Talking Heads

It’s been called ‘speed dating for the brain’. A diverse selection of 60 compelling Capetonian thinkers, writers and experts come together over two evenings at Spier to share ideas and opinions that could change the way you see things. Intimate groups of three people will spend 20-minute sessions with four ‘Talking Heads’ – they could be a mindfulness coach, an ecowarrior, a journalist or a tantric guru… so expect your synapses to be firing!

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change,” says author and motivational speaker Wayne Dyer, a sentiment that has long been the staple advice from psychologists, business coaches and plenty of parents. So much of life is about perspective and learning how we can change our own for a healthier mental space. Broaden your outlook in stimulating conversations with inspiring people.

Book your ticket for a cosy, interactive and thought-provoking evening of paradigm shifts. A light dinner and Spier’s award-winning Creative Block wines will be served.

This event is not suitable for persons under 18.

How it works

Each 'spectator' is assigned 4 random numbers that correspond with table numbers: 30 tables in all. You will move to your 4 different tables throughout the evening. You have no idea who you will engage with during the evening. There are 2 other spectators at each table, but they are journeying on their trajectory, so you'll always be in a different configuration. At each table is a Talking Head, who has creatively prepared a 20-minute session that addresses the theme, based on their professional and personal vantage points.

Where will the tickets lead? To Tapiwa Guzha, the entrepreneur, philosopher and scientist who makes truly African ice cream? How about the infamous satirist Zapiro? Perhaps it will be the expert on all matters related to cannabis and psychedelics, Tony Budden, who co-founded the Hemporium. Or maybe it will be the sangoma, sociologist and activist, Lindy Dlamini.

Whether the Talking Head is an animal whisperer or a conspiracy theorist, an existential philosopher or a quantum physicist, the evening is a mystery left to the hands of fate. Expect an intimate and interactive session that stimulates conversation. This is not a typical lecture series. It’s more like speed dating for the brain.

To recharge the brainwaves, there will be a half-hour refreshment break with a light dinner and Spier wines midway between the evening’s four sessions.

FAQ’s

Can I choose my ‘talking head’?
Every audience member will be randomly assigned to four talking heads for the evening. So you don’t know whose table you will be seated at.

Will I see all ‘talking heads’?
You will interact with four Talking Heads during the evening.

My teenager is very open-minded, can they come?
Due to the nature of some of the topics, this event is unsuitable for under-18s.

What wine and food is on offer?
A delicious and hearty aubergine parmigiana is on the menu, with a vegan option available if ordered at the time of booking. To encourage creative thinking, we will serve our award-winning Creative Block range.

Will I be with my friend/ partner?
The table allocation is sorted by an algorithm and no two routes are the same. It will not be possible to travel with a partner, but we guarantee that it will make for a great exchange during break time!