We Don’t Need No Water

Rounding out the safety trilogy after his popular “That Shit is Dangerous!” and “That’s Not a Fucking Tourniquet!” talks, workplace safety and emergency response expert Carlo E. returned to teach us all about fire extinguishers.
He explained the different types of fire extinguishers, and how different chemical extinguishing agents are used for different types of fires. We learned the nuances of amateur firefighting, and leave with some practical tips on what to do if everything around you is on fire.

Carlo has a master’s degree in public policy, and received a departmental best thesis award for his analysis of workplace safety regulation enforcement. He is credentialed as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Wilderness EMT, and has experience in incipient stage firefighting from starting lots of fires when he was younger.


Up in Arms: the art and style of sword fighting in full armor

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be an armored hero from an epic tale like Game Of Thrones or The Lord Of The Rings, Scott Farrell and Loreen Mattis will give you an inside look at the life of a knight in shining armor. Their talk will provide insight into the design and function of historical armor, and how the (nearly lost) skills of the armor maker continue to be put to use in surprising ways in modern technology, from military ballistic protection to (no kidding!) equipment for keeping astronauts safe during the Apollo missions. Learn all about how to buy, strap on, and fight in medieval armor in the 21st century.

Scott Farrell is director of the Chivalry Today Educational Program, and lead instructor of the Swords of Chivalry Western Martial Arts training program. He (along with his tireless assistants Loreen Mattis and April Apperson) teaches five sessions of historical fencing each week at San Diego’s Team Touche Fencing Center, and Lionheart Fencing Academy. When he doesn’t have a sword in hand, you can find Scott hosting the Chivalry Today podcast, and performing various works of Shakespeare with the Intrepid Theatre Company’s “Shakespeare for a New Generation” school tour.
You can read some wonderful things about Scott’s outreach program here: https://chivalrytoday.com/about/


Storytelling and The Human Mind

Storytelling is intrinsically tied to our human experience and perception of the world. When we don’t understand something, we make up a story to fill in the gaps. Usually, these stories are informed by a set of narratives we already have ingrained in our minds.

Nathan talked about storytelling, what it is, how it works, and how our own social narratives might be influencing us in ways we don’t realize. He also gave some insight into how audience members can take advantage of storytelling to be stronger and more persuasive communicators in their own lives.

Nathan Young is the founder and executive director of the New Narrative, a social initiative that takes a critical look at the primary narratives that influence our cultural lives to see if it’s time to create a “new narrative” that can be more equitable, fulfilling, and sustainable for all. The primary medium of the New Narrative is storytelling. Storytelling has the ability to foster connection, share a vision, and inspire action in a way no other medium can provide. Communities grow stronger through storytelling and shared narratives. By sharing the stories of what’s most important to us we can shape the narrative of the world we live in. For more information please visit https://thenewnarrative.org/

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