Hi again, my gregarious readers!

Recently, one of my advertisers had a really good week, and they credited YOU.

As a thank you, they sent me a few hundred bucks.

I'm not going to lie: it felt amazing.

I've been writing The Joy List every week for almost TEN years. I've kept ad rates low on purpose, and I've never charged event organizers to submit their gatherings.

That means most of what I do, I do for free. Which is fine! I love it. But when someone says thank you in a tangible way, it reminds me that this thing we've built together actually matters.

So if The Joy List has ever:

• Sent you somewhere wonderful like a sound bath, naked dance party, or facilitated dinner

• Helped you meet a great new person

• Brought attendees into your community that wouldn’t have found it otherwise

I now have a way for you to say “thank you!”

You can either buy me a coffee once (click on ‘about’ to do that) or become a member for as little as $5.

Chipping in is your way of saying: thank you, and keep going.

Now, onto the GIF and the good stuff:

The Constitution Class You Wish You Had In High School

In five hands-on sessions, learn to read real Supreme Court decisions, decode legal jargon, and build a razor-sharp BS detector for today's headlines. You'll master the Constitution's articles and amendments, understand your fundamental rights, and see how America's legal system actually works.

Gatherings

Double check details before you go, and contact the organizers with questions! The Joy List does not run these events.

Tuesday, April 7: How to Fight: A Workshop for Couples

It makes sense that we avoid conflict — fights with the people we care about often leave us feeling more misunderstood and alone. This workshop offers frameworks and strategies for seeing conflict as an opportunity for deeper connection and closeness. You'll practice tools that help you understand others more deeply, hear what's really being said, and walk away from disagreements feeling closer to your partner — not farther apart.

$44 with code JOYLIST. Scholarship tickets available for $25. 8–10 PM. 199 N 8th St, Brooklyn (Williamsburg). Info here.

Wednesday, April 8: Here & Now: A Phone-Free Experience (NYC)

Here & Now is a curated, phone-free social experience for ambitious and intentional people who want more out of their time offline. Upon arrival, you'll check in your phone with the team for safekeeping and receive The Present — a kit with everything you need for your night offline. From there, your only job is to be completely present and undistracted, spending quality time with quality people over board games, drinks, and snacks.

$25. 6:30 to 9 PM. 232 E 9th St #1. Info here.

Wednesday, April 8: Word Play Social: Words in Bloom

Spring is in the air — and so is the sweet scent of a brand-new word game! Join for a friendly night of word games, puzzles, and low-stakes linguistic mischief: think Bananagrams, Boggle, Scrabble, crosswords, and anything else you're game for. Word Play Social is where connecting letters into words becomes the spark for connecting with each other — no pressure, no expertise required, just curiosity and a willingness to let your guard down faster than you can say "triple word score."

Free. 6:30–9 PM. Fabrik DUMBO, 20 Jay St Suite 218, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Info here.

Thursday, April 9: Critical Thinking Club

Critical Thinking Club is a comedy debate and social where two comedians argue a cultural question, a philosophy professor moderates, and the whole room breaks into small groups to hash it out. The format is designed so everyone gets a chance to voice their opinion — not just the loudest ones. This month's theme: is short-form content making our creativity sharper or duller?

$10. 6:30–8 PM. 417 Grand St, Brooklyn. Info here.

Thursday, April 9: The Architecture of Resentment: What We Hold & Why We Can't Let Go

What are you carrying that you can't quite put down? This workshop examines how resentment forms from unexpressed needs and unclear boundaries, and what keeps us stuck in cycles of blame and frustration. Through guided reflection and somatic practice, you'll explore what your resentment is trying to tell you — and practice moving toward repair, clearer limits, or release. Hosted by Aubrey Aust, MA Relational Psychology and Philosophy.

$20. 7:30–9 PM. 162 Noble St. Info here.

Friday, April 10: Men's Healing Circle: A Shamanic Journey Into the Heart

A healing circle for men in NYC to connect, share honestly, and explore inner guidance. Together, participants will practice a heart-centered meditation and a guided shamanic drum journey to help work through a question or challenge in their lives. The circle also includes space for reflection and optional sharing.

$30. 7–9 PM. 97 Green St, Brooklyn, NY. Info here.

Friday, April 10: Pop Diva Dance: Britney Spears Class

Spend Friday night channeling your inner superstar with an "Oops!...I Did It Again" Britney Spears dance class from 581 Dance NYC! No experience is necessary — all ages are welcome — and you'll kick things off with icebreakers and a warm-up before learning the iconic choreography at a reasonable pace. You'll leave with a cool video to share and connections to some new friends.

$24. 7:30–9 PM. Theatre Row Rehearsals, 411 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036. Info here.

Saturday, April 11: The Quiet Car

We're bringing the experience of the Amtrak quiet car to the subway — no phones allowed. Bring an analog activity (read, write, draw, knit) and let's be quiet together. We'll take over a subway car at the 96th St Q and ride it all the way to Canal Street — arrive at 11 AM to board together.

Free. 11 AM–2 PM. Meet at 96th St Q train. Info here.

Saturday, April 11: Singles Improv Game Night

Dating is hard — but what if the best connections started with a laugh? Improv and dating have more in common than you think: both ask you to take risks, trust the person across from you, and say "yes, and." Singles Improv Game Night is your invitation to put down your phone, step into the moment, and play — expect silly games, unexpected laughs, and the kind of genuine interactions you can't script.

$35. 6–8 PM. 245 W 29th St. Info here.

Sunday, April 12: Sinema Club

Join for a live discussion with legendary adult filmmaker James Avalon on the aesthetics and enduring influence of director Andrew Blake, accompanied by a screening of Blake's award-winning 1991 feature House of Dreams and select scenes from Avalon's Dream Love (2001). The discussion will be held over Zoom.

$12. 7 PM–12 AM. 267 Douglass St, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11217. Info here.

A Return to Yourself—In Community

Meditating solo is restorative; together, it becomes dynamic—especially in times of global conflict. Vedic Meditation is an effortless practice that brings the mind into deep rest—releasing stress, restoring clarity and expanding creative energy. No focus or concentration required.Join a thoughtful community—new, experienced and prospective meditators—for an evening of meditation, conversation followed by Ayurvedic dinner. Come as you are; leave renewed. April 14 · RSVP: [email protected]

RISE: For the Ones Who Never Quite Fit In — Until Here.

Ever feel like you belong everywhere and nowhere at once? Join us May 2nd in NYC for RISE: The n'betweener® Homecoming — a one-day event for people who live between cultures, languages, and identities. Keynotes, panels, somatic workshops, and community you didn't know you were missing. This is not your regular conference. This is a homecoming. Use code YOUBELONG for 50% off — limited spots.

That's it for this edition. Sending hugs.

Stay cozy,

Jillian