Stand-up Philosopher
Laugh.
Learn.
A lot.
“Your combination of philosophy, humor, art, and liberation work brings together so many aspects of what it means to be authentically human. It’s healing to watch and refreshing to engage with.”
More microphones and stages, please!
Inspiring experiences with
compelling content about
how to be who we need
Sharing what I’ve learned
with true stories from
my philifesophy
“Dr. Cori Wong is a powerful educator and speaker! With her wisdom and compassion, she helped us see things differently. I saw myself in another light.”
“Cori’s approach is authentic, thought-provoking, and inviting. She will scratch your brain and expand your heart and mind.”
Keynotes, Talks, & Events
My work resonates with those want to know how to do our part in our everyday lives, right where we are, to support collective change that benefits everyone. People who love to learn and are truly committed to transformation are those who most appreciate what I have to share.
I specialize in creating dynamic spaces that elevate the kind of learning that helps us be who we need to build the world we want. If you have an event coming up, let’s make it a powerful and engaging experience.
Looking for a keynote, someone to host and/or design your special event, facilitate a dialogue, give a guest lecture, or share ideas on your platform? Let’s connect!
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My work is for anyone committed to transforming our relationships, communities, and systems to build a better world.
I’ve collaborated with school districts, financial planners, safety engineers, nurses, doulas, foundations, non-profits, advocacy groups, cities and counties, students, teachers, employee resource groups, congregations museums, higher education leaders, executive teams, mental & behavioral health professionals, community collaboratives, national networks & associations, and…
I look forward to connecting with your group!
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I know a great event serves a unique purpose. Rather than me pitching a canned talk (I don’t have them anyway), let’s start with a conversation around questions like:
Who is your audience?
What unique challenges they are navigating?
What is the primary purpose of your event? How could I serve as a critical catalyst to the overall experience?
How do you want people to feel during and after our time together?
What do you hope people will be able to understand and approach more skillfully?
What’s the most appropriate format (i.e., keynote, interactive workshop, half-day retreat, facilitated dialogue, group processing space, etc.)?
Other Options:
If you’re looking to support how your group learns together on a deeper level, maybe a learning experience would be appropriate.
Interested in a uniquely memorable experience and a wholly different way to learn, interact, and connect with others? Let’s explore an experience container! This is where we get to be more creative and really think outside of the box.
Or, maybe you’re looking for a stand-up philosopher?
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Still trying to get a feel for my content? Here are some titles from past engagements:
“Everything is Political: Building Community and Capacity for Liberatory Change”
“Abundance in a World On Fire: The Power of Radical Responsibility Within”
“Everyday Organizing Through Our Relationships”
“The Most Clarifying Ethics Seminar No One Teaches But Every Person Needs”
“Lessons in Liberation: Learning with Community”
“From a Place of Liberation…Yes, Even in These Conditions”
“Become Who You Are!”
“Aligning with Shared Vision & Values for Equity”
“Working with Love Dynamics”
“Politics and Power in Any Profession”
“Queer as in Quality”
“Feminist Friendship and Working Together Across Differences”
Check out my learning experiences for more topics that would connect with your audience.
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Big or small, local or national, virtual or in-person, professional productions or DIY spaces.
Every stage, event, and gathering is a meaningful platform. It’s important to me to use them well and make sure your audience has a powerful experience.
Book a coffee chat with me to talk about your vision, goals, and needs.
“I really like your style. Very comfortable and welcoming. Very real. You’re one of the rare speakers who really know how to read and engage the crowd.”
“Students loved your lecture. Every person said you should always visit this class (same thing the students said last year). And the handouts were amazing. Thanks so much for your wisdom, labor, love, and liberation. It was pretty magical.”
Stand-up Philosophy
Some of the best comedians are pretty philosophical. And some of the most compelling philosophers are funny, relatable, and make thinking in new ways a radically enjoyable experience.
Stand-up philosophy allows me to combine my love for teaching, passion for engaging audiences, and commitment to share what I learn as honestly as possible.
It’s a refreshing way to offer true parts of my philifesophy on my own terms, in my own words. To me, stand-up philosophy is another practice in getting more free.
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"The Gadfly: True Stories and Stand-Up Philosophy” is for thoughtful people who love to laugh, especially as we grapple with the complex conditions of our existence.
While not exactly lectures or improv, my shows leave room for questions and crowd work. Far from a tight five, the main goal isn’t punchlines to get big laughs. The goal is to make telling the truth a good time.
Check my calendar for upcoming shows or reach out to book something at your venue!
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About a decade ago, I started telling people about a book I wanted to write.
“It’s a meta-fiction novel about an academically-trained feminist philosopher who led gender equity efforts in higher education, became an accidental stand-up comedian, and got a Netflix special titled, ‘How Smoking Weed Changed My Life.’”
Some may recommend I edit the title when I share this origin story, but if I censored myself, it would no longer be true. You see?
While I have yet to “write” the meta-fiction novel, you can peruse my writing and other projects.
One more thing: Wondering where you’ve encountered “the gadfly” before? Maybe it was reading Plato’s Apology in an “Intro to Philosophy” class. (Look up the connection to Socrates for extra credit!)
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One very cool thing about stand-up philosophy is it can happen anywhere. Parties! Classrooms! Retreats! Lounges! Cafes! Conferences! Living Rooms! Auditoriums!
You got a mic? I’ve got true stories from my philifesophy to share. Reach out! Let’s take this show on the road.
“I really enjoyed your show! You were inspiring. It’s great to see grounded, strong women of color out there innovating new ways of being.”
“That was amazing. Consider my mind officially expanded!”
Let’s Connect!
Interested in working together? Fill out some info, and I will be in touch shortly.