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Think for yourself.
Not by yourself.

Live a more examined life by exploring life’s big questions. Meet new people and learn from each other through guided conversations on thought-provoking readings & films.

Try Premise! Complimentary Session

How Much is Enough?

September 26, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT

September 27, 2026, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Try Premise! Complimentary Session

What Are Our Machines Making of Us?

September 20, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT

September 13, 2026, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Try Premise! Complimentary Session

Can We Be Free in a World Full of Rules?

September 5, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT

September 9, 2026, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Complimentary session

Try Premise

Join us for a no-cost single session in August or September to explore one big life question through short, powerful works and thoughtful guided conversation. Then keep going with a three-session Pod.

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One big life question
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Short & deep reading and film
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Three sessions
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One curious group
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Expert facilitation

2026–2027 · Portland & online

Join a three-session Pod

Join a three-session guided Pod to explore one big question with a consistent group and short, rich works. Offered in Portland and online throughout 2026–2027.

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What Our Participants Say

"This was really fun, a bunch of people brought in perspectives on the work that I hadn’t considered. I’ve been wanting to join Premise and was thrilled to be in on this one. Thanks for hosting!"

Premise participant

What Our Participants Say

"This session was refreshing, thoughtful, meaningful."

Premise participant

What Our Participants Say

"I was pleasantly surprised to find that everyone stayed on topic and addressed the instructors questions directly, rather than doing a segue into talking about their cats, which often happens in other online sessions I attend."

Premise participant

What Our Participants Say

"The faciliator's knowledge-base is truly admirable, and I appreciate the breadth, and care given to the discussion. Also, the attention to details during the discussion are commendable. The world needs more of this."

Premise participant

What Our Participants Say

"Overall I loved the reading choice and really liked the sense of community within the group. It felt like a bunch of friends (who had never met before!) getting together to chat and it was a highlight of my day."

Premise participant

What Our Participants Say

"Too darn short. So much to discuss; so little time. I would have happily spent another hour or more talking with tonight’s participants about their impressions of this reading and film. (I am hoping this is received as the compliment that is intended.)"

Premise participant

What Our Participants Say

"I really appreciated the diversity of the attendees - both with respect to age and gender. I also wanted to say that I admired the way the instructor led the discussion and kept everything on track, crystallizing ideas and discussion points - it's such a difficult job and it worked so well."

Premise participant

What Our Participants Say

"Premise is a great idea. And, its the right time in life for a program like this because the world feels so disconnected."

Premise participant

What Our Participants Say

"This was really fun, a bunch of people brought in perspectives on the work that I hadn’t considered. I’ve been wanting to join Premise and was thrilled to be in on this one. Thanks for hosting!"

Premise participant

What Our Participants Say

"This session was refreshing, thoughtful, meaningful."

Premise participant

What Our Participants Say

"I was pleasantly surprised to find that everyone stayed on topic and addressed the instructors questions directly, rather than doing a segue into talking about their cats, which often happens in other online sessions I attend."

Premise participant

What Our Participants Say

"The faciliator's knowledge-base is truly admirable, and I appreciate the breadth, and care given to the discussion. Also, the attention to details during the discussion are commendable. The world needs more of this."

Premise participant

What Our Participants Say

"Overall I loved the reading choice and really liked the sense of community within the group. It felt like a bunch of friends (who had never met before!) getting together to chat and it was a highlight of my day."

Premise participant

What Our Participants Say

"Too darn short. So much to discuss; so little time. I would have happily spent another hour or more talking with tonight’s participants about their impressions of this reading and film. (I am hoping this is received as the compliment that is intended.)"

Premise participant

What Our Participants Say

"I really appreciated the diversity of the attendees - both with respect to age and gender. I also wanted to say that I admired the way the instructor led the discussion and kept everything on track, crystallizing ideas and discussion points - it's such a difficult job and it worked so well."

Premise participant

Premise is different.

Learn and grow, one conversation at a time.

Premise offers a unique blend of joyful, purposeful, and unpretentious learning experiences, led by experienced facilitators. Our sessions bring together adults from all walks of life, committed to exploring life's big questions and buoyed by the sense of community that comes from learning together.

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Meet Mary Finn, Premise Founder
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