The Philosophers House

Dungeons and Dragons (Group 2)
2026-03-05 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of tabletop adventure games, Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition. Beginner focused, no pressure gaming for ages 18+. Contact instructor for more information.
Materials Needed: None to start, see instructor for details
Where: Drawing room space 2nd floor (walk through Parlor and down hall)
Cost: 5.00-8.00 sliding scale suggested donation to support the space, OR food/drink purchase appreciated.
How to register: Drop-in permitted, first come-first serve so advance registration preferred. See instructor contact info below for registration. 8 person max
Instructor contact information: Anthony at gudguygoku@gmail.com

Advanced Level Japanese Language Table
2026-03-05 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Come practice Japanese! This immersive group includes native English-speaking community members, native Japanese-speaking community members, and ETSU students in the Japanese language program. No expectations, just a relaxed time to practice your Japanese! While group members have varying levels of Japanese proficiency, all conversation will be in Japanese only, no English allowed!

Location: The Meditation Room, 2nd floor
Materials Required: None, conversation-level proficiency in Japanese
Time: First Thursday each month, 5-6pm
Cost: $5 suggested donation at tea counter or support with drink/food purchase.
How to register: Drop-in only. No registration.
Instructor contact information: Junko Arnold, tezuka@etsu.edu

Girl Scout Cookie Pop-up!
2026-03-05 16:00 - 18:00 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
It’s Girl Scout cookie season...come support a wonderful program and get some yummy cookies at the same time! We will also have three drink specials to complement the Samoas/Caramel Delits (A Coconut/Chocolate white tea latte with whipped cream and caramel drizzle), the Lemonades/Lemon-ups (A creamy white chocolate and lemon latte with whipped cream) and the Thin Mints (a delightful mint/chocolate mocha with whipped cream and cocoa sprinkles)…all can be served hot or cold and finished with milk of choice (base has some dairy).
Order your cookies ahead of time with the QR code to ensure that you get what you want!
Location: Living room/tea table area, 1st floor

Guided Ana Pana Breathwork Meditation
2026-03-05 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax)
Guided group meditation Thursdays at 12. Open space for anyone looking to practice silent or guided meditation. Open to all. Beginners welcome. We will be focusing on ana pana/natural respiration/nostril breathing. Lots of silence, but some gentle guidance into the practice
How to register: Register through this donation button, or drop-in. https://square.link/u/rsQey2gI
Cost: Sliding scale donation to support teahouse nonprofit (2.00-8.00) OR food/drink purchases encouraged.all are welcome regardless of ability to pay https://square.link/u/rsQey2gI
Location: Classroom/meditation space, 2nd level
Organizer Bradley Dargan:
“I am a Yoga practitioner and instructor with over 15 years of meditation experience. Breath and mindfulness meditations have been an integral part of my wellness over the years, and I would love to share practice with anyone interested in meditation.”

Chess Club
2026-03-04 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax)
Make new friends and play chess! This group meets weekly in the main room. All levels welcome.
Materials Required: None
Location: Living room/Fireplace area, 1st floor
Cost: Food and drink purchases encouraged to support nonprofit
How to register:Drop-in.
Instructor Contact Information: Joegumina@hotmail.com

Mandarin Language Class
2026-03-03 18:00 - 19:00 UTC
Description: Mandarin Chinese is the single largest first language in the world, with over 941 million native speakers, and has become an invaluable language for anyone to learn, whether they’re interested in engaging with Chinese business, learning more about Chinese politics, wanting to study deeper into Chinese culture, or just fascinated by language! This course will function as an absolute beginner course in Mandarin Chinese. Learning objectives will be to be able to read and pronounce pinyin, to learn very basic grammatical structures, very basic day-to-day vocabulary, begin to recognize and reproduce some characters, and be able to hold simple, introductory conversations. No prior Mandarin knowledge is necessary. If there are more advanced learners who would be interested in more advanced material, please contact the instructor.
Instructor Steven Jenkins: I have studied Mandarin Chinese at several universities in China and lived and worked in China for a number of years. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to help people start their journey in learning Mandarin Chinese!
How to register: Advanced registration is greatly preferred as class does have limited seating. See instructor contact for registration.
Cost: Food and drink purchases encouraged OR 5.00 donation at tea counter to support our nonprofit.
Location: Parlor, 2nd floor
Materials needed: A notetaking device (laptop, tablet, notebook, etc.) . We will be using Integrated Chinese Level 1; Part 1, 4th edition, which is available in print and eBook formats from several sources. You can also use a previous edition, as those are readily available and less expensive. We will use Simplified characters in the class, as that is used in Mainland China and elsewhere. As that series has both textbooks and workbooks, be sure to select the textbook. If you have questions about the suitability of a version, feel free to contact the instructor.
Instructor Contact Information: Heather at (208)215-6738 or Steven Jenkins (steven.jenkins@gmail.com)

*SOLD OUT* Children's Beginning Japanese Language Class (registration required)
2026-03-03 16:30 - 17:30 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
*This class is currently full but we encourage you to reach out to Junko Arnold to get on the wait list or to be informed of future offerings.*
Join Junko Arnold for a wonderful 6-week series designed to introduce young people to the Japanese Language. Learning another language helps children make new neural connections, increases empathy, and enhances cultural understanding. This low cost series is designed to reduce barriers to learning Japanese and also supports the teahouse nonprofit.
For young people age 6-10 years of age (parent welcome to attend with child). If you are unsure about whether your child might be able to attend outside of that age range, please email instructor.
Please contact Junko if you have any questions about this class. Reserve your space soon as there is limited seating.
Cost: 40.00 for entire 6 week series starting March 3rd.
How to register: Sold out
Materials needed: Please bring a blank notebook and pencils or a pen to write.
Instructor: Junko Arnold TEZUKA@mail.etsu.edu
Junko was born and raised in Japan and is the Master Lecturer of Japanese/ Program Leader of Japanese Major & Minor and Adviser of Japanese Cultural Society at ETSU. She is a PhD candidate at ETSU, currently researching the cognitive benefits of second language education. Junko also leads the ETSU Japanese Language Table here at The Philosopher’s House monthly.

Be a Good Human Tea and Potluck
2026-03-01 17:00 - 18:30 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Be a Good Human Tri-cities is a multi-cultural social club based in Eastern TN and interested in fostering community and building bridges between all people in the Tri-cities.
All religions, no religion, all cultures, all genders, all orientations, all ages, all humans interested in building community through cultural events, education, sharing food, and growing friendships based on openness and respect for differences are welcome. Our main method of communication is through our Facebook group. Please answer the group questions to get approved. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14SxFYCR927/
Our monthly potluck is a chance to meet in person and enjoy a community meal with members and newcomers. All are welcome whether you have joined the FB group already or you’re new to BAGHT. Potluck will have a theme with hands-on project, food, and a tea included each month. Join us for interesting dialogue, community, and delicious food!
How to register: Registration not required, drop-in welcome.
Cost: 5.00 donation to teahouse or drink purchase to support nonprofit. Donations towards projects are always welcome but not required. Requests for supplies will be posted in the FB group. All are welcome regardless of ability to donate.
Location: Classroom/meditation space, 2nd floor for potluck. Parlor, 2nd floor for project. Please let us know if stairs are not accessible for you. If programming allows, we will move to main floor.
Bring: Your own plate/bowl/cutlery/cup to reduce waste. Projects will sometimes have a “bring items” component. All information will be listed monthly along with the theme.
Organizer: Ren Anne at thephilosophershouse@gmail.com
NOTE: Themes are here for inspiration and conversation but you do not have to abide by the theme. All food is welcome regardless, please write out ingredient label or recipe on 3×5 card (provided) for those who might have food restrictions.
March theme: Tending
What do you repair instead of replace? What do you know how to fix-and why did you learn it?
Project:
Hand stitching on practice cloth (or bring something to repair from home). Learn a couple of basic stitches for repairing instead of replacing. Stitch a mini stuffed shape to take home (heart, star, etc…)
Potluck:
Bring foods that make good leftovers or are made from leftovers.
Tea:
Peppermint + Ginger Spice

Be a Good Human Tri-cities Tea and Potluck
2026-03-01 17:00 - 18:30 UTC
Be a Good Human Tri-cities is a multi-cultural social club focused on human rights, based in Eastern TN and interested in fostering community and building bridges between all people in the Tri-cities.
All religions, no religion, all cultures, all genders, all orientations, all ages, all humans interested in building community through cultural events, education, sharing food, and growing friendships based on openness and respect for differences are welcome. Our main method of communication is through our Facebook group. Please answer the group questions to get approved. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14SxFYCR927/
Our monthly potluck is a chance to meet in person and enjoy a community meal with members and newcomers. All are welcome whether you have joined the FB group already or you’re new to BAGHT. Potluck will have a theme with hands-on project, food, and a tea included each month. Join us for interesting dialogue, community, and delicious food!
How to register: Registration not required, drop-in welcome.
Cost: 5.00 donation to teahouse or drink purchase to support nonprofit. Donations towards projects are always welcome but not required. Requests for supplies will be posted in the FB group. All are welcome regardless of ability to donate.
Location: Classroom/meditation space, 2nd floor for potluck. Parlor, 2nd floor for project. Please let us know if stairs are not accessible for you. If programming allows, we will move to main floor.
Bring: Your own plate/bowl/cutlery/cup to reduce waste. Projects will sometimes have a “bring items” component. All information will be listed monthly along with the theme.
Organizer: Ren Anne at thephilosophershouse@gmail.com
NOTE: Themes are here for inspiration and conversation but you do not have to abide by the theme. All food is welcome regardless, please write out ingredient label or recipe on 3×5 card (provided) for those who might have food restrictions.
February theme: Quiet Lessons
Project:
-Who taught you in quiet ways? What is something important you learned without being directly taught?
Project:
On a bookmark or memory card, share a skill you learned in this manner or talk about the person or situation you learned from.
Add art or doodles if you wish. Take home or add to shared memory box (only if you want to, please add your name if you choose to add to group memory box).
Potluck:
-Bring foods that are comfort foods or foods related to childhood favorites.
Tea:
Calming Chamomile + Lavender

Listen up Book Club
2026-03-01 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Join us for this read-aloud book club at the awesome Philosopher’s House! For this read-aloud book club, no one has to read anything in advance, and there’s nothing to prep – just show up as you are, grab a snack or tea at the counter, and enjoy the weirdly wholesome community of a read aloud. I read the first part of a “classic novel” aloud for the group (one I’ve never read before!) – this would be perfect for listener crafts, mending clothes, or coloring books – but there will also be socializing before and after, and of course LITERATURE DISCUSSION (if you like).
How to register: Drop-in (feel free to bring a portable craft project, textile project, or?? to work on during this meetup)
Location: Living room/Fireplace, 1st floor
Cost: 5.00 donation to teahouse nonprofit OR food/beverage purchase. All are welcome regardless of ability to donate/purchase.
Organizer: Emily Katt at Emilyskatt@gmail.com

Follow/join the Listen Up Book Club page on FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585915229733

Intro to Storytelling (registration required, 4-week series)
2026-03-01 14:00 - 15:30 UTC
Intro to Storytelling (4-Week Series)
Whether you tell stories on stage, on the page, or somewhere in between, this four-week introductory storytelling series offers a welcoming space to develop your voice and craft. Designed for oral storytellers and writers alike, the class explores storytelling as both an art and a practice. While this class is introductory, it is open to all levels and can be scaled to offer more challenge for experienced story crafters.
Each week focuses on a core element of storytelling: plot structure, smooth and meaningful transitions, generating compelling story ideas, and identifying the stories that only youare meant to tell. Through guided exercises and writing prompts, group discussion, and low-pressure sharing, participants will build tools they can return to again and again—no memorization or performance experience required.
Come with a notebook, your favorite writing utensil, and curiosity.
You are already a storyteller, let’s explore and expand our voices together!
Cost: $40 (for 4-week series)
How to register: email Vianna Isbister at isbisterv13@gmail.com to reserve your spot
Location: Drawing Room, second floor
About the organizer:
Vianna Isbister is a dynamic multi-hyphenate performer and teacher with a B.A. in Theatre and an M.A. in Communication and Storytelling Studies. In addition to teaching at various universities, Vianna has taught over 1000 movement and aerial classes over the course of 4 years. Her work bridges the gap between the spoken and the unspoken, blending performance art with academic insights to craft narratives that resonate. Her work has been featured at the 2025 National Storytelling Network Conference and as author of a book chapter in Memorial Art in Rhetorical Discourse in 2026. She has performed with Night Owl Circus Arts (NOCA), East Tennessee State University (ETSU), Jonesborough Storytellers Guild (JSG), and online with Artists Standing Strong Together (ASST) to name a few. She is passionate about supporting people in aligning with their bodies and uncovering practical and creative ways to deepen their connection to self.

Sunpod Sundays (Mobile Sauna)
2026-03-01 13:00 - 18:00 UTC
We’re so excited to offer another Community Sesh at the teahouse! Come in from the cold and get HOT in the sauna!
We’ll be set up at the teahouse (tea break, anyone?) from 1pm-5:30pm. Book a spot before they’re gone!
What is a Community Sesh?
It’s where we set up our mobile wood-stove sauna as a shared space for like-minded people (warmth lovers).

How to register: Reserve your space and time directly at our website https://sunpodsauna.com/#Menu (please choose your date and session length)
Location: Outdoor/courtyard
Cost: 20.00-30.00, choose your date and session length at website link above.
What to bring: Bring your own refillable water bottle (filtered water available inside), a bathing suit and robe, slip-on shoes for moving between indoor/outdoor space.
NOTE: If you’d like the sauna all to yourself, we are happy to bring it to you for rental!
