Theodore Talks 2024: TEDer Than Ever

Last year was a year of growth for the Mensa-volunteer-led virtual Theodore Talks: 1,282 members from 114 Local Groups and 47 states registered for at least one of the 10 talks. We also had our first attendees from France, Ireland, and England. Talks averaged 128 registrations, and our most popular was by Life Member and Mensa Foundation Copper Black Award winner Jerry Martin, whose talk, “Riddle Me This: Using Sudoku to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills,” drew 271 attendees. Another talk that drew considerable interest was given by renowned Harvard professor of astrophysics Dr. Avi Loeb; his presentation, “The Galileo Project: In Search of Technological Interstellar Objects,” was viewed by 255 members.

Of course, none of this could happen without the help of volunteers. Theodore Talks Co-Chair Shirley Mouer began attending in 2022 and wrote in expressing her thanks for offering this service. Like me, she believes in improving the Mensa experience. I have found her cheerful personality, patient guidance, and thoughtful suggestions invaluable.

We’ve also gathered quite a group of members who have volunteered to post Theodore Talks information on Mensa Connect: Kimberly Strickland in Region 1, Nancy Jarrin in Region 2, Alison Brown in Region 4, Deborah Bell in Region 5, Martha Confray in Region 6, and Rachel Kibler in Region 9. Mensa relies on volunteers to keep this organization running, as do Theodore Talks, so thank you. Shirley and I post for Regions 7 and 8; however, we still need a couple more volunteers to cover Regions 3 and 10. If you’re interested, email us and we’ll explain just how easy it is.

Why Do Theodore Talks Exist?
We don’t all live in large metropolitan communities or belong to an active chapter. Through our post-talk surveys, members have consistently told us that Theodore Talks add value to their Mensa membership and provide an opportunity for a virtual connection with other Mensans. That is why we continue these talks and will keep on doing so. We are constantly striving to improve Theodore Talks and reach more Mensans.

Mid-America Mensa's Theodore Talks

Theodore Talks take place on Zoom the fourth Sunday of each month at 2:30 p.m. (Central) and are open to all members. You must register for each lecture with an email address associated with your Zoom account. Each month’s talk will appear on the Bulletin calendar, and all talks are online at us.mensa.org/calendar. Even if you can’t attend the live Theodore Talk, register and you will receive a link to a recording of the event. All talks have closed captioning. Questions? Contact Brad at TheodoreTalks@MAMensa.org.