Fire Circles

Enquire by the Fire with Philosopher Annie Webster, PhD

Looking for something fresh, meaningful, and a little different to light up your festival or retreat this summer? Welcome to Philosophy Fire Circles — guided conversations that invite your community to gather, wonder, and enquire by the fire (or anywhere you like!).

Annie Webster, PhD, is an experienced philosopher and facilitator who loves taking deep thinking out of the university and into nature. For over five years, she’s been creating warm, inclusive spaces where people of all ages can share ideas, challenge perspectives, and connect through big, beautiful questions.
 

What’s a Philosophy Fire Circle?

Imagine slowing down around a fire, or a cozy circle, with a group of curious minds. Annie opens with a simple but powerful question like What does freedom really mean? or How do words shape our reality? and then guides a relaxed, fun, and thought-provoking conversation.

No philosophy degree needed — just your natural curiosity and a willingness to explore together. These conversations spark fresh insights, new connections, and a real sense of community.
 

Choose Your Big Question from Annie’s Library

Annie brings a wide range of big philosophical questions ready to explore, tailored to your event’s vibe:

• Freedom — Are we really free, or is freedom an illusion?

• Happiness — What makes a life truly good?

• Body & Mind — What’s the relationship between who we are and how we feel?

• Language & Communication — Can words ever really capture our thoughts?

• Community — What does it take to belong and thrive together?

• Nature & Belonging — Are we part of nature or apart from it?

• Truth & Belief — How do we know what’s true?

• Love & Connection — What is love, really?

• The Sacred — What makes something sacred or meaningful?
   

Why Invite Annie?

• Warm, engaging facilitation that includes everyone

• Flexible session lengths — from quick circles to longer workshops

• Experience with diverse groups — from festival-goers to retreat participants

• Based in Gloucestershire and happy to travel
   

Ready to spark deep, fun enquiry at your event?

Missing something important from your festival or retreat this summer? Add a spark of connection, curiosity, and wonder with Philosophy Fire Circles.

Get in touch with Annie Webster, PhD  annie@wyephilosophy.com

 

What People Say About Annie

"Annie skillfully facilitated the group, creating an environment where everyone had the opportunity to reflect and share their thoughts throughout the session. I truly appreciated her teaching and coaching approach, as she encouraged me to delve deeper into my ideas while also challenging my perspectives. The circles felt friendly, respectful, and relaxed."

- Emily Fowler, Creator
 

I was so pleased by the care and professionalism of Annie Webster. The programs were lead by both her warmth and intellect. The conversations were open, casual yet nicely focused. Overall, I'd say that Annie's circles are approachable and enjoyable for everyone who has an interest in philosophy - you don't need to have a Ph.D, just a fine curiosity and you'll get something out of it intellectually and in terms of being in community.

 

David Orenstein, Professor of Anthropology, Medgar Evers College, CUNY
 

"I was reminded what true pleasure it is to do philosophy together when the setting is just right. Annie opened the circle with a simple and clearly stated question and let us share our initial thoughts to get all warmed up. She carefully curated the flow, giving everyone space to talk and pushed us further with helpful examples to better approach the problem in question. Annie’s own curiosity and openness to wonder brought a sense of serious inquiry into the circle."
— Jan Margen, Volunteer and wanderer
 

"Annie is a fantastic facilitator with really strong knowledge and understanding of philosophy. She is great at running sessions to introduce philosophy to all in a simple way. She ensured that activities were pitched at the right level for quite a mixed ability group and also encouraged everyone to participate. She also made sure that everyone had fun. I definitely went home wanting to learn more about philosophy!"