Upcoming Events
Sunday Morning Café events are like "mini retreats," featuring live music, a thoughtful, research-informed talk, guided discussions, and refreshments.
SMC events honor that what is deepest within us is most universal between us. Your gift helps create space for reflection, connection, and belonging — donate here. 100% of donations are dedicated to the cost associated with bringing SMC events to more people, more often.
Sunday, August 2 2026
Sunday Morning Café In-Person Event
Special guest Royce Martin—an award-winning Berklee-trained pianist and composer featured on major streaming platforms, and creator of the genre “Swagtime”—will share his music and story.
4:00 – 6:00 PM CST
Doors open at 3 for appetizers & drinks
Schroer Commons at Eden Theological Seminary | Webster Groves
Tickets: Early bird: $20 | Adult: $25 | Student or under 25: $10
Recent Events
Sunday, April 12 2026
Sunday Morning Café In-Person Event
From Post-Traumatic Stress to
Post-Traumatic Growth:
Perspectives on Extracting Meaning from Adversity
Featuring Happiness Expert, Author, and Professor Tim Bono, PhD
Mary Poppins famously observed that “a spoonful of sugar
helps the medicine go down.” In that spirit, Dr. Tim conveyed his research with a humor and authenticity that made his talk, exercises, and facilitation hum with energy.
Vocalist, Jen Theby-Quinn, and pianist, Carl Pandolfi, didn’t just provide the icing on the cake; they were one of the main ingredients in the recipe of what made the evening so special. One part playful to three parts profound, their music created a soulful environment.
Sunday, February 15 2026
Sunday Morning Café In-Person Event
Topic: Whole-Hearted Relationships
Finding 'em, keeping 'em & strengthening 'em.
We gathered as a sold-out room (over 100 of us!) to reflect on what it means to build whole-hearted relationships.
Lynn was stunning. Her music didn’t just fill the room; it created space for reflection and vulnerability. I had so much fun presenting with Lisa. It felt authentic, like inviting you into a living room conversation we’ve been having for years.
The moment that will stay with me was the Sacred Breathing. Moving back and forth between Lynn’s music and guided breathing led to a sense of connection I will never forget.
Sunday, November 2 2025
Sunday Morning Café In-Person Event
Navigating Thanksgiving with Grace and Gratitude
5:30 – 7:30 PM CST
Telva at The Ridge | Webster Groves, MO
We shared a Thanksgiving meal together while the talented singer/songwriter, Celia provided music. Local chef, Ryan Modde surprised us with his gourmet take on Thanksgiving standards. I shared research-based tools that help enhance our sense of resilience and connection just in time for the holiday season. Thanks to everyone who joined!
"For so many of us, our brains are constantly on overdrive, overstimulated by the demands of our daily lives, text messages, emails, and alerts popping up on our phones.
What makes Dr. Wagner‘s event so wonderful is that it provides an opportunity to unplug from all of that and reflect deeply and meaningfully on what is actually important and what brings us a sense of purpose and fulfillment. You can look forward to an afternoon of reflection, music, laughter, and connection."
– Dr. Tim Bono, author of Happiness 201: Simple Secrets to Smart Living and Wellbeing, and popular “Science of Happiness” professor at Washington University
Sunday, September 21 2025
Sunday Morning Café In-Person Event
Courageous Conversations
12:30 – 2:30 PM CST
Parker’s Table | St. Louis
Thanks to everyone who joined us! Such a rich discussion about courageous conversations. Having my daughter Annalise Wagner co-host with me at Sunday morning Café, where adults of all ages can reset, connect and build resilience together, was especially meaningful.
She reminded us of the power of being vulnerable.
"In many ways it was what I needed. It was lovely and I felt so cared for. The music, food, and talks were wonderful."
– 9/21 SMC Event Attendee
July 20, 2025
The FIRST-EVER Sunday Morning Café In-Person Event
Dr. Tom’s Sunday Morning Café, known for its insightful essays on resilience and intentional positivity, held its first in-person event to meet today’s growing need for connection. The sold-out gathering welcomed 94 attendees of all ages, who came together to reset, share laughter, deepen connections, and strengthen their resilience.
"At this workshop, concert, event, not sure the right word other than amazing, you’ll take a deep breath, connect with fascinating people, focus on what matters, and share vulnerably without fear."
– 7/20 SMC Event Attendee
June 29, 2025
WELLSPRINGS: The Spirituality & Resilience “Mini Retreat”
This room at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center served as a sanctuary for a sold-out mini-retreat welcoming adult seekers from diverse backgrounds and traditions. Participants gathered to slow down, connect, and engage with contemplative practices rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, enriched by somatic and relational psychotherapy insights. The retreat offered practical tools to enhance Happiness and Resilience Quotients (HQ and RQ).
The group was remarkable, and the dialogue soul-stirring. One participant’s reflection captured the depth of the experience:
"I realized after my husband died, that eternity is not just a concept for some time in the future. Eternity is right now."
March 27, 2025
Faith & Resilience: Finding Hope in Challenging Times
Dr. Tom Wagner delivered a keynote address for the 20th anniversary of the Faith & Life Lecture Series, exploring the intersection of faith and resilience during difficult seasons.
The event welcomed attendees both in person and online, inviting reflection on how resilience can be nurtured through faith, meaning, and connection.
"Such a wonderful opportunity to reflect and savor those moments that fill us with Beauty and Gratitude! I’m so glad I saw your invitation to join your presentation!"
– Keynote Attendee
