# No Philosophers Required: Ren Yu, Co-Founder, New York Philosophy Club

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/how-we-connected-7614718/no-philosophers-required-ren-yu-co-founder-new-york-philosophy-club
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/how-we-connected-7614718/no-philosophers-required-ren-yu-co-founder-new-york-philosophy-club.md
Podcast: [How We Connected](https://stenobird.com/podcast/how-we-connected-7614718)
Published: 2026-02-24T14:19:29+00:00
Episode link: https://www.chamberofconnection.org/
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/69321d954a0500b7572aafcf/e/699d3bbd3a5156c5d2dcd6f2/media.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/how-we-connected-7614718/episodes/no-philosophers-required-ren-yu-co-founder-new-york-philosophy-club
Duration seconds: 2954

## Resource

In this episode of How We Connected from the US Chamber of Connection, hosts Charlotte Massey and Aaron Hurst catch up on their weekends - Charlotte's elaborate reality-TV-themed 30th birthday party planning and Aaron's dinner debate about whether vampires are cannibals. Aaron shares updates on the upcoming Connected Cities Summit in Seattle, including plans for a "Declaration of Interdependence.” They welcome guest Ren Yu, co-founder of the New York Philosophy Club, who shares how he went from being an only child to building a community of over 6,000 members in New York City. Ren describes how the club works: attendees receive a sheet of questions exploring a single word - topics like suffering, longing, or death - and discuss in small groups of four or five, rotating through three 30-minute sections before heading to a jazz bar or park for informal after-party. He talks about keeping moderation light, costs low, and the format intentionally accessible - no philosophy degree required. Ren shares the club's vision for expanding to other cities, piloting in high schools, and potentially adapting the model for other settings, while preserving the quality and magic of the experience. 00:00 Introduction 02:29 Birthday Plans and Sexy Vampires 12:51 Connected Cities Summit 18:36 Interview: Ren Yu of NY Philosophy Club 24:30 What is Philosophy Club? 31:40 Growing to 6,000+ Members 33:40 Future Expansion 41:49 Reflection --- How We Connected explores the conversations that power communities across the United States. Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey share what they’re building at the US Chamber of Connection and speak with leaders whose work strengthens local connection. Episodes offer human stories, practical insights, and ideas you can use in your own community. Aaron Hurst ,…

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