast] and 2023 documentary [https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Potato-Wiggles-Jeff-Fatt/dp/B0CH1KHG91]!

Making Sense Of This Moment

Across the country, streets have became stages for a new wave of dissent and protest against ICE, as demonstrators demanded an end to mass deportations, detention centers, and the very existence of the agency. Newly at the center of this fury were the killings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis. As federal forces responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and mass arrests, lawsuits were arguing that these tactics were a direct attack on the First Amendment. ICE maintained that they were enforcing federal immigration laws and protesters are deliberately interfering with their operations. Lee Rowland, Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC), joined FOLCS for an urgent Conversation in which they discussed free speech, assembly, and the power of the federal government to punish dissent. The conversation explored how the current moment was reshaping the public square—and what artists, organizers, and advocates can lawfully do to protest these actions. This event was co-produced by the National Coalition Against Censorship [http://ncac.org/].