“City Walks”
walk-n-talk gatherings
Launched in May 2025, “City Walks” are 2-hour evening gatherings hosted by Donte Woods-Spikes and Christian Long in Columbus, Ohio that invite a growing community of [good]men to walk shoulder-to-shoulder together, exploring themes of impact within all of our lives and communities.
This concept grew out of the monthly “On Trail” half-day experiences led by Christian who’s been guiding men on forest trails around Central Ohio to engage in purposeful conversations about the “works > in > progress” found in their lives.
Read more about “City Walks”:
“Father Figures, Walking Shoulder-to-Shoulder”
The Experience:
introductions to an array of [good]men
curated thematic prompts and conversations
sharing real-time insights and wisdom
ticket fee: $15 to “pay-what-you-choose” donations provided to local not-for-profit connected to each ‘series’ theme
exercise by casually waking 1.5-2 miles
exploring diverse areas of Columbus
getting in a fresh air walk after a day of work
an expanded network of buddies and allies
opportunities to give back through hands-on community service as a group
Next Gathering:
DATE:
Wed, July 16th, 2025, 6pm to 8pm
Note: there will be an optional meet-up for those who want to grab a drink after the walk.
AVAILABILITY: 20 Spots Available. First-Come, First-Serve.
LOCATION: Franklin Park area.
The meet-up spot information will be sent to all who register.
PAYMENT and REGISTRATION: LINK
$15 is the *minimum* donation.
Note: you may "change amount" of your donation to a higher amount if you would like to.
100% of all payments (minus the service fee) will be donated to a Columbus-based not-for-profit organization that aligns with the “Living Healthy, Living Well” theme of our "City Walks" conversations through the (3) Summer Series events.
We will also join together for a community service project at the end of the Sat, August 16th walk.
Scroll below for
Participant Testimonials and Photos
from previous “City Walks” Experiences.
Summer Series: “Living Healthy, Living Well”
June walk — Wednesday, June 18th , 6-8pm. Location TBA — German Village area. Community Partner: TBA. Fee: $15 minimum donation to community partner + ability to expand upon that original donation.
July walk — Wednesday, July 16th, 6-8pm, location TBA — Franklin Park area. Registration + Payment link: LINK Community Partner: Fee: $15 minimum donation to community partner + ability to expand upon that original donation.
August walk — date and time TBA. Location TBA. Community Partner: $15 minimum donation to community partner + ability to expand upon that original donation, as well as perform service.
Fall Series: “My Future Self”
September walk — TBA. Location: CCAD / Columbus State area. Community Partner: TBA. Fee: $15 minimum donation to community partner + ability to expand upon that original donation.
October walk — TBA. Location: CCAD / Columbus State area. Community Partner: TBA. Fee: $15 minimum donation to community partner + ability to expand upon that original donation.
November walk + community service — TBA. Location: CCAD / Columbus State area. Community Partner: TBA. Fee: $15 minimum donation to community partner + ability to expand upon that original donation, as well as perform service.
Winter Series: “[TBA]”
January walk — TBA
February walk + community service — TBA
Spring Series: “Navigating Relationships”
March walk — TBA. Franklinton Park area. Community Partner: TBA. Fee: $15 minimum donation to community partner + ability to expand upon that original donation.
April walk — TBA. Franklinton Park area. Community Partner: TBA. Fee: $15 minimum donation to community partner + ability to expand upon that original donation.
May walk + community service — TBA. Franklinton Park area. Community Partner: TBA. Fee: $15 minimum donation to community partner + ability to expand upon that original donation, as well as perform service.
Want to learn more about
“City Walks” events?
Testimonials
Great experience with other men exploring the intersection of fatherhood, masculinity, and father figures in a world that is rightly challenging traditional notions of what those things mean. It’s great to have the space to be vulnerable and admit that you don’t have the answers but want to grapple with them with others. 100% worth doing it.
Brent Foley, Partner, TRIAD Architects
This is wonderful! Love the combo of slowing down and exploring.
Yohannan “Yogi” Terrell, Director, Columbus Fashion Alliance and CEO, Warhol & WALL ST
Really enjoyed the “City Walks” through the streets and green space of German Village! Accompanied by a group of men from all walks of life reminded me how powerful community can be. The conversations and the shared sense of purpose made it more than just a walk, it was an evening of connection and reflection. I left feeling recharged, grounded, and part of something bigger than myself.
Brian Tolloty, Vice President American Sales, Archer Integrated Risk Management
The noises of the city melted away as this great group of [good]men dove instantly into what could have been cold waters. What they found was that the water was indeed warm. A brotherhood of men who were eager to give, as well as warmly open to receive deep conversation and find common ground. It was a beautiful night in many, many ways.
Ben Smith, Founder / President, Always There Home Care
After attending the pilot event, I came out with a strong feeling that I wasn’t alone and the struggles and day-to-day issues I encounter are a part of the HUMAN experience and not specific to me/my household. The confirmation of shared experience across various ages, ethnicities, and economic and professional backgrounds is a strong encouraging factor to returning whenever [good]men call.
Chris Moss, HR Manager, Roto
We need more opportunities to know what it means to be human. This only happens through intentional connection. [good]men is a special place to be present and open with others in ways that make us better and more human, no matter where we ‘show up’ next.
Jamie Greene, Principal, planningNEXT
In one word: Uplifting! It takes courage to look outside ourselves and be vulnerable. Often, we feel another "wouldn't get it." Christian and Donte have created a special space where men can share and support each other.
Naveed Iqbal, Director, Founder & CEO, Dolr
Last night was a great opportunity to "take a walk". I'm busy much of most days - serving other people. I'm good with the fact that I serve others as I see it as a calling. I am grateful to serve. However, I haven't always had a good way to RECHARGE when I feel "empty". Reflecting with other men while also "exercising" and moving throughout community - I found all of the parts and pieces that make up the walk HEALING. Each component served me in a different way - including the weather. Nature, weather, and the unpredictability of the pairing process all seemed to make the experience of reflecting (going deeper inside of myself) a healing and recharging experience. I'm excited about the futures of the men in the circle. I am grateful to have participated and honored to have been included. Thank you!!!!
Malik Moore, Program Manager, Franklin County Children Services
“City Walks” was a uniquely powerful opportunity to walk shoulder to shoulder with ohter men as we leaned into vulnerability and insecurity while finding strength and balance in sharing the experiences and perspectives that shaped us. It was a special experience that I’m still digesting.
Peter Lowe, Senior Coordinator of Horticulture Education and Community Impact, The Dawes Arboretum
The point here is simple: it’s rooted in walking alongside others, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and contemplating issues we all grapple with. Donte and Christian provide a framework and the guardrails to have the conversations we all long to have but don’t know where to start.
Thad Devassie, Principal, Ratchet Strategy + Communication
The walk reminded me that we're more than our jobs or hobbies. It showed that being intentional in conversation is a simple way to connect and be real, without the pressure.
Andrew Dodson, Director of Capacity Building, Ohio CDC Association
It’s easy to get in a groove when you meet up with friends and not scratch the surface or ask for help with whatever it is you’ve got going on. Christian and Donte have created a great environment to dive a bit deeper (and get some exercise!).
Andy Sparks, Founder, Andy Sparks Executive Coaching
The walk gave me hope. Hope in the good of people. Hope in creating something to be our true selves. The safe space to be vulnerable and present with each other. The community we want to build as humans.
Getting to meet and talk with a bunch of different good men about how we all feel about similar subjects. Hearing and seeing the passion, listening to other people question and reason what is normal and "good". [good]men “City Walk”, with Christian and Donte, was an unbelievable and unforgettable experience. Can't wait for the next one.
Justin Smith, Founder, Barbarossa Builds
Christian and Donte were gracious hosts, creating a space where everyone felt comfortable letting their walls down and getting real. Hearing others share their struggles and triumphs, alike, created connection, paved way for clarity, and left me energized to continue walking this path of [good]men. Anyone looking to connect, ponder, or listen with others will certainly love this experience and leave gaining much!
Jared Morrison, Citywide Training and Development, City of Columbus
Last night’s hike through German Village turned a familiar neighborhood into an unexpected space of real connection and insight. Sharing candid talks with fellow dads, from our kids’ sports obsessions to juggling parenthood with our own wellness, made the world feel a little smaller and a lot more supportive. I walked away sweaty and energized, reminded that we’re all in this together and that showing up for each other matters just as much as showing up for our kids.
Keith Tatum, Experience Design Lead, Slalom Global Knowledge Management
Being able to connect to a community of men who want to grow and thrive is a unique experience. Christian and Donte have created a wonderful and approachable space in which you can learn about yourself and other men looking to do the same. It’s a true ‘must do’ item for me.
Randy Piatt, Vice President, Head of Product,-Digital Card Solutions, Fiserv
Most men have friends, but many men don't have friends they have personal and vulnerable conversations with. That's just social norms. (good)men creates opportunities for men to have those vital and affirming conversations that we need but rarely get to have.
Steve Shapiro, Co-Founder, OurFamilyCulture.org
I love seeing my city up close and personal. That's invigorating. I love meeting fellow travelers – that's what I liked best about about the City Walk. And I love making time for brave conversations. You have to let your guard down a bit, but whatever effort you make, you're going to be rewarded many times over.
Matt Slaybaugh, Achievement Skills Coach and Founder, Available Light Theater
In these times, men are challenging ourselves to be better, express ourselves, and talk with others about our thoughts. But we don’t easily find outlets that offer comfortable spaces to do so. This was that space and community of comfort with likeminded people where you could find the opportunity to be better.
Jonathan Moody, CEO, Moody Nolan
Date: June 18th — no. 2
Theme:
Living Healthy, Living Well
Donation Raised:
$470 for Harmony Project
The Walking Conversation Prompts:
Partner Convo Round 1:
- How did the ‘environment’ you were raised in shape your perspective about health and wellness?
Who in your past or present has become a model for how to / how not to ‘live healthy and well’?
What have you personally done in the past to make possible your current relationship with health and wellness?
Partner Convo Round 2:
What would someone assume from an outside view about your experience with health and wellness?
If someone really knew what you were experiencing with your health and wellness, what would they discover?
Where are you putting energy into short-term ‘gains’ that conflict with your health and wellness intentions?
Partner Convo Round 3:
Many men want to live a long life. What would it mean for you to live into a ‘healthy future’?
What ‘wellness legacy’ do you want to leave behind for your family, friends, or community?
What is something that you need to start doing ‘today’ that would ensure you live a ‘healthy future’?
Date: May 7th — the pilot experience
Theme: Father Figures
The Walking Conversation Prompts:
Partner Convo Round 1:
Who defines the concept of ‘father figure’ for your own life?
Who is (or was) an unexpected ‘father figure’ in your own life?
Partner Convo Round 2:
What does it mean for you to personally be a ‘father figure’ to someone else?
Beyond your own family, who are you an unexpected ‘father figure’ for?
Partner Convo Round 3:
What is our responsibility as men today to purposefully serve as ‘father figures’?
How might WE develop greater capacity to serve as ‘father figures’ as a community of men?
