Process Explorations
Process Explorations, formerly John Cobb & Friends, is a weekly gathering on Tuesdays at 10:00am Pacific to engage in conversations that matter. We come together to hear presentations and engage with fascinating speakers—scholars, activists, and artists—across a wide range of ideas and interests. We invite you to participate in these lively discussions of critical questions, pathways to transformation, and process ways of thinking and living.
Brief historical note about Process Explorations, formerly known as Cobb & Friends
The origins of the Cobb Institute can be found in the living room of our dear friend, colleague, and mentor John B. Cobb, Jr. The Institute was conceived and organized by a small group who met with him each week on Tuesday mornings in the latter part of 2018 and early part of 2019. These gatherings regularly included a presentation from and conversation with a special guest. This tradition of gathering weekly to learn about and discuss important topics continued after the organization’s founding and eventually became known as John Cobb & Friends. It has been the longest-running program and played a vital role in furthering the mission of the Institute.
With John’s passing and the loss of his personal presence, we felt it would be appropriate to rename the program. After careful consideration and deliberation, our leadership team decided that Process Explorations: Conversations the Matter eloquently expresses what we do. While the name has changed, our aim to provide a space for gifted individuals to present insightful ideas and engage in meaningful conversations about matters that truly matter continues.
Up Next
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Recent Presentations
Earth on Fire: Brewing Plagues and Climate Chaos in Our Backyards with Evaggelos Vallianatos
Jay McDaniel, Board Chair at Center for Process Studies
Marcus Ford
Meeting Date: July 7, 2026
Transformation in Practice: The Process of Youth Empowerment in Soweto with Natasha Yen
Meeting Date: June 30, 2026
Digging for Wisdom and Finding the Words with Leslie King
Meeting Date: June 23, 2026
Taking up Whitehead’s Invitation to Explore Our Immediate Experience | Bill Gayner
Greg Walkerden, Honorary Senior Research Fellow at The School of Communication, Society and Culture at Macquarie University in Sydney
Meeting Date: June 16, 2026
Global Economic Governance: The Case of Trade, Economic Development, and AI | Douglas Lippoldt
Meeting Date: June 9, 2026