Bull Session -
In an era of curated social feeds and professionally polished Zoom calls, when was the last time you had a truly uninhibited conversation? I’m talking about the kind of talk that starts at 9:00 PM and suddenly it’s 2:00 AM, and you’ve solved three world problems and debated the existence of aliens.
Phones are the natural enemy of the bull session. If someone checks a notification, the "flow" is broken.
By definition, a bull session is an informal group discussion. But it’s more than just "chatting." Its hallmarks are: bull session
In a world that demands we be "experts" in everything, there is immense power in being a "student" of the conversation. So, call up a few friends, put the phones away, and just start talking. You might be surprised at where the "bull" takes you. Bull Session with Rahm Emanuel - Dissent Magazine
In the mid-20th century, these were known as . While the term might sound dated, the concept is a vital human necessity that we are slowly losing to the "scroll." What is a Bull Session, Anyway? In an era of curated social feeds and
Invite 3–5 people who are humble enough to listen but bold enough to disagree.
It’s a space where you can test-drive "dumb" ideas or controversial opinions without being "canceled" or judged. If someone checks a notification, the "flow" is broken
Want to revive the tradition? You don't need a 1950s dorm room to do it: