From artificial intelligence to climate change to our healthcare system, science is at the heart of today’s most pressing political debates. And these debates don’t just play out in the headlines—they shape our lives and relationships in deeply personal ways.
On October 20, join us in Brooklyn for an unforgettable evening of true, personal stories about what happens when science turns political, and the political hits home.
Hosted by Erin Barker, co-founder and executive director of The Story Collider.
Doors open at 7:30 pm, show starts at 8:00 pm.
Stories by:
Kyle Gillis is a Brooklyn-based comedian, musician, and Guinness World Record holder from Atlanta, GA. His stand-up highlights the contradictions of modern life—work that feels meaningless, a culture obsessed with productivity, and the absurd ways people cope with both. His act blends grounded emotional honesty with controlled chaos.
Harmon Leon is an award-winning journalist, filmmaker, comedian, author of eight books, and producer of TALE: NYC’s Finest Storytelling. His stories can be seen in BBC, VICE, Observer, The Nation, Esquire, National Geographic, Salon, and Wired. Harmon has produced podcast episodes for This American Life, 99 Percent Invisible, Snap Judgement, Paperless, and This American Life and his documentaries have appeared in Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, and The New Yorker. He’s performed comedy shows around the world including: The Kennedy Center, Just for Laughs in Montreal, The Edinburgh Festival, Melbourne Comedy Festival, UCB, and SF Sketchfest.
Kelli Dunham RN BSN is a storyteller, community health nurse, and trauma informed comedian. Kelli is the author of seven hilarious books about not hilarious subjects including a bestselling book on puberty and the creator of the hilariously helpful (and helpfully hilarious) substack, Hoping Intentionally. Kelli has appeared on Showtime, BBC4'S Sunday Religion in Culture Program, the Discovery Channel, the Moth Mainstage and the occasional livestock auction. She speaks frequently at colleges, health care facilities and nursing conferences about laughter at the end of life, the healing power of personal storytelling and using humor to combat vicarious trauma. Former NYC mayor Bill DeBlasio once called Kelli "a show off." To Kelli's face.
Dr. Zakia Ghafari is a writer, pharmacist, and captivating storyteller. An immigrant from Afghanistan, she weaves powerful narratives of resilience, womanhood, and reinvention. Blending science and soul, she inspires audiences to embrace change, celebrate strength, and transform life’s challenges into fuel for a vibrant, empowered future.