A Drink with The Idler | James Parker on America and Other Matters
£7.50
Join “A Drink with the Idler” as we chat to writer James Parker about being an agony uncle in the USA
The celebrated Atlantic columnist talks about his new book of odes, America, punk rock and his work running the Black Seed Writers club for the homeless of Boston.
The discussion between James and Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson will be followed by a live Q&A when you will be given the chance to ask James your own questions.
We’ll have a philosophical “Thought for the Week” from Dr Mark Vernon and the event will be hosted by Idler Academy director Victoria Hull.
This is an online event. It should be like meeting up in the pub for an interesting conversation. We leave the meeting open at the end so you can carry on chatting.
James Parker is a staff writer at The Atlantic and co-editor of The Pilgrim, a literary magazine from the homeless community of downtown Boston. His latest book is Get Me Through The Next Five Minutes: Odes to Being Alive.
Tom Hodgkinson is editor of the Idler and author of the best-selling manuals, How to Be Idle and How to Be Free. Other publications include a book on parenting, the Ukulele Handbook and a manual for creative entrepreneurs, Business for Bohemians.
Dr Mark Vernon is a psychotherapist, writer, broadcaster, and teacher. He presents several Idler Academy online courses. He has a PhD in philosophy, and degrees in theology and physics. His most recent books include The Idler Guide to Ancient Philosophy (Idler Books), Love: All that Matters (Hodder) and Jung: How to Believe (Guardian Shorts) – and he has books on friendship, belief and the good life too. Mark can often be heard on Radio 4’s Moral Maze. He began his professional life as a priest in the Church of England. For more, visit markvernon.com.
Victoria Hull is director of the Idler Academy, producing the Idler’s live and online events and courses.
Testimonials for A Drink with the Idler
Drinks with the Idler have kept me sane.
A fabulous Idler Drinks – thanks Tom, Victoria, Mark and idlers everywhere!
A simple heartfelt “thank you”: I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying Thursday evenings as part of the Idler community. Never has a subscription yielded such brain-nourishing pleasure.
Short yet so sweet, delightful and interesting… uplifting intelligent conversation. I feel so happy to have stumbled upon the Idler. I bow to you all☺️⭐️
A Drink with the Idler has turned out to be one of our lifelines! Such fun, wonderful commentary by you and the remarkable Mark, not to mention the delightful Victoria.
Event Details
Date: Thursday 16th October 2025
Time: 6pm-7pm
Location: Online via Zoom link
Cost: £7.50. Free for Idler members. SUBSCRIBE HERE (from £2.50/month)
How to join A Drink with the Idler: Non subscribers should register by clicking the BUY NOW button above. Subscribers can register by clicking the GET TICKETS button above.
Important
In order for the Idler to send you a link to this event you need to make sure you have signed up for the Idler newsletter here.
Idler Magazine and Idler Academy members will be sent a special registration link ahead of the event.
Latecomers may not be given access
