Where curious minds
come to listen & connect.

To bring curious people together for live, thought-provoking talks that inspire learning and connection.

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About the Series

Intimate talks for the genuinely curious.

Sound Talks CT is a live speaker series that brings curious people together in casual local venues to hear smart, thought-provoking talks without the stiffness of a lecture hall.

Hosted in breweries, bars, and community spaces across Connecticut, Sound Talks CT features academics, experts, writers, and local thinkers sharing ideas that make you see the world a little differently. Topics may range from history, culture, science, psychology, sports, law, media, and beyond — but the goal is always the same: to create an inviting space for learning, conversation, and connection.

Academic Intimate Creative Welcoming Curious
"To bring curious people together for live, thought-provoking talks that inspire learning and connection."
Sound Talks CT — Mission
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Your Host

Meet the host.

Jillian Macdonald
Jillian Macdonald
Founder, Sound Talks CT

I'm a Connecticut native, born and raised in Cheshire, and in some ways, Sound Talks CT feels like a return to something I started a long time ago.

When I was a kid, I organized a neighborhood talent show to raise money for Connecticut Children's Medical Center. I didn't think of it as "community building" at the time. I just liked bringing people together around something fun and meaningful.

After spending nearly 20 years away from Connecticut, including many years in New York City, I moved back to the shoreline with a renewed appreciation for this state and the people who live here. I've always loved hearing smart, curious people talk about interesting ideas. Some of my favorite experiences have been sitting in audiences at places like the 92nd Street Y in New York or attending local talks here in Connecticut and leaving with a new way of seeing the world.

That's what inspired me to create Sound Talks CT: a local speaker series for people who are curious, thoughtful, and interested in learning something new in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

By day, I'm a product leader who helps build websites and applications. Outside of work, I serve on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Milford, spend a lot of time with my rescue greyhound, read as much as I can, follow the news closely, and try to stay active. I'm a longtime CrossFitter and am currently training for my first HYROX event in June.

At the heart of it, I started Sound Talks CT because I love ideas, I love conversation, and I believe people are looking for more opportunities to gather in real life. My hope is that these events give people a reason to come out, learn something surprising, and feel a little more connected to the community around them.